Army’s 1st Infantry Division celebrates 78th founding anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5): Army’s 1st Infantry Division celebrates 78th founding anniversary

The Army’s 1st Infantry Division has lined up a series of activities to commemorate its 78th founding anniversary.

1st Infantry Division Public Affairs Officer Capt. Jefferson Mamauag however said the celebration will kick off on Wednesday, May 7, instead of Monday, May 5, since they are pre-occupied with other important undertakings of the command.

Mamauag said the celebration will kick off with the anniversary parade to be followed by a program at 10 a.m. Wednesday to be held at the Tabak Grandstand at Kuta Major Cesar Sang-an in Pulacan in the nearby town of Labangan.

An Anniversary Night is scheduled in the evening of May 7 at the command’s old parade ground.

Mamauag said they will also conduct the Squad Challenge that will kick off at 5 a.m. Thursday signalling that start of the month-long activities of the command’s anniversary.

Mamauag said the participants of the Squad Challenge are from different battalions under 1st Infantry Division.

He said the competition is aimed at testing the participants’ individual and collective competence as a squad and promote teamwork, leadership and cohesion.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=640541

Solcom welcomes new rebel returnee

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5): Solcom welcomes new rebel returnee

CAMP GUILLERMO NAKAR, Lucena City -– The Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) here welcomed another communist rebel who decided to abandon the outlawed and armed struggle and surrendered to government authorities.

In a report released Monday to the PNA here, Solcom commander Lt. Gen. Caesar Ronnie F. Ordoyo named the New People’s Army member as Dennis Callao also known as "Rolex", a prominent leader in the underground movement.

Lt. Gen. Ordoyo said Callao is a former Squad Leader of Komiteng Probinsya (KOMPROB) of Albay.

He divulged that the rebel voluntarily surrendered without firearms to the Bayanihan Team of the 2nd Infantry Battalion last week at Sitio Gayong, Barangay Sto. Niño, Bacon District in Sorsogon.

Ordoyo explained that under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), the rebel returnee is entitled to receive Php50,000 as livelihood assistance and Php15,000 for immediate assistance.

Lt. Ordoyo expressed the increasing number of surrenderees only manifests the general sentiments of the rebels who now prefer safe and peaceful community and living normal lives.

“The continuing surrender of the rebels illustrates their organization has gradually disintegrated and has weakened the communist movement due to the members’ aspirations to live in peace and reject violence,” Lt. Gen. Ordoyo remarked.

He sounded his call on the dissidents and rebel groups to return to the government’s fold, lead peaceful lives and support the country’s growth and development efforts.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=640701

Sultan Kudarat mayor survives assassination attempt

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5): Sultan Kudarat mayor survives assassination attempt

A town mayor in Sultan Kudarat province survived an assassination attempt using improvised explosive device Monday in Lebak town, officials said.

Supt. Rex dela Rosa, Sultan Kudarat police provincial director, said Mayor Dionisio Besana of Lebak had just arrived at the town hall with his police escorts when an improvised explosive device fashioned from 81 mm mortar attached to a parked motorcycle went off.

He identified the wounded escort as a certain PO1 Bansuela.

Dela Rosa said the mayor is now safe and recuperating at a private hospital in Poblacion Salaman, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.

Police backed by Philippine Marines are now conducting pursuit operations against the perpetrators.

The Lebak PNP has been placed on heightened alert following the incident.

Investigation on the ownership of the motorcycle was on going with the Land Transportation Office.

No one has claimed responsibility.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=640648

Korean Army completes repair of 28 public structures in Leyte towns

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5): Korean Army completes repair of 28 public structures in Leyte towns

The Korea Armed Forces Joint Support Group (Araw Force) has already completed the repair and rehabilitation of 28 public structures from three Leyte towns since they kicked off with their humanitarian support in December last year.

The structures include 17 elementary schools, two hospitals, nine other government facilities like police stations, fire stations, courthouses and offices of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABCs).

Repair of nine other projects are ongoing while they target to work on 57 more projects until the end of their stay in December this year.

The repair and rehab of these government facilities is jointly done with the Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army.

The accomplishment was presented by the military contingent of Korea during the recent visit of the commanding officer of Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Jet B. Velarmino to the former’s base at Candahug, Palo in Leyte.

Aside from repair, they also conducted fumigation at 235 barangays, treated 11,168 medical and 1,686 dental patients at the towns of Palo, Tanauan, Tolosa and Dulag, all of Leyte province.

In addition, the ROK contingent effected the removal of 16,600 tons of debris from the thoroughfares of the towns of Palo, Tanauan, Tolosa and Dulag and conducted 637 sorties delivering 9,310,000 liters of potable water in various communities in the said towns.

The ROK contingent also initiated a vocational training seminar for heavy equipment operation and Korean language classes in coordination with the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) where they catered to interested civilians and military personnel.

The first batch of trainees will graduate on Friday while the next batch will open on Monday.

The military contingent was sent by the South Korean government to the Philippines to help rebuild Eastern Visayas communities that suffered from the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda.

They arrived in the region last December 28 and since then they started helping three towns in the province of Leyte in the rebuilding and rehabilitation effort of public structures.

They are working in Tanauan, Tolosa and Palo, but they also extended assistance to residents in the towns of Carigara and Dagami whom they learned to be members of Filipino Army contingents sent to South Korea during the Korean War.

“I would like to express gratitude in behalf of the people of Eastern Visayas for the repairs, rehabilitations and reconstruction efforts that greatly uplifted the well-being of the communities affected by the super typhoon," he added.

He also expressed his condolences for the deaths of hundreds of South Korean students due to a cruise ship tragedy that happened in April.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=640508

Abu Sayyaf bandit involved in 2002 kidnapping nabbed in Zamboanga City

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5): Abu Sayyaf bandit involved in 2002 kidnapping nabbed in Zamboanga City

Combined police and military operatives arrested an alleged Abu Sayyaf bandit involved in the kidnapping of six members of the Jehovah’s Witness in 2002 in the province of Sulu, an official announced Monday.

Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) Spokesman Senior Insp. Joseph Ortega has identified the arrested Abu Sayyaf bandit as a certain Abu Ondil.

Ortega said Ondil was arrested around 5:00 p.m. Sunday along the highway in front of Acapulco Beach Resort in Barangay Sinunuc, west of this city.

Ortega said that Ondil was involved in the kidnapping of six members--two males and four females-- of the Jehovah’s Witness in August of 2002 in Sulu.

The victims were on a door-to-door sale of cosmetic products in the municipality of Patikul at that time when they were seized by the Abu Sayyaf bandits.

The bandits beheaded the male victims a day after they were seized while the other four were released several months later.

Ortega said that Ondil has standing warrants of arrest for six counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention issued by a Pasig City Court.

He said the suspect was taken to the Regional Intelligence Unit-9 at Camp Batalla, in this city for documentation and proper disposition.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=640690

Army conducting blocking operations vs. rebels that held hostage civilians in Compostela Valley

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4): Army conducting blocking operations vs. rebels that held hostage civilians in Compostela Valley

Troopers from the Army's 66th Infantry Battalion on Sunday conducted blocking operations against the New People's Army (NPA) bandits that held hostage several civilians in Sitios Tabon and Dasuran, Barangay Panamin, Mabini town, Compostela Valley since Saturday morning.

Capt. Ernest Carolina, 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, the unit supervising the operations of the 66th Infantry Battalion, said that 26 out of the 39 hostages were freed by the rebels around 4 am. Sunday.

These individuals were made captives by the NPAs around 10:20 a.m. Saturday.

The hostages include Mahayahay barangay chair Juanito Torcende.

Rebels from the NPA's "Front 2" and "PBC 6" were reportedly behind this act.

Carolina said that 10 of the freed hostages are now undergoing debriefing.

As of this posting, 66th Infantry Battalion troopers are still conducting cordoning operations to prevent the rebels from escaping.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=640454

PHL-US 'Balikatan 2014' Exercise formally opens with focus on relief efforts, maritime security

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5): PHL-US 'Balikatan 2014' Exercise formally opens with focus on relief efforts, maritime security

The "Balikatan 2014" Exercise between the Philippine and United States troops officially opened on Monday morning, focused mostly on humanitarian civic assistance (HCA), humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) and maritime security.

The opening ceremonies took place at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Commissioned Officers' Clubhouse in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City at around 8:30 a.m.

Among those in attendance were Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista, Philippine exercise director Major Gen. Emeraldo Magnaye and U.S. exercise director Lt. Gen. Terry Robling of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Lt. (SG) Annaleah Cazcarro, Combined-Joint Information Bureau co-director, said "Balikatan 2014" is the 30th iteration of the annual military maneuvers.

"This year’s exercise will focus on HCA, HADR and maritime security," she added.

"Balikatan" is an annual bilateral combined exercise initiated by the governments of the Philippines and the United States.

For this year, it is scheduled in the Philippines from May 5 to 16.

Cazcarro said the staff planning exercises are scheduled in Camp Aguinaldo and in Western Command in Puerto Princesa City, while the field training exercises will be conducted in military camps in Luzon, Clark Field, Crow Valley and Fort Magsaysay.

"'Balikatan' 2014 is structured to further develop the AFP in crisis-action planning, enhancing its ability to effectively conduct counter-terrorism operations, and promote interoperability with the U.S. Armed Forces," she added.

The annual exercise is consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the U.S. which aim is to continue both countries’ commitment to train, share information and provide support to each other.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=640542

'2014 Balikatan' comes at a unique time for PHL-US defense relations --DND chief

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5): '2014 Balikatan' comes at a unique time for PHL-US defense relations --DND chief

With the formal opening of the "2014 Balikatan Exercise" on Monday, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said that the holding of the annual military maneuvers came at a unique time for United States and Philippines defense relations as both nations are slated to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the world-famous Leyte Landing this coming Oct. 20.

"This year’s 'Balikatan' comes at the unique context in our bilateral defense relations, for one, 2014 marks the 70th anniversary of the Leyte Landing which has since become a symbol of the deep friendship between the Filipino and the American people," the DND chief said during the opening ceremonies held at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

American and other Allied forces landed in Leyte on Oct. 20, 1944. This marked the initial efforts of the U.S. to liberate the Philippines from Japanese conquest. The liberation forces were commanded by Gen. Douglas MacArthur.

During the naval phase of the Leyte Landing, a huge portion of the Imperial Japanese Navy and Air Force was destroyed, aside from gaining a beachhead for ground forces.

"As allies, Filipinos and Americans worked together to free the Philippines from the occupation by a foreign aggressor. Amazingly, 70 years later in 2013, the same spirit working together was manifested when super typhoon 'Yolanda' struck Leyte and our American friends were among the first to extend assistance to the place where then President Sergio Osmena and General MacArthur landed in 1944, being part of Palo, Leyte, one of the areas devastated by the super typhoon," Gazmin added.

"(And) another, this year’s 'Balikatan' exercises are being held after we, as, allies have just forged the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement which, as the title itself suggests, is meant to further deepen our defense cooperation. We, as allies, both recognized that the agreement would serve as enabler, making it more efficient and effective for us to conduct combined training exercises. With the agreement facilitating the construction of necessary infrastructures and making needed equipment already pre-positioned, readily available, it would now be more expedient for us to undertake exercises such as this balikatan exercise and perhaps needed combined contingency operations if necessary, although the agreement has just been signed," the DND chief pointed out.

Gazmin added that the results of this year's exercise would surely be felt in the years to come, stressing that this series of "Balikatan" exercises "is a manifestation of our alliance as evolved and managed to adjust to the changing strategic context, at a time when other security concerns such as dealing with natural disasters and other so-called non-traditional security challenges emerge as key challenges to our respective nations."

"We exercise to deal with these security concerns. Today as maritime security and maritime domain awareness have become primary considerations, I am sure that this 'Balikatan' exercises will, while building on the positive results of previous exercises, would likewise zero in towards enhancing our combined capacity to undertake humanitarian assistance and disaster response as well as to deal with maritime security and improve our maritime domain awareness," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=640592

PHL-US military alliance boosted by 'Balikatan' --AFP chief

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5): PHL-US military alliance boosted by 'Balikatan' --AFP chief

The military alliance between the Philippines and the United States has been greatly strengthened due to the bilateral exercise called "Balikatan" -- a Filipino word meaning shoulder-to-shoulder.

This year's "Balikatan" exercise is the 30th iteration of the annual military maneuver slated from May 5 to 16.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista officially declared the Philippines-United States "Balikatan" Exercise 2014 open during ceremonies held Monday morning at the AFP Commissioned Officers' Clubhouse in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

In his speech, Bautista noted that for over 60 years, the Philippines and the U.S. have stood shoulder-to- shoulder in commitment to peace, security, stability, and development.

"The 'Balikatan' Exercise is a clear affirmation of this. Through the 'Balikatan', Philippine and U.S. troops have learned from each other to improve interoperability, advance peace and security in the Asia-Pacific, and ensure that amidst evolving security challenges in an increasingly dynamic world, this alliance can be relied on," Bautista stressed.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario said that, "With the launch of the 'Balikatan' Exercise today, its 30th reiteration, we have once again showed the world the strength and continued relevance of our alliance, and its ability to confront new challenges."

He also mentioned in his speech that the United States has always been a key partner of the Philippines in building the country's defense capabilities.

Del Rosario likewise stressed the significant role of both the Filipino and American troops in the conduct of disaster response operations following super typhoon "Yolanda" in November last year.

This year's exercise will focus on maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and humanitarian civic assistance.

Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri, Philippine Army commander, who was also present during the opening ceremonies, reiterated that this year's Combined Army Forces (CARFOR) events will be held in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija to be participated in by combined Philippine Army and U.S. Army forces.

The 20th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army will be the biggest contingent of the PA forces and they will be participating in the Battalion Staff Exercises, combat life support training, and Battalion Field training exercises with their U.S. counterparts.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=640579

3 hostages in Compostela Valley freed

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5): 3 hostages in Compostela Valley freed

Three persons, held hostage by the New People's Army (NPA) in Compostela Valley, were freed by the rebels Monday.

This was disclosed to the Philippines News Agency by Capt. Ernest Carolina, 10th Infantry Division spokesman.

The three hostages that have been released were from Barangay Mahayahay, he said.

Carolina, however, said they are still looking into reports that the NPAs still have with them four hostages, all of them children, which they took from the nearby mining area.

Two of the captives are three-year-olds while the other is a one-year-old, and the last one is a four-week old infant.

Last Saturday, rebel forces took hostage around 39 residents from Sitios Tabon and Dasuran, Barangay Panamin and Barangay Mahayahay, Mabini town, Compostela Valley

Rebels from the NPA's "Front 2" and "PBC 6" were reportedly behind this act.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=640644

'Balikatan' a good example of working relationship between two nations -- Goldberg

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5): 'Balikatan' a good example of working relationship between two nations -- Goldberg

As Filipino and American forces formally commenced "Balikatan 2014" this Monday, US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg said that the annual military exercise is a fine example of a working relationship between two nations.

"This year's exercise is a good example of what the relationship can be, defined by shared interests, shared ties, and shared goals, shoulder-to-shoulder we stand together, ready to defend (if) necessary and assist when needed," he said.

Goldberg stated that "Balikatan" is an offshoot of the long standing relations between the US and Philippine militaries, a partnership that has greatly contributed to regional security and stability.

"This is an important time for both our countries when it comes to national security. as most of you know I was on the stage last week with (Defense) Secretary (Voltaire) Gazmin signing the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. The EDCA will help the US-Philippines alliance continue to promote the peace and stability that has underpinned Asia's remarkable economic growth over the last six decades. The EDCA updates and strengthen US-Philippines defense cooperation to meet 21st century challenges and will facilitate the enhanced rotational presence of US forces, facilitate humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the Philippines and the region, to improve opportunities for bilateral training and support the long term modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as it works to establish a minimum credible defense, Exercise 'Balikatan' is a prime example of the benefits that mutual security cooperation can bring to both our countries, by strengthen our armed forces, improving communities and developing relationships," the US Ambassador stressed.

Goldberg added that Americans and Filipinos need to look no further as this was exemplified by US rescue efforts during the aftermath of super typhoon "Yolanda" last Nov. 8.

"We need look no further than the response to Typhoon 'Yolanda' which made landfall six months ago today to see the immeasurable value of those relationship. by the end of the initial relief efforts after 'Yolanda' in November the US military coordinated over USD 31 million worth of assistance and working shoulder-to-shoulder with their Philippine counterparts, help evacuate over 21,000 people and move over 2,000 tons of supplies from government and civilian relief organizations into the affected areas," he pointed out.

"Operation 'Damayan' was proof of the American commitment to close friends and neighbors in the Philippines in times of need, the successful response to Typhoon 'Yolanda' began with exercises like this one, regular bilateral training and operations develop strong bonds and effective teamwork which enable rapid and effective action in times of crisis, so remember while this maybe an exercise the skills you practice here have real world implications for the safety and security not just of the Philippines but the entire region," Goldberg concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=640649

Draft of Bangsamoro Basic Law now with Presidential Legal Counsel, says Palace official

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5): Draft of Bangsamoro Basic Law now with Presidential Legal Counsel, says Palace official

The draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law is with the Office of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, which is reviewing it before presenting it to President Benigno S. Aquino III, said Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. on Monday.

“The draft Bangsamoro Basic Law prepared by the Bangsamoro Transition Committee is currently being reviewed by the legal team of the Office of the President and by the Office of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel to determine propriety for inclusion in the legislative agenda of the President,” Coloma said during a press briefing.

“This review ensures meticulous and circumspect evaluation that each provision of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law conforms to the Constitution and the signed agreements,” he added.

He said there is a sense of urgency for the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to be enacted into a law and submitting it to the House of Representatives is paramount.

“Binanggit na rin ito ng Pangulo na matatapos iyong pagsasabatas nito sa loob nitong taong ito para maidaos din iyong plebisito for referendum sa unang bahagi ng 2015, dahil kinakailangang magkaroon din ng transition na kapag naganap na ang pag-ratipika nito, magkakaroon ng Bangsamoro Transition Commission na papalit sa ARMM (Autonomous Region on Muslim Mindanao) na iphe-phase out for approximately one year of last period leading up to the 2016 elections,” Coloma explained.

Both Houses of Congress resumed sessions on Monday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=640674

PH-US troops begin war games near disputed waters

From Rappler (May 5): PH-US troops begin war games near disputed waters

The exercises, involving 5,500 Filipino and American soldiers, will be held in Palawan and Zambales, among other areas, to demonstrate maritime security cooperation between the two treaty allies

OPENING CEREMONIES: US-PH Balikatan 2014 includes participation of Australian troops

The Philippines and the United States launched on Monday, May 5, the annual Balikatan war games a week after US President Barack Obama vowed "ironclad" commitment to defend the country against external attacks.

The exercises that will run from May 5-16 in military bases near the flashpoints of disputes between Manila and Beijing – Palawan and Zambales provinces – will demonstrate maritime security cooperation between the two treaty allies, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Emmanuel Bautista.

"This year's Balikatan focuses on maritime security and the conduct of exercises will result in a platform of regional engagement and development of military capabilities, advanced inter-operability, capacity joint planning and execution, and demonstrate Philippines and US relationsip in maritime security," said Bautista.

 

[Video: Balikatan 2014 Speech by AFP chief General Emmanuel Bautista
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOyscwldXlM]

Military cooperation with the US, said Bautista, is important in "maintaining stability in Southeast Asia and Asia Pacific."

Balikatan – literally shoulder to shoulder – is a regular training exercise between the two countries. About 3,000 Filipino troops and 2,500 American troops are participating.

“Remember, while this may be an exercise the skills you practice here have real world implications for the safety and security not just of the Philippines but of the entire region," said US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg.

Australian troops numbering less than 100 will participate in the maritime security exercises as mentors, according to Lieutenant Annaleah Cazcarro, co-director of the Combined Joint Information Bureau of the PH-US Balikatan Exercise 2014.

Humanitarian assistance too

Staff planning exercises will be held in the military headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City and the Western Command in Palawan, the province where the disputed Kalayaan Group of Islands (Spratlys) are attached to.

Field training exercises, such as Maritime Surveillance Systems Demonstration, will be held at the Naval Education and Training Command in Zambales, the province where the Panatag Shoal (Scarborough) is also attached to. This is the other flashpoint in the dispute between Manila and Beijing.

Demonstration on air movement, live fire, counter improvised explosives devices, and mass casualty response will be held at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija

A showcase of Philippine Air Force and US Air Power will be held at the Clark Air Base, urban search and rescue field training exercises at Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu City, and combined arms live fire exercise at Crow Valley Range in Tarlac.

Balikatan 2014 will also focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster response. Combined cooperative healthcare engagement will be held in typhoon-devastated Leyte province.

Both camps highlighted the military cooperation in the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), where the US stepped up to assist the Philippines.

EDCA to expand Balikatan

The newly signed Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) brings the cooperation to a "new level." (READ: 3 to 5 PH military bases eyed for US use)

It allows the US troops two new activities outside Balikatan:

preposition of defense equipment

construction and upgrade of military facilities

EDCA, a 10-year agreement, is the result of Philippines' request for US military assistance in the wake of escalating tension with China over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

"With the recent signing of EDCA, we expect greater cooperation interoperability amongst our forces outside the Balikatan scheme," said Major General Emeraldo Magnaye, Balikatan 2014 Philippine Exercise director.

The Philippines and US panels have yet to complete the annexes that will identify the military bases where US troops will be allowed to preposition equipment and construct facilties.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/57224-balikatan-exercises-near-disputed-waters

Army soldier killed, 6 others wounded in fresh NPA ambush in Northern Luzon

From InterAksyon (May 5): Army soldier killed, 6 others wounded in fresh NPA ambush in Northern Luzon

CAMP PRESIDENT QUIRINO, Ilocos Sur -- A government trooper was killed and six others were wounded in a fresh ambush staged by suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Abra last Friday, said a belated report of the Philippine Army reaching here.

The ambush came a day after another NPA ambush where three soldiers were killed and another wounded in Barangay Remedios, Cervantes, Ilocos Sur.

Senior Superintendent Nestor Felix, Ilocos Sur police director, clarified that the latest ambush did not happen in Quirino town of Ilocos Sur as earlier reported but rather in Mount Kingking, Barangay Dilong, Tubo, Abra.

The lone fatality was identified as Private First Class (Pfc) Miguel Lumadi, a member of the Army’s 50th Infantry Battalion and a resident of Cabagan, Isabela.

His companions who were wounded were Corporal Pedrico Miguel; Pfcs. Harold Morareng, Allan Jay Lumas-e, Crisologo Tullao, Hector Salon, and Esmael Orenia.

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Sibayan, commander of the Army’s 50th Infantry Battalion, said the incident happened at about 4 a.m. last Friday.

“Our troops belonging to the Peace and Development Teams of the Army’s 50th Infantry Battalion were on board a KM450 truck while on their way back to their base after attending a meeting with local officials in Abra the day before,” Sibayan said.

He said the soldiers assisted some personnel of other government agencies to coordinate with the local government officials in Abra for the improvement of the Quirino-Bolingon road projects and the repair of the bridge along that road.

“When an undetermined number of NPA remnants fired upon the soldiers who were aboard the KM450 truck, the soldiers returned fire and firefight ensued which lasted until 6 a.m.,” Sibayan narrated.

Reinforcement troops and medical teams proceeded immediately to the place to provide assistance to the soldiers.

The lone fatality soldier and the six wounded troopers were immediately transported to the nearest hospital in Quirino town for medical treatment.
Hot pursuit operations are now being conducted by army soldiers.

Sibayan believed that the NPA remnants also suffered an undetermined number of casualties. He said bloodstains and recovered belongings were found along their escape route.

“This unfortunate incident only shows that the NPAs in the area are out there to impede the local government’s vision of further development for the benefit and the common good of the populace not only in the towns of Cervantes and Quirino but also in the whole province of Ilocos Sur and other surrounding areas,” he added.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/86078/army-soldier-killed-6-others-wounded-in-fresh-npa-ambush-in-northern-luzon

NPA releases 36 gold-rush miners but still keeps 3 in Compostela Valley

From InterAksyon (May 5): NPA releases 36 gold-rush miners but still keeps 3 in Compostela Valley

The New People’s Army (NPA) has released 36 gold-rush miners in two batches since Sunday in Mabini, Compostela Valley, Capt. Alberto Caber, spokesman of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), said Monday.

“Three civilians, all males, remain in the custody of the NPA using them as human shields,” Caber said.

On Sunday, the rebels released the first batch of 26 at around 3 a.m. and the second batch of 10 at around 4 p.m.

The rebels, members of the Front Committee 2 (F2) and Pulang Bagani Command 6 (PBC6), were still holding three captives in Sitio Tabon, Barangay Panamin.

Lt. Col. Michael Logico, commanding officer of the 66th Infantry Battalion, said all the released miners were escorted to their homes in Barangay Mahayahay in Maragusan town.

“All the miners were from Maragusan where they were originally abducted on May 3 at around 10:20 a.m. by the rebels (who) used them as human shields (against) pursuing soldiers,” Logico said.

The NPA has yet to issue an official statement why they held the gold-rush miners.

Earlier, Logico said the military had to stop artillery fires against NPA positions upon learning that the rebels had civilian captives with them.

Local officials were exerting efforts to negotiate with the rebels to release their three remaining captives.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/86079/npa-releases-36-gold-rush-miners-but-still-keeps-3-in-compostela-valley