Malacanang welcomes CPP-NPA-NDF's support to West Philippine Sea claims

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6): Malacanang welcomes CPP-NPA-NDF's support to West Philippine Sea claims

Malacanang welcomed the statement the Communist Party of the Philippines- National People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in supporting the country’s claim over the disputed cluster of islands in the West Philippine Sea.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said Sunday in a press briefing aired over radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, that Malacanang appreciated the statement of CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison.

In a statement, the CPP founding chairman said “by manifestations though writing and mass actions, the patriotic and progressive forces have stood for Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity over the islands and islets in question in the sea west of the Philippines on the basis of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other international instrument.”

For his part Secretary Coloma said “Lahat po ng pagpapahayag ng suporta na nanggagaling dito sa ating bansa at sa labas ng bansa ay malugod pong tinatanggap. At umaasa po tayo na lahat ng sector ng ating lipunan at lahat ng ating lipunan at lahat ng ating mga kababayan ay nakikiisa sa posisyon ng ating bansa hinggil dito.”

Last March 30, 2014, the Philippines filed a memorial at International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) against China.

Manila and Beijing are quarrelling over the cluster of islands in the West Philippine Sea. Both are laying claim to the Kalayaan Group of Islands as well as the Ayungin and Scarborough Shoals.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=632991

Defense finding ways to improve benefits for war veterans -- Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6): Defense finding ways to improve benefits for war veterans -- Palace

Malacañang on Sunday said the Department of National Defense (DND) through the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) continues to find ways to improve the benefits being rendered by the government to Filipino war veterans and their families.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. reported that one of the milestone achievements of PVAO in 2013 was the payment of total administrative disability (TAD) arrears amounting to P2.877-billions to 17,817 living World War II veterans covering the period of 1994 to 2002.

The amount was charged against the pension gratuity fund of the 2013 General Appropriations Act, which materialized through the authority given by President Benigno S. Aquino III last year.

“This has brought the total payment for TAD arrears to 6.93-billion pesos as of this date, which demonstrates the government’s resolve to deliver its commitment as mandated in Republic Act 7696,” Coloma told an interview over Radyo ng Bayan.

Coloma added the PVAO also delivered pensions amounting to P10.225-billion benefiting 199,000 pensioners last year, many of whom have one or more pension accounts.

Other forms of aid being extended by PVAO to war veterans and their families apart from TAD include old age disability, death pension, education, hospitalization, and burial assistance benefits.

Coloma also mentioned that the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) was able to deliver medical services to 1,092 beneficiaries and their dependents whose hospitalization needs amounted to over P2-million last year.

This was on top of the P15-million the hospital had spent for specialized care for illnesses and other medical needs of war veterans. Reimbursements were also allowed for patients who underwent angioplasty, hemodialysis, cataract surgery, and purchased hearing aids and dentures.

Coloma said some beneficiaries were also given medicines, wheelchairs, walkers, and canes through an outreach program. At the same time, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) was also checking with PVAO how it could deliver its services to the veterans.

The Palace official disclosed these details in time for the upcoming celebration of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Wednesday, April 9, that would be led by President Aquino in Bataan.

“With this year’s theme “Balik Tanaw sa Sakripisyo ng Beterano: Gabay sa Landas ng Pagbabago”, the PVAO and DND aim to present our veterans as among the country’s national treasures and to revive the culture of heroism, which the Filipino race has been known for essentially because of our veterans’ valor and selfless sacrifices,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=632990

Rebels torched equipment of mining firm in Agusan Del Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6): Rebels torched equipment of mining firm in Agusan Del Norte

New People's Army (NPA) fighters burned and destroyed the equipment of a mining firm in Barangay Tagmamarkay, Tubay town, Agusan Del Norte Saturday morning.

Torched in the unprovoked rebel attack were four dump trucks, two backhoes and two bulldozers owned by the Alston Mining Company, 1st Lt. Joe Patrick A. Martinez, 42nd Civil-Military Operations Company commander, said in a belated report Sunday.

He added that this took place around 1 a.m.

Martinez said that the NPAs assaulted the compound of the Alston Mining Company in Tubay town and disarmed the duty guards of their weapons.

After burning the mining equipment, the rebels quickly escaped.

Martinez said that the attack stemmed from the company's refusal to give in to the extortion demands of the rebels.

He added that the NPA is targeting "soft targets" as the rebels are now having difficulty in attacking military and police outposts in the area.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=632995

PH troops scour Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-tawi as Sabah kidnappers telephone Chinese victim's kin

From InterAksyon (Apr 6): PH troops scour Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-tawi as Sabah kidnappers telephone Chinese victim's kin

Philippine troops stepped up their search in three Mindanao islands for suspected Abu Sayyaf kidnappers holding a Chinese tourist  and Filipino worker seized from a resort on Sabah, as the abductors made a phone call to the tourist's family in China.

A senior Malaysian security official said Sunday the gunmen have communicated with the family of Gao Huayuan, 29, whom Philippine security forces believe is being held in Jolo island in the southern Philippines.

"They have made telephone contact with her family," Mohammad Mentek, director-general of the security command in the east of Malaysia's Sabah state, told AFP.

The Abu Sayyaf, a small band of militants infamous for kidnapping for ransom, are the prime suspects in Wednesday's abduction of the Chinese tourist and a Filipina resort worker, Marcy Dayawan, 40.

Mohammad said Malaysian authorities believe the two hostages are safe.
"We hope they will be returned safely to their families as soon as possible," he said.

Mohammad declined to comment on whether the kidnappers had begun ransom negotiations with the Chinese family.

Philippine authorities believe the kidnappers are affiliated with Abu Sayyaf "sub-commander" Murphy Ambang Ladjia, who was involved in a spectacular kidnapping of 21 people from another resort in Sabah -- in the north of Borneo island -- in 2000.

Twenty of those hostages -- many of whom were Europeans or other foreign tourists -- were released within five months, reportedly after hefty ransoms were paid.

A final Filipino captive was held until 2003.

Mohammad said security forces had strengthened their presence, with more sea patrols along the coastal waters of Sabah which are a major diving attraction for foreigners.

"But we are not able to be everywhere all the time since our sea borders with the Philippines are wide and porous," he said.

Philippines scours islands

The Philippine military said Sunday troops were intensively searching remote southern islands and surrounding waters for the two female hostages, although there have been no sightings of them or other confirmation of their whereabouts.

The search focused on the Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Sulu islands in the country's far south which are known hotbeds of the Abu Sayyaf, said regional military chief Lieutenant General Rustico Guerrero.

He said a "naval task force" had been "conducting extensive search and naval blockades (of) suspected sea crafts" while ground troops had also been deployed.

The military said Abu Sayyaf gunmen aboard a speedboat were believed to have taken the women to Simunul, part of the Tawi-Tawi islands and a day's boat ride across the border.

But Guerrero said the search also covered the nearby Sulu archipelago as well as Basilan, in whose jungles the Abu Sayyaf had taken hostages in the past.

"It takes a lot of resources and effort to cover (the sea areas)," he said. "The sea area is so huge and we have limitations."

Asked whether there was any definitive indication that the gunmen and their hostages had reached land, he said: "We have no confirmation."

Philippines' armed forces spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said Sunday there were "positive leads" in the search, although he was not at liberty to disclose them.

The Abu Sayyaf have only a few hundred gunmen but have been blamed for the worst terror attacks in Philippine history, including bombings and kidnappings that have often targeted foreigners or Christians.

The group was set up in the 1990s, reportedly with seed money from Al-Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden.

Last November suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen kidnapped a Taiwanese couple holidaying in another Sabah resort.

The husband was killed during the abduction.

His wife was freed -- after a ransom was believed to have been paid -- after being held for 36 days on the main Sulu island of Jolo.

The Abu Sayyaf are believed still to be holding other foreign hostages, including two European bird-watchers abducted in Tawi-Tawi in February 2012.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/84222/ph-troops-scour-sulu-basilan-tawi-tawi-as-sabah-kidnappers-telephone-chinese-victims-kin

Philippine rebels hold soldier as ‘prisoner of war’

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Apr 6): Philippine rebels hold soldier as ‘prisoner of war’

Communist rebels on Sunday said they captured a government soldier and declared him a prisoner of war in the southern Philippines, a spokesman for the New People’s Army said.

Aris Francisco said rebel forces captured Sergeant Jeric Bucio Curay at a checkpoint in the village of Andap in Compostela Valley’s Laak town on April 4. Curay, a member of the 72nd Infantry Battalion, was travelling on a motorcycle when he was captured.

Francisco, whose group operates in the provinces of Compostela Valley, Davao and Agusan, said the soldier is currently being interrogated to determine his involvement in “counterrevolutionary and anti-people” activities in Laak town.

“Consistent with its practice of lenient treatment towards POWs, the NPA custodial force ensures the safety and security of POW Curay as he undergoes an investigation for his involvement in counterrevolutionary and anti-people activities in Laak,” he said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

Francisco said the arrest of Curay coincided with the NPA’s renewed campaign against the 72nd Infantry Battalion whom he accused along with the 60th Infantry Battalion of protecting big logging firms “which have wiped out the forests of Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley and Agusan del Sur provinces.”

He said the wanton destruction of remaining forest cover and unchecked commercial logging in the provinces have greatly impoverished indigenous Lumad tribesmen and peasants and have made them more vulnerable to environmental disasters and climate change. 

Francisco also accused politicians and policemen as among those behind indiscriminate logging operations in eastern Mindanao. “They stand to face NPA sanction against environmental plunderers and destroyers of people’s livelihood,” he said.

“Aside from being goons for logging companies, the 60th Infantry Battalions and the 72nd Infantry Battalion are actively holding checkpoints to harass residents suspected as (members of) revolutionary forces; the soldiers take pictures of these civilians,” he said.

He said troops harassed peasants by destroying their crops. He said soldiers also killed two peasants in previous military operations. “In the face of these abuses, the NPA has intensified its tactical offensives against the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Francisco said. “The NPA shall persevere in punishing logging lords and their AFP protectors. The arrest of Curay and other tactical offensives should serve a strong warning against enemy troops that continue to protect exploiters of remaining natural resources at the expense of environmental preservation and people’s welfare.”

The rebels have previously taken soldiers as prisoners, but eventually freed them on humanitarian grounds. There was no immediate statement from the military on Francisco’s accusations, but army officials usually deny all allegations by the rebel group, which has been fighting for decades now for the establishment of a communist state in the country.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/04/philippine-rebels-hold-soldier-as.html

Israeli firm lowest bidder in AFP howitzer deal

From the Philippine Star (Apr 5): Israeli firm lowest bidder in AFP howitzer deal

An Israeli firm has been declared as the lowest bidder in the Armed Forces of the Philippines procurement project involving 12 units of 155 mm howitzers and ammunition.

Elbit Systems Ltd. offered to supply the artillery pieces and ammunition for P368.84 million, lower by about P70 million than the P438.62-million approved budget of the project.

Elbit’s offer was also lower than the bid of Bosnia Herzegovina-based BNT Tvornica, which offered to supply the equipment for P411.69 million.

The project involves the acquisition of 12 units of 155 mm towed howitzers, 240 rounds of ammunition and integrated logistics support.

The bidding for the project was held last month in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The howitzers are expected to boost the military’s security capabilities.

Elbit has to satisfy the post-qualification requirements before it can be declared the winning bidder. The post-qualification stage, which seeks to determine if the lowest bidder is capable of undertaking the project, will be held this month.

The winning bidder is expected to deliver the goods within 360 calendar days upon the issuance of the letter of credit, a document that assures the supplier that the government will fulfill its obligations.

The project is part of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program contained in a law signed by President Aquino in 2012.

The law aims to improve the capabilities of the military, which have been depleted due to lack of resources.

The law requires the government to allot P75 billion for the first five years of the capability upgrade program.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/04/05/1308981/israeli-firm-lowest-bidder-afp-howitzer-deal

Karapatan slams CIDG’s ‘wrongful arrest’ and ‘red-tagging’ of staff member

From the pro-CPP Davao Today (Apr 4): Karapatan slams CIDG’s ‘wrongful arrest’ and ‘red-tagging’ of staff member

Human rights group Karapatan criticized government security elements for attempting to pull out and arrest its staff member during a protest caravan here on Thursday by alleging her as a New People’s Army leader.

Karapatan’s Hanimay Suazo said elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) tried to arrest a female human rights worker based in Compostela Valley, and who they identified only as ‘Ana’ to protect her identity.

The incident happened on Thursday noon when the group accompanied a contingent of farmers from Maco and Mawab towns of Compostela Valley to hold a rally outside the gate of the headquarters of the Armed Forces’ Eastern Mindanao Command in Panacan on the one year death anniversary of a boy allegedly killed in a military operation.

Ana told Davao Today that the contingent was stopped along Barangay Lasang by police and highway patrol members. As Karapatan members were negotiating with the police, elements of the CIDG approached Ana and handed her a warrant of arrest and told her to go with them to the CIDG.

Surprised, Ana demanded that she read the warrant, and found out that it contained names and aliases of people accused of murder, but could not find her name on it.

The warrant was allegedly against members of the NPA Front Committee 18 leaders.

“I refused to go with the CIDG,” Ana said. “My name was not there, but they insisted I was this alias ‘Evelyn’. They did not even bother to ask for my name or my identification.”

A news footage later that day showed a CIDG personnel bringing out a man who covered his face with a towel, and pointed at people in the caravan as NPA members. The CIDG claimed the man was a rebel returnee.

The intervention of other human rights workers and Bayan spokesperson Sheena Duazo stopped the CIDG from making the arrest.  The police also relented and the protesters proceeded with their rally outside the Eastmincom and went home hours later.

Ana was incensed that the CIDG did not apologize to the people they caused trouble.

“They just told me to just cooperate to avoid any incident. But I told them are you doing your job well?”

Suazo said the CIDG’s move may have been meant to disrupt or at least delay their rally.

She described it as “erroneous arrests” and expressed fear that this may be part of a crackdown on activists and human rights defenders.

She said that government crackdown has tagged activists as communists and had led to arrests or assassinations.

“This could form part of the next phase of Oplan Bayanihan. Here you see the police, CIDG and law enforcers actively attacking human rights defenders and activists to silence them by filing fabricated charges,” Suazo said.

http://davaotoday.com/main/2014/04/04/karapatan-slams-cidgs-wrongful-arrest-red-tagging-staff-member/

Infra projects in Guihulngan City inaugurated

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 5): Infra projects in Guihulngan City inaugurated

Five million pesos worth of road improvement project is one of infrastructure development programs opened in Guihulngan City recently with Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo leading the inauguration of concreting of road and drainage system projects.

Capitol information officer Adrian Sedillo said Gov. Degamo allocated funds for the road improvement project along the Luz-Linantuyan road since he is aware that the road is very vital for the people in the hinterland barangays of Guihulngan which have been cited to have the presence of armed groups.

Sedillo said the governor highlighted the importance of  Barangay Luz road as it hosts the community primary hospital and Barangay Linantuyan which have been recently taken back by the government forces from the hands of the New People’s Army.

Other government projects such as school buildings, among others, are also being presently implemented in the city.

The governor, on the other hand, is happy with the road concreting along some portions of the Linantuyan road funded by the national government through the Department of Public Works and Highways.

He explained that the Luz-Linatuyan road is considered a national highway but he recognizes the need for the provincial government to provide support as it is a very vital facility in order to bring about various developments in the hinterlands of Guihulngan City.

Other projects that were inaugurated were the 1.5 million-peso drainage system implemented in Barangay Poblacion and the P300 thousand road concreting project in Barangay Tinayunan.

Gov. Degamo said all these projects were made possible in cooperation with the city government of Guihulngan

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1111396601596

Expert: Abu Sayyaf unlikely involved in latest kidnapping

From the Star Online (Apr 6): Expert: Abu Sayyaf unlikely involved in latest kidnapping

It is unlikely the Abu Sayyaf militant group is involved in the kidnapping of a Chinese tourist and a Filipina resort worker in Sabah, said an expert in Philippine conflicts.

Dr Shamsuddin L. Taya of Mindanao said ordinary gangsters were probably behind the kidnapping but they were using the notoriety of the Abu Sayyaf to facilitate the ransom negotiations.

“As the Abu Sayyaf no longer has a prominent leader, it is easier for any gangster group to claim link to the outfit,” he said.

Dr Shamsuddin, a visiting senior lecturer at Universiti Utara Malaysia, said this in response to reports claiming that the Abu Sayyaf may be responsible for the abduction of Filipina Marcy Dayawan, 40, and Chinese tourist Gao Huayun, 29, at the Singamata Reef Resort, near Semporna, on Wednesday night.

Dr Shamsuddin said gangsters claiming to be members of Abu Sayyaf were in it either for monetary gain or to serve a political purpose.

He said there was also a possibility the abduction occurred because certain quarters were unhappy with Malaysia for brokering the peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari was among those who were not happy with the peace accord, he said.

“Perhaps, there is a connection, I don’t know. But there was also talk about Nur Misuari and the Sulu invasion in Sabah last year,” he said.

Although the Abu Sayyaf is a splinter group of the MNLF, certain quarters use both organisations to suit their agenda.

“They claim to be Abu Sayyaf members when they commit crime for money and they use MNLF for political purposes,” he said.

The possibility of the gangsters working in cahoots with corrupt Filipino police and military personnel for a fast buck should also not be discounted, he said.

“And every time there is a clampdown on purported Abu Sayyaf followers, some officials get a promotion,” he said.

Dr Shamsuddin also said the United States would benefit from keeping the so-called notorious Abu Sayyaf group “alive” to justify the return of their naval base in the region.

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/04/06/Expert-Abu-Sayyaf-unlikely-involved-in-latest-kidnapping/

Esscom suspects someone harboured kidnappers and guided them to resort

From the Star Online (Apr 6): Esscom suspects someone harboured kidnappers and guided them to resort

The authorities are looking into the possibility that Abu Sayyaf gunmen slipped into Semporna and blended with the local Filipino community for at least a week before they struck at the Singamata Reef Resort.

The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) also believes the gunmen had “inside help” getting to the resort and knowing when to strike.

Four resort workers – a man and three women – have been detained to help in the investigations.

Esscom director-general Datuk Mohammad Mentek said the command was focusing on how the seven men got past the high security in Semporna waters to reach the resort, which was about five minutes from the mainland.

“We received information on March 26 that suspected gunmen on five boats were trying to enter Semporna.

“But when security forces moved into the area, they saw four boats fleeing back into international waters. They did not see a fifth boat.

“We have set up a team to investigate whether a fifth boat of intruders had entered and blended with the local coastal community,” he told The Star yesterday.

Mohammad said investigations so far indicated that the gunmen might have links with some of the resort workers as they were able to enter the area without any problem.

“There is a specific route to the resort and you must know the area for you to go in. If they had taken a wrong turn they would have been caught in fishing nets. They needed to be guided into the resort personally,” he said.

The intruders also struck immediately after General Operation Force personnel left the resort area to carry out patrols, he said, adding that there was reason to believe that “inside help” was used in the raid.

The gunmen grabbed Filipina resort worker Marcy Dayawan, 40, from her room before seizing Chinese tourist Gao Huayun, 29, who was standing on the veranda outside her room during the five-minute raid at 10.30pm on Wednesday.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib confirmed that two of those detained were Marcy’s relatives but declined to reveal how they were related.

Fifteen other resort workers have been detained for not having any valid travel documents. The resort operators may be charged in court for hiring illegals.

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/04/06/A-good-chance-of-inside-help-Esscom-suspects-someone-harboured-kidnappers-and-guided-them-to-resort/

MILF: Basilan police stops caravan for GPH – MILF Bangsamoro Peace Deal

Posted to the MILF Website (Apr 5): Basilan police stops caravan for GPH – MILF Bangsamoro Peace Deal



A peace caravan of more than a hundred of vehicles organized in Basilan by civil society organizations in time during the signing of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) – Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) was prevented by the Police from entering the City of Isabela, Basilan.
   

Tony Sakkalahul, Regional Manager of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) for  ZamBas Region, who spearheaded the peace caravan in collaboration with youth and professional sectors, Chambers of Commerce, MILF political and civil committees, expressed the disappointment and dismay of the group of the disapproval of the police.

Accordingly, Isabela City Mayor Cherrylyn Santos did not approve the permission requested for the peace caravan.

Clad in full battle gear, the police instead formed a barricade to block the entry of the peace caravan into Isabela City.

“The participants from the different organizations who voluntarily joined the activity to manifest their support and gratitude to both the GPH and the MILF for striking the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) denounced the unpeaceful act by the police and the local government of Isabela for not allowing a peace caravan to be undertaken by the civil society groups,” Sakkalahul stressed.

“We were unhappy and dismayed upon knowing that the request for such activity was vehemently denied by the City’s Chief executive-Mayor Charrylyn Santos,” he said.

In an interview with Chavacano TV patrol reporter from Zamboanga (R.J. Rosalado) at the assembly place, he lamented “we are surprised by the decision of the City Mayor by not allowing us to enter the city proper because our activity is for peace and in support of the program of President Aquino. We are unarmed and in fact request and coordination letters were already sent properly 3 days prior to the scheduled activity. The communication was addressed to the offices of the City mayor, the City Police, the PNP ARMM provincial Command, the Army Special Forces and the Traffic Management Command but still the peace caravan was rejected.

The police barricades for a peaceful activity and assembly is a wanton violation and  curtailment of basic rights of the people to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly as enshrined in the constitution, said Prof. Ahmad Al-Amin, an organizer representing the Autonomous Muslim Chamber of Commerce in Basilan.

However, the motorcade and simple program upon the facilitation and kind assistance from the PNP ARMM Provincial Command, decided to re-route its passage to the BDA office at Geras Village within the outskirts of Isabela instead of travelling around city proper to avoid unnecessary confrontation with the city police. A short program and Thanksgiving (DUWAA SALAMAT) where successfully held at the BDA Function Hall.

Aleem Kaiser A. Totoh, an spiritual adviser of the group gave a word of wisdom prior to the closing prayer (duwa-a), where he advised the participants to be patient and persevere for the Almighty Allah is the exalter and a master of all judgement of his owned creatures. He narrated the challenges and sad experiences of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) when he tried to enter Makkah Al Mukarrama from Madina during his propagation period.  He likewise extended thanks and appreciation to the participants and the PNP ARMM provincial Command through Chief Inspector Bartolome for their efforts in providing security to the motorcades.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/907-basilan-police-stops-caravan-for-gph-–-milf-bangsamoro-peace-deal

The passion of a soldier

From the Sun Star-Davao (Apr 4): The passion of a soldier

TO MAKE a positive impact on others is an achievement that one could not attain without enthusiasm, determination, and concern –– it’s living the purpose-driven life.

This is how Captain Ernest Dominguez Carolina, officer of the Public Affairs of the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division (ID), defined his achievement in his 12 years of service.

For Carolina, serving the public will always be on top of his priorities aside from his loved ones. To contribute for the common good is a dream come true, he said.

“[As a member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines] to create something for the benefit of the greater number of people would mean so much for me. The ties I have built with other people… masasabi ko talagang walang katumbas,” Carolina said.

Being a soldier is not an easy life, yet he never entertained thoughts of quitting. The passion to serve is there, and that is what keeps him going.

Born on March 1, 1983 in Metro Manila, Carolina completed his Bachelor of Science in Management degree from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in 2006 with commendations.

After he graduated from PMA, he was assigned as one of the platoon leaders of the Philippine Army’s 25th Infantry Battalion in Monkayo, Compostela Valley from 2006-2010.

From 2010–2012, Carolina served as company commander of the same battalion in Montevista. He was also designated as an officer of Civil Military Operation of 25th Infantry Battalion in Compostela town for one year.

It was in 2013 when Carolina was assigned to the Public Affairs of the 10th Infantry Division.

“I stand by my principle as a person. For me, it is very important to generate good attitude and good heart as much as possible, because it’s through goodness and pure heart that we would able to attain harmony within ourselves and with others,” Carolina said.

Despite his hectic schedule, Carolina said he still finds time to communicate and bond with his loved ones. Despite work load, he makes it a point to manage his time well.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/feature/2014/04/04/passion-soldier-336651

AFP: Normal monitoring, no new standoff at Ayungin Shoal

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 5): AFP: Normal monitoring, no new standoff at Ayungin Shoal

The military on Friday denied a supposed standoff between the Filipino garrison on the BRP Sierra Madre and Chinese coast guards at the disputed Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) off Palawan province on Thursday night.

“It is not true. Things are normal there now,” said Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, public affairs chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Zagala said at least two Chinese Coast Guard vessels were sighted in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal on Thursday night.

Twitter abuzz

Chinese Coast Guard vessels in the area number between two to four at any given time, but at times increase to seven.

“It appeared to be their normal routine monitoring,” Zagala said.

He added that the AFP Western Command and the Naval Forces West, in charge of the country’s territorial defense, “are both on white alert, which means everything is normal.”

Twitter was abuzz on Thursday night about the alleged standoff at the shoal, but the posts did not give details about the incident.

The government grounded the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal in 1999 to mark Philippine territory in the West Philippine Sea after China seized the nearby Mischief Reef (Panganiban Reef) four years earlier.

Territorial dispute

The Philippines and China are locked in a territorial dispute over Ayungin Shoal, a rich fishing ground with atolls and reefs believed to be sitting atop vast oil and gas reserves.

While Ayungin Shoal is 200 kilometers from Palawan, and 1,100 kilometers from the nearest Chinese landmass, China insists that it is part of its territory.

China claims 90 percent of the 3.5-million-square-kilometer South China Sea, including waters close to the shores of its neighbors.  http://globalnation.inquirer.net/101680/afp-normal-monitoring-no-new-standoff-at-ayungin-shoal

BIFF leaders invited in Maguindanao's peace banquet

From the Philippine Star (Apr 5): BIFF leaders invited in Maguindanao's peace banquet

The guns of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have been silent since February, something the military and local officials want to continue to forestall conflicts while efforts to establish the Bangsamoro political entity are underway.

Despite the fragile peace in towns where the BIFF operates, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, which has jurisdiction over flashpoint areas in Central Mindanao, remain on heightened alert, anticipating possible attacks amid the continuing public euphoria over the March 27 signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB).

The CAB, the final peace deal between the government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), aims to establish an MILF-led Bangsamoro political entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao(ARMM) before the 2016 ARMM elections.

The spokesman of BIFF, Abu Misry Mama, told reporters that their silence does not mean they have recognized and accepted the on-going GPH-MILF peace overture.

He said the BIFF remains firm in its rejection of the peace efforts, which only aims to grant self governance to Muslims in Mindanao under the international right-to-self-determination (RSD) doctrine.

Mama said they will continue to fight for Moro independence even after the GPH and MILF panels have bilaterally established the Bangsamoro political entity under Philippine sovereignty.

Ramil Dilangalen, appointed deputy governor of Maguindanao, said BIFF leaders have been invited to the provincial government’s April 6 “Peace-tahan kanduli” which local executives, representatives from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and members of the GPH and MILF panels are to attend.

He said the purpose of the kanduli, which means thanksgiving banquet in the Maguindanaon vernacular, is to celebrate the signing of the CAB last month.

Dilangalen has clarified, however, that their invitation to the BIFF does not mean that the provincial government condones the group.

“Whenever we reach out to the group for its leaders to feel that we want peace through diplomatic initiatives, we are not condoning them, but merely protecting the tens and thousands of Maguindanao residents from getting trapped in conflicts. It’s the interest of innocent hapless non-Moro combatants that we are condoning and protecting,” Dilangalen said.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles has confirmed her attendance to the kanduli, to be held in Buluan town in the second district of the province.

Deles will lead, along with Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, the provincial government’s distribution of farm animals, including water buffaloes and ducklings, and oil palm and rubber tree seedlings to thousands of Moro farmers during the day-long event.

One of the activities Deles will help launch is the grant of college scholarships to a thousand children of Moro peasants by the provincial government under its Maguindanao Program for Educational Assistance and Community Empowerment, which currently has more than 4,000 beneficiaries.

A big number of the incoming MagPEACE scholars are either children of active MILF guerillas, or are related both by blood and by affinity to members of the BIFF.

Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of 6th ID, said there is nothing wrong with involving the BIFF in the peace kanduli in Buluan and distributing to them farm animals and other agricultural inputs.

Hermoso said there is nothing illegal either with providing scholarship assistance to children of BIFF and MILF members.

“Our civil-military humanitarian thrusts, in fact, do not discriminate any group. We must all bear in mind that peace-building in Mindanao must not be an exclusive initiative. It must be inclusive and should involve all sectors, regardless of revolutionary ideals and identities and regardless of sectarian statures,” Hermoso said.

The 6th ID, Hermoso said, will reiterate during the kanduli the appeal of its commander, Major Gen. Romel Gapuz, for the BIFF’s chieftain, Amiril Ombra Kato, to avail himself of free treatment for his hypertension, which had caused his paralysis, at the Camp Siongco Hospital.

The offer was first made by the now retired Lt. Gen. Rey Ardo when he was still 6th ID commander, after Kato, a Saudi-trained cleric, suffered a stroke after a long walk in the BIFF’s lair at the tri-boundary of Maguindanao’s adjoining Talayan, Datu Saudi and South Upi towns.

Hermoso said the 6th ID is elated with the fragile peace now in supposedly hostile areas where BIFF members reside.

“Credit would have to go first and foremost to the provincial government of Maguindanao, the joint GPH and MILF ceasefire committee, and all other foreign and local groups supporting the implementation of the GPH-MILF ceasefire in Maguindanao and surrounding provinces,” Hermoso said.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/04/05/1309199/biff-leaders-invited-maguindanaos-peace-banquet

CHR: Army-NPA clash legitimate

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 5): CHR: Army-NPA clash legitimate

Commission on Human Rights investigator Jesus Cañete yesterday said the encounter between the Army and members of the New People's Army in Pamplona town Thursday was legitimate.

He said the troops of the 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion observed and exercised due consideration and safety to all civilians in the house where five armed NPA members were staying in Sitio Makasakasa, Barangay Balayong, Pamplona.

The 79 th IB was informed of the presence of the armed men and troops were sent to the sitio to negotiate for their surrender, but the rebels reportedly fired at them. A firefight ensued that resulted in the death of two NPA members, and the capture of another who was injured.

The two remaining combatants were able to evade arrest, but are believed to be wounded due to the presence of bloodstains in the encounter site, the military said.

Military reports had earlier identified those slain only as “Ka Andoy” and “Ka Jury”, and the injured as Jessie Dacaldacal, squad leader of the NPAs operating in Sta. Catalina and the boundaries of Pamplona, Negros Oriental. He was given first-aid treatment by the operating troops and then brought to a hospital in Dumaguete, the military added.

Cañete said he went to the site after the firefight, and secured the house and its premise against the possible contamination of evidence.

Recovered at the encounter site were four armalite rifles with grenade launchers, one armalite rifle with an attached M203 tube, subversive documents with high intelligence value, and personal belongings.

The items were presented at a press conference yesterday at the Capitol in Dumaguate City, with officials of the 79 th and 302 nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Brgy. 4, Siaton town in Negros Oriental.
Provincial Administrator Richard Enojo commended the soldiers for their relentless campaign against insurgency in the province.

Lt. Col. Harold Anthony Pascua, acting commanding officer of the 79 th IB, said in a statement that the situation in Pamplona is already peaceful. “The peace and order in Balayong and adjacent barangays is back to normal. Our troops are still in the area to secure the community against the fleeing rebels,” he added.

Major General Aurelio Baladad, commander of the 3 rd Infantry Division, said, “We condole and extend our deepest sympathy to the families of the slain NPA members. It was tragic that they have taken arms against the peace-loving people of Negros despite being given the chance to lay down their arms peacefully. There is another way to push their cause but not through violence.”

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/April/05/negor2.htm