Trooper hurt in landmine explosion in Irosin, Sorsogon

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5): Trooper hurt in landmine explosion in Irosin, Sorsogon

A trooper engaged in essential disaster rescue operations (DRO) was hurt after a landmine put up by New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Irosin town, Sorsogon exploded Friday morning.

The incident took place at 11: 45 a.m.,, Southern Luzon Command spokesperson Major Angelo Guzman identified the wounded trooper as Pfc. Jerlou Fiesta, a member of the 903rd Infantry Brigade's disaster response team.

Fiesta and his companions were on their way to set up a a DRRMO (disaster risk response management operations) post in Irosin town when their vehicle ran over a landmine at about 11:45 a.m.and detonated a NPA landmine.

The military puts up DRRMO posts in an effort to lessen the damages that typhoon "Ruby" may cause.

The shrapnel pierced into the vehicle wounded Fiesta.

His unhurt companions quickly rushed him to the Irosin District Hospital for treatment.

He is already out of danger, attending doctors said.

Lt. Col. Beerjenson Aquino, 31st Infantry Battalion commander, immediately dispatched troops to pursue the rebels.

"During these moments where we are facing another natural calamity threat, it is very inhumane for the NPA to launch offensives versus soldiers on humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations," Southern Luzon Command chief Major Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya said.

Despite the attack, he said that they will continue their humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions to ensure the safety of the people.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=713098

AFP now coordinating with US PACOM, other foreign militaries for HADR

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5): AFP now coordinating with US PACOM, other foreign militaries for HADR

With Typhoon "Ruby" expected to make landfall this Saturday in Eastern Samar, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said that discussions with the US Pacific Command and other foreign militaries are ongoing for possible humanitarian assistance and distance response (HADR) missions.

This was announced Friday by 7th Civil Relations Group commander Major Emmanuel Garcia in a statement to the Philippines News Agency.

He added that 75 heavy equipment, three helicopters, and 178 ground mobility assets are also now on stand-by.

"Fuel, supply, and other logistics (items) are now being pre-positioned," Garcia stated.

Communication nets with civilian agencies in support/redundancy for military communications net are already being set.

Garcia also revealed that all available troops in the provinces, that may be affected, is already on stand-by for disaster response missions.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=713130

All PN units ready for 'Ruby'

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5): All PN units ready for 'Ruby'

In preparation for the possible impact of Typhoon "Ruby" which is forecast to affect Eastern and Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao and Bicol provinces, the Philippine Navy (PN) announced it has already implemented various steps to mitigate the effects of the typhoon.

"The PN leadership already initiated a warning and alert order to its Naval Operation Support Units (NOSU) to prepare the necessary assets and personnel for a proactive response in order to alleviate and address possible damages and losses that will be brought about by the incoming typhoon," said Navy public affairs office chief Lt. Cmdr. Marineth Domingo.

She added that the PN monitors the movements of "Ruby" through its Naval Operations Center (NOC) which is centrally accessible to its NOSU in the affected areas.

Disaster risk reduction units from NOSU are already undertaking precautionary measures which include but not limited to trimming and pruning of tree branches, inspection of flood prone areas, seaside installation, etc.

NOSU is all set as it updates the status of their disaster risk response task organizations, force composition, transportation vehicles and communication equipment, to include the floating assets within their AOR, as well as their typhoon evasion measures and strategic deployment locations, equipment in conducting water search and rescue operations, and immediate medical evacuation.

"Further, the PN is in closed coordination with the local government units, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to ensure a consolidated effort to effectively address this incoming weather disturbance," Domingo added.

The PN is vigilantly ready when called upon to respond in any emergency situation and disasters that may transpire, she concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=713156

5 rebels killed clash with gov't troops in Compostela Valley

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5): 5 rebels killed clash with gov't troops in Compostela Valley

Troopers from the Army's 71st Infantry Battalion killed five New People's Army (NPA) rebels and recovered five high-powered weapons during an encounter at Sitio Upper Balantang, Barangay Cabuyuan, Mabini, Compostela Valley province Friday afternoon.

1st Lt. Vicente Alcambra, 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the clash with an undetermined number of NPA guerrillas took place at 2 p.m.

After a fierce 10-minute gunfight, the rebels fled, leaving behind their five dead comrades.

There was no casualty on the government side as Philippine National Police-Scene of the Crime Operatives personnel proceeded at the encounter site for documentation and possible identification of the dead rebels.

Recovered from the encounter site were an M-653 rifle, three M-16 automatic rifles and one M-1 Garand rifle, five bandoliers, 10 magazines for M-16 rifles, subversive documents and personal belongings.

Pursuit operations are ongoing against the fleeing rebels.

“This is part of our intensified efforts to curb the recent series of banditry attacks perpetrated by NPA rebels. We will not allow these lawless armed group from sowing terror in our communities," 10th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Eduardo M. Año said.

Early this week, the rebels abducted two soldiers securing a banana plantation in New Corella, Davao del Norte.

The NPAs also attacked government troops securing an ongoing road construction project in San Fernando, Bukidnon.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=713216

DOJ set to resolve Laude case

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5): DOJ set to resolve Laude case

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to resolve the case involving the killing of Filipino transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude.

Laude was allegedly killed by United States Marines Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton in Olongapo City last October 11.

According to Olongapo City Chief Prosecutor Emilie Fe Delos Santos, the public prosecutors only have a period of 60 days within which to determine if there is probable cause to indict Pemberton.

Delos Santos said that they are meticulously studying the pieces of evidence and the documents of the case.

It is expected that the Olongapo City Prosecutor’s Office will issue the resolution on Dec. 15, 2014 when the 60-day period will lapse.

Delos Santos was also the one who resolved the rape case of US Marines Lance Corporal Daniel Smith wherein she ordered the filing in court of the rape case involving the victim “Nicole”.

Smith was convicted of rape by the Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC), however, he was acquitted by the Court of Appeals (CA).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=713188

Typhoon 'Ruby' slightly weakens; 36 areas still under public storm warning signal -- PAGASA

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5): Typhoon 'Ruby' slightly weakens; 36 areas still under public storm warning signal -- PAGASA

Typhoon “Ruby” has slightly weaken but still 36 areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao have been placed under public storm warning signal (PSWS), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Friday.

PAGASA weather forecaster Chris Perez said typhoon “Ruby” (international name: Hagupit) weakens its strength while continuing to move west-northwest towards the Eastern Samar-Northern Samar area.

As of 4 p.m., the typhoon was located at 370 km East of Borongan, Eastern Samar (11.9°N, 128.8°E) with maximum sustained winds of 195 kph (slightly lower than the 215 kph previously forecast) near the center and gustiness of up to to 230 kph.

Perez said areas under Public Storm Signal No. 2 (Winds of 61-100 kilometers per hour is expected in at least 24 hours) are: Albay, Sorsogon, Ticao Island and Masbate in Luzon Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Northern Cebu including Cebu City, Bantayan Island and Camotes Island in the Visayas.

Travel by all types of sea vessels and aircrafts in these areas are risky. Residents in low lying and mountainous areas are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.

On the other hand, areas under Publis Storm Signal No. 1 (Winds of 30-60 kph is expected in at least 36 hours) include: Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Burias Island and Romblon in Luzon; Capiz, Iloilo, Antique, Guimaras, Aklan, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Rest of Cebu, Siquijor and Bohol in the Visayas; and Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Island, Siargao Island, Agusan del Sur and Camiguin Island in Mindanao.

The estimated rainfall amount in these areas is from 7.5 to 20 millimeters per hour (heavy to intense) within the 700-km diameter of the typhoon.

Perez said Typhoon "Ruby" continues to move West Northwest at 13 kph. With its movement and speed, it is expect to make landfall on Saturday evening over the Eastern Samar–Northern Samar area and it will be associated with strong winds, storm surge (3-4 meters) and heavy-intense rainfall.

Typhoon "Ruby" is expected to be at 80 km North Northeast of Borongan, Eastern Samar or at 130 km East Southeast of Catarman, Northern Samar by Saturday afternoon.

By Sunday afternoon, it is forecast to be at 40 km North of Masbate City, Masbate or in the vicinity of Ticao Island. By Monday afternoon, it is expected to be at 50 km West of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.

PAGASA said typhoon "Ruby" is expected to exit Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday morning.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=713192

1,234 Southern Luzon Command troops on stand-by for possible HADR missions

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5): 1,234 Southern Luzon Command troops on stand-by for possible HADR missions

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday placed on stand-by some 1,234 officers and enlisted personnel in the Southern Luzon Command for possible humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions in case Typhoon Ruby's landfall will have any adverse impact.

AFP 7th Civil Relations Group commander Major Emmanuel Garcia in a message to the PNA said that these personnel could also be deployed in the Central Command area in the Visayas should provinces there sustain more damage than those in Southern Luzon.

"These (personnel) should be shifted to the Central Command as the need arises," Garcia pointed out.

The official also added that all disaster response task units (DRTUs) in the Southern Luzon Command are now alerted for rescue missions related to the incoming typhoon.

Garcia said Matnog Port is now being secured by elements of the 31st Infantry Battalion and the 903rd Infantry Brigade as the port may be used a relief center in case the area will be hit by super typhoon Ruby.

He added that alternate routes for Bulan Port is now being secured.

Garcia said additional sealift vessels from Sangley Point, Cavite has been requested to augment other naval ships in Matnog.

The 7th Civil Relations Group commander also stated that coordination is now ongoing with the Department of Transportation and Communication and private shipping companies and lines to increase their frequency and number of vessels after the aftermath of the typhoon, to facilitate humanitarian and relief efforts.

Garcia also said they continue to monitor the situation on Mount Mayon.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=713207

Army to deploy 272 new soldiers to Negros, Panay

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 4): Army to deploy 272 new soldiers to Negros, Panay

A total of 272 soldiers were enlisted into the ranks of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division during the graduation rites held at Camp Macario Peralta Jr. in Jamindan, Capiz Thursday, the 3rd ID said.

The neophyte soldiers are members of the Candidate Soldiers Sumiklab or Sundalong Minimithi ay Kapayapaan, Lalaban para sa Bayan Classes 352 and 353-2014.

Soon to be deployed to Negros and Panay Islands, the newly-enlisted soldiers completed a six-month Candidate Soldier Course and Jungle Warfare Mountain Operation Course training held at the Division Training School in Camp Peralta.

The Commander, 3rd Infantry Division Award was given to Mark Joseph Brillantes, a registered criminologist from Barangay Salcedo, Dumarao, Capiz, for topping his class.

Brillantes bested 136 other trainees in Class 352 with an average of 93.05 percent in all evaluated academic and non-academic subjects.

Jose Cambas Jr. of Badiangan, Iloilo, who topped the Class 353, also received the Commander, 3rd Infantry Division Award after garnering an average of 92.83 percent.

The Chief of Staff, 3rd ID Awards went to Ariel Caraballe of Sagay City and Roldan Cadiente of Kabankalan City, both in Negros Occidental for graduating number 2 in Class 352 and Class 353, respectively.

Recipients of the Commandant, 3rd Division Training School Awards were Marjun Lacse of Candoni and Rene Lobaton of Cauayan, both in Negros Occidental for finishing number 3 in Class 352 and Class 353, respectively.

The Physical Proficiency Awards went to Ryan Rabanera of Alaminos, Pangasian of Class 352 and Robert Gallaron of Janiuay, Iloilo of Class 353.

Maj. General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the 3rd ID, congratulated the Division Training School personnel who trained the new soldiers who will later implement the 3rd ID campaign “Dagyaw Para sa Kalinaw” in Western Visayas.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=712847

Philippine Army’s 10th ID welcomes new force in Compostela Valley

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 4): Philippine Army’s 10th ID welcomes new force in Compostela Valley

MAWAB, Compostela Valley Province -- More than a hundred candidate soldiers successfully completed Tuesday the 20-week military training at the Army's 10th Division Training School of the 10th Infantry "Agila" Division based in Camp General Manuel T Yan Sr. in Barangay Tuburan here.

The newly graduated soldiers are the new members of the “Team Agila” Division of the Philippine Army. They are expected to respond to peace and security to various threat groups and support developmental efforts in Davao Region where they will be deployed.

According to 1Lt. Vergel Lacambra, 10th ID Division Public Affairs Office chief, a native of Loreto, Agusan del Sur in the person of Mariano N. Gonzales Jr. topped the class besting 96 other members bearing the name “Maalab” or Mandirigmang Agila Alay ay Lakas at Buhay.

He added that Nicko John S. Manginsay of Tagum City topped the Candidate Soldier Course Class 370-2014 besting 91 others.

Their class name “Maligalig” which stands for Mandirigmang Agila na Likas ang Galing, Iingatan ang Gawain Bilang Isang Kawal has an original quota of 96 but four failed to pass the course.

During the graduation rites, Maj. General Eduardo M. Año, 10th Infantry Division Commander, said, “soldiers are not only required to possess a high degree of military skills but also willingness to make personal sacrifices, lots of personal sacrifices to provide the most combat capability and the maximum service possible for the tax paid by our people.”

The graduates have undergone Candidate Soldier Course, cross-trained with Jungle Warfare Mountaineering Operation Course also included training in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) and Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) Orientation Course.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=712727

South Korean Armies move to safer grounds

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5): South Korean Armies move to safer grounds

Troops of the South Korean military humanitarian contingents stationed in Candahug village in Palo, Leyte will leave their camps today and move to a safe evacuation center.

Candahug is one of the hard hit village in Palo town following storm surge whipped by super typhoon Yolanda’s strong winds.

Capt. Kwon Youngwoo, public affairs officer of the contingent, said that they will temporarily leave their base camp and evacuate to Leyte Academic Center (LAC) this afternoon due to typhoon Ruby.

LAC facility is owned by the provincial government of Leyte and located inside the Leyte ICT Park that was partially damaged by last year’s calamity.

This is the first time that the Araw Force will evacuate their personnel since arriving in Leyte to help in the reconstruction of public infrastructures in the towns of Palo, Tanauan and Tolosa.

Capt. Kwon said that activities of the Araw Force for this week, such as the inauguration of Araw Memorial Park this morning is cancelled and will be schedule anytime next week.

The Korean soldiers, with 389 personnel are expected to leave the province of Leyte this December 17.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=712951

Number of ASG casualties in Basilan clash now at 11

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5): Number of ASG casualties in Basilan clash now at 11

The Western Mindanao Command announced that the number of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Thursday's clash in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan has now climbed to 11.

This was disclosed by Capt. Rowena Muyuela, Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, in a statement forwarded to the PNA Friday.

Initial reports placed the number of ASG dead to three, with an undetermined number of wounded.

The bandits were headed by Furudji Indama and Nurhassan Jamiri.

Joint Task Group Basilan commander Col. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista said two of the ASG casualties were identified as Abdullah Kalitot alias "Abdullah" and a certain Hidzran while eight others were wounded.

Kalitot, an ASG member under the group of Jamiri, escaped from the Basilan Province Jail on Dec. 31, 2010.

The suspect was charged with nine counts of murder committed in Basilan in 2007 and had a bounty of Php500,000 for his immediate capture.

On the government side, one suffered from major wounds and six others incurred minor wounds mostly caused by shrapnel.

Intensified law enforcement operations are ongoing as of this posting.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=712958

Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division gets 272 new troopers

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5): Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division gets 272 new troopers

Two hundred seventy two newly trained troopers formally joined the ranks of the Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division Thursday.

These soldiers are members of the Candidate Soldiers “SUMIKLAB” (Sundalong Minimithi ay Kapayapaan, Lalaban para sa Bayan) Classes 352 and 353–2014 who will be deployed and bring peace and development to Panay and Negros Islands.

The newly enlisted soldiers have completed the six (6) month rigid Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) and Jungle Warfare Mountain Operation Course (JWMOC) training held at the Division Training School (DTS) in Camp General Macario Peralta Jr, Jamindan, Capiz.

Mark Joseph S. Brillantes, a Registered Criminologist from Barangay Salcedo, Dumarao, Capiz received the Commander, 3rd Infantry Division Award for graduating Number 1 besting 136 others in Class 352–2014 with a General Point Average of 93.05 percent in all evaluated subjects both academic and non-academic in the said training.

While a native of Barangay Indorohan, Badiangan, Iloilo, Jose A. Cambas, Jr graduated Number 1 besting 134 others in Class 353–2014, also received the Commander, 3rd Infantry Division Award who garnered a General Point Average of 92.83 percent in all evaluated subjects both academic and non-academic courses.

Major Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, 3rd Infantry Division commander, congratulated the Division Training School personnel who were responsible for the training of these new breed of soldiers.

He expects these troopers to serve the people and secure the communities guided by the Army core values of honor, patriotism and duty.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=712970

MILF infighting reported in Maguindanao, mediation ongoing

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5): MILF infighting reported in Maguindanao, mediation ongoing

Two warring groups belonging to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) had been fighting each other the past few days over land dispute in Maguindanao’s Datu Abdullah Sangki town, officials said today.

To avert bloody and major confrontation, the local government of Abdullah Sangki has appealed to MILF leadership to interfere.

The warring groups, one led by Zacaria Guma and the other under Datu Item, have been trading bullets since Wednesday, forcing civilians to vacate their hoems to safer grounds.

Military sources the hostilities escalated when two other guerilla commanders of the MILF’s 105th and 106th Base Commands joined in the conflict.

Commander Tony is identified with Guma’s group while Commander Rex is a supporter of Datu Item, a relative of former Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan, Jr.

“We are trying to pacify the warring group but the MILF leadership could pacify it effectively because they are its people, we can only appeal,” Datu Abdullah Sangki town councillor Anwar Emblawa.

The municipal peace and order council has aleady appealed to the central committee of the MILF to reposition its forces away from populated areas in Datu Abdullah Sangki town.

Emblawa, citing information from village officials, said a woman was hit by stray bullets during the exchange of gun fire Thursday.

He said the warring groups have been locked in land dispute.

Von Al Haq, MILF’s military official, said an emissary had been sent to negotiate with the warring groups.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=712996

BIFF member hurls grenade at Army, police bomb experts in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5): BIFF member hurls grenade at Army, police bomb experts in Maguindanao

SHARIFF AGUAK -- A suspected member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) tossed a hand grenade at Army bomb experts trying to defuse a roadside improvised bomb here on Thursday, the military said.
Captain Joan Petinglay, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the joint Army and police bomb experts were in the process of deactivating a suspected bomb believed to have been planted by BIFF guerrillas intended for military personnel when a man hurled a hand grenade at 4 p.m.

The man quickly fled as the grenade exploded, Petinglay said.

No one from the soldiers or police were hurt but it damaged parked police patrol car.

Police and local officials are still trying to identify the lone bomber.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=713002

Ad hoc committee on Bangsamoro Basic Law holds public hearing in Ilocos Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5): Ad hoc committee on Bangsamoro Basic Law holds public hearing in Ilocos Norte

At least six members of the ad hoc committee of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) visited Laoag today to consult Ilocanos and the Muslim community here about their thoughts on House Bill No. 4994 which seeks to promote peace in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) including Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato.

Presided by Rep. Henry Oaminal of the second district of Misamis Occidental along with five other members of the ad hoc committee namely: Congressmen Rodolfo Farińas, Celso Lobregat, Tupay Loong, Jorge Almonte and Prospero Amatong, they told Ilocos residents the“insights of Ilocanos are important” for the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro government.

“We are one nation, the concerns of Mindanao are the concerns of Luzon and Visayas and vice versa. Di ba may kasabihan tayo na ang sakit ng kalingkingan ay sakit ng buong katawan. That is precisely the idea. The proposed Bangsamoro affects us all. As a Mindanaoan myself, I too, would like to hear the concerns of Luzon,” said Oaminal.Held at the auditorium of Northern Christian College in Laoag City attended by various multi-sectoral representatives composed of the United Alliance of Muslim Community in Laoag City, local government officials, public and private organizations, business organizations and other religious sectors, the ad hoc committee on the BBL is in Laoag today for the 24th league of the peace caravan in key cities of the country.

Citing the bill as a legacy of President Aquino which he strongly supports, Congressman Farińas said the committee hopes to finish the series of consultative hearings before December 17 in time for the passage of a committee report and plenary debate early next year when the Congress will resume session.

For the Muslim community in Laoag, Omar Yasin, adviser of the United Alliance of Muslim in Ilocos Norte expressed support for peace and development.

“We are grateful for the pushing of this bill. We thank Allah and we express our full support to this endeavour,” Yasin said during the hearing.

Meant to strengthen the relationship of the proposed Bangsamoro government with other local government units, Oaminal underscored the committee values the significance of Regions I and II as base of cultural diversity where peoples from different religion, cultural background and political divisions were able to live in peace and harmony.

“This diversity is a model for us in Congress to emphasize that the tri-people in Mindanao can be successfully governed by the formula of peoples’ participation, people empowerment and good governance,” he added notwithstanding the fact that there are many Ilocanos also in Mindanao.

For his part, Police provincial director Antonio Mendoza Jr. of Ilocos Norte who also served as former police chief of Basilan has commended the ad hoc committee for promoting lasting peace in Mindanao through the passage of the BBL.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=713126