Sun Star-Zamboanga (Nov 9): Rebel returnees get ‘Kabuhayan Starter Kits’
THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced that a total of P280,000 “Kabuhayan Starter Kits” have been released by the agency in the province of Zamboanga del Sur.
DOLE-Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Director Lourdes Amores said the project is a joint undertaking of DOLE and that of the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion headed by Lieutenant Colonel Alvin Luzon.
Amores said the beneficiaries are rebel returnees who are engaged in farming, fishing, carpentry, food processing and other living.
Amores said the beneficiaries were identified by the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion, which is based in the Municipality of Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.
Forty of the 60 beneficiaries are residents of remote areas in the Municipality of Kumalarang, 10 from Guipos and 10 from San Miguel towns, according to Amores.
She said they received starter kits comprising of farm and carpentry tools, fishing equipment, kitchen utensils and barber kits, which would enable the beneficiaries to start a livelihood undertaking and allow them to engage in sustainable self-employment.
The starter kits were turned over in a ceremony held in the village of Sicade Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur.
Amores said the distribution of Kabuhayan Starter Kit Project (KSKP) is a livelihood formation strategy of DOLE that is intended to improve the socio-economic of workers in the informal economy, in groups or sectors with specific concerns, and their families.
Luzon expressed his gratitude to DOLE for assisting them in giving livelihood projects to “the poor and vulnerable sectors of our society.”
“It is the first time for the 53rd Infantry Battalion to partner with the DOLE together with the LGUs (Local Government Units) in the project,” Luzon said.
“Partnering with DOLE and LGUs helped us enhance our social immersion skills,” Luzon explained adding that this also helped in reaching out to people in remote villages in support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Internal Peace and Security Plan ‘Bayanihan’ campaign.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2014/11/09/rebel-returnees-get-kabuhayan-starter-kits-375580
Monday, November 10, 2014
China’s Large-Scale Reclamation Works Over Disputed Spratly Islands Not Valid: Study
From China Topix (Oct 31): China’s Large-Scale Reclamation Works Over Disputed Spratly Islands Not Valid: Study
(Photo : REUTERS GRAPHICS) Maps showing the claims of six Asian countries contesting all or parts of the Spratly and Paracel islands in the South China Sea.
In the course of the dispute over the Spratly Islands, China's extensive reclamation works do not necessarily act as a ticket to win sovereignty claims in accordance with the maritime provisions of international law.
A Eurasia Review analysis cited China's ongoing infrastructure projects on several of the seven reefs it occupies in Spratly. But according to the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, participating nations should restrict themselves any activities that would further cause complications.
Currently, China is expanding Fiery Cross Reef to 2 square kilometers, as big as the combined size of Spratly's13 largest islands. But China is the sole violator; in fact, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines have respective reclamation projects in the disputed seas.
Yongshu Reef belongs to the seven reef areas under China's control, but the legality and jurisdiction of such claim remains in dispute with the Philippines. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) serves as the arbitral tribunal to which China decided not to participate in.
In the arbitration case, the Philippines said three of the seven reefs under China pass the international definition of an island in the basis that they are naturally formed above high tide.
However, the Philippine government added that the islands on the said reefs are very small and not capable to sustain habitation. Therefore, China is entitled to a 12-nautical mile territorial sea and not an exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
In addition, the Philippines argued that China does not hold any sovereign rights or maritime zones for the remaining four reefs since it is not classified as islands. In all of the arguments raised by the contending party, Eurasia Review wrote that China possibly violates certain provisions of the international law.
One, the fact that other countries also filed dispute in some of the reefs, China cannot use its ongoing reclamation works to strengthen sovereign claim. Two, China cannot use infrastructures built on submerged islands to be given EEZ entitlement mainly because these islands are classified as "artificial".
Finally, current provisions in UNCLOS do not specify whether or not China can convert uninhabited rocks to reclamation sites to obtain EEZ.
Aside from the above conditions, Eurasia Review cited that though China's reclamation projects may be proved valid, it is also pending environmental preservation. China must also consult effected nations and all works must be done in good faith. http://www.chinatopix.com/articles/19568/20141031/china-s-large-scale-reclamation-works-over-disputed-spratly-islands-not-valid-study.htm
(Photo : REUTERS GRAPHICS) Maps showing the claims of six Asian countries contesting all or parts of the Spratly and Paracel islands in the South China Sea.
In the course of the dispute over the Spratly Islands, China's extensive reclamation works do not necessarily act as a ticket to win sovereignty claims in accordance with the maritime provisions of international law.
A Eurasia Review analysis cited China's ongoing infrastructure projects on several of the seven reefs it occupies in Spratly. But according to the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, participating nations should restrict themselves any activities that would further cause complications.
Currently, China is expanding Fiery Cross Reef to 2 square kilometers, as big as the combined size of Spratly's13 largest islands. But China is the sole violator; in fact, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines have respective reclamation projects in the disputed seas.
Yongshu Reef belongs to the seven reef areas under China's control, but the legality and jurisdiction of such claim remains in dispute with the Philippines. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) serves as the arbitral tribunal to which China decided not to participate in.
In the arbitration case, the Philippines said three of the seven reefs under China pass the international definition of an island in the basis that they are naturally formed above high tide.
However, the Philippine government added that the islands on the said reefs are very small and not capable to sustain habitation. Therefore, China is entitled to a 12-nautical mile territorial sea and not an exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
In addition, the Philippines argued that China does not hold any sovereign rights or maritime zones for the remaining four reefs since it is not classified as islands. In all of the arguments raised by the contending party, Eurasia Review wrote that China possibly violates certain provisions of the international law.
One, the fact that other countries also filed dispute in some of the reefs, China cannot use its ongoing reclamation works to strengthen sovereign claim. Two, China cannot use infrastructures built on submerged islands to be given EEZ entitlement mainly because these islands are classified as "artificial".
Finally, current provisions in UNCLOS do not specify whether or not China can convert uninhabited rocks to reclamation sites to obtain EEZ.
Aside from the above conditions, Eurasia Review cited that though China's reclamation projects may be proved valid, it is also pending environmental preservation. China must also consult effected nations and all works must be done in good faith. http://www.chinatopix.com/articles/19568/20141031/china-s-large-scale-reclamation-works-over-disputed-spratly-islands-not-valid-study.htm
Four, including 13-year-old, killed execution style in ComVal
From Rappler (Nov 10): Four, including 13-year-old, killed execution style in ComVal
The victims were found hogtied and their heads covered with face towels and shirts in Purok 3, Barangay Basak, Nabunturan town
Four dead bodies were recovered by police in Nabunturan town in the province of Compostela Valley on Monday, November 10.
The victims – who were identified as 31-year-old Ramil Diongson Quilaton, 36-year-old Ruel Sejuela Quilaton, 13-year-old Romil Pilones Diongson and 19-year-old John Mark Laurel Diongson – bore stab wounds and hack wounds in different parts of their bodies.
Initial investigations show that all victims are relatives and are residents of Purok 9, Barangay Poblacion in Compostela Town.
"Nabunturan municipal police station is still tracking witnesses to determine motive of the incident and to identify perpetrators," Rivera said.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/74588-murders-compostela-valley
The victims were found hogtied and their heads covered with face towels and shirts in Purok 3, Barangay Basak, Nabunturan town
Four dead bodies were recovered by police in Nabunturan town in the province of Compostela Valley on Monday, November 10.
Philippine National Police Region 11 spokesman Psupt. Antonio Rivera said the victims were found hogtied and their heads covered with face towels and shirts in Purok 3, Barangay Basak at around 8:25 am Monday.
The victims – who were identified as 31-year-old Ramil Diongson Quilaton, 36-year-old Ruel Sejuela Quilaton, 13-year-old Romil Pilones Diongson and 19-year-old John Mark Laurel Diongson – bore stab wounds and hack wounds in different parts of their bodies.
Initial investigations show that all victims are relatives and are residents of Purok 9, Barangay Poblacion in Compostela Town.
"Nabunturan municipal police station is still tracking witnesses to determine motive of the incident and to identify perpetrators," Rivera said.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/74588-murders-compostela-valley
New joust over sea dispute expected at ASEAN
From InterAksyon (Nov 10): New joust over sea dispute expected at ASEAN
Fresh diplomatic sparring over who owns what in the South China Sea is likely to break out this week at a major regional summit in Myanmar, after a year in which China jacked up tensions in the resource-rich waters.
Rival claims have gnawed away at ties between Southeast Asian nations including Vietnam and the Philippines and regional powerhouse China, which claims nearly all of the sea, including waters near its smaller neighbors' shores.
The issue has also become a key testing ground for diplomacy between China and the United States, which has cozied up to the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as part of a wider eastwards foreign policy "pivot".
Leaders including US President Barack Obama, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will gather in Naypyidaw for the two-day ASEAN summit from Wednesday which also takes in an expanded list of dignitaries for the East Asian Summit.
When he meets ASEAN leaders Obama "will highlight US leadership in addressing maritime territorial disputes," according to National Security Advisor Susan Rice.
Other security issues, such as countering the rise of self-proclaimed Islamic State and the Ebola epidemic, will also be on the table, she added.
Beijing has been accused of aggression after boosting naval patrols in waters contested with the Philippines and positioning an oil rig in seas disputed with Vietnam in May, sparking deadly anti-Chinese riots.
It has given ground on low-level talks with ASEAN towards a multilateral, binding code of conduct to governing the seas.
But analysts and diplomats are skeptical of a tangible deal, as China prefers bilateral talks with its smaller neighbors, allowing it to exert its massive economic and political leverage in a region dependent on Chinese trade.
No breakthrough
That leaves expectations low for any movement on the seemingly intractable South China Sea squabble, which ritually dominates regional diplomacy forums.
The waters are a vital shipping lane also believed to contain vast oil and mineral deposits. Parts are also claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
"I don't see any breakthrough in Naypyidaw or anytime soon," one Southeast Asian diplomat told AFP ahead of the summit.
"Let's face the reality that it's a complex issue and in addition, ASEAN is dealing with China, a major Asian and world power."
Observers say a softening of Chinese rhetoric in recent weeks, including the removal of the oil rig from Vietnamese waters and two high profile diplomatic visits to Hanoi, does not amount to a strategy shift from Beijing.
"China waxes hot and cold and moderates its behavior prior to ASEAN summits," said Southeast Asia expert Carl Thayer.
"Some rabbit might be pulled out of the hat to impress the end of year summit meetings, but nothing substantial has occurred or is likely to occur."
In early October Chinese state media said a 2,000-meter runway had been completed on Woody Island, part of the contested Paracels, in an apparent bid to build up bridgeheads in the area.
A few weeks later Vietnam's Deputy Defense Minister Lieutenant-General Do Ba Ty issued a stark warning that China "unilaterally plans to take the East Sea," using the Vietnamese term for the South China Sea.
"This struggle will move to another phase, even more drastic and complex," he told the National Assembly.
US making friends
While China singes relations, the US has moved in to bolster its alliances.
Obama, who arrives in Myanmar from a major Beijing summit, will meet Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in Naypyidaw.
The meeting comes after a US agreement to partially ease a 40-year ban on arms sales to its one-time war foe, citing some "modest" progress in human rights.
In April, Washington also signed a defense pact with the Philippines, which is outraged that China has effectively taken over the contested Scarborough Shoal.
That deal will eventually allow thousands of US troops to be stationed in the country.
But American efforts to make friends have irked China, which insists it is seeking its own amicable resolution to disputes in its neighborhood.
At an ASEAN security meeting in August, China accused its rival superpower of deliberately stoking tensions in the South China Sea and rejected a proposal by US Secretary of State John Kerry for a freeze on provocative actions in the region.
With no deal in sight the issue looks set to worry relations between Washington and Beijing for years to come, said Bill Hayton the author of "The South China Sea - the struggle for power in Asia".
"So the region is condemned to a complex game of diplomatic and military competition for the next few decades at least," he added.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/98899/new-joust-over-sea-dispute-expected-at-asean
Fresh diplomatic sparring over who owns what in the South China Sea is likely to break out this week at a major regional summit in Myanmar, after a year in which China jacked up tensions in the resource-rich waters.
Rival claims have gnawed away at ties between Southeast Asian nations including Vietnam and the Philippines and regional powerhouse China, which claims nearly all of the sea, including waters near its smaller neighbors' shores.
The issue has also become a key testing ground for diplomacy between China and the United States, which has cozied up to the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as part of a wider eastwards foreign policy "pivot".
Leaders including US President Barack Obama, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will gather in Naypyidaw for the two-day ASEAN summit from Wednesday which also takes in an expanded list of dignitaries for the East Asian Summit.
When he meets ASEAN leaders Obama "will highlight US leadership in addressing maritime territorial disputes," according to National Security Advisor Susan Rice.
Other security issues, such as countering the rise of self-proclaimed Islamic State and the Ebola epidemic, will also be on the table, she added.
Beijing has been accused of aggression after boosting naval patrols in waters contested with the Philippines and positioning an oil rig in seas disputed with Vietnam in May, sparking deadly anti-Chinese riots.
It has given ground on low-level talks with ASEAN towards a multilateral, binding code of conduct to governing the seas.
But analysts and diplomats are skeptical of a tangible deal, as China prefers bilateral talks with its smaller neighbors, allowing it to exert its massive economic and political leverage in a region dependent on Chinese trade.
No breakthrough
That leaves expectations low for any movement on the seemingly intractable South China Sea squabble, which ritually dominates regional diplomacy forums.
The waters are a vital shipping lane also believed to contain vast oil and mineral deposits. Parts are also claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
"I don't see any breakthrough in Naypyidaw or anytime soon," one Southeast Asian diplomat told AFP ahead of the summit.
"Let's face the reality that it's a complex issue and in addition, ASEAN is dealing with China, a major Asian and world power."
Observers say a softening of Chinese rhetoric in recent weeks, including the removal of the oil rig from Vietnamese waters and two high profile diplomatic visits to Hanoi, does not amount to a strategy shift from Beijing.
"China waxes hot and cold and moderates its behavior prior to ASEAN summits," said Southeast Asia expert Carl Thayer.
"Some rabbit might be pulled out of the hat to impress the end of year summit meetings, but nothing substantial has occurred or is likely to occur."
In early October Chinese state media said a 2,000-meter runway had been completed on Woody Island, part of the contested Paracels, in an apparent bid to build up bridgeheads in the area.
A few weeks later Vietnam's Deputy Defense Minister Lieutenant-General Do Ba Ty issued a stark warning that China "unilaterally plans to take the East Sea," using the Vietnamese term for the South China Sea.
"This struggle will move to another phase, even more drastic and complex," he told the National Assembly.
US making friends
While China singes relations, the US has moved in to bolster its alliances.
Obama, who arrives in Myanmar from a major Beijing summit, will meet Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in Naypyidaw.
The meeting comes after a US agreement to partially ease a 40-year ban on arms sales to its one-time war foe, citing some "modest" progress in human rights.
In April, Washington also signed a defense pact with the Philippines, which is outraged that China has effectively taken over the contested Scarborough Shoal.
That deal will eventually allow thousands of US troops to be stationed in the country.
But American efforts to make friends have irked China, which insists it is seeking its own amicable resolution to disputes in its neighborhood.
At an ASEAN security meeting in August, China accused its rival superpower of deliberately stoking tensions in the South China Sea and rejected a proposal by US Secretary of State John Kerry for a freeze on provocative actions in the region.
With no deal in sight the issue looks set to worry relations between Washington and Beijing for years to come, said Bill Hayton the author of "The South China Sea - the struggle for power in Asia".
"So the region is condemned to a complex game of diplomatic and military competition for the next few decades at least," he added.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/98899/new-joust-over-sea-dispute-expected-at-asean
AFP chief asks for more patience from kin of returning UN peacekeepers
From InterAksyon (Nov 10): AFP chief asks for more patience from kin of returning UN peacekeepers
Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. has asked for more patience from the families of the arriving first batch of 108 soldiers who served the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Liberia for almost one year, as they will be quarantined for 21 days in Caballo Island immediately after arrival this coming Wednesday at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
"To the family members of our gallant peacekeepers, I'd like to ask for your patience for extending the absence of your loved ones for these 21 more days, at least. We have done everything to make their stay in the island paradise of Caballo, off Manila Bay, a pleasant and memorable one," Catapang during his news conference at Camp Aguinaldo.
The second batch of four soldiers who were in charge of arrangements for the transport of military equipment are expected to arrive sometime next week.
Catapang said the soldiers will not be bored since their wives and children can contact them through their communication gadgets.
"Both Smart and Globe Communications have expanded their cellular network coverage in order to promote telecom services for our hero peacekeepers. Smart Communications has set up a free wifi facility to honor the peacekeepers and their family members by allowing them use of Internet services with 3G signal," Catapang said.
The UTair Aviation plane from Monrovia, Liberia with 108 soldiers on board, along with 24 policemen and a jail officer, is scheduled to land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in the early evening of November 12.
"They will disembark at the Villamor Air Base base operations facility and, upon arrival, be brought immediately to Caballo Island for their 21-day quarantine. This is in compliance with our government's drive for the country to remain Ebola virus disease free," Catapang said.
On Nov. 8, the peacekeepers who belonged to the "no risk category" of the Ebola infection in Liberia had been declared safe by the UN medical staff corps.
"Their work is concentrated inside the force headquarters of the United Nations mission in Liberia as members of the mission’s support personnel. They all passed the Ebola screening test, their clinical assessment was strictly required for peacekeepers who are due for repatriation," Catapang said.
The quarantine area at Caballo will be supervised by Task Group Liberia led by the Philippine Navy.
"We are closely working with the Department of Health's Bureau of Quarantine, the Health Emergency Management Bureau and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine during their stay in the island. After the quarantine period the AFP will schedule a heroes welcome for our gallant peacekeepers in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments while in service with the United Nations," Catapang said.
Meanwhile, Catapang said the arriving members of the 18th Philippine Contingent to Liberia will be the last while the threat of Ebola virus continues to spread in that country.
"Actually, our contingent had only six months to serve the UN peacekeeping force there, but their tour of duty was extended anther four months. They stayed there for almost one year," he said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/98905/afp-chief-asks-for-more-patience-from-kin-of-returning-un-peacekeepers
Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. has asked for more patience from the families of the arriving first batch of 108 soldiers who served the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Liberia for almost one year, as they will be quarantined for 21 days in Caballo Island immediately after arrival this coming Wednesday at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
"To the family members of our gallant peacekeepers, I'd like to ask for your patience for extending the absence of your loved ones for these 21 more days, at least. We have done everything to make their stay in the island paradise of Caballo, off Manila Bay, a pleasant and memorable one," Catapang during his news conference at Camp Aguinaldo.
The second batch of four soldiers who were in charge of arrangements for the transport of military equipment are expected to arrive sometime next week.
Catapang said the soldiers will not be bored since their wives and children can contact them through their communication gadgets.
"Both Smart and Globe Communications have expanded their cellular network coverage in order to promote telecom services for our hero peacekeepers. Smart Communications has set up a free wifi facility to honor the peacekeepers and their family members by allowing them use of Internet services with 3G signal," Catapang said.
The UTair Aviation plane from Monrovia, Liberia with 108 soldiers on board, along with 24 policemen and a jail officer, is scheduled to land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in the early evening of November 12.
"They will disembark at the Villamor Air Base base operations facility and, upon arrival, be brought immediately to Caballo Island for their 21-day quarantine. This is in compliance with our government's drive for the country to remain Ebola virus disease free," Catapang said.
On Nov. 8, the peacekeepers who belonged to the "no risk category" of the Ebola infection in Liberia had been declared safe by the UN medical staff corps.
"Their work is concentrated inside the force headquarters of the United Nations mission in Liberia as members of the mission’s support personnel. They all passed the Ebola screening test, their clinical assessment was strictly required for peacekeepers who are due for repatriation," Catapang said.
The quarantine area at Caballo will be supervised by Task Group Liberia led by the Philippine Navy.
"We are closely working with the Department of Health's Bureau of Quarantine, the Health Emergency Management Bureau and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine during their stay in the island. After the quarantine period the AFP will schedule a heroes welcome for our gallant peacekeepers in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments while in service with the United Nations," Catapang said.
Meanwhile, Catapang said the arriving members of the 18th Philippine Contingent to Liberia will be the last while the threat of Ebola virus continues to spread in that country.
"Actually, our contingent had only six months to serve the UN peacekeeping force there, but their tour of duty was extended anther four months. They stayed there for almost one year," he said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/98905/afp-chief-asks-for-more-patience-from-kin-of-returning-un-peacekeepers
Military's ex-civil relations chief appointed as National Defense College executive vice-president
From InterAksyon (Nov 10): Military's ex-civil relations chief appointed as National Defense College executive vice-president
Retired general Rolando Jungco Jr. delivering his farewell speech as head of the Civil Relations Service in May 2014. FILE PHOTO BY JAIME SINAPIT
President Benigno Aquino III has appointed a retired Air Force brigadier general whose last assignment was chief of the Civil Relations Service (CRS) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as the new executive vice president of the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP).
In a phone interview with InterAksyon.com, Rolando Jungco Jr. confirmed his appointment.
"Actually, it's my first day of office today," he said.
Jungco, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Sandigan Class of 1982, bowed out of the service in May 2014.
"This job (as NDCP’s EVP) is not new to me as I have been lecturing here for years during my stint at the CRS and even when I was the adjutant general prior to CRS," Jungco said.
The position was left vacant for almost two years after the departure of retired Army Brig. Gen. Ernesto Aradanas.
During the time of former AFP chief of staff and now Bureau of Customs' Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Jessie Dellosa, a military circular was issued requiring all officers aspiring to be promoted to general to take the Masters on National Security Administration at the NDCP.
The NDCP is directly under the Department of National Defense.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/98896/militarys-ex-civil-relations-chief-appointed-as-national-defense-college-executive-vice-president
Retired general Rolando Jungco Jr. delivering his farewell speech as head of the Civil Relations Service in May 2014. FILE PHOTO BY JAIME SINAPIT
President Benigno Aquino III has appointed a retired Air Force brigadier general whose last assignment was chief of the Civil Relations Service (CRS) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as the new executive vice president of the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP).
In a phone interview with InterAksyon.com, Rolando Jungco Jr. confirmed his appointment.
"Actually, it's my first day of office today," he said.
Jungco, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Sandigan Class of 1982, bowed out of the service in May 2014.
"This job (as NDCP’s EVP) is not new to me as I have been lecturing here for years during my stint at the CRS and even when I was the adjutant general prior to CRS," Jungco said.
The position was left vacant for almost two years after the departure of retired Army Brig. Gen. Ernesto Aradanas.
During the time of former AFP chief of staff and now Bureau of Customs' Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Jessie Dellosa, a military circular was issued requiring all officers aspiring to be promoted to general to take the Masters on National Security Administration at the NDCP.
The NDCP is directly under the Department of National Defense.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/98896/militarys-ex-civil-relations-chief-appointed-as-national-defense-college-executive-vice-president
'WALA MUNANG GOODTIME' | US 7th Fleet indefinitely cancels liberty calls in PH
From InterAksyon (Nov 10): 'WALA MUNANG GOODTIME' | US 7th Fleet indefinitely cancels liberty calls in PH
The US 7th Fleet has indefinitely cancelled liberty port calls -- the free time ashore allowed military personnel on visiting ships -- in the Philippines following the murder of Filipino transgender Jennifer Laude, allegedly by an American Marine, the Navy Times reported.
Laude was founded dead in a hotel in Olongapo City where she had checked in with Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton the night of October 12.
The murder and Pemberton’s subsequent detention under American custody have renewed calls for the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the US.
The Navy Times report quoted Army Major David Eastburn, spokesman of the US Pacific Command, as saying said Admiral Samuel Locklear, head of the PACOM, had canceled liberty for all American servicemen in the Philippines.
The order “prompted 7th Fleet officials to look for ports elsewhere for ships where liberty was the sole purpose of their visit,” the report said.
Although “ships pulling in for a working port call, like repairs, maintenance, or refueling, are still a go, but sailors shouldn't plan any day trips to Manila. There is no timeline for liberty being restored,” it added.
Earlier, officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority said nine US Navy ships scheduled to dock at the former American naval base in Zambales had canceled their visits.
But the Navy Times quoted a 7th Fleet spokeswoman as saying “they haven't officially canceled any port visits,” and that these were “pending.”
The spokeswoman also said the oceanographic survey ship Mary Sears had docked in Subic Bay.
News reports have said the vessel docked for emergency repairs.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/98894/wala-munang-goodtime--us-7th-fleet-indefinitely-cancels-liberty-calls-in-ph
The US 7th Fleet has indefinitely cancelled liberty port calls -- the free time ashore allowed military personnel on visiting ships -- in the Philippines following the murder of Filipino transgender Jennifer Laude, allegedly by an American Marine, the Navy Times reported.
Laude was founded dead in a hotel in Olongapo City where she had checked in with Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton the night of October 12.
The murder and Pemberton’s subsequent detention under American custody have renewed calls for the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the US.
The Navy Times report quoted Army Major David Eastburn, spokesman of the US Pacific Command, as saying said Admiral Samuel Locklear, head of the PACOM, had canceled liberty for all American servicemen in the Philippines.
The order “prompted 7th Fleet officials to look for ports elsewhere for ships where liberty was the sole purpose of their visit,” the report said.
Although “ships pulling in for a working port call, like repairs, maintenance, or refueling, are still a go, but sailors shouldn't plan any day trips to Manila. There is no timeline for liberty being restored,” it added.
Earlier, officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority said nine US Navy ships scheduled to dock at the former American naval base in Zambales had canceled their visits.
But the Navy Times quoted a 7th Fleet spokeswoman as saying “they haven't officially canceled any port visits,” and that these were “pending.”
The spokeswoman also said the oceanographic survey ship Mary Sears had docked in Subic Bay.
News reports have said the vessel docked for emergency repairs.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/98894/wala-munang-goodtime--us-7th-fleet-indefinitely-cancels-liberty-calls-in-ph
Bomb-sniffing dog saves handler in southern Philippines
From InterAksyon (Nov 10): Bomb-sniffing dog saves handler in southern Philippines
A dog handler in the southern Philippines narrowly avoided death after his dog alerted him to a bomb just before it exploded, police said Monday.
Officer Manuel Ynid was only injured when the bomb hidden in a cardboard box exploded in the strife-torn southern port city of Zamboanga late Sunday, said the city police spokesman Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca.
Ynid and his bomb-sniffing Belgian Malinois called Diego were part of a team that was investigating an earlier explosion at a massage parlour, Huesca said.
The first bomb had caused no casualties but as Ynid was approaching a cardboard box, the dog reacted, indicating it had detected a bomb.
Just as they moved away from the box, the bomb inside exploded, wounding Ynid although the dog was unharmed.
Security officials said the bomb was made from ammonium nitrate and was possibly set off with a mobile phone.
Ynid is in stable condition while Diego, a three-year veteran who found a bomb in a public square last month, was given a week to recover from the stress, police officials said.
Authorities are still trying to determine who might have been behind the bomb blast.
Zamboanga has been the scene of Muslim rebel activity in the past.
Last year, die-hard Muslim guerrillas occupied parts of the city, resulting in three weeks of urban battles that left more than 240 dead.
The military is also carrying out operations in the islands south of Zamboanga, against the Abu Sayyaf, an Al-Qaeda-linked extremist group blamed for the country's worst terror attacks including bombings and kidnappings.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/98908/bomb-sniffing-dog-saves-handler-in-southern-philippines
A dog handler in the southern Philippines narrowly avoided death after his dog alerted him to a bomb just before it exploded, police said Monday.
Officer Manuel Ynid was only injured when the bomb hidden in a cardboard box exploded in the strife-torn southern port city of Zamboanga late Sunday, said the city police spokesman Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca.
Ynid and his bomb-sniffing Belgian Malinois called Diego were part of a team that was investigating an earlier explosion at a massage parlour, Huesca said.
The first bomb had caused no casualties but as Ynid was approaching a cardboard box, the dog reacted, indicating it had detected a bomb.
Just as they moved away from the box, the bomb inside exploded, wounding Ynid although the dog was unharmed.
Security officials said the bomb was made from ammonium nitrate and was possibly set off with a mobile phone.
Ynid is in stable condition while Diego, a three-year veteran who found a bomb in a public square last month, was given a week to recover from the stress, police officials said.
Authorities are still trying to determine who might have been behind the bomb blast.
Zamboanga has been the scene of Muslim rebel activity in the past.
Last year, die-hard Muslim guerrillas occupied parts of the city, resulting in three weeks of urban battles that left more than 240 dead.
The military is also carrying out operations in the islands south of Zamboanga, against the Abu Sayyaf, an Al-Qaeda-linked extremist group blamed for the country's worst terror attacks including bombings and kidnappings.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/98908/bomb-sniffing-dog-saves-handler-in-southern-philippines
AFP acknowledges security is fragile in Zamboanga City
From InterAksyon (Nov 10): AFP acknowledges security is fragile in Zamboanga City
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. acknowledged on Monday some fragility in security measures in and around Zamboanga City, following two explosions Sunday night that hit a building and wounded a member of the police's Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD) and his K-9 bomb sniffing dog.
"The latest we knew is that there was a second explosion where the PNP member was wounded. That's why I intend to go back (to Zamboanga City) because I'm not completely satisfied with the security arrangements in place there," Catapang told journalists in a news conference at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
Catapang said that, of the 95 barangays of the city, only 20 so far are deemed to have been adequately covered by security forces.
"Troops are concentrated mostly in 20 or so barangays, mainly within the center perimetry of the city. So, I was telling all the barangay officials they should be involved in maintaining peace and order in the city, that was my suggestion to them," Catapang said.
As for the troops, Catapang said he strictly directed them to be vigilant especially in conducting security checks and patrol, and monitoring the ingress or movements of motor vehicles and surveillance of passengers.
Catapang, however, was cautious in classifying the explosions as terror-related acts or perhaps "diversionary tactics" by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and its ally, Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), even as intensified military operations continue in their island bastions of Sulu and Basilan.
"Our forensics people are still checking for tell-tale signatures on what kind of bombs were exploded," he said.
In Sulu, the military continues to launch operations against the bandits since the release of their two German captives more than two weeks ago amid allegations of a P250-million payoff.
Pursuing ground troops have, so far, found abandoned bandit camps but inflict no casualties on the side of ASG.
Despite the recent setback in Basilan, where six soldiers, including a neophyte young lieutenant, were killed during an attack by Abu Sayyaf bandits, Catapang said the operational momentum is on the government's side.
"The marching order of our President is to put a stop to the atrocities that ASG is committing, and we are now doing that in Jolo. We have the cooperation of the people; the cause-oriented and civil society groups themselves were the ones who told me that they want peace," he said.
"What I want to happen now in Basilan is to establish a rapport with the people there to help them claim the peace that they want ... I'm also suggesting that we conduct a peace and development or economic summit in Basilan so that, once and for all, we can address the root cause of the problems in the island," he added.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/98917/afp-acknowledges-security-is-fragile-in-zamboanga-city
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. acknowledged on Monday some fragility in security measures in and around Zamboanga City, following two explosions Sunday night that hit a building and wounded a member of the police's Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD) and his K-9 bomb sniffing dog.
"The latest we knew is that there was a second explosion where the PNP member was wounded. That's why I intend to go back (to Zamboanga City) because I'm not completely satisfied with the security arrangements in place there," Catapang told journalists in a news conference at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
Catapang said that, of the 95 barangays of the city, only 20 so far are deemed to have been adequately covered by security forces.
"Troops are concentrated mostly in 20 or so barangays, mainly within the center perimetry of the city. So, I was telling all the barangay officials they should be involved in maintaining peace and order in the city, that was my suggestion to them," Catapang said.
As for the troops, Catapang said he strictly directed them to be vigilant especially in conducting security checks and patrol, and monitoring the ingress or movements of motor vehicles and surveillance of passengers.
Catapang, however, was cautious in classifying the explosions as terror-related acts or perhaps "diversionary tactics" by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and its ally, Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), even as intensified military operations continue in their island bastions of Sulu and Basilan.
"Our forensics people are still checking for tell-tale signatures on what kind of bombs were exploded," he said.
In Sulu, the military continues to launch operations against the bandits since the release of their two German captives more than two weeks ago amid allegations of a P250-million payoff.
Pursuing ground troops have, so far, found abandoned bandit camps but inflict no casualties on the side of ASG.
Despite the recent setback in Basilan, where six soldiers, including a neophyte young lieutenant, were killed during an attack by Abu Sayyaf bandits, Catapang said the operational momentum is on the government's side.
"The marching order of our President is to put a stop to the atrocities that ASG is committing, and we are now doing that in Jolo. We have the cooperation of the people; the cause-oriented and civil society groups themselves were the ones who told me that they want peace," he said.
"What I want to happen now in Basilan is to establish a rapport with the people there to help them claim the peace that they want ... I'm also suggesting that we conduct a peace and development or economic summit in Basilan so that, once and for all, we can address the root cause of the problems in the island," he added.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/98917/afp-acknowledges-security-is-fragile-in-zamboanga-city
Sunday, November 9, 2014
CBCP not keen on mediating for resumption of govt-NDF peace talks
From GMA News (Nov 9): CBCP not keen on mediating for resumption of govt-NDF peace talks
Citing questions about the National Democratic Front's sincerity and command over communist New People's Army rebels, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines on Sunday said it will not mediate for the resumption of peace talks between the NDF and the government.
But CBCP president and Lingayen-Dagupan archbishop Socrates Villegas said the bishops will continue to pray for the peace process.
"The CBCP for its part categorically states that it cannot take in the role of initiating, convening, mediating or presiding over a dialogue between the National Democratic Front and government representatives. We are of the firm persuasion that under the present circumstances, this cannot be part of our ecclesial mandate as an episcopal conference," he said in a statement.
While Villegas' statement indicated the CBCP was requested to mediate, he did not indicate who made the request.
In April 2013, the Philippine government ended formal peace talks with the Communist Part of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF)
The CPP said later that year that it would no longer engage in peace talks with the Philippine government under the Aquino administration.
Villegas said that while the NDF claims to be the umbrella organization, its cohesiveness is questionable as it appears to be caught off guard at times about the NPA's activities.
"We have been informed by members of the government peace panel that they were under the impression that many of the attacks and raids conducted on the local fronts were hardly ever known and -- if ever -- only belatedly acknowledged by Utrecht leaders," he said.
Also, he said that while the government has repeatedly acceded to peace talks by appointing top-level negotiators and requesting the involvement of foreign governments like Norway, "none of these prolonged, and expensive negotiations have borne substantial fruit."
Worse, he said ceasefires "have regrettably been used by the rebel forces to recruit membership especially in far flung barangays that have had to labor under the burden of supplying food and sustenance to the members of he New People's Army."
"And while insurgents complain that some of their leaders have been arrested while on safe-conduct passes, it is our understanding that such passes were issued to allow their representatives to attend negotiations and conferences, and not for the purpose of consolidating membership," he said.
Besides, he said that when the CBCP mediates or initiates negotiation, "it does so at all times as herald of the Gospel and servant of the Kingdom of God."
"Truth and justice are therefore its primary and non-negotiable guideposts, and when it does not find these present, or when, in its discernment, made in prayer and docility to the prompting of the Spirit, it does not find a disposition to sincerity and trustworthiness in the parties to the dialogue, the CBCP will not lend itself to a fruitless exercise or to a charade visited on the entire country," he added.
On the other hand, Villegas said the bishops will continue to pray for a peaceful resolution to this long-festering problem of insurgency in the country.
He said that while recent historical events proved the impracticability of socialist societies as the now-defunct Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, Pope Francis has also taught that unbridled and unprincipled capitalism cannot be any better "and is as exploitative and oppressive particularly on the marginalized."
"We encourage qualified lay persons to contribute to the dialogue and to foster that spirit of openness and sincerity that alone can make negotiations promising," he said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/387272/news/nation/cbcp-not-keen-on-mediating-for-resumption-of-govt-ndf-peace-talks
Citing questions about the National Democratic Front's sincerity and command over communist New People's Army rebels, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines on Sunday said it will not mediate for the resumption of peace talks between the NDF and the government.
But CBCP president and Lingayen-Dagupan archbishop Socrates Villegas said the bishops will continue to pray for the peace process.
"The CBCP for its part categorically states that it cannot take in the role of initiating, convening, mediating or presiding over a dialogue between the National Democratic Front and government representatives. We are of the firm persuasion that under the present circumstances, this cannot be part of our ecclesial mandate as an episcopal conference," he said in a statement.
While Villegas' statement indicated the CBCP was requested to mediate, he did not indicate who made the request.
In April 2013, the Philippine government ended formal peace talks with the Communist Part of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF)
The CPP said later that year that it would no longer engage in peace talks with the Philippine government under the Aquino administration.
Villegas said that while the NDF claims to be the umbrella organization, its cohesiveness is questionable as it appears to be caught off guard at times about the NPA's activities.
"We have been informed by members of the government peace panel that they were under the impression that many of the attacks and raids conducted on the local fronts were hardly ever known and -- if ever -- only belatedly acknowledged by Utrecht leaders," he said.
Also, he said that while the government has repeatedly acceded to peace talks by appointing top-level negotiators and requesting the involvement of foreign governments like Norway, "none of these prolonged, and expensive negotiations have borne substantial fruit."
Worse, he said ceasefires "have regrettably been used by the rebel forces to recruit membership especially in far flung barangays that have had to labor under the burden of supplying food and sustenance to the members of he New People's Army."
"And while insurgents complain that some of their leaders have been arrested while on safe-conduct passes, it is our understanding that such passes were issued to allow their representatives to attend negotiations and conferences, and not for the purpose of consolidating membership," he said.
Besides, he said that when the CBCP mediates or initiates negotiation, "it does so at all times as herald of the Gospel and servant of the Kingdom of God."
"Truth and justice are therefore its primary and non-negotiable guideposts, and when it does not find these present, or when, in its discernment, made in prayer and docility to the prompting of the Spirit, it does not find a disposition to sincerity and trustworthiness in the parties to the dialogue, the CBCP will not lend itself to a fruitless exercise or to a charade visited on the entire country," he added.
On the other hand, Villegas said the bishops will continue to pray for a peaceful resolution to this long-festering problem of insurgency in the country.
He said that while recent historical events proved the impracticability of socialist societies as the now-defunct Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, Pope Francis has also taught that unbridled and unprincipled capitalism cannot be any better "and is as exploitative and oppressive particularly on the marginalized."
"We encourage qualified lay persons to contribute to the dialogue and to foster that spirit of openness and sincerity that alone can make negotiations promising," he said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/387272/news/nation/cbcp-not-keen-on-mediating-for-resumption-of-govt-ndf-peace-talks
Rebel killed, soldier wounded in Negros clash
From InterAksyon (Nov 9): Rebel killed, soldier wounded in Negros clash
A communist rebel was killed and a soldier wounded in a clash in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental Sunday morning, the military said.
Lieutenant Colonel Paulito Idul, commander of the 11th Infantry Battalion, said troops led by 1st Lieutenant Chino Cornelio were patrolling in Barangay Maniac when seven rebels believed to belong to the New People’s Army’s Central Negros Front fired on them around 9:50 a.m., triggering a 20-minute firefight.
Private First Class Jennifer Carbajosa was slightly wounded on the forehead in the encounter.
The identity of the slain rebel, who was left behind by his retreating comrades, was not disclosed.
The troops also found the rebels’ encampment and seized a KG-9 submachinegun, four backpacks, training materials and medical supplies.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/98857/rebel-killed-soldier-wounded-in-negros-clash
A communist rebel was killed and a soldier wounded in a clash in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental Sunday morning, the military said.
Lieutenant Colonel Paulito Idul, commander of the 11th Infantry Battalion, said troops led by 1st Lieutenant Chino Cornelio were patrolling in Barangay Maniac when seven rebels believed to belong to the New People’s Army’s Central Negros Front fired on them around 9:50 a.m., triggering a 20-minute firefight.
Private First Class Jennifer Carbajosa was slightly wounded on the forehead in the encounter.
The identity of the slain rebel, who was left behind by his retreating comrades, was not disclosed.
The troops also found the rebels’ encampment and seized a KG-9 submachinegun, four backpacks, training materials and medical supplies.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/98857/rebel-killed-soldier-wounded-in-negros-clash
New weapons, gears with AFP's P87-B modernization
From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Nov 9): New weapons, gears with AFP's P87-B modernization
WITH the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) already in place, expect soldiers to carry around new assault rifles and gears soon.
M16 OUT, M4 rifle in.
The recent upgrading of the military’s weapons and war materiel started during the term of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who approved the allocation of some P30 billion for the AFP.
Under the administration of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, the budget for the modernization is now pegged at P87 billion, said Major General Oscar Lactao,
commanding general of the Philippine Army’s (PA) 4th Infantry Division (4ID).
Lactao said of the total amount, P10 billion will go to the PA and it is spent for the purchase of about 54,000 pieces of M4 rifles, replacing the M16, to be issued to all the Filipino soldiers, and other armaments and supplies.
Manufactured in 1956, the M16 had become the firearm of choice by the United States military starting in the Vietnam War in the 1960s up until recently.
He said the M4, produced in 1994, is shorter and therefore easier for soldiers to move around, but has longer range at about 400 meters. The M16 can only hit a target of about 150 meters.
The military has also acquired K3 machine guns, armor vests, tanks, mortars, artillery, additional radio with encryption system and a handful of jetfighters. Most of these purchases come from South Korea. The jetfighters alone cost P18 billion.
He said the modernization of the country’s armed forces took some time before it can be realized since it has to undergo a long process.
“Hindi ganun kabilis, it’s not like buying from a sari-sari store,” Lactao said, referring to the procurement of weapons and supplies.
He said the minimum period of purchasing is two years, which, according to him, is not really long. “Yung mga iba aabot pa nga ng seven years.”
With these upgrading, Lactao said the AFP has intensified its capability to fight groups that pose a threat to the national security, especially the New People’s Army (NPA).
“Kaya naman natin ang NPA (We can handle the NPA). Your armed forces can still fight the NPA,” he said.
NPA camp overran
Meanwhile, the 4ID’s 401st Infantry Brigade has reported an NPA regional headquarters in Sitio Hebron, Barangay Tubigon, Sibagat own, Agusan del Sur was overran by soldiers recently.
In a statement e-mailed to this paper Sunday, Captain Jasper Gacayan, 401IB public affairs officer, said a platoon of the 9th Special Forces Company of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion caught the members of the NPA’s Regional Sentro de Grabidad (RSDG) under the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Command by surprise during an attack.
Gacayan said the Maoist insurgents were in the middle of a ceremony honoring their dead comrades when the soldiers swooped down on their encampment. The military and the NPA engaged in exchange of fire for about 30 minutes.
Situated at the peak of Makalo mountain range, the NPA camp has an estimated land area of about 15,000 square meters with 81 bunkers made out of tent and wooden beds, along with five multipurpose halls that serve as their kitchen and lecture room which can accommodate 30 people, he said.
“Around 80 [NPAs] occupying the camp fled in different direction during the attack. They also dragged their killed and wounded comrades during their escape,” Gacayan said.
Recovered by government troops from the site were an M16 rifle with M203 grenade launcher, an improvised grenade launcher, one portable generator set, improvised explosive devices, two .45 caliber pistols, five handheld radios, documents and other materials.
“The Communist NPA in the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur are now gradually losing the people’s support; they are always in a defensive mode. We will sustain our momentum to wipe them out,” Colonel Gregory Cayetano, 401IB brigade commander, said.
“However we will still give them a chance if they’ll opt to go back into the fold of law,” Cayetano added.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/11/09/new-weapons-gears-afps-p87-b-modernization-375595
WITH the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) already in place, expect soldiers to carry around new assault rifles and gears soon.
M16 OUT, M4 rifle in.
The recent upgrading of the military’s weapons and war materiel started during the term of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who approved the allocation of some P30 billion for the AFP.
Under the administration of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, the budget for the modernization is now pegged at P87 billion, said Major General Oscar Lactao,
commanding general of the Philippine Army’s (PA) 4th Infantry Division (4ID).
Lactao said of the total amount, P10 billion will go to the PA and it is spent for the purchase of about 54,000 pieces of M4 rifles, replacing the M16, to be issued to all the Filipino soldiers, and other armaments and supplies.
Manufactured in 1956, the M16 had become the firearm of choice by the United States military starting in the Vietnam War in the 1960s up until recently.
He said the M4, produced in 1994, is shorter and therefore easier for soldiers to move around, but has longer range at about 400 meters. The M16 can only hit a target of about 150 meters.
The military has also acquired K3 machine guns, armor vests, tanks, mortars, artillery, additional radio with encryption system and a handful of jetfighters. Most of these purchases come from South Korea. The jetfighters alone cost P18 billion.
He said the modernization of the country’s armed forces took some time before it can be realized since it has to undergo a long process.
“Hindi ganun kabilis, it’s not like buying from a sari-sari store,” Lactao said, referring to the procurement of weapons and supplies.
He said the minimum period of purchasing is two years, which, according to him, is not really long. “Yung mga iba aabot pa nga ng seven years.”
With these upgrading, Lactao said the AFP has intensified its capability to fight groups that pose a threat to the national security, especially the New People’s Army (NPA).
“Kaya naman natin ang NPA (We can handle the NPA). Your armed forces can still fight the NPA,” he said.
NPA camp overran
Meanwhile, the 4ID’s 401st Infantry Brigade has reported an NPA regional headquarters in Sitio Hebron, Barangay Tubigon, Sibagat own, Agusan del Sur was overran by soldiers recently.
In a statement e-mailed to this paper Sunday, Captain Jasper Gacayan, 401IB public affairs officer, said a platoon of the 9th Special Forces Company of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion caught the members of the NPA’s Regional Sentro de Grabidad (RSDG) under the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Command by surprise during an attack.
Gacayan said the Maoist insurgents were in the middle of a ceremony honoring their dead comrades when the soldiers swooped down on their encampment. The military and the NPA engaged in exchange of fire for about 30 minutes.
Situated at the peak of Makalo mountain range, the NPA camp has an estimated land area of about 15,000 square meters with 81 bunkers made out of tent and wooden beds, along with five multipurpose halls that serve as their kitchen and lecture room which can accommodate 30 people, he said.
“Around 80 [NPAs] occupying the camp fled in different direction during the attack. They also dragged their killed and wounded comrades during their escape,” Gacayan said.
Recovered by government troops from the site were an M16 rifle with M203 grenade launcher, an improvised grenade launcher, one portable generator set, improvised explosive devices, two .45 caliber pistols, five handheld radios, documents and other materials.
“The Communist NPA in the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur are now gradually losing the people’s support; they are always in a defensive mode. We will sustain our momentum to wipe them out,” Colonel Gregory Cayetano, 401IB brigade commander, said.
“However we will still give them a chance if they’ll opt to go back into the fold of law,” Cayetano added.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/11/09/new-weapons-gears-afps-p87-b-modernization-375595
Abandoned Sulu camp found Sunday proof Abu Sayyaf on the run - military commander
From InterAksyon (Nov 9): Abandoned Sulu camp found Sunday proof Abu Sayyaf on the run - military commander
Another abandoned Abu Sayyaf camp was discovered by Army troopers in Patikul, Sulu Sunday morning, proof that government operations are keeping the extremists on the run, the military commander on the southern province said.
Colonel Allan Arrojado, commander of Joint Task Group Sulu, said the camp in Barangay Danag found by troops of the 35th Infantry Battalion around 9:30 a.m. had six bunkers and a “training area,” and was believed last occupied “a week ago by more or less 30 men.”
Aside from combat uniforms, Arrojado said the soldiers also retrieved two flags, one with the markings “Sultaniyah Sulu Darul Islam,” the other saying “Happy 60rth Founding Anniversary, Sulu Darul Islam,” and documents.
The military mounted operations soon after the Abu Sayyaf released kidnapped Germans Viktor Stefan Okonek and Henrike Dielen in mid-October.
However, while maintaining that the operations were keeping the extremists on the run, the military has yet to initiate any contact with their targets.
Arrojado acknowledged this, explaining that the Abu Sayyaf enjoyed substantial support from communities where they operate.
“Mahirap talaga … community ‘yung kalaban natin, suporta nila, nand’yan ‘yung mga barangay na ‘yan, d’yan sila nabubuhay (It’s really difficult … our enemy is the community, their support, there are these villages there, it is where they live),” he said.
Arrojado also said that the Abu Sayyaf band they are pursuing had split up into four groups, with one group of about 70 gunmen led by Radullan Sahiron believed to be holding around 10 hostages, including foreigners.
When the splintered groups converge, he said, they would number around 200 gunmen.
Despite the lack of contact with the gunmen, Arrojado said, “importante hindi sila makapahinga (what is important is that they cannot rest),” so the military can eventually catch up with them.
He added that the pursuit operations also allowed the troops to familiarize themselves with the area.
Arrojado also acknowledged that, aside from their intimate knowledge of the terrain, the extremists also receive warning of approaching troops from their civilian supporters.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/98855/abandoned-sulu-camp-found-sunday-proof-abu-sayyaf-on-the-run---military-commander
Another abandoned Abu Sayyaf camp was discovered by Army troopers in Patikul, Sulu Sunday morning, proof that government operations are keeping the extremists on the run, the military commander on the southern province said.
Colonel Allan Arrojado, commander of Joint Task Group Sulu, said the camp in Barangay Danag found by troops of the 35th Infantry Battalion around 9:30 a.m. had six bunkers and a “training area,” and was believed last occupied “a week ago by more or less 30 men.”
Aside from combat uniforms, Arrojado said the soldiers also retrieved two flags, one with the markings “Sultaniyah Sulu Darul Islam,” the other saying “Happy 60rth Founding Anniversary, Sulu Darul Islam,” and documents.
The military mounted operations soon after the Abu Sayyaf released kidnapped Germans Viktor Stefan Okonek and Henrike Dielen in mid-October.
However, while maintaining that the operations were keeping the extremists on the run, the military has yet to initiate any contact with their targets.
Arrojado acknowledged this, explaining that the Abu Sayyaf enjoyed substantial support from communities where they operate.
“Mahirap talaga … community ‘yung kalaban natin, suporta nila, nand’yan ‘yung mga barangay na ‘yan, d’yan sila nabubuhay (It’s really difficult … our enemy is the community, their support, there are these villages there, it is where they live),” he said.
Arrojado also said that the Abu Sayyaf band they are pursuing had split up into four groups, with one group of about 70 gunmen led by Radullan Sahiron believed to be holding around 10 hostages, including foreigners.
When the splintered groups converge, he said, they would number around 200 gunmen.
Despite the lack of contact with the gunmen, Arrojado said, “importante hindi sila makapahinga (what is important is that they cannot rest),” so the military can eventually catch up with them.
He added that the pursuit operations also allowed the troops to familiarize themselves with the area.
Arrojado also acknowledged that, aside from their intimate knowledge of the terrain, the extremists also receive warning of approaching troops from their civilian supporters.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/98855/abandoned-sulu-camp-found-sunday-proof-abu-sayyaf-on-the-run---military-commander
‘Abu Sayyaf to eventually tire out due to AFP’s non-stop manhunt’
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 9): ‘Abu Sayyaf to eventually tire out due to AFP’s non-stop manhunt’
The military is continuing its pursuit of the Abu Sayyaf group as it discovered another abandoned enemy camp in Patikul, Sulu, on Sunday morning.
Col. Allan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, said troops from the 35th Infantry Battalion found at around 9:30 a.m. the camp where combat uniforms, documents and flags were recovered.
The camp, equipped with six bunkers and a training area, was believed to have been last occupied a week ago by around 30 men.
Arrojado said the two recovered flags had the markings “Sultaniyah Sulu Darul Islam” and “Happy 60th Founding Anniversary Sulu Darul Islam.”
He said that as of Sunday, troops were still scouring the area as part of the military and police’s all-out law enforcement operations against the terrorist group.
Arrojado said the Abu Sayyaf group has been running out of food and places to hide as the military has been pursuing its members, non-stop.
“If the bandits converge together, they can reach around 200. They splinter into four sub groups. One has 40 members, another has 30, one has 70 and Radullan Sahiron has 70,” he said.
He said there would be no let-up in the campaign as the military scoured the Patikul area and the Talipao mountain range where the bandits were believed to be hiding.
“What is important is that they have no time to rest. They will get tired of being on the run and the troops will catch them,” Arrojado said.
The Joint Task Group Sulu commander said the Abu Sayyaf’s abandonment of its camp and temporary encampment showed that the bandits were on the run.
In previous weeks, temporary encampments of the Abu Sayyaf have been abandoned and seized by the military.
The military and the police previously launched an all-out manhunt for the terrorist group. Last week’s killing of six soldiers, including a young 2nd lieutenant, who have been guarding a Basilan road project, is believed to have been the bandits’ response to the pressure exerted by government troops hunting them down.
The casualties came a day after the military conducted air strikes against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu.
The Abu Sayyaf is believed to be still holding at least 10 hostages despite the release of two Germans in Sulu last October.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/649705/abu-sayyaf-to-eventually-tire-out-due-to-afps-non-stop-manhunt
The military is continuing its pursuit of the Abu Sayyaf group as it discovered another abandoned enemy camp in Patikul, Sulu, on Sunday morning.
Col. Allan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, said troops from the 35th Infantry Battalion found at around 9:30 a.m. the camp where combat uniforms, documents and flags were recovered.
The camp, equipped with six bunkers and a training area, was believed to have been last occupied a week ago by around 30 men.
Arrojado said the two recovered flags had the markings “Sultaniyah Sulu Darul Islam” and “Happy 60th Founding Anniversary Sulu Darul Islam.”
He said that as of Sunday, troops were still scouring the area as part of the military and police’s all-out law enforcement operations against the terrorist group.
Arrojado said the Abu Sayyaf group has been running out of food and places to hide as the military has been pursuing its members, non-stop.
“If the bandits converge together, they can reach around 200. They splinter into four sub groups. One has 40 members, another has 30, one has 70 and Radullan Sahiron has 70,” he said.
He said there would be no let-up in the campaign as the military scoured the Patikul area and the Talipao mountain range where the bandits were believed to be hiding.
“What is important is that they have no time to rest. They will get tired of being on the run and the troops will catch them,” Arrojado said.
The Joint Task Group Sulu commander said the Abu Sayyaf’s abandonment of its camp and temporary encampment showed that the bandits were on the run.
In previous weeks, temporary encampments of the Abu Sayyaf have been abandoned and seized by the military.
The military and the police previously launched an all-out manhunt for the terrorist group. Last week’s killing of six soldiers, including a young 2nd lieutenant, who have been guarding a Basilan road project, is believed to have been the bandits’ response to the pressure exerted by government troops hunting them down.
The casualties came a day after the military conducted air strikes against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu.
The Abu Sayyaf is believed to be still holding at least 10 hostages despite the release of two Germans in Sulu last October.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/649705/abu-sayyaf-to-eventually-tire-out-due-to-afps-non-stop-manhunt
Mindoro town cop chief fired after NPA attack
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 9): Mindoro town cop chief fired after NPA attack
The police chief of the remote town of Paluan in Occidental Mindoro province was sacked after an investigation showed that he was nowhere to be found when New People’s Army (NPA) rebels stormed his police station on Friday and left two policemen and a soldier dead.
Senior Insp. Amel Tupas, Paluan police chief, was relieved from his post on Saturday pending an internal investigation by the police.
“Tupas was not around when the station was attacked,” said Supt. Imelda Tolentino, information officer of the Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) police.
Tolentino, in a phone interview, said “the relief is SOP (standard operating procedure).”
She said investigators were checking how many policemen were on duty during the rebel attack.
The rebels, disguised as government soldiers, arrived on board two vans and opened fire at the police station.
Two policemen—PO1 Rolly Alcagno and PO2 Robert Tendido—were killed in a gunfight that lasted for about an hour while three others were wounded, Tolentino said.
As the rebels withdrew, they passed by a military detachment near the police station, where a brief gunfight took place, leaving Cpl. Job Florante dead.
The rebels escaped, abducting Paluan Mayor Carl Michael Pangilinan and municipal administrator Eduardo Yambao, and using them as human shields, said Maj. Angelo de Guzman, spokesperson of the Southern Luzon Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
He said the officials were taken from the municipal hall, which is just beside the police station.
Pangilinan and Yambao were released near the Calawagan River, also in the same village, about 3 kilometers from the police station.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/649614/mindoro-town-cop-chief-fired-after-npa-attack
The police chief of the remote town of Paluan in Occidental Mindoro province was sacked after an investigation showed that he was nowhere to be found when New People’s Army (NPA) rebels stormed his police station on Friday and left two policemen and a soldier dead.
Senior Insp. Amel Tupas, Paluan police chief, was relieved from his post on Saturday pending an internal investigation by the police.
“Tupas was not around when the station was attacked,” said Supt. Imelda Tolentino, information officer of the Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) police.
Tolentino, in a phone interview, said “the relief is SOP (standard operating procedure).”
She said investigators were checking how many policemen were on duty during the rebel attack.
The rebels, disguised as government soldiers, arrived on board two vans and opened fire at the police station.
Two policemen—PO1 Rolly Alcagno and PO2 Robert Tendido—were killed in a gunfight that lasted for about an hour while three others were wounded, Tolentino said.
As the rebels withdrew, they passed by a military detachment near the police station, where a brief gunfight took place, leaving Cpl. Job Florante dead.
The rebels escaped, abducting Paluan Mayor Carl Michael Pangilinan and municipal administrator Eduardo Yambao, and using them as human shields, said Maj. Angelo de Guzman, spokesperson of the Southern Luzon Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
He said the officials were taken from the municipal hall, which is just beside the police station.
Pangilinan and Yambao were released near the Calawagan River, also in the same village, about 3 kilometers from the police station.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/649614/mindoro-town-cop-chief-fired-after-npa-attack
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