MILF: DB eyes Camp Abubakar as storage facility for MILF weapons

Posted to the MILF Website (Jan 23): DB eyes Camp Abubakar as storage facility for MILF weapons



The Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) is eyeing Camp Abubakar As-Sique, erstwhile main camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as storage facility for the Moro front’s weapons. The IDB is tasked to oversee the process of decommissioning the MILF forces and weapons under the normalization process agreed between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF.
  

Under the normalization process, MILF firearms shall be handed to IDP gradually which will in turn store them in a well-protected and secured facility.

Last January 20, the IDB headed by Turkish Ambassador Haydar Berk, conducted a site inspection inside the camp, now known as Camp Iranun.  Ambassaddor Berk was briefed by Col. Arnel dela Vega, 603IB commander.

Berk was accompanied by his vice chairman, Gen. Jan Erik Wilhelmsen of Norway, other Norwegians, Brunei delegates and GPH and MILF local experts.

Dela Vega said Camp Iranun is conducive for both the MILF and GPH, with various kinds of activities that can be performed there, now also accessible, and with the various peace-driven initiatives conducted by the military in the surroundings for a decade now.

“It’s the best option since the place has historical relevance for the MILF. Until now it is a sentimental place. The home of their former leader and founder, Salamat Hashim, is still preserved in the thickly forested site inside the camp,” Dela Vega stressed.

The Joint Security Peace Team (JSPT) composed of 1,400 men coming from the police and the Army, and Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants will secure the facility. The GPH and the MILF will be represented evenly in the composite team with 700 men each.

The Camp Iranun compound is also eyed as training ground for the composite team who will complete the Joint Security Peace Team.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1463-idb-eyes-camp-abubakar-as-storage-facility-for-milf-weapons

CPP: Video - Panawagan sang PKP Panay sa ika46 nga anibersaryo

Propaganda video posted to the CPP Website (Jan 21): Panawagan sang PKP Panay sa ika46 nga anibersaryo



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxROaPP4fp0

Panawagan sang PKP Panay sa ika46 nga anibersaryo sang Partido Komunista sang Pilipinas

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Video - Dismantle and end Privatization!

Propaganda video posted to the CPP Website (Jan 22): Video -- Dismantle and end Privatization!



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fa2E5o8zAA

The Filipino people suffer from ever heavier burdens due to the series of hikes in fees and expenses. The huge MRT and LRT fare hikes, the water rate hike and the impending power rate hike are but the latest burdens to be heaped anew by the US-Aquino regime on the Filipino people’s shoulders. They come on top of the already spiralling costs of education, medical care, communications, housing and other social services and infrastructure.

The higher fees and costs now confronting the people are the result of close to three decades of the privatization and deregulation of key social infrastructure. Enterprises that used to be state-owned and run by the government, funded by public funds and declared to be serving the “social interest” are now run by a handful of big comprador bourgeoisie and their foreign big capitalist partners in the name of profit without any obligation whatsoever to protect the people’s interests.

In exchange for credit, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other imperialist agencies imposed on the Philippines at the close of the 1980s the policies of privatization and deregulation—meaning the removal of state controls on services and utilities to give way to big foreign capitalist and bourgeois comprador investment and management. They took advantage of the Filipino people’s anger at the bureaucrat capitalist Marcos dictatorship and its minions who enriched themselves by running state enterprises in order to make privatization palatable to the public.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/

Another drone found off Cagayan

From the Philippine Star (Jan 23): Another drone found off Cagayan


Police officers check a drone recovered off Santa Ana town in Cagayan yesterday.  RAYMUND CATINDIG 

Another drone believed to be owned by the US Navy was found by fishermen off Sta. Ana, Cagayan Wednesday.

The 3.5-meter drone was similar to the one found earlier in Masbate, which the US embassy said was an aerial target of the US Navy.

The embassy said the BQM-74E aerial target did not carry weapons and was not used for surveillance.

It said it was being used by surface ships and aircraft during a military exercise held in Guam.

“It was meant to help train sailors in a realistic environment that provides the best possible training,” the US embassy said.

Sta. Ana police chief Senior Inspector Darwin Urani said the miniature plane with star markings on both wings was turned over to them by the fishermen.

Jackson Orteza, 37, said he found the drone floating off Barangay Tangatan at around 11:20 a.m.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/01/23/1415795/another-drone-found-cagayan

Drone fished in waters off Cagayan

From GMA News (Jan 23):

Three fishermen who went out to sea on Wednesday recovered a drone in waters off Sta. Ana town in Cagayan, local police from the province said on Friday.

 

According to a report from the Sta. Ana police station, the fishermen identified as Jackson Orteza, Joland Rabor and Ryan Genelba recovered the drone around 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

 

Orteza described the as orange in color, with the label Aerial Target Drone BQM-74F.

 

He added that it was more or less 3.5 meters in length wand had star markings on both sides and on its wings.

 

The drone is currently under the custody of the Sta. Ana police station in Cagayan for further investigation.

Last January 4, the local police of Quezon province also recovered a drone owned and operated by the US Navy.

 

There was also a similar drone recovered off the coast of Masbate province by San Jacinto town police back in 2013.

 

The US Embassy said previously that the drone was unarmed and not sued for surveillance purposes. 

1 dead, 48 hurt in Zamboanga car bomb explosion (w/ photos)

From Rappler (Jan 23): 1 dead, 48 hurt in Zamboanga car bomb explosion (w/ photos)

(UPDATED) Most of the victims are owners or drivers of the vehicles parked near the exploding car and passersby who were going to and from a nearby terminal


FRIDAY EXPLOSION: A bomb explodes in a car parked in a disco bar in Zamboanga City. Photo by Richard Falcatan/Rappler

 

(4th Update) – At least one was killed and 48 were wounded after a car exploded at the parking lot of a disco bar in Zamboanga City Friday afternoon, January 23, the police and the military confirmed.

 

"An explosion occurred at Fantasy Bar fronting the Guiwan Bus Terminal in Barangay Guiwan, Zamboanga City," according to a police situation report.

 

The Twitter account of the Zamboanga City government identified the fatality as barangay Talabaan resident Reynaldo Tan, 39.

 

zambocitygovt @zambocitygovt

Latest count: 48 wounded, 1 dead in the recent Zambo blast

4:54 AM - 23 Jan 2015

27 Retweets 8 favorites

 

The bomb exploded in a red car, according to Captain Rowena Muyuela of the military's Zamboanga-based Western Mindanao Command.

 

Eyewitnesses said after the car exploded, the nearby vehicles were set on fire.

 

CLEARING UP. An explosives expert leaves the scene after clearing the area of secondary explosives near a bus terminal in Guiwan, Zamboanga City. Photo by Charlie Saceda/Rappler

 

Most of the victims were owners or drivers of the vehicles at the parking lot and of tricycles parked nearby. Since the site is near a terminal, some passersby were also wounded.

 

The victims were brought to the Zamboanga Peninsula Medical Hospital, said Muyuela.

 

The military's Task Group Zamboanga is now in the area to investigate.

VICTIMS. Red Cross team attend to wounded victims near the bus terminal in Guiwan, Zamboanga City. Photo by Charle Saceda/Rappler

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/81761-explosion-zamboanga-disco-bar

UPDATE: Powerful blast kills 1, injures 48 in Zamboanga City

From MindaNews (Jan 23): UPDATE: Powerful blast kills 1, injures 48 in Zamboanga City

A person was killed while the wounded climbed to 48 from the earlier 33 reported in a suspected car bomb explosion Friday in this city, officials said.

Citing initial investigation, Senior Supt. Angelito Casimiro, Zamboanga City police director, said the bomb exploded shortly after 3 p.m. near the bus terminal in Barangay Guiwan.



Ordnance experts conduct a post-blast investigation in Zamboanga City on Friday, 23 January 2015. MindaNews contributed photo by Charlie Saceda

One of the wounded victims is a policeman detailed at the bus terminal while the others include residents staying nearby and passengers bound for the other parts of the region.

Dr. Rodelin agbulos, City Health Officer, said the blast wounded 48 people, two of them still in critical condition.

Senior Police Officer 3 Brasim Abilani, who is also detailed at the bus terminal, said they saw a car was burning, followed suddenly by a strong explosion.

Abilani said the car was parked in front of a pub house located across the terminal that caters to buses of the Rural Transit Management, Incorporated (RTMI) plying from this city to other parts of the region.

The explosion also destroyed a car and a tricycle, and shattered the glass windows of nearby establishments.

Police and military forces immediately cordoned the highway and diverted traffic towards this city’s east coast to pave way for the post-blast investigation.

Col. Andrelino Colina, Task Force Zamboanga chief, said they have yet to determine the type of explosive used, noting that explosive ordnance demolition personnel are still sifting through the blast site.

RTMI Manager Efren Dela Cruz said they have suspended the trips from this city starting 3 p.m. as the highway was closed and the frontage of the terminal building was also destroyed.

Dela Cruz said they will resume trips at 6 p.m., but the embarkation point is at the RTMI motorpool in Barangay Divisoria.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has urged the public to remain calm but vigilant, stressing that the police and military remain in control of the situation.

Salazar urged the police and military to hasten the post-blast investigation to be able to re-open the highway.

“We have to go back to normalcy as soon as possible,” Salazar said.

She mobilized the local government resources to provide assistance to the victims taken to the different hospitals.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/01/23/powerful-blast-kills-1-injures-33-in-zamboanga-city/

Vietnam joins Philippines in war of words against China island building

From Thanh Nien News (Jan 23): Vietnam joins Philippines in war of words against China island building



One of the two Vietnam Russian-built missile-guided frigates is seen docked at a bay in Manila November 25, 2014. Vietnam last November showed off its two most powerful warships in the first-ever port call to the Philippines but an official said it was not trying to challenge China's superior naval forces amid tension in the East Sea. Photo credit: Reuters

Vietnam has joined the Philippines in condemning China’s attempts to build islands in the East Sea in what analysts say could be yet another futile verbal effort to stop Beijing.

 

“Vietnam resolutely opposes China’s illegal construction projects that jeopardize the status quo on the Truong Sa Archipelago,” Pham Thu Hang, deputy foreign ministry spokeswoman, said at a press briefing Thursday, using the Vietnamese name for the Spratly islands.

 

“We demand that China immediately stop such reclamation work and not repeat similar wrongful actions,” she said, reiterating that Hanoi has indisputable sovereignty over the Spratly and Hoang Sa (Paracel) island chains in the East Sea, also known as the South China Sea.

 

Since August, after withdrawing from Vietnamese waters the infamous oil rig that bedeviled Sino-Vietnamese ties, China has continued to pursue a number of land reclamation works around small islands in the Spratlys.

 

The Philippines has since last year accused Beijing of reclamation work in the Cuarteron, Johnson, Johnson South and Gaven reefs also in the Spratlys.

 

On Thursday Philippine foreign secretary Albert del Rosario repeated a warning that Beijing was reclaiming land around isolated reefs to turn them into islands which could hold fortified positions or even airstrips, AFP reported.

 

It quoted del Rosario as saying that the Chinese actions in the Spratly islands would impact freedom to navigate the strategic mineral-rich waters through which large volumes of the world's trade pass.

 

China routinely outlines the scope of its territorial claims through maps featuring a so-called nine-dash line -- a demarcation that includes about 90 percent of the 3.5-million-square-kilometer East Sea.

 

But these maps have been emphatically rejected by international experts and fly in the face of competing claims by four members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) -- Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.

 

Analysts say the latest statements by Vietnam and the Philippines are just verbal barbs with China showing no signs of backing down from its expansive claims to the East Sea.

 

“If Vietnam and the Philippines don't complain it will give the impression they are giving in to China,” Dennis McCornac, a professor at Loyola University in Baltimore (Maryland), told Thanh Nien News.

 

“Thus, the verbal barbs are more for show than anything else and what is more important are diplomatic efforts on all sides to address the issue.”

 

‘Diplomatic dressing without any meat’

 

Del Rosario said Thursday that he would raise the issue at an upcoming meeting of AEAN foreign ministers in Malaysia and push for countries involved in the dispute to adhere to a code of conduct to not increase tensions in the maritime region.

 

"I will re-emphasize this and invite the concern of the ASEAN states because it is a threat to all of us," AFP quoted him as saying.

 

But skeptics say no one in ASEAN besides Vietnam and the Philippines would take up the gauntlet to confront China. Even host Malaysia, which has overlapping claims, is expected not to make the issue a priority at the forthcoming meeting.

 

It is in this context that, as ASEAN chair, Malaysia is likely to be buffeted by strong diplomatic crosswinds from China and the US as well as its respective supporters in ASEAN, according Mark Valencia, a Hawaii-based analyst.

 

“It will be interesting to see whether Malaysia bends and, if so, which way. It must find a ‘Goldilocks’ position - not too fast for China and its ASEAN supporters, but not too slow for the Philippines and Vietnam (and the US),” Valencia said.

 

“Even if it opts to make no progress at all rather than antagonize China or the US, stresses and strains within ASEAN may lead to more intra-ASEAN quarrelling and enhanced cleavages. This would weaken ASEAN's centrality in regional affairs.”

 

For the US, which has always tried to reassure Asia that it is a vocal critic of China’s claim to the East Sea, the best it can do is to merely wage wars of words against Beijing.

 

Zach Abuza, an analyst based in Washington, noted “very little tangible” coming out of the recent US-Philippines security dialogue.

 

“There were no new pledges of aid and assistance, no weapons transfers, no new policies or programs. It was very diplomatic dressing without any meat,” Abuza told Thanh Nien News.

 

“The US might have been concerned about the rapid reclamation on the five Philippine claimed features, but it doesn't seem to be willing to do anything to stop it. That leaves the Philippines with nothing else but their legal and diplomatic strategy.

 

“My feeling is that this is a year of consolidation for China in the [East Sea].”

 

http://www.thanhniennews.com/politics/vietnam-joins-philippines-in-war-of-words-against-china-island-building-37955.html

AgSur joint Peace and Security Coordinating Committee meeting held with one aim: Peace and Development

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 22): AgSur joint Peace and Security Coordinating Committee meeting held with one aim: Peace and Development

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - The first Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Committee meeting was held here Wednesday in order to discuss plans and programs that will address the peace and development issues and should be given attention by the local government of Agusan del Sur, the army and the police.

According to 4th Infantry Division Commander Gen. Oscar Lactao, the presence of the army in anyplace of the country is not to combat the Filipino people but to install peace and harmony at the area, while the national and local government units will focus on development while implementing government programs and projects needed by the people.

“We, in the military really appreciate the efforts, partnership and cooperation by the people in Agusan del Sur under the leadership of Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza. During our courtesy call with Gov. Plaza a while ago, we really appreciate the programs and projects that the provincial government has designed for Agusan del Sur. No wonder that from number 31 poorest of the poor 10 years ago, you are now I think number 75 in the rank. Therefore, we in the military, are inspired to work with you in order to attain lasting peace and development. If it is needed, we are willing to add more personnel to work with you,” Gen. Lactao said.

Gov. Plaza on his message said the provincial government is giving weight to the development of the upland areas. Plaza said his administration is focusing on the harmonization of local and national resources in order to fast track access to upland areas especially that tremendous damages were inflected by the recent typhoon Seniang.

“We have already started implementing our programs in the upland areas. Roads and bridges were already constructed and repaired through the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan or the PAMANA program of the national government in order to have easy access to farmers bringing down their products to the market. But of course, I admit on the slow implementation of the program called the Upland Sustainable Agri-forestry and Development (USAD) because along the way, we are encountering complex problems like the tenurial instruments,” Gov. Plaza said.

Gov. Plaza added that since every municipality has different needs that must be addressed by the national government, programs must also be specific to the needs of the locals so that they will surely serve the purpose.

“We have observed that many national programs do not pass the local government, and we want to emphasize that it will not harmonize the implementation. Also, we want to let all stakeholders in the government that local plans should be given recognition so that implementation of programs and projects will surely address the needs of the local people specially in the hinterlands,” Gov. Plaza added.

Gov. Plaza also stressed that all economic programs must be included when talking of peace and order so that both programs will be synchronized to address local issues, concerns and needs.

“As we target to reduce poverty incidence by six percent per year, we need your support in maintaining peace and order in order to realize our dreams of economic prosperity and peace,” Gov. Plaza said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1731421904280/agsur-joint-peace-and-security-coordinating-committee-meeting-held-with-one-aim-peace-and-development

Mati to hold Youth Leadership Summit

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 21): Mati to hold Youth Leadership Summit

The City Government of Mati and the 28th Infantry Battalion, 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army will hold the second Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) for the Out-of School-Youth (OSY) in the City on February 6-8, 2015.

This gathering intends to produce the common youth agenda leading to the creation of a youth movement that will shape the future of their society towards peace and sustainable development. YLS  also aims to create awareness on the role and responsibilities of the youth in nation building and promote a positive and healthy self-image, critical thinking, love of country, social responsibility and the spirit of volunteerism among the youth.

The Youth For Peace Movement (YFPM) of the 1st YLS was organized way back in 2012. This inspires to push for the second round with the theme “Panaghiusa sa Kabataan, Kaabag sa Kalinaw ug Kalamboan”, to refresh and continue what had been started since members of the first batch are now mostly married already while some have moved to other places for good.

The summit will draw its participants from the twenty six (26) barangays of the City.  Each barangay is required to send at least five (5) participants preferably aspiring youth leaders especially that special Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) election is set to roll on the 21st of the same month per COMELEC Resolution No. 9905.

In this four-day activity containing a series of lectures and interactive discussions focusing on leadership and the role of the youth in nation building, the youth will also be educated on how they can help address the problem of insurgency. On the other hand, issues concerning environmental protection, drug abuse, human rights and spiritual values will supplement their formative encounter.
          
This activity will inculcate positive values, attitudes and behavior that will ultimately develop a character based leadership among our youth. It will also foster unity of different communities and youth groups leading to synergy and commitment to community development. It will further enable the youth to discover, affirm and further use their inherent leadership attributes that will later create a positive impact to the society.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1591421800944/mati-to-hold-youth-leadership-summit

Gov’t troops, ASGs exchange fire in Sumisip, Basilan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 22): Gov’t troops, ASGs exchange fire in Sumisip, Basilan

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Jan 22 (PIA) – Government troops under the 104th Infantry (Sultan) Brigade clashed with the Abu Sayyaf Groups (ASGs) at different times on Tuesday (January 20) in Sumisip, Basilan Province.

Acting Civil Military Operations Officer ILt Sally Christine Ma Magno (AGS) Philippine Army (PA) reported that the military encountered some 25 ASGs under sub-leader Juhaibel Alamsirul alias Abu Kik at around 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the vicinity of sitio Penas, Barangay Pamantsaken in Sumisip.

The firefight lasted for about 15 minutes, after which the enemy withdrew towards the north direction near Barangay Baiwas of the same municipality.

Initial military report stated that one ASG Yusof Sandatan was seriously wounded, while there were no casualties on the government side.

Operating elements of 104th Brigade are currently clearing the area, known as an ASG stronghold in Sumisip.

At 12:55 p.m. of same day, while clearing the area of Pamantsaken-Baiwas, the troops were met by sniper fires from the ASG. They conducted counter-sniping operations and managed to inch their way, clearing the enemy area.          

As the troops continued clearing the area, another encounter with the ASGs took place at about 1:38 p.m. This time the combined group under ASG sub-leader Radzmil Janatul alias Khubayb and ASG sub-leader Juhaibel Alamsirul alias Abu Kik with more or less 50 members engaged the military in a two-hour firefight at the vicinity of Sitio Crossing at Barangay Baiwas.

The troops effectively conducted fire and maneuver and the employment of close air and indirect fire support, forcing the enemy to withdraw towards the west direction. One ASG fighter was killed and three others wounded in said encounter. The names of enemy casualties are still being verified. Government soldiers, on the other hand, did not suffer any casualties.

In addition, operating troops were able to recover and neutralize an IED left by the enemies at the old school building in Baiwas. Accordingly, spent shells from the enemy 40mm M203 Grenade Launchers and other assorted high-powered firearms were also recovered by the troops. 

Magno said these ASGs based in Sumisip were responsible for the death of 64IB troopers in November 2014 who were then securing the construction of the Basilan Circumferential Road (BCR).

Moreover, the Joint Task Force ZAMBASULTA of the Western Mindanao Command reported that military troops scoured two abandoned ASG encampments in said barangay.

RADM Reynaldo L Yoma (AFP) said per report from the Joint Task Group Basilan, the encampments can accommodate more or less 100 persons. An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was also recovered in one of the encampments.

Yoma said the AFP together with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Local Government Units (LGUs) are continuously intensifying the conduct of law enforcement operations in order to defeat these lawless elements that continuously initiate atrocities in the province of Basilan and its neighboring areas.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1421421858540/gov-t-troops-asgs-exchange-fire-in-sumisip-basilan

Philippine Peacekeeping Contingent proud and happy to serve Pope Francis

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 22): Philippine Peacekeeping Contingent proud and happy to serve Pope Francis

The 7th Philippine Peacekeeping Contingent to Golan Heights (7th PCGH) tasked to help secure Pope Francis in his four-day visit to the Philippines was proud and happy to rendered service to the pontiff.

“We are very proud and happy that we have rendered service to the reigning Pope of the Catholic Church and the absolute sovereign of the Vatican City,” said Capt. Rogecel L. Labajo, action officer of 7th PCGH in a phone interview with Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

Early in September last year, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. announced that the 7th PCGH would form part of the two battalions that would help secure the Pope during his visit to Manila on Jan. 15-19, 2015.

Catapang said that their exposure and experience in peacekeeping operations in Syria had prepared them for the papal visit in the country.

Meanwhile, Capt. Labajo, who is a native of Pagadian, said the 7th PCGH contingent, which is composed of 333 soldiers, was assigned in the different areas and his 33-man team was assigned at the Apostolic Nunciature along Taft Avenue, Manila - the place serves as residence of the Holy Father’s ambassador.

"Wala kami tulog sulod sa lima ka managsunod-sunod nga gabii tungod kay amo gibantayan pag-ayo ang Santo Papa (We had no sleep in five successive nights just to secure the pontiff),” Labajo said, referring to the five-day stay of the pope at the Apostolic Nunciature.

“Karon nga mipauli na si Pope Fancis makahigayon na gyud mi ug pahulay (Now that Pope Francis is home, we can take time to rest),” Labajo said.

Labajo said his team was assigned at the gate of the Apostolic Nunciature to augment the Presidential Security Group. “The successful state visit of Pope Francis is the ‘victory of all Filipinos’ saying that the pontiff was not harmed by anybody unlike the visit of Pope Paul VI in 1970 and Pope John Paul II in 1995 were there were attempts from terrorists to assassinate them.

When asked about his reaction on the commendation of the Senators on Tuesday to the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other government agencies for “successfully securing” Pope Francis during his five-day visit to the country, Labajo said “we are happy that they were impressed on our performance.”

“As members of the Philippine Army, it is our duty and obligation not only to secure the community but the Pope as well because if something bad happens to him, it will destroy the good image of our country,” Labajo concluded.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. thanked and gave a salute to uniformed personnel for a job well done and for displaying dedication, hard work, patience and determination ensuring the safety of Pope Francis in the country.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371421813291/philippine-peacekeeping-contingent-proud-and-happy-to-serve-pope-francis-

3 rebel weapons seized after rebel clash in Surigao Del Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 23): 3 rebel weapons seized after rebel clash in Surigao Del Norte

Troopers from the 30th Infantry Battalion have recovered three high-powered firearms following an encounter with New People's Army (NPA) fighters in Sitio Brazil, Mat-i, Surigao City, Surigao Del Norte Thursday morning.

Major Ezra Balagtey, Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson, said the firefight with the rebels took place at 10 a.m.

Troopers were responding to an information on the presence of armed group in the area when they were fired upon by about 15 NPAs that triggered a fifteen minute fire fight.

The NPAs scampered to different directions leaving one M-16 rifle, one M-653 baby Armalite rifle and an M-203 grenade launcher after the encounter.

In a separate incident, patrolling troops of the 1st Special Forces Company figured in a brief skirmish in Imbayao, Malaybalay, Bukidnon Thursday afternoon.

No casualty was reported in both encounters.

Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, Eastern Mindanao Command head,reiterated his directive to subordinate units after the lifting of the suspension of military operations to step up security operations to protect the communities.

"Let us continue to protect the communities from NPAs aggression and ensure safety of the people and the delivery of basic services to the communities will not be hampered." Baladad said.

He further lauded the prompt action of troops and the community.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=728318

Zambo City mayor seeks transfer of ASG detainees

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 23): Zambo City mayor seeks transfer of ASG detainees

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has requested the national government to transfer the suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) from the local detention facility to Manila owing to security risks.

Salazar’s request, which came after the foiled escape plan of the ASG members on Monday, was coursed through Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas, II.

Chief Insp. Julius Arro, Zamboanga City Reformatory Center (ZCRC) warden, disclosed there are 56 suspected ASG members who are detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-administered ZCRC.

Among the suspected ASG detainees are Benzar Indama and Musang Indama, both relatives of Basilan-based ASG leader Furuji Indama.

Musang is facing charges in court for the crimes of murder and multiple frustrated murders while Benzar is charged with murder and kidnapping.

Salazar said she believes the transfer of the high profile inmates to a more secure detention facility in Manila will reduce the security risks at the ZCRC.

Salazar said the transfer will also help minimize the trauma of the residents in the aftermath of the 21-day siege in September 2013.

The security forces in this city have been placed on heightened alert following the foiled escape plan of the ASG members.

The escape plan was uncovered when the BJMP personnel confiscated three caliber .45 pistols with 140 rounds of ammunition concealed at the bottom of two home-made concrete charcoal stoves that were delivered to a suspected ASG member detained at the ZCRC.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=728442

Army unearths remains of two NPA liquidation victims in Leyte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 23): Army unearths remains of two NPA liquidation victims in Leyte

After 30 years of searching, 43-year-old Bartolome Custodio found the remains of his father Lolieto in a shallow grave discovered on the outskirts of this town today.

He can still recall how a group of armed rebels forcibly took his 38-year-old father away while farming in Mag-aso village in La Paz, Leyte.

“They forcibly asked my father to go with them because the rebels believed that he’s involved in military intelligence,” Bartolome recalled. He was 13 when the abduction happened.

In a shallow grave in the middle of coconut and abaca plantation, the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police formally exhumed the skeleton with feet still tied up and skull with blindfold cloth.

Few meters away, authorities also unearthed the remains of Necostrates Novio from San Antonio village of this town. Necostrates’ son Reynaldo, 59 broke out into tears when he saw the same shirt worn by his father in August 1984.

Reynaldo recalled that his father was abducted while hiking to a nearby village to join a fiesta celebration more than three decades ago.

“I know that remains belong to my father. It’s the same shirt and pants he wore when I last saw him. We have been searching for him for 30 years. We even joined CAFGU (Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit) so we could easily find him,” he told reporters.

Sr. Insp. John C. Ilao, Philippine National Police regional medico legal officer said they will conduct an autopsy to find out the real cause of deaths of Novio and Custodio.

“We will conduct a thorough investigation before turning over the skeleton to the family. We will see any signs of trauma by studying bones if it got hit by bullets or pointed objects,” the police official said.

San Vicente village believed as one of the armed rebels’ killing fields in 1980s is about 20 kilometers away from the town center, traversing a long stretch of bumpy and hilly road.

The army held the formal exhumation in the presence of local government officials, police scene of the crime operatives, Commission on Human Rights, and religious sector.

Col. Dinoh Dolina, commander of Philippine Army’s 802nd Brigade based in Ormoc City said they have been encouraging villagers to report possible burial place New People’s Army summary killing victims.

“We have been working with communities to help families find the bodies of their love ones. These people need closure while those executed should be given a decent burial,” Dolina said.

The military believed that the NPA liquidated 300 individuals in Leyte. In 2006, at least 67 remains of summary killing victims were dug up in Inopacan, Leyte.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=728529