From the English language edition of the CPP propaganda publication, Ang Bayan (May 7): 9 soldiers killed, 4 wounded in harassment operations in NSamar
At least nine soldiers of the 63rd IB were killed and four troopers wounded in a series of harassment operations by the Rodante Urtal Command of the New People’s Army (RUC-NPA) in Northern Samar on April 9-12.
Two soldiers from the battalion’s Bravo Coy were killed and two others wounded in an NPA sniping operation at around 7 a.m. on April 9 in Barangay Cagmanaba, Mondragon. On the same day, the RUC harassed 63rd IB troops at around 9 p.m. in Barangay Flormina in the same town.
The day after, another soldier was killed and two others wounded when the RUC opened fire at elements of the 63rd IB who were on their way back to their camp in Barangay San Isidro, also in Mondragon town. The troopers had just beaten up a farmer who lived in the village.
On April 10, the enemy sustained an undetermined number of casualties in an NPA harassment operation on the 63rd IB in Barangay McKinley, Catarman. The Red fighters were able to retreat safely even if the enemy used helicopters to pursue them.
On March 21, seven enemy soldiers were killed in a misencounters among elements of the 87th IB after the latter’s troops attacked five Red fighters in Barangay Bulwan, Calbiga, Samar.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140507/9-soldiers-killed-4-wounded-in-harassment-operations-in-nsamar
Saturday, May 10, 2014
CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA arrests soldier protecting illegal logging in Davao del Norte
From the English language edition of the CPP propaganda publication, Ang Bayan (May 7): NPA arrests soldier protecting illegal logging in Davao del Norte
Guerrillas under the Comval-North Davao-South Agusan Subregional Command arrested another AFP element protecting illegal loggers.
Captured on the morning of May 3 in Barangay Floria, Kapalong, Davao del Norte was Cpl. Rogelio Rosales of the 60th IB Bravo Coy. Rosales was then making arrangements for the transfer to logs to a plywood factory when he was arrested. A sachet of shabu was also taken from him.
Rosales is one of a group of soldiers protecting TANGGO, a big logging syndicate operating in Trento, Agusan del Sur; Laak, Compostela Valley; and Kapalong, Davao del Norte. They clandestinely transport the logs along the highway at night and bring them to the TPPMC Cuambugan plywood plant. Diosdado Wamilda, a retired policeman, transacts with the plant, and another business partner, Nonoy Magandam, buys logs from Trento.
The NPA implements the total logging ban policy to protect the remaining forests, campaign for reforestation, put a stop to large-scale logging and secure the masses’ livelihood through sustainable communal farming.
Recently, the NPA confiscated logs in Sitio Patel, Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong and in Barangay Datu Davao and Barangay Balwarte, Laak.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140507/npa-arrests-soldier-protecting-illegal-logging-in-davao-del-norte
Guerrillas under the Comval-North Davao-South Agusan Subregional Command arrested another AFP element protecting illegal loggers.
Captured on the morning of May 3 in Barangay Floria, Kapalong, Davao del Norte was Cpl. Rogelio Rosales of the 60th IB Bravo Coy. Rosales was then making arrangements for the transfer to logs to a plywood factory when he was arrested. A sachet of shabu was also taken from him.
Rosales is one of a group of soldiers protecting TANGGO, a big logging syndicate operating in Trento, Agusan del Sur; Laak, Compostela Valley; and Kapalong, Davao del Norte. They clandestinely transport the logs along the highway at night and bring them to the TPPMC Cuambugan plywood plant. Diosdado Wamilda, a retired policeman, transacts with the plant, and another business partner, Nonoy Magandam, buys logs from Trento.
The NPA implements the total logging ban policy to protect the remaining forests, campaign for reforestation, put a stop to large-scale logging and secure the masses’ livelihood through sustainable communal farming.
Recently, the NPA confiscated logs in Sitio Patel, Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong and in Barangay Datu Davao and Barangay Balwarte, Laak.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140507/npa-arrests-soldier-protecting-illegal-logging-in-davao-del-norte
CPP/Ang Bayan: 10 soldiers killed; 12 wounded in NPA ambuscades in Davao City
From the English language edition of the CPP propaganda publication, Ang Bayan (May 7): 10 soldiers killed; 12 wounded in NPA ambuscades in Davao City
The 10th ID-Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) of the AFP has failed to conceal the rising number of casualties suffered by its troops even as it has intensified its psywar and combat operations in the uplands of Davao.
In the latest battle reports from April 26 to May 1, fascist troops suffered ten dead and 12 wounded, according to Ka Rigoberto Sanchez, spokesperson of the Merardo Arce Command of the NPA-Southern Mindanao Regional Operations Command.
On May 1, at around 8 a.m., NPA Red fighters ambushed a platoon under the 69th IB in Sitio Bintuin, Barangay Fatima, Paquibato District in Davao City. The Philippine Army unit had planned on encircling an NPA team, but failed.
After a 30-minute firefight, two soldiers lay dead and four others were wounded. Another soldier was wounded in an ensuing gunbattle at 3 p.m. that day, also in Barangay Fatima.
Fighting first erupted at 3 p.m. of April 26 when the people’s militia used command-detonated explosives against a truckload of soldiers at Km. 3, Barangay Fatima, wounding two soldiers.
The day after, at around 7 a.m., combined forces of the NPA and people’s militia ambushed a platoon under the 84th IB in Sitio Sled, Barangay Dalagdag, killing five troopers and wounding eight others. The firefight occurred a mere 150 meters from the 84th IB’s patrol base.
The NPA ambushed the 84th IB anew on April 30, at around 7 a.m. in Sitio Sled, with the enemy suffering three dead and six wounded.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140507/10-soldiers-killed-12-wounded-in-npa-ambuscades-in-davao-city
The 10th ID-Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) of the AFP has failed to conceal the rising number of casualties suffered by its troops even as it has intensified its psywar and combat operations in the uplands of Davao.
In the latest battle reports from April 26 to May 1, fascist troops suffered ten dead and 12 wounded, according to Ka Rigoberto Sanchez, spokesperson of the Merardo Arce Command of the NPA-Southern Mindanao Regional Operations Command.
On May 1, at around 8 a.m., NPA Red fighters ambushed a platoon under the 69th IB in Sitio Bintuin, Barangay Fatima, Paquibato District in Davao City. The Philippine Army unit had planned on encircling an NPA team, but failed.
After a 30-minute firefight, two soldiers lay dead and four others were wounded. Another soldier was wounded in an ensuing gunbattle at 3 p.m. that day, also in Barangay Fatima.
Fighting first erupted at 3 p.m. of April 26 when the people’s militia used command-detonated explosives against a truckload of soldiers at Km. 3, Barangay Fatima, wounding two soldiers.
The day after, at around 7 a.m., combined forces of the NPA and people’s militia ambushed a platoon under the 84th IB in Sitio Sled, Barangay Dalagdag, killing five troopers and wounding eight others. The firefight occurred a mere 150 meters from the 84th IB’s patrol base.
The NPA ambushed the 84th IB anew on April 30, at around 7 a.m. in Sitio Sled, with the enemy suffering three dead and six wounded.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140507/10-soldiers-killed-12-wounded-in-npa-ambuscades-in-davao-city
CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA ambushes 50th IB in Ilocos Sur
From the English language edition of the CPP propaganda publication, Ang Bayan (May 7): NPA ambushes 50th IB in Ilocos Sur
Red fighters under the Alfredo Cesar Command (New People’s Army-Ilocos Sur) launched back-to-back ambushes on the 50th IB on May 1 and 2. All in all, seven soldiers were killed and at least eight were wounded in these ambuscades.
Three 50th IB troopers were killed while two others were wounded in an NPA ambush in Barangay Remedios, Cervantes, about a kilometer away from the battalion’s headquarters. The day after, the NPA ambushed military reinforcements in Barangay Malideg, in the adjacent town of Quirino, killing four soldiers and seriously wounding at least six troopers.
According to Ka Armando Silva, spokesperson of the Alfredo Cesar Command, the two victorious ambushes form part of the NPA’s punitive actions to give justice to the countless victims of the 50th IB’s human rights violations. In particular, the battalion was also punished for its all-out defense of the interests of large-scale and destructive mining operations in the Ilocos region, such as those of Lepanto Consolidated Mining.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140507/npa-ambushes-50th-ib-in-ilocos-sur
Red fighters under the Alfredo Cesar Command (New People’s Army-Ilocos Sur) launched back-to-back ambushes on the 50th IB on May 1 and 2. All in all, seven soldiers were killed and at least eight were wounded in these ambuscades.
Three 50th IB troopers were killed while two others were wounded in an NPA ambush in Barangay Remedios, Cervantes, about a kilometer away from the battalion’s headquarters. The day after, the NPA ambushed military reinforcements in Barangay Malideg, in the adjacent town of Quirino, killing four soldiers and seriously wounding at least six troopers.
According to Ka Armando Silva, spokesperson of the Alfredo Cesar Command, the two victorious ambushes form part of the NPA’s punitive actions to give justice to the countless victims of the 50th IB’s human rights violations. In particular, the battalion was also punished for its all-out defense of the interests of large-scale and destructive mining operations in the Ilocos region, such as those of Lepanto Consolidated Mining.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140507/npa-ambushes-50th-ib-in-ilocos-sur
CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA seizes 5 firearms in Agusan del Norte
From the English language edition of the CPP propaganda publication, Ang Bayan (May 7): NPA seizes 5 firearms in Agusan del Norte
Red fighters from the New People’s Army (NPA) Front 21 in Northeast Mindanao Region (NEMR) confiscated five firearms from the foreign-owned Alston Mining Company in Tubay, Agusan del Norte on April 5. National Democratic Front-NEMR spokesperson Ka Maria Malaya said the operation was conducted to punish the company for landgrabbing and environmental destruction.
The arms haul consisted of two cal .45 pistols, two .38 revolvers and a shotgun. Aside from the firearms, the Red guerrillas also seized a laptop and 16 VHF radios. The NPA burned two back hoes, two bulldozers, three dumptrucks, a motorcycle and the company office.
After this, a soldier from the 3rd Special Forces Battalion was killed in a sniping operation launched by members of NPA Front 21 in Sitio Lusong, Barangay Puting Bato, Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte on April 27. After two and a half hours, two other soldiers were wounded in an NPA sniping operation at the Cabadbaran River, in front of Sitio Lusong.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140507/npa-seizes-5-firearms-in-agusan-del-norte
Red fighters from the New People’s Army (NPA) Front 21 in Northeast Mindanao Region (NEMR) confiscated five firearms from the foreign-owned Alston Mining Company in Tubay, Agusan del Norte on April 5. National Democratic Front-NEMR spokesperson Ka Maria Malaya said the operation was conducted to punish the company for landgrabbing and environmental destruction.
The arms haul consisted of two cal .45 pistols, two .38 revolvers and a shotgun. Aside from the firearms, the Red guerrillas also seized a laptop and 16 VHF radios. The NPA burned two back hoes, two bulldozers, three dumptrucks, a motorcycle and the company office.
After this, a soldier from the 3rd Special Forces Battalion was killed in a sniping operation launched by members of NPA Front 21 in Sitio Lusong, Barangay Puting Bato, Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte on April 27. After two and a half hours, two other soldiers were wounded in an NPA sniping operation at the Cabadbaran River, in front of Sitio Lusong.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140507/npa-seizes-5-firearms-in-agusan-del-norte
CPP/NPA-NCMROC: COPD ug mga peke nga surenderee—desperadong pagpanglingla sa AFP
NPA propaganda statement just posted to the CPP Website (May 8): COPD ug mga peke nga surenderee—desperadong pagpanglingla sa AFP
Korean stars, soldiers rebuild facilities in Leyte
From the Philippine Information Agency (May 10): Korean stars, soldiers rebuild facilities in Leyte
MOHON, TANAUAN, Leyte, May 10 (PIA) - The cast of the Korean reality TV show “Real Men” were at Barangay Mohon in Tanauan, Leyte this week to help Korean soldiers rebuild facilities damaged by typhoon “Yolanda.
Imagine the amazement of the barangay residents when they realized that Super Junior M’s Henry Lau, ZE:A’s Hyungsik, actor Kim Soo Ro, singer K.Will, Park Hyung-sik, Park Gun-hyung, Chung Jung-myung, Seo Kyung-suk and Australian Sam Hammington have joined Korea’s Araw Unit which was dispatched to the Philippines starting last December, in restoring facilities in Leyte.
It was learned that the cast and crew arrived in the country last May 5 and immediately flew to Leyte. They will be in the country until Saturday, May 10.
Kelvin Amarille, Barangay Mohon DEvelopment Information Officer, told the Philippine Information Agency that the cast and crew arrived in Barangay Mohon on May 6 where they helped repair the Mohon Elementary School and the covered court in the barangay.
It was gathered that this is the first overseas shoot for “Real Men,” a show where celebrities experience Korean military life. The Korean soldiers and the cast of the Real Men were seen rebuilding the Mohon Elementary School.
The Araw Unit is part of the humanitarian assistance efforts of the government of South Korea. Since December, the team has restored 16 facilities in Leyte including 10 elementary schools, five public facilities and one hospital. They have provided medical treatment to about 1 million residents.
Moreover, Araw Unit has partnered with TESDA for the training on operations of heavy equipment and has conducted Korean language classes.
“For the last 100 days, we planted seeds of hope with our efforts and passion while operating the damage recovery mission. We will do our best to make the Philippines remember Korea and the Araw unit within their hearts long after we leave,” said Col. Lee Cheol-won, the commander of the Araw Unit.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1141399699379
MOHON, TANAUAN, Leyte, May 10 (PIA) - The cast of the Korean reality TV show “Real Men” were at Barangay Mohon in Tanauan, Leyte this week to help Korean soldiers rebuild facilities damaged by typhoon “Yolanda.
Imagine the amazement of the barangay residents when they realized that Super Junior M’s Henry Lau, ZE:A’s Hyungsik, actor Kim Soo Ro, singer K.Will, Park Hyung-sik, Park Gun-hyung, Chung Jung-myung, Seo Kyung-suk and Australian Sam Hammington have joined Korea’s Araw Unit which was dispatched to the Philippines starting last December, in restoring facilities in Leyte.
It was learned that the cast and crew arrived in the country last May 5 and immediately flew to Leyte. They will be in the country until Saturday, May 10.
Kelvin Amarille, Barangay Mohon DEvelopment Information Officer, told the Philippine Information Agency that the cast and crew arrived in Barangay Mohon on May 6 where they helped repair the Mohon Elementary School and the covered court in the barangay.
It was gathered that this is the first overseas shoot for “Real Men,” a show where celebrities experience Korean military life. The Korean soldiers and the cast of the Real Men were seen rebuilding the Mohon Elementary School.
The Araw Unit is part of the humanitarian assistance efforts of the government of South Korea. Since December, the team has restored 16 facilities in Leyte including 10 elementary schools, five public facilities and one hospital. They have provided medical treatment to about 1 million residents.
Moreover, Araw Unit has partnered with TESDA for the training on operations of heavy equipment and has conducted Korean language classes.
“For the last 100 days, we planted seeds of hope with our efforts and passion while operating the damage recovery mission. We will do our best to make the Philippines remember Korea and the Araw unit within their hearts long after we leave,” said Col. Lee Cheol-won, the commander of the Araw Unit.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1141399699379
Army, Impasugong LGU step up “Bayanihan para sa Kapayapaan” cooperation
From the Philippine Information Agency (May 11): Army, Impasugong LGU step up “Bayanihan para sa Kapayapaan” cooperation
IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon -- More than 300 farmers, tribal leaders, youth, women, indigenous people (IPs) and religious groups from different barangays of Impasugong recently gathered at the municipal gymnasium to join the ‘peace assembly’ in an effort to step up cooperation for the town’s peace promotion.
The activity started with the making of ‘peace messages’ and a ‘walk for peace’ around town’s major thoroughfares. It was followed by a concert for peace performed by Rogelio “Waway” Saway and ‘Kadugo’, the famous musical artists of the Talaandig tribe in Bukidnon. The 8IB Band also joined the group onstage.
Mayor Mario T. Okinlay said the event aims to develop channels for peace-building and deal with security threats from outlaws.
“We should give the campaign for peace a higher priority to savour Impasugong’s vast natural abundance. We have a very rich soil and a rich varied cultural life. It has been 45 years since the conflict of beliefs, ideals, and objectives started, which caused problems and loss of lives. It is time for us to unite, work together, and convince our beleaguered brothers in the armed struggle to lay down their arms and join us in our community-based initiatives such as this Peace Assembly,” the mayor said during the ceremony.
Likewise, Lt. Col. Romualdo Raymund B. Landingin, commanding officer of the army’s 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) said the event aims to promote peace and denounce armed struggle and violence as means of solving problems in the community.
“We acknowledge that there remain complex issues on peace and security that need to be addressed. However, a purely military solution is not enough to fully solve them. Efforts to achieve genuine peace must therefore be supported by all,” he said.
IP’s Mandatory Representative Hon. Warlito “Datu Masilsil” Sagubay led the Higaonon tribe leaders in the symbolic releasing of “balloons for peace,” which culminated the event.
Anchored on the theme “Armadong pakikibaka at karahasan, hindi solusyon sa mga problema ng Impasugong (armed struggle and violence, not a solution to problems),” the event is an essential part of the army’s “Bayanihan para sa kapayapaan (working together for peace)” program.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1501399687191
IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon -- More than 300 farmers, tribal leaders, youth, women, indigenous people (IPs) and religious groups from different barangays of Impasugong recently gathered at the municipal gymnasium to join the ‘peace assembly’ in an effort to step up cooperation for the town’s peace promotion.
The activity started with the making of ‘peace messages’ and a ‘walk for peace’ around town’s major thoroughfares. It was followed by a concert for peace performed by Rogelio “Waway” Saway and ‘Kadugo’, the famous musical artists of the Talaandig tribe in Bukidnon. The 8IB Band also joined the group onstage.
Mayor Mario T. Okinlay said the event aims to develop channels for peace-building and deal with security threats from outlaws.
“We should give the campaign for peace a higher priority to savour Impasugong’s vast natural abundance. We have a very rich soil and a rich varied cultural life. It has been 45 years since the conflict of beliefs, ideals, and objectives started, which caused problems and loss of lives. It is time for us to unite, work together, and convince our beleaguered brothers in the armed struggle to lay down their arms and join us in our community-based initiatives such as this Peace Assembly,” the mayor said during the ceremony.
Likewise, Lt. Col. Romualdo Raymund B. Landingin, commanding officer of the army’s 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) said the event aims to promote peace and denounce armed struggle and violence as means of solving problems in the community.
“We acknowledge that there remain complex issues on peace and security that need to be addressed. However, a purely military solution is not enough to fully solve them. Efforts to achieve genuine peace must therefore be supported by all,” he said.
IP’s Mandatory Representative Hon. Warlito “Datu Masilsil” Sagubay led the Higaonon tribe leaders in the symbolic releasing of “balloons for peace,” which culminated the event.
Anchored on the theme “Armadong pakikibaka at karahasan, hindi solusyon sa mga problema ng Impasugong (armed struggle and violence, not a solution to problems),” the event is an essential part of the army’s “Bayanihan para sa kapayapaan (working together for peace)” program.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1501399687191
Bill revokes ‘No Permit No Rally’ policy of government
From the Philippine News Agency (May 10): Bill revokes ‘No Permit No Rally’ policy of government
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=642336
Lawmakers
have moved to thrash out the 'No Permit No Rally' policy of the government by
filing a bill that abolishes Batas Pambansa Blg. 880, which requires people to
secure written permit from authorities before they could peaceably assemble in
a public place.
House
Bill 3668, to be known as 'The Freedom of Expression Act of 2013,' strengthens
the right of the people to free expression, peaceably assemble and petition the
government for redress of grievances, said Bayan Muna Reps. Neri Colmenares and
Carlos Isagani Zarate.
“More
often than not,” Colmenares said, “authorities invoke the ‘No Permit, No Rally’
rule to justify the dispersal of rallies.”
“The
Marcos-period Batas Pambansa Bilang 880 has been the convenient excuse for
state forces to suppress otherwise peaceful demonstrations, effectively
curtailing the basic constitutional rights to assembly, free speech and
petition of government for redress of grievances,” Colmenares added.
Colmenares
said by repealing the “Marcosian relic” law, the bill shall ensure untrammeled
exercise of civil rights.
“Its
underlying premise is basic: the constitutional rights of the people to
peaceably assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances are
essential and vital to the individual and the collective strength and stability
of the nation,” Colmenares said.
Under
the bill, no permit shall be required for any person or persons to organize and
hold a public assembly in a highway, boulevard, avenue, road, street, bridge or
thoroughfare, park, plaza, square and or any open space of public ownership
where people are allowed access.
The
organizers and leaders of the public assembly shall, however, inform and
coordinate with the mayor or local authority regarding the agenda and details
of the said assembly.
They
shall also police their own ranks to prevent non-demonstrators from disrupting
the lawful activities and avert molestation by demonstrators of the people not
participating in the public assembly.
The
bill prohibits law enforcement authorities from interfering with the holding of
a public assembly but mandates them to adequately ensure public safety by
deploying a contingent under the command of a responsible police officer. The
police contingent shall be stationed at least 200 meters away from the area of
the activity.
The
bill also prohibits the dispersal of a public assembly unless such becomes
actually violent.
Zarate
said under the bill, no personal could be punished or held criminally liable
for participating in a public assembly.
“No
leader, organizer or participant shall be arrested during the public assembly
and no tax shall be imposed upon any means or media used and owned by private
individuals for expression as defined herein,” Zarate said.
The
bill slaps violators of the act with seven years of imprisonment and perpetual
disqualification from public office.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=642336
US, Philippine Marines to 'assault hostile beach' Sunday
From the Philippine News Agency (May 10): US, Philippine Marines to 'assault hostile beach' Sunday
BRP Dagupan
City
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=642509
With
"Balikatan 2014" now on its first week, American and Filipino Marines
will "assault a hostile enemy beach" at Ternate, Cavite
Joint
maneuvers will start 8: 30 a.m., said Philippine Navy Civil Military Operations
Group commander Col. Edgard A. Arevalo.
He
added both Marine contingents will be aboard the BRP Dagupan
City
He
said the objective of this exercise is defeat the "enemy" while
attaining the highest state of inter-operability through sharing of technique,
tactics, and procedures (TTPs) that American and Filipino sailors and Marines
practice in their respective armed forces.
The
"landing force" is comprised of Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) Special
Operations Platoon, PMC Force Reconnaissance, and US Marine Corps
Reconnaissance elements on board three of PMC's newly acquired small unit
riverine craft.
PN
Captain Virme Torralba is the commander of the Amphibious Task Force.
"The
capability to conduct amphibious operation -- that of being able to launch a
seaborne force from the ship to the shore -- is a competency unique to the the
Philippine Marine Corps as a type command under the Philippine Navy,"
Arevalo said.
"This
competency of the Philippine Marine Corps is the umbilical cord, so to speak,
that binds it with Philippine Fleet that provides the platforms or the ships
from where the Marines are landed to some hostile beaches to engage the enemies
entrenched inland," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=642509
PA's 3rd Infantry Division to mark 40th anniversary on May 20
From the Philippine News Agency (May 11): PA's 3rd Infantry Division to mark 40th anniversary on May 20
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=642532
The
Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division has announced that it will be
celebrating its 40th anniversary on May 20 at Camp General Macario B. Peralta
Jr. in Jamindan, Capiz with the theme “Dagyaw Para sa Kalinaw” (Working
together for Peace).
The
various activities to be undertaken by the 3ID include the Information Caravan
at Robinsons Place, Iloilo City in the form of outdoor and indoor static
displays of military capabilities such as from heavy to light armaments, squad
organization and functions of personnel and their capabilities, photo booth,
free T-shirt printing booth, recruitment booth, performance of the 3rd Infantry
Marching Band, and combo mini-concert.
Major
Ray Tiongson, 3rd ID spokesperson, said that the activities aim to highlight
the unit's accomplishments, to promote and showcase the different programs,
activities and related projects of the outfit, and to recognize and enhance
cooperation, collaboration and partnership with the stakeholders in “winning
the peace campaign in the region.
“This
is our way of extending our sincerest thanks to all our partners for their
continued collaboration with the Army in advancing the Internal Peace and
Security Plan 'Bayanihan' and their involvement in dealing with the
multi-faceted challenge of security,” 3rd ID commander Major Gen. Aurelio
Baladad said.
As
part of the caravan, there will be dismounted parade of the 3rd Infantry
Division and equipment in the municipalities of Janiuay and Calinog in Iloilo
On
May 14 to 15, the caravan will be welcomed by Mayor Rosemarie Gardose in Tapaz,
Capiz with the 3rd Infantry Division Marching Band performance, static
displays, photo booth, free T-shirt printing booth, recruitment booth and the
3rd Infantry Division combo mini-concert.
The
caravan will also cover the municipalities of Jamindan, Mambusao, Sigma and
Ivisan on May 16. On May 17, Mayor Angel Alan Celino of Roxas
City and Gov. Victor Tanco of Capiz
will welcome the caravan at Capiz Provincial Capitol in Roxas City
On
May 19, the caravan will be at the Robinsons
Place Roxas
City
Meanwhile,
the annual Squad Challenge or the competition between the basic fighting units
of the Army will be on May 17-18 which will be held at Camp Peralta
Baladad
said, “The accomplishment of the unit’s mission lies on the ability of the
squads to carry out their assigned tasks. We have to harness the competencies
of our squads which are our basic fighting unit through these activities. They
should also be fully complemented, properly trained and equipped in order to be
cohesive, effective, and efficient in the performance of their assigned tasks.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=642532
PH-US war games also for counterterrorism, anti-insurgency
From Rappler (May 10): PH-US war games also for counterterrorism, anti-insurgency
The armies of the Philippines and the US train on close quarter battle, long range target shooting, and jungle survival to improve interoperability
INTERNAL THREATS REMAIN: Outside maritime security exercises,Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA, Philippines - The heat was punishing at 35 degrees Celsius and teams of Filipino and American troops were under the sun in Fort Magsaysay shooting targets 500 meters to 2 kilometers away. Little balls of sweat ran down the face of US Army Major Joseph Weinburgh when he joined the media to talk about the war games.
"One of the things we learned is not to take the Pacific weather for granted. We’re based in Hawaii and we’re also a Pacific Island but just the exposure to heat has been the Number One training lesson," said the officer coming from the Hawaii-based 20th Infantry Battalion.
It wasn't normal weather even for the Filipino troops. The province has been registering the highest temperature in the country.
It was the 3rd day of war games and both camps were satisfied with the results. Filipino soldier Sergeant Antonio Seberre said they learned a lot of good tactics especially in avoiding a crossfire or troops accidentally shooting at each other in the field.
"We learned movement techniques to avoid a crossfire. All our movements should be synchronized. It happens in the field, especially when we can't hear each other because of the shooting," he said.
Internal threats remain
Balikatan, which literally means shoulder to shoulder, refers to war games held annually between the Philippines and treaty ally United States. (READ: PH, US troops begin war games near disputed waters)
The exercises in Fort Magsaysay had nothing to do with maritime security, the focus of this year's exercises. It's the concern of the navies. But the armies continue to train because although they have been reduced, internal threats remain, said Captain Mark Anthony Ruelos, spokesperson of the Fort Magsaysay-based 7th Infantry Division. (READ: PH military grappling with insurgency amid China tension)
TheUS
commander of the Joint-Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P)
Colonel Robert McDowell said the situation in Mindanao
has improved greatly.
"The mission that we were helping the Philippine Army do with counterterrorism has greatly improved since the beginning. But we have many people in the southernPhilippines Philippines
and to the people of the Philippines
US cooperation with the Philippines
Culturally similar
"I have been nothing but
impressed with how they performed. Not only with the difficult scenario and
difficult terrain. In terms of tactics and with the heat, they did extremely
well," Weinburgh said.
There was another thing he
realized. "The biggest cultural lesson is how much we’re the same. We
listen to the same music. We generally eat the same food. It’s been an
absolutely positive experience," Weinburgh said.
How the newly-signed Enhanced
Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) will be
implemented remains to be seen. It paves the way for increased presence of US
troops, enables them to preposition defense and disaster equipment in the
country, and allows them to build military facilities
inside bases.
The armies of the Philippines and the US train on close quarter battle, long range target shooting, and jungle survival to improve interoperability
INTERNAL THREATS REMAIN: Outside maritime security exercises,
NUEVA ECIJA, Philippines - The heat was punishing at 35 degrees Celsius and teams of Filipino and American troops were under the sun in Fort Magsaysay shooting targets 500 meters to 2 kilometers away. Little balls of sweat ran down the face of US Army Major Joseph Weinburgh when he joined the media to talk about the war games.
"One of the things we learned is not to take the Pacific weather for granted. We’re based in Hawaii and we’re also a Pacific Island but just the exposure to heat has been the Number One training lesson," said the officer coming from the Hawaii-based 20th Infantry Battalion.
LESSONS: US Army Major Joseph Weinburgh says Pacific weather should not be taken for granted
It was the 3rd day of war games and both camps were satisfied with the results. Filipino soldier Sergeant Antonio Seberre said they learned a lot of good tactics especially in avoiding a crossfire or troops accidentally shooting at each other in the field.
"We learned movement techniques to avoid a crossfire. All our movements should be synchronized. It happens in the field, especially when we can't hear each other because of the shooting," he said.
Internal threats remain
Balikatan, which literally means shoulder to shoulder, refers to war games held annually between the Philippines and treaty ally United States. (READ: PH, US troops begin war games near disputed waters)
The exercises in Fort Magsaysay had nothing to do with maritime security, the focus of this year's exercises. It's the concern of the navies. But the armies continue to train because although they have been reduced, internal threats remain, said Captain Mark Anthony Ruelos, spokesperson of the Fort Magsaysay-based 7th Infantry Division. (READ: PH military grappling with insurgency amid China tension)
INTEROPERABILITY:
The war games aim to improve the interoperability between the 2 militaries
The
"The mission that we were helping the Philippine Army do with counterterrorism has greatly improved since the beginning. But we have many people in the southern
Culturally similar
SHARED CULTURE: US troops don't find it hard to mingle with Filipino troops because of shared interests
The armies in Fort Magsaysay
The Philippine
military is in a transition phase shifting its focus from internal security to
external defense. As the military claims successes in the fight against
communist insurgency and terrorism in the Southern
Philippines , it is working to relegate internal security to the
police.
Cause of PH Army armory fire still a mystery–official
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 10): Cause of PH Army armory fire still a mystery–official
Smoke rises from the remains of a Philippine army munitions depot in Taguig City on May 7. AFP FILE PHOTO
Three days after a fire engulfed the Philippine Army’s armory in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, an official said the cause has remained a mystery.
Lieutenant Colonel Noel Detoyato, Philippine Army spokesman, said that the Bureau of Fire Protection in Taguig handling the investigation was still investigating the cause of the fire, which caused a series of explosions that killed one Army personnel and injured 31 others.
“The Taguig BFP has not submitted anything regarding the cause of the fire,” Detoyato said.
Detoyato said the Philippine Army incurred a total of P19 million in losses based on a report by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion.
Of the P19 million, P3.65 million were from the destroyed building, while the remaining were from 16 rifles, 14 M14s and two M16s, explosive devices, and office equipment.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/601189/cause-of-ph-army-armory-fire-still-a-mystery-official
Smoke rises from the remains of a Philippine army munitions depot in Taguig City on May 7. AFP FILE PHOTO
Three days after a fire engulfed the Philippine Army’s armory in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, an official said the cause has remained a mystery.
Lieutenant Colonel Noel Detoyato, Philippine Army spokesman, said that the Bureau of Fire Protection in Taguig handling the investigation was still investigating the cause of the fire, which caused a series of explosions that killed one Army personnel and injured 31 others.
“The Taguig BFP has not submitted anything regarding the cause of the fire,” Detoyato said.
Detoyato said the Philippine Army incurred a total of P19 million in losses based on a report by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion.
Of the P19 million, P3.65 million were from the destroyed building, while the remaining were from 16 rifles, 14 M14s and two M16s, explosive devices, and office equipment.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/601189/cause-of-ph-army-armory-fire-still-a-mystery-official
US regiment ‘honored’ to stand shoulder to shoulder once again with Filipino troops
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 10): US regiment ‘honored’ to stand shoulder to shoulder once again with Filipino troops
FORT MAGSAYSAY, Philippines – For Lieutenant Colonel Dave Zinn, commander of the 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment of the US Army, “Balikatan” (shoulder-to-shoulder) is more than the military exercises staged annually between US and Philippine forces.
Zinn said as far as the 4th Cavalry was concerned, there was a “strong partnership and friendship” that dated back to “70 years ago when his regiment fought shoulder to shoulder with Filipinos in liberating Luzon from the Japanese”.
“It is an honor and privilege to be here as the 4th Cavalry,” Zinn said here Saturday, the second day of the military exercises.
THE VIEW FROM CHINA. US Marines storm a beach along the West Philippine Sea on Friday but only to simulate an amphibious landing during joint US-Philippines military exercises dubbed Balikatan 2014 at San Antonio, Zambales. This year’s war games focus on maritime security. The exercise came even as tensions simmer between the Philippines and China over rival claims to territory in the West Philippine Sea, part of the South China Sea within Manila’s 370-km exclusive economic zone. MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
He recalled a story wherein his predecessors worked 30 miles behind Japanese lines plucking out Filipino and American troops during World War II and working together with locals to hide the rescued soldiers from the Japanese.
“Americans always remember,” he said.
Zinn said with three decades of friendship between the two countries, the Balikatan has become a “cornerstone” of the alliance.
Zinn said he told his soldiers to teach their local counterparts what they knew and to learn from them whom he describes as “a force hardened by combat”.
“I told my soldiers to focus on our Philippine Army partners and teach them how we operate,” Zinn said Saturday at Fort Magsaysay. “They are a force hardened by combat and they should also learn from them.”
Colonel Rodolfo Lavadia and Lieutenant Colonel Dave Zinn RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net
Colonel Rodolfo Lavadia, Combined Army Forces Commander of the Philippine Army, said that the Balikatan was meant to focus more on the field exercises of the troops involved.
Zinn added that, even though the main focus of Balikatan 2014 was on maritime security, the exercises have a broad spectrum that involves all branches of the military, Army, Navy, and Air Force.
“Strengthening of the Army involves all,” Zinn said.
He also downplayed the issues of the dispute with China and the parameters of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca).
“This is not related to anything happening right now, not related to what will happen in the South China Sea [West Philippine Sea],” said Lavadia.
Room for fun
Zinn added that even if the Balikatan was a series of military exercises, there’s always a room to put in some fun.
“This morning we had a fun run, it was great the troops were happy and we had fun,” the commander of the American troops said.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/104061/us-regiment-honored-to-stand-shoulder-to-shoulder-once-again-with-filipino-troops
FORT MAGSAYSAY, Philippines – For Lieutenant Colonel Dave Zinn, commander of the 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment of the US Army, “Balikatan” (shoulder-to-shoulder) is more than the military exercises staged annually between US and Philippine forces.
Zinn said as far as the 4th Cavalry was concerned, there was a “strong partnership and friendship” that dated back to “70 years ago when his regiment fought shoulder to shoulder with Filipinos in liberating Luzon from the Japanese”.
“It is an honor and privilege to be here as the 4th Cavalry,” Zinn said here Saturday, the second day of the military exercises.
THE VIEW FROM CHINA. US Marines storm a beach along the West Philippine Sea on Friday but only to simulate an amphibious landing during joint US-Philippines military exercises dubbed Balikatan 2014 at San Antonio, Zambales. This year’s war games focus on maritime security. The exercise came even as tensions simmer between the Philippines and China over rival claims to territory in the West Philippine Sea, part of the South China Sea within Manila’s 370-km exclusive economic zone. MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
He recalled a story wherein his predecessors worked 30 miles behind Japanese lines plucking out Filipino and American troops during World War II and working together with locals to hide the rescued soldiers from the Japanese.
“Americans always remember,” he said.
Zinn said with three decades of friendship between the two countries, the Balikatan has become a “cornerstone” of the alliance.
Zinn said he told his soldiers to teach their local counterparts what they knew and to learn from them whom he describes as “a force hardened by combat”.
“I told my soldiers to focus on our Philippine Army partners and teach them how we operate,” Zinn said Saturday at Fort Magsaysay. “They are a force hardened by combat and they should also learn from them.”
Colonel Rodolfo Lavadia and Lieutenant Colonel Dave Zinn RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net
Colonel Rodolfo Lavadia, Combined Army Forces Commander of the Philippine Army, said that the Balikatan was meant to focus more on the field exercises of the troops involved.
Zinn added that, even though the main focus of Balikatan 2014 was on maritime security, the exercises have a broad spectrum that involves all branches of the military, Army, Navy, and Air Force.
“Strengthening of the Army involves all,” Zinn said.
He also downplayed the issues of the dispute with China and the parameters of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca).
“This is not related to anything happening right now, not related to what will happen in the South China Sea [West Philippine Sea],” said Lavadia.
Room for fun
Zinn added that even if the Balikatan was a series of military exercises, there’s always a room to put in some fun.
“This morning we had a fun run, it was great the troops were happy and we had fun,” the commander of the American troops said.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/104061/us-regiment-honored-to-stand-shoulder-to-shoulder-once-again-with-filipino-troops
US hopes PH troops could use ‘principles’ of combat in conflict situations
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 10): US hopes PH troops could use ‘principles’ of combat in conflict situations
[Video: PH troops 'impressive' in Balikatan drills--US
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoc1MMkzG20]
FORT MAGSAYSAY, Philippines – They could have been in Zamboanga City all over again except that this time, they’re not.
Although 1st Lieutenant Dominador Tagorda of the Philippine Army said Saturday’s Balikatan exercises employed the same “tactics and techniques” that were used in Zamboanga City to quell the rebellion by the Moro National Liberation Front in September 2013, the difference this time is being able to do them by applying US “principles” of combat.
Armored vehicles from the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, one V150 Commando and three Simba fighting vehicles, took part in the gunnery live fire exercises here.
“We have practiced all week in conducting basic tasks,” Captain John Healy, commander of the 3rd squadron of the 4th cavalry troop, said. “This can be considered as the culmination, after all the classes and hands-on training.”
Healy said that the Philippine forces would not exactly mimic the tactics and techniques that the American troops did but learn the principles behind them.
“They would not exactly mimic our tactics because we use different equipment and machine, rather we would apply our principles during the exercises,” Healy said.
During the drills, the four vehicles which had three-man teams inside – a driver, gunner, and commander – took out targets from 600 meters away.
Alternately taking shots, the gunners used their .50-caliber machine guns atop the vehicles to take out the “enemies”.
Tagorda said the drills were used to simulate jungle and urban warfare, as the vehicles were versatile enough to engage in any accessible terrain.
It was the same tactics and techniques during the Zamboanga siege, he said.
“We practice movements and commands…to maximize the capability of our armored vehicles,” Tagorda said.
Tagorda said, however, that it was not only they who learned from the Americans but that it was two-way.
“We learn from our American counterparts and at the same time they too learn from us as we observe each other during the training,” Tagorda said.
During the training, Healy echoed what his colleagues had to say about Filipino soldiers who participated in this year’s Balikatan. “In a scale of one to 10, they’d be an eight.”
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/104070/us-hopes-ph-troops-could-use-principles-of-combat-in-conflict-situations
[Video: PH troops 'impressive' in Balikatan drills--US
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoc1MMkzG20]
FORT MAGSAYSAY, Philippines – They could have been in Zamboanga City all over again except that this time, they’re not.
Although 1st Lieutenant Dominador Tagorda of the Philippine Army said Saturday’s Balikatan exercises employed the same “tactics and techniques” that were used in Zamboanga City to quell the rebellion by the Moro National Liberation Front in September 2013, the difference this time is being able to do them by applying US “principles” of combat.
Photo by RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net
“We have practiced all week in conducting basic tasks,” Captain John Healy, commander of the 3rd squadron of the 4th cavalry troop, said. “This can be considered as the culmination, after all the classes and hands-on training.”
Healy said that the Philippine forces would not exactly mimic the tactics and techniques that the American troops did but learn the principles behind them.
“They would not exactly mimic our tactics because we use different equipment and machine, rather we would apply our principles during the exercises,” Healy said.
During the drills, the four vehicles which had three-man teams inside – a driver, gunner, and commander – took out targets from 600 meters away.
Alternately taking shots, the gunners used their .50-caliber machine guns atop the vehicles to take out the “enemies”.
Tagorda said the drills were used to simulate jungle and urban warfare, as the vehicles were versatile enough to engage in any accessible terrain.
It was the same tactics and techniques during the Zamboanga siege, he said.
“We practice movements and commands…to maximize the capability of our armored vehicles,” Tagorda said.
Tagorda said, however, that it was not only they who learned from the Americans but that it was two-way.
“We learn from our American counterparts and at the same time they too learn from us as we observe each other during the training,” Tagorda said.
During the training, Healy echoed what his colleagues had to say about Filipino soldiers who participated in this year’s Balikatan. “In a scale of one to 10, they’d be an eight.”
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/104070/us-hopes-ph-troops-could-use-principles-of-combat-in-conflict-situations
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