From the Philippine Star (Apr 4): Abducted school principal says captors want MNLF rebels freed
A former captive school principal said her abductors staged her kidnapping as a reprisal to of the government's refusal to free the Basilan-based batch of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), who surrendered at the height of the siege in this city in September.
Benita Enriquez Latonio, 60, principal of Manggal Elementary School in Sumisip town, Basilan, was freed late Thursday afternoon at sitio Mompol, Barangay Libug by her captors identified to be member of the Abu Sayyaf group led by Juhaibel Alamsirul alias Abu Kik after holding her captive for three days.
Latonio was with a group of teachers on board a public utility jeepney when she was abducted Monday.
Latonio said her abductors are seeking the release of the Basilan MNLF group as the latter did not directly participate in the 23-day attempt of the MNLF to take over Zamboanga City.
At least 24 of the MNLF rebels, who came from Basilan, were supposed to reinforce the Sulu-based MNLF group led by Habier Malik, but decided to surrender following a negotiation with former city police chief Senior Superintendent Jose Chiquito Malayo.
Those who surrendered, however, were detained along with close to 300 others who were captured and charged with rebellion and violation of humanitarian law, genocide and other crimes against humanity along with MNLF founder Nur Misuari who remains at large.
Latonio said her abductors claimed there was a promise to release the Basilan MNLF group in exchange for their peaceful surrender and the release of Malayo whom they held in the initial stage of the negotiation.
Meanwhile, Latonio said she was fed and treated well by her captors during the three days of her captivity.
“I was not harmed and they treated me well. They said the abduction was in reprisal of the promise to release the MNLF Basilan group,” she said in an interview over a local radio station.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/04/04/1308815/abducted-school-principal-says-captors-want-mnlf-rebels-freed
Saturday, April 5, 2014
PMA launches foster family program in Puerto Princesa City
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5): PMA launches foster family program in Puerto Princesa City
The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) will be launching a foster family program in this city to provide a "home-away-from-home" to cadet wards on April 7 as part its Southern Cruise 2014.
The Cadet Corps Armed Forces of thePhilippines
Western Command Civil Military Office chief Lt. Col. Emmanuel A. Canilla said Friday that the program complements what they have inside the Academy that provides well-rounded exposure for the cadets to become future leaders of the country.
Canilla said the host parents program upholds its tradition to provide a transition of adjustment serving as a family other than the biological parents and siblings of the cadets.
As host parents, they act as guardians who monitor their cadet wards while in the “City in a Forest”, guide and provide them the moral support and help develop the characters of the future officers and uphold good values for love of God, righteousness, respect, humility and integrity.
Cadet wards, on the other hand, act the way sons or daughters relate with their parents.
Also, Canilla said they are encouraging qualified Palaweños to apply to enjoy the benefits of being a PMA cadet. This visit program was last made in 1991 due to some adjustments of their curriculum of instruction.
The cadets, involving 219 incoming third class cadets of PMA Class 2017, will also conduct an orientation tour about the AFP unit inPuerto Princesa
City , information drives in chosen
schools in Palawan and a silent drill
exhibition which will be held at the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex on April 9
at 9 a.m.. It will be open to the public.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=632713
The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) will be launching a foster family program in this city to provide a "home-away-from-home" to cadet wards on April 7 as part its Southern Cruise 2014.
The Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the
Western Command Civil Military Office chief Lt. Col. Emmanuel A. Canilla said Friday that the program complements what they have inside the Academy that provides well-rounded exposure for the cadets to become future leaders of the country.
Canilla said the host parents program upholds its tradition to provide a transition of adjustment serving as a family other than the biological parents and siblings of the cadets.
As host parents, they act as guardians who monitor their cadet wards while in the “City in a Forest”, guide and provide them the moral support and help develop the characters of the future officers and uphold good values for love of God, righteousness, respect, humility and integrity.
Cadet wards, on the other hand, act the way sons or daughters relate with their parents.
Also, Canilla said they are encouraging qualified Palaweños to apply to enjoy the benefits of being a PMA cadet. This visit program was last made in 1991 due to some adjustments of their curriculum of instruction.
The cadets, involving 219 incoming third class cadets of PMA Class 2017, will also conduct an orientation tour about the AFP unit in
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=632713
Duterte calls NPA attention on taxation in far-flung communities
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5): Duterte calls NPA attention on taxation in far-flung communities
City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte expressed his disgust over the revolutionary taxation system being imposed by the New People’s Army (NPA) on Dabawenyos especially those in the boondocks.
“I understand that collecting taxes from the citizens is your way of supporting a revolutionary cause,” Duterte said even as he admitted that he was one of those who received the NPA’s solicitation form last Christmas. The form indicated that he was being assessed for a certain amount by the revolutionary movement.
Duterte chided the NPA and said he has no qualms paying the revolutionary taxes for as long as they will give him a receipt and the collector should collect it directly from his house since he also wants to collect something from them.
Despite his obvious dismay over the NPAs taxation scheme, Duterte said he wants the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) to get on with the peace talks.
“Whether we like it or not Jalandoni, Sison and the Tiamzons will always be important personas in the NDF and we have to talk to them,” he said.
Wilma Tiamzon, Secretary General of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and her husband, Benito who is chairman of the CPP-NPA, were arrested by the authorities inCebu
a few weeks ago.
“You can kill a person but you cannot kill an ideology,” Duterte said.
“What is the use of arresting the Tiamzon’s and putting them behind bars when the war in the boondocks continues,” he added.
Former Government Peace Panel Chairman Silvestre H. Bello III himself confirmed that Wilma Tiamzon is covered by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and should be released based on International Humanitarian Law.
Businessmen headed by Mindanao Business Council (MBC) Chairperson Vicente T. Lao have already called the attention of the authorities regarding the tax collection and extortion activities of the NPA.
He said the continued extortion activities of the NPAs has endangered business investments in the city and unless the military can solve this, then businesses can opt to pull their investments and put these somewhere else.
Vicente Lao Construction had four burnings in three months last year and some of these involved the burning of construction materials in broad daylight.
Lao earlier said the NPA’s active extortion activities in the area are meant to destabilize the government.
He said peace and security comes at a price and the business sector is paying the price now.
“We need money to finance our operations, he said, but if the NPA activities continue then how can they operate efficiently?” he asked.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=632679
City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte expressed his disgust over the revolutionary taxation system being imposed by the New People’s Army (NPA) on Dabawenyos especially those in the boondocks.
“I understand that collecting taxes from the citizens is your way of supporting a revolutionary cause,” Duterte said even as he admitted that he was one of those who received the NPA’s solicitation form last Christmas. The form indicated that he was being assessed for a certain amount by the revolutionary movement.
Duterte chided the NPA and said he has no qualms paying the revolutionary taxes for as long as they will give him a receipt and the collector should collect it directly from his house since he also wants to collect something from them.
Despite his obvious dismay over the NPAs taxation scheme, Duterte said he wants the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) to get on with the peace talks.
“Whether we like it or not Jalandoni, Sison and the Tiamzons will always be important personas in the NDF and we have to talk to them,” he said.
Wilma Tiamzon, Secretary General of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and her husband, Benito who is chairman of the CPP-NPA, were arrested by the authorities in
“You can kill a person but you cannot kill an ideology,” Duterte said.
“What is the use of arresting the Tiamzon’s and putting them behind bars when the war in the boondocks continues,” he added.
Former Government Peace Panel Chairman Silvestre H. Bello III himself confirmed that Wilma Tiamzon is covered by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and should be released based on International Humanitarian Law.
Businessmen headed by Mindanao Business Council (MBC) Chairperson Vicente T. Lao have already called the attention of the authorities regarding the tax collection and extortion activities of the NPA.
He said the continued extortion activities of the NPAs has endangered business investments in the city and unless the military can solve this, then businesses can opt to pull their investments and put these somewhere else.
Vicente Lao Construction had four burnings in three months last year and some of these involved the burning of construction materials in broad daylight.
Lao earlier said the NPA’s active extortion activities in the area are meant to destabilize the government.
He said peace and security comes at a price and the business sector is paying the price now.
“We need money to finance our operations, he said, but if the NPA activities continue then how can they operate efficiently?” he asked.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=632679
NOLCOM declares Bulacan “peaceful and ready for development”
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5): NOLCOM declares Bulacan “peaceful and ready for development”
The Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has declared Bulacan as a peaceful and progressive province that is ready for more growth and development.
In validating this declaration, NOLCOM awarded a plaque of recognition to Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado during its 27th founding anniversary held Tuesday at Camp Servillano A. Aquino, San Miguel,Tarlac City
Alvarado was recognized for his active cooperation to the NoLCom’s Internal Peace and Security Operations that gives security to thePhilippines , particularly the Central
Luzon region.
The governor said that the province is always ready to help and cooperate in the projects of the AFP to protect and secure the Filipinos.
"Theprovince
of Bulacan
The governor thanked NOLCOM and the Philippine National Police for their internal security measures that is keeping Bulacan a peaceful province and a magnet for investors and other business prospects.
He said that a peaceful environment is needed to further spur economic growth and stability in the province.
NoLCom Chief Lt. Gen. Gregorio Catapang said he is thankful for the cooperation of the local government units (LGUs) to accomplish their goals in securing the people against criminals, terrorism and even during disasters and calamities.
“The end of war against terrorists does not rest on military alone but to the concerted efforts from the local government units, different private sectors down to the grassroots level of society,” Catapang said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=632781
The Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has declared Bulacan as a peaceful and progressive province that is ready for more growth and development.
In validating this declaration, NOLCOM awarded a plaque of recognition to Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado during its 27th founding anniversary held Tuesday at Camp Servillano A. Aquino, San Miguel,
Alvarado was recognized for his active cooperation to the NoLCom’s Internal Peace and Security Operations that gives security to the
The governor said that the province is always ready to help and cooperate in the projects of the AFP to protect and secure the Filipinos.
"The
The governor thanked NOLCOM and the Philippine National Police for their internal security measures that is keeping Bulacan a peaceful province and a magnet for investors and other business prospects.
He said that a peaceful environment is needed to further spur economic growth and stability in the province.
NoLCom Chief Lt. Gen. Gregorio Catapang said he is thankful for the cooperation of the local government units (LGUs) to accomplish their goals in securing the people against criminals, terrorism and even during disasters and calamities.
“The end of war against terrorists does not rest on military alone but to the concerted efforts from the local government units, different private sectors down to the grassroots level of society,” Catapang said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=632781
Army's 5ID commander vows to involve stakeholders in preserving peace and security for development
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5): Army's 5ID commander vows to involve stakeholders in preserving peace and security for development
CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, GAMU, ISABELA -- The newly-installed army division commander of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, vowed to involve all stakeholders to maintain and preserve peace and security in its area of operations.
Major General Benito Antonio DeLeon
De Leon said the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) – Bayanihan will be his guide in the maintenance of peace and security in the area of operations of the 5th Infantry Division.
He said there are three operational guides to maintain peace and security under the IPSP as follows: conduct focused military operations to ensure that only the armed threat groups are the targets, and to do so, the military must always uphold and protect the rights of the citizenry as enshrined in the constitution by following the established rules of engagement and adhering to human rights, the international humanitarian law and the rule of law.
DeLeon
He said the third is the conduct of peace and development activities that involve community impact projects or help prepare and secure the area for development to take place.
The turn over of command was attended by military and police officials, local officials and other government agencies from Cordillera Administrative Region and Region 2.
DeLeon
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=632807
CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, GAMU, ISABELA -- The newly-installed army division commander of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, vowed to involve all stakeholders to maintain and preserve peace and security in its area of operations.
Major General Benito Antonio De
De Leon said the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) – Bayanihan will be his guide in the maintenance of peace and security in the area of operations of the 5th Infantry Division.
He said there are three operational guides to maintain peace and security under the IPSP as follows: conduct focused military operations to ensure that only the armed threat groups are the targets, and to do so, the military must always uphold and protect the rights of the citizenry as enshrined in the constitution by following the established rules of engagement and adhering to human rights, the international humanitarian law and the rule of law.
De
He said the third is the conduct of peace and development activities that involve community impact projects or help prepare and secure the area for development to take place.
The turn over of command was attended by military and police officials, local officials and other government agencies from Cordillera Administrative Region and Region 2.
De
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=632807
PA conducts Cyber Security Forum
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 4): PA conducts Cyber Security Forum
Recognizing the need to strengthen its cyber effort, the Army conducted a one-day Cyber Security Forum at the Philippine Army Officers Club House,Fort Bonifacio ,
Taguig City
The forum was attended by Information System Officers (ISO), Information System Non-Commissioned Officers (ISNCOs), and selected civilian employees of all general staff and post/tenant units inside Headquarters Philippine Army.
Signal staff officers from other major services also participated in the activity.
Experts on cyber security and lecturers from the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group provided participants with the latest updates and trends on dealing with cyber threats and crimes.
Among the topics discussed were the Invisible Threats to National Security, the Cybercrime Prevention Act and Cybercrime in thePhilippines
The whole-day activity, which is comprised of lectures and presentations, aims to educate Army personnel on cyber security.
This is the second forum on Cyber Security organized by the PA. The first one was held last April 30, 2013.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=632706
Recognizing the need to strengthen its cyber effort, the Army conducted a one-day Cyber Security Forum at the Philippine Army Officers Club House,
The forum was attended by Information System Officers (ISO), Information System Non-Commissioned Officers (ISNCOs), and selected civilian employees of all general staff and post/tenant units inside Headquarters Philippine Army.
Signal staff officers from other major services also participated in the activity.
Experts on cyber security and lecturers from the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group provided participants with the latest updates and trends on dealing with cyber threats and crimes.
Among the topics discussed were the Invisible Threats to National Security, the Cybercrime Prevention Act and Cybercrime in the
The whole-day activity, which is comprised of lectures and presentations, aims to educate Army personnel on cyber security.
This is the second forum on Cyber Security organized by the PA. The first one was held last April 30, 2013.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=632706
AFP joins nation in commemoration of Veterans Week
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5): AFP joins nation in commemoration of Veterans Week
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) remembers the gallantry and sacrifices of the Filipino veterans as it joins the week-long commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan and the Philippine Veterans Week, which formally started Saturday morning.
Army commander Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri led the Sunrise Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers (TUKS), Libingan ng mga Bayani at about 6 a.m., signaling the commencement of the Philippine Veterans Week.
Senior military officers, other members of the military, Philippine National Police, World War II Veteran and Post War Veteran Leaders, members of the sons and daughters of the VFP, representatives from the youth sectors, Boy Scout and Girl Scout of the Philippines, representatives from the different government agencies and non-government organizations were present during the activity.
A wreath laying ceremony was also conducted at the TUKS with Defense undersecretary Honorio S. Acuesta leading the ceremony representing Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin.
Meanwhile, a brigade-size parading contingent, composed of personnel from the Army, Navy (Fleet and Marines) and Air Force, tendered a testimonial review in honor of the veterans at the Hunters ROTC Guerilla Parade Ground.
The veterans and their widows, guests and visitors gathered at the Headquarters Philippine Army Grandstand for the review.
Vice President Jejomar Binay graced the event with chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista.
Bautista warmly welcomed the participants. Outstanding Filipino veterans during the World War II were also recognized and conferred with awards.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=632773
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) remembers the gallantry and sacrifices of the Filipino veterans as it joins the week-long commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan and the Philippine Veterans Week, which formally started Saturday morning.
Army commander Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri led the Sunrise Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers (TUKS), Libingan ng mga Bayani at about 6 a.m., signaling the commencement of the Philippine Veterans Week.
Senior military officers, other members of the military, Philippine National Police, World War II Veteran and Post War Veteran Leaders, members of the sons and daughters of the VFP, representatives from the youth sectors, Boy Scout and Girl Scout of the Philippines, representatives from the different government agencies and non-government organizations were present during the activity.
A wreath laying ceremony was also conducted at the TUKS with Defense undersecretary Honorio S. Acuesta leading the ceremony representing Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin.
Meanwhile, a brigade-size parading contingent, composed of personnel from the Army, Navy (Fleet and Marines) and Air Force, tendered a testimonial review in honor of the veterans at the Hunters ROTC Guerilla Parade Ground.
The veterans and their widows, guests and visitors gathered at the Headquarters Philippine Army Grandstand for the review.
Vice President Jejomar Binay graced the event with chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista.
Bautista warmly welcomed the participants. Outstanding Filipino veterans during the World War II were also recognized and conferred with awards.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=632773
NPA conducts another landmine attack - report
From InterAksyon (Apr 5): NPA conducts another landmine attack - report
The New People’s Army conducted another landmine attack against a convoy carrying civilians in Davao Del Norte on Friday, April 4, the military said.
The landmine exploded at around 2:30 p.m. at Sitio Opao, Brgy Palma Gil in Talaingod town and targeted a convoy of police personnel and ABS-CBN correspondent Clair Cornelio. The convoy had just just come from a relief operation at Sitio Nasilaban of the same barangay.
No one was hurt in the attack, said a press statement from Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP Public Affairs Office chief. Police and military elements are scouring the area to hunt down the perpetrators of the landmine explosion.
The AFP has repeatedly condemned the rebel group’s rampant use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) as landmines that also puts civilians in danger. Early this year, the rebels also exploded a landmine that wounded five civilian medical personnel in Davao Del Sur, the AFP said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/84150/npa-conducts-another-landmine-attack---report
The New People’s Army conducted another landmine attack against a convoy carrying civilians in Davao Del Norte on Friday, April 4, the military said.
The landmine exploded at around 2:30 p.m. at Sitio Opao, Brgy Palma Gil in Talaingod town and targeted a convoy of police personnel and ABS-CBN correspondent Clair Cornelio. The convoy had just just come from a relief operation at Sitio Nasilaban of the same barangay.
No one was hurt in the attack, said a press statement from Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP Public Affairs Office chief. Police and military elements are scouring the area to hunt down the perpetrators of the landmine explosion.
The AFP has repeatedly condemned the rebel group’s rampant use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) as landmines that also puts civilians in danger. Early this year, the rebels also exploded a landmine that wounded five civilian medical personnel in Davao Del Sur, the AFP said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/84150/npa-conducts-another-landmine-attack---report
Reds burn vehicles and lab, seize weapons in attack on mining firm
From InterAksyon (Apr 5): Reds burn vehicles and lab, seize weapons in attack on mining firm
A soldier of the 402nd Infantry Brigade takes photos of vehicles burned by New People's Army guerrillas who attacked a mining firm in the town of Tubay, Agusan del Norte. (photo by Erwin Mascarinas, InterAksyon.com)
Communist rebels torched attacked a mining firm in Agusan del Norte province early Saturday morning, torching several vehicles and a laboratory, and seizing several weapons, the military said.
The New People’s Army fighters overpowered the guards at Phil Alstron in Purok 4, Barangay Tagmamarkay in Tubay town around 1 a.m., 1st Lieutenant Joe Patrick Martinez, civil-military operations officer of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, said.
Martinez said the rebels torched four dump trucks, a motorcycle and the mining firm’s laboratory, and shot up two bulldozers.
They also seized three shotguns, seven pistols, “a handheld global positioning system, a camera, two laptops and four Motorola handheld radios,” the officer said.
Superintendent Martin Gamba, spokesman of Police Regional Office 13, said the initial investigation by the Regional Public Safety Battalion indicated that up to a hundred guerrillas, believed to belong to NPA Guerrilla Front 21 under the command of a certain “Dodi,” were behind the raid.
One of the mining firm’s personnel, who asked not to be named, said: “It was very dark that we never noticed them (rebels) coming. They overpowered our guards and even tied up some of them. We were all so afraid but we were relieved that they never harmed anyone. They just opened fired on the machinery and burned the dump trucks and managed to take several of the firearms.”
Residents near the mining firm claimed they were fast asleep and did not hear the gunfire.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/84164/reds-burn-vehicles-and-lab-seize-weapons-in-attack-on-mining-firm
A soldier of the 402nd Infantry Brigade takes photos of vehicles burned by New People's Army guerrillas who attacked a mining firm in the town of Tubay, Agusan del Norte. (photo by Erwin Mascarinas, InterAksyon.com)
Communist rebels torched attacked a mining firm in Agusan del Norte province early Saturday morning, torching several vehicles and a laboratory, and seizing several weapons, the military said.
The New People’s Army fighters overpowered the guards at Phil Alstron in Purok 4, Barangay Tagmamarkay in Tubay town around 1 a.m., 1st Lieutenant Joe Patrick Martinez, civil-military operations officer of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, said.
Martinez said the rebels torched four dump trucks, a motorcycle and the mining firm’s laboratory, and shot up two bulldozers.
They also seized three shotguns, seven pistols, “a handheld global positioning system, a camera, two laptops and four Motorola handheld radios,” the officer said.
Superintendent Martin Gamba, spokesman of Police Regional Office 13, said the initial investigation by the Regional Public Safety Battalion indicated that up to a hundred guerrillas, believed to belong to NPA Guerrilla Front 21 under the command of a certain “Dodi,” were behind the raid.
One of the mining firm’s personnel, who asked not to be named, said: “It was very dark that we never noticed them (rebels) coming. They overpowered our guards and even tied up some of them. We were all so afraid but we were relieved that they never harmed anyone. They just opened fired on the machinery and burned the dump trucks and managed to take several of the firearms.”
Residents near the mining firm claimed they were fast asleep and did not hear the gunfire.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/84164/reds-burn-vehicles-and-lab-seize-weapons-in-attack-on-mining-firm
Sipadan raiders behind latest abductions in Sabah
From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Apr 5): Sipadan raiders behind latest abductions in Sabah
Malaysia has tagged an Abu Sayyaf group linked to previous
kidnappings for ransom in Sabah as behind the
latest raid and abduction of a Chinese tourist and a Filipino worker on one of
the island’s resorts.
At least 7 gunmen raided the Singamata Adventures and Reef Resort in the town ofSemporna in Sabah on
April 2 and seized a 29-year old Chinese holidaymaker Gao Huayun, 29, and
Filipino resort worker Marcy Dayawan, 40.
Director-General Datuk Mohammad Mentek, of the Eastern Sabah Security Command, said the two victims are being held by Abu Sayyaf rebels who were also involved in the 2000 kidnappings of 21 mostly European holidaymakers and Asian workers at the Pulau Sipadan resort; and also in the kidnapping in November of a Taiwanese woman on Pom Pom Island, according to a report by Malaysia’s online newspaper The Star.
“We believe that this particular ‘kidnap for ransom’ group is active and aggressive in the southernPhilippines
He said 15 foreign employees of the resort have been detained for working without valid documents.
Police also said that four employees were also arrested on suspicion they were involved or have provided information to the raiders. Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib confirmed that three women and a man aged between 20 and 50 have been arrested for questioning.
Police authorities in southernPhilippines Sabah
have landed in Sulu, but we are continuously monitoring the situation on the
ground,” Senior Superintendent Abraham Orbita, the Sulu police chief, told the
regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
The navy also deployed small boats to patrol the long coastline of the archipelago.
“We are exerting efforts to search and locate the kidnapped victims in probable areas in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi where they could have been brought. Naval Task Force 62 is now conducting extensive search while other units in the area have been in high alert,” marine Captain Maria Rowena Myuela, a spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command, said.
Citing an intelligence report, a Philippine army spokesman, Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, has told reporters inManila that the abductors have
landed in Simunul
Island
The Abu Sayyaf under Radullan Sahiron was largely blamed for the daring raid on the posh Pulau Sipadan resort in 2000 where they kidnapped 21 people and ransomed them off toMalaysia and Libya
In November, the Abu Sayyaf kidnapped a Taiwanese tourist Chang An Wei, 58, after killing her husband Hsu Li Min, 57, in a daring cross-border raid in Sabah’sPom Pom
Island village of Liban Philippines
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/04/sipadan-raiders-behind-latest.html
At least 7 gunmen raided the Singamata Adventures and Reef Resort in the town of
Director-General Datuk Mohammad Mentek, of the Eastern Sabah Security Command, said the two victims are being held by Abu Sayyaf rebels who were also involved in the 2000 kidnappings of 21 mostly European holidaymakers and Asian workers at the Pulau Sipadan resort; and also in the kidnapping in November of a Taiwanese woman on Pom Pom Island, according to a report by Malaysia’s online newspaper The Star.
“We believe that this particular ‘kidnap for ransom’ group is active and aggressive in the southern
He said 15 foreign employees of the resort have been detained for working without valid documents.
Police also said that four employees were also arrested on suspicion they were involved or have provided information to the raiders. Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib confirmed that three women and a man aged between 20 and 50 have been arrested for questioning.
Police authorities in southern
The navy also deployed small boats to patrol the long coastline of the archipelago.
“We are exerting efforts to search and locate the kidnapped victims in probable areas in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi where they could have been brought. Naval Task Force 62 is now conducting extensive search while other units in the area have been in high alert,” marine Captain Maria Rowena Myuela, a spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command, said.
Citing an intelligence report, a Philippine army spokesman, Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, has told reporters in
The Abu Sayyaf under Radullan Sahiron was largely blamed for the daring raid on the posh Pulau Sipadan resort in 2000 where they kidnapped 21 people and ransomed them off to
In November, the Abu Sayyaf kidnapped a Taiwanese tourist Chang An Wei, 58, after killing her husband Hsu Li Min, 57, in a daring cross-border raid in Sabah’s
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/04/sipadan-raiders-behind-latest.html
NPA rebels raid mining firm in Southern Philippines
From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Apr 5): NPA rebels raid mining firm in Southern Philippines
Google map of Tubay town in Agusan del Norte province in southern Philippines
New People’s Army rebels on Saturday raided a mining firm in the southern Philippine province of Agusan del Norte, reports said.
Reports said the rebels swooped down on Philippine Alstron Mining Company on the village of Tamamarkay in Tubay town and overpowered the security guards without firing a single shot before they torched several trucks and other heavy equipment.
The rebels also seized at least 6 shot guns and short firearms from the company’s security arsenal. There were no reports of casualties.
Communist rebels have owned up to daring and deadly attacks on police and military targets in the southern Philippines that killed at least a dozen people.
The raid came following threats made by the NPA on mining firms operating in the southern Philippines.
Just last month, rebel forces attacked a police base and government troops in Davao del Sur’s Matanao as punishment for their “reign of terror” against indigenous tribes and other communities opposing mining operations in the province.
Dencio Madrigal, a spokesman for the NPA-Valentine Palamine Command, said the deadly attacks were a punishment for police and military units protecting Glencore Xstrata. He accused the mining firm of exploiting nearly 100,000 hectares of ancestral lands of indigenous Lumad Blaans tribes, and peasants in the region.
Jorge Madlos, a regional rebel spokesman, also warned mining firms and fruit plantations in the region, saying military operations in Mindanao have escalated and have become more extensive with the aim to thwart the ever growing and widespread people’s protest against destructive mining operations and plantations owned by imperialists, the big comprador bourgeois and big landlords.
Madlos said among their targets are Russell Mines and Minerals, Apex Mining Corp. and Philco in southern Mindanao; Dolefil, Del Monte and Sumifru plantations in northern Mindanao; TVI Resource Development Philippines in western Mindanao whose operations inside the ancestral domain of indigenous Subanen and Moro tribes are being opposed by villagers.
NPA and Moro rebels had previously attacked TVI Resources in Zamboanga province.
“If one recalls, more than 400 families were forced to evacuate their ancestral lands because of TVI and the ruthless military operations that ensued to protect it in Buug, Zamboanga del Sur. In order to defend the people’s human rights and general wellbeing, the NPA launched tactical offensives against TVI as well as against units of the AFP-PNP-CAFGU protecting it, such as the ambush on February 2012 that hit elements of the army intelligence group operating on the behest of TVI and the imposition of the local government to allow TVI mining operations on Subanen ancestral lands is one of the bases the NPA raided on April 9, 2012 the PNP station in Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur,” Madlos said.
NPA rebels also intercepted a group of army soldiers who were using a borrowed truck from TVI and disarmed them in Diplahan town in Zamboanga Sibugay province two years ago. The rebels also burned the truck before releasing the soldiers.
“In view of these events, the NDFP in Mindanao calls upon the Lumad and Moro peoples, peasants and workers, religious and other sectors to further strengthen their unity and their courage to oppose the interests of imperialist mines and plantations, which are exceedingly damaging to Mindanao, to its people and to the environment. We call upon the units of the NPA in Mindanao to be ever more daring in their defense of people’s interests against the greed and rapacity of the local ruling classes and their imperialist master,” Madlos said.
TVI Resource Development Philippines has repeatedly denied all accusations against them. It recently ended its gold mining operation in Mount Canatuan in Zamboanga del Norte’s Siocon town after several years of operations and now has a gold-silver project in the town of Bayog in Zamboanga del Sur province and a nickel plant in Agusan del Norte province.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/04/npa-rebels-raid-mining-firm-in-southern.html
Google map of Tubay town in Agusan del Norte province in southern Philippines
New People’s Army rebels on Saturday raided a mining firm in the southern Philippine province of Agusan del Norte, reports said.
Reports said the rebels swooped down on Philippine Alstron Mining Company on the village of Tamamarkay in Tubay town and overpowered the security guards without firing a single shot before they torched several trucks and other heavy equipment.
The rebels also seized at least 6 shot guns and short firearms from the company’s security arsenal. There were no reports of casualties.
Communist rebels have owned up to daring and deadly attacks on police and military targets in the southern Philippines that killed at least a dozen people.
The raid came following threats made by the NPA on mining firms operating in the southern Philippines.
Just last month, rebel forces attacked a police base and government troops in Davao del Sur’s Matanao as punishment for their “reign of terror” against indigenous tribes and other communities opposing mining operations in the province.
Dencio Madrigal, a spokesman for the NPA-Valentine Palamine Command, said the deadly attacks were a punishment for police and military units protecting Glencore Xstrata. He accused the mining firm of exploiting nearly 100,000 hectares of ancestral lands of indigenous Lumad Blaans tribes, and peasants in the region.
Jorge Madlos, a regional rebel spokesman, also warned mining firms and fruit plantations in the region, saying military operations in Mindanao have escalated and have become more extensive with the aim to thwart the ever growing and widespread people’s protest against destructive mining operations and plantations owned by imperialists, the big comprador bourgeois and big landlords.
Madlos said among their targets are Russell Mines and Minerals, Apex Mining Corp. and Philco in southern Mindanao; Dolefil, Del Monte and Sumifru plantations in northern Mindanao; TVI Resource Development Philippines in western Mindanao whose operations inside the ancestral domain of indigenous Subanen and Moro tribes are being opposed by villagers.
NPA and Moro rebels had previously attacked TVI Resources in Zamboanga province.
“If one recalls, more than 400 families were forced to evacuate their ancestral lands because of TVI and the ruthless military operations that ensued to protect it in Buug, Zamboanga del Sur. In order to defend the people’s human rights and general wellbeing, the NPA launched tactical offensives against TVI as well as against units of the AFP-PNP-CAFGU protecting it, such as the ambush on February 2012 that hit elements of the army intelligence group operating on the behest of TVI and the imposition of the local government to allow TVI mining operations on Subanen ancestral lands is one of the bases the NPA raided on April 9, 2012 the PNP station in Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur,” Madlos said.
NPA rebels also intercepted a group of army soldiers who were using a borrowed truck from TVI and disarmed them in Diplahan town in Zamboanga Sibugay province two years ago. The rebels also burned the truck before releasing the soldiers.
“In view of these events, the NDFP in Mindanao calls upon the Lumad and Moro peoples, peasants and workers, religious and other sectors to further strengthen their unity and their courage to oppose the interests of imperialist mines and plantations, which are exceedingly damaging to Mindanao, to its people and to the environment. We call upon the units of the NPA in Mindanao to be ever more daring in their defense of people’s interests against the greed and rapacity of the local ruling classes and their imperialist master,” Madlos said.
TVI Resource Development Philippines has repeatedly denied all accusations against them. It recently ended its gold mining operation in Mount Canatuan in Zamboanga del Norte’s Siocon town after several years of operations and now has a gold-silver project in the town of Bayog in Zamboanga del Sur province and a nickel plant in Agusan del Norte province.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/04/npa-rebels-raid-mining-firm-in-southern.html
Palace hopes Santiago-Ferrer meeting could thresh out legality issue of Bangsamoro peace pact
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5): Palace hopes Santiago-Ferrer meeting could thresh out legality issue of Bangsamoro peace pact
The Palace said it hopes Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago could meet government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer to discuss the legality of the newly signed Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
While Senator Santiago said she supports the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, she’s worried about its constitutionality. The senator also said she wanted to ensure the CAB could pass the constitutionality test which is why she is questioning its legality.
“Mabuti po ‘yon kasi maganda din na nagkaroon sila ng ganitong exchange because the government is always open to explain ‘yung contents of the agreement,” Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday.
“Kahit noong Framework Agreement pa lang nag-ikot po talaga ‘yung ating panel sa mga civil society organizations, sa members of the academe, sa ating mga legislators para ipakita nila talaga ‘yung nilalaman,” she added.
She said the Palace hopes the meeting to push through so that the executive branch could explain the processes in coming up with an agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Although a lot of people support peace inMindanao ,
the Palace official said she hopes the Supreme Court will uphold its
constitutionality if ever there’s a legal challenge.
The Philippine government and the MILF signed last week the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in Malacanang. The peace pact aims to bring an end to several decades of conflict inMindanao
that has claimed more than 100,000 lives.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=632811
The Palace said it hopes Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago could meet government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer to discuss the legality of the newly signed Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
While Senator Santiago said she supports the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, she’s worried about its constitutionality. The senator also said she wanted to ensure the CAB could pass the constitutionality test which is why she is questioning its legality.
“Mabuti po ‘yon kasi maganda din na nagkaroon sila ng ganitong exchange because the government is always open to explain ‘yung contents of the agreement,” Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday.
“Kahit noong Framework Agreement pa lang nag-ikot po talaga ‘yung ating panel sa mga civil society organizations, sa members of the academe, sa ating mga legislators para ipakita nila talaga ‘yung nilalaman,” she added.
She said the Palace hopes the meeting to push through so that the executive branch could explain the processes in coming up with an agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Although a lot of people support peace in
The Philippine government and the MILF signed last week the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in Malacanang. The peace pact aims to bring an end to several decades of conflict in
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=632811
Valiant stand of PHL, US forces against Japanese in WWII highlights value of freedom
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5): Valiant stand of PHL, US forces against Japanese in WWII highlights value of freedom
With the official opening of Veterans Week with the sunrise and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani,Fort
Bonifacio , Taguig City
In his speech delivered by DND undersecretary Honorio Azcueta, Gazmin said the annals of World War II and the defense of Bataan andCorregidor
are replete with rich memories on the epic struggle of both Filipino and
American soldiers in the defense of freedom and liberty.
"It relates the tale of their courage and bravery against the foreign invaders and the enemies of territorial sovereighty and desecrators of human freedom and dignity," the DND chief emphasized.
"It was a revelation of the heroism of the Philippine Scouts and the United States Army Forces in theFar East who
bravely fought against the formidable might of the Japanese Imperial
Army," he added.
The DND chief said that in that war theater, the deep friendship of the two real allies, the Filipino and American soldiers, was affirmed.
"Together they shed their sweat, their tears, and their blood in the defense of freedom and liberty in our beloved native land," Gazmin stressed.
During that conflict, Filipino and American soldiers, despite overwhelming odds, displaced the tenacity of the will of the badly beaten but unbowed soldiers.
"Captured from the shelter of Malinta Tunnel inCorregidor ,
their ordeal progressed into the infamous 'Death March', where they endured the
worst punishment from the ruthless enemy," the DND chief pointed out.
"They were physically vanquished but never spiritually conquered. One of the survivors of that 97-kilometer march was a USAFFE artillery by the name of Capt. Segundo Gazmin, Sr. Incidentally, he is my father and it is in equal manner that I humbly share the wounded feelings of the sons and daughters of his comrade-veterans," he added.
And by remembering the sacrifices of these brave men, Gazmin said that the country should take time to thank the courage, valor, patriotism of the Filipino and American soldiers who have fought heroically, despite the long odds, in defense of the Philippines.
"From their heroic deeds, we became the beneficiaries of their legacy. So that until this day we continue to live under the blessing of peace, freedom, and democracy. We must thank them for their supreme sacrifice of their lives, their ultimate offering of their deep love of our country and the highest ideals of freedom, liberty and democracy," Gazmin concluded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=632749
With the official opening of Veterans Week with the sunrise and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani,
In his speech delivered by DND undersecretary Honorio Azcueta, Gazmin said the annals of World War II and the defense of Bataan and
"It relates the tale of their courage and bravery against the foreign invaders and the enemies of territorial sovereighty and desecrators of human freedom and dignity," the DND chief emphasized.
"It was a revelation of the heroism of the Philippine Scouts and the United States Army Forces in the
The DND chief said that in that war theater, the deep friendship of the two real allies, the Filipino and American soldiers, was affirmed.
"Together they shed their sweat, their tears, and their blood in the defense of freedom and liberty in our beloved native land," Gazmin stressed.
During that conflict, Filipino and American soldiers, despite overwhelming odds, displaced the tenacity of the will of the badly beaten but unbowed soldiers.
"Captured from the shelter of Malinta Tunnel in
"They were physically vanquished but never spiritually conquered. One of the survivors of that 97-kilometer march was a USAFFE artillery by the name of Capt. Segundo Gazmin, Sr. Incidentally, he is my father and it is in equal manner that I humbly share the wounded feelings of the sons and daughters of his comrade-veterans," he added.
And by remembering the sacrifices of these brave men, Gazmin said that the country should take time to thank the courage, valor, patriotism of the Filipino and American soldiers who have fought heroically, despite the long odds, in defense of the Philippines.
"From their heroic deeds, we became the beneficiaries of their legacy. So that until this day we continue to live under the blessing of peace, freedom, and democracy. We must thank them for their supreme sacrifice of their lives, their ultimate offering of their deep love of our country and the highest ideals of freedom, liberty and democracy," Gazmin concluded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=632749
Gov't is always open to explain contents of Bangsamoro peace pact -- Palace official
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5): Gov't is always open to explain contents of Bangsamoro peace pact -- Palace official
Following Sen. Miriam Santiago’s statement that there may be consequences to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), Malacanang on Saturday reiterated its desire to engage the senator in discussions with the Government Peace Panel Chair Miriam Colonel-Ferrer.
Sen. Santiago earlier said the peace pact was unconstitutional because it turns the Bangsamoro as a substate instead of a mere autonomous region, however clarified that she was not out to “scuttle” the CAB the senator.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte in an interview on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan said that the “government is always open to explain the contents of the agreement.”
“Kahit nung framework agreement pa lang nag-ikot po ang angating panel sa mga civil society organizations, members of academe, members of legislators para ipakita ang nilalalaman,” Valte said.
(“Even when we only had the framework agreement at that time, our panel visited civil society organizations, members of academe, members of to show them its contents,” Valte said.)
“Hopefully, matuloy ang pag-uusap (nilang dalawa),” she added.
(“Hopefully, discussions between Sen. Santiago and Chair Ferrer push through,” she added.)
Valte meanwhile said that even if the Bangsamoro Basic Law undergoes challenges at the Supreme Court, the government has full hopes that the law’s constitutionality will be upheld.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=632775
Following Sen. Miriam Santiago’s statement that there may be consequences to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), Malacanang on Saturday reiterated its desire to engage the senator in discussions with the Government Peace Panel Chair Miriam Colonel-Ferrer.
Sen. Santiago earlier said the peace pact was unconstitutional because it turns the Bangsamoro as a substate instead of a mere autonomous region, however clarified that she was not out to “scuttle” the CAB the senator.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte in an interview on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan said that the “government is always open to explain the contents of the agreement.”
“Kahit nung framework agreement pa lang nag-ikot po ang angating panel sa mga civil society organizations, members of academe, members of legislators para ipakita ang nilalalaman,” Valte said.
(“Even when we only had the framework agreement at that time, our panel visited civil society organizations, members of academe, members of to show them its contents,” Valte said.)
“Hopefully, matuloy ang pag-uusap (nilang dalawa),” she added.
(“Hopefully, discussions between Sen. Santiago and Chair Ferrer push through,” she added.)
Valte meanwhile said that even if the Bangsamoro Basic Law undergoes challenges at the Supreme Court, the government has full hopes that the law’s constitutionality will be upheld.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=632775
WesMin Command still tracking down abduction victims from Malaysian dive resort
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5): WesMin Command still tracking down abduction victims from Malaysian dive resort
The Western Mindanao Command is still searching for the Chinese tourist and Filipino hotel staff snatched by suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in a Malaysian dive resort this week.
Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, Western Mindanao Command chief, said that they are yet to establish the location of the hostages and the group behind the abduction.
"So we cannot categorically state that a particular group is holding the two victims in a specified place," he added.
Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Jesus C. Millan, the Naval Forces Western Mindanao chief, on the other hand, said they have intensified maritime patrols in the area to check on suspicious watercraft.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=632820
The Western Mindanao Command is still searching for the Chinese tourist and Filipino hotel staff snatched by suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in a Malaysian dive resort this week.
Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, Western Mindanao Command chief, said that they are yet to establish the location of the hostages and the group behind the abduction.
"So we cannot categorically state that a particular group is holding the two victims in a specified place," he added.
Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Jesus C. Millan, the Naval Forces Western Mindanao chief, on the other hand, said they have intensified maritime patrols in the area to check on suspicious watercraft.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=632820
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