From the Business World (Feb 13): Philippines remains firm on a diplomatic resolution to territorial dispute despite a hawkish China
THE PHILIPPINES remains firm on its push for a diplomatic resolution to territorial disputes, amid reports that Beijing is preparing to use military force in the South China Sea.
Malacañang yesterday maintained the government will settle its escalating tensions with China over shoals in the disputed waters through international arbitration, Communications Secretary Herminio B.Coloma Jr., told a news briefing in Malacañang Friday.
“Hindi natitinag ang posisyon ng ating pamahalaan hinggil sa pangangailangan na pairalin ang isang rules-based approach sa pagharap sa mga usapin sa West Philippine Sea o South China Sea,” he said.
(The Philippines government continues to remain firm on its position that a rules-based approach is needed to resolve the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea issue.)
Mr. Coloma made the pronouncement following a statement made by the outgoing US navy intelligence chief of the Pacific Fleet that China “has been and continues to prepare to use military force” in the South China Sea.
Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China agreed in 2002 on the non-binding Declaration of the Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. However, more than 10 years later, these countries have yet to come-up with a binding agreement that would govern actions in the disputed waters.
China and the Philippines continue to be embroiled in a territorial dispute over potentially oil-rich parts of the South China Sea, which the Philippines calls as the West Philippine Sea.
Manila has elevated the matter to a United Nations tribunal, a move which China continuously rejected. China is also locked in heated disputes with its neighbors in the region Brunei, Malaysia, as well as Taiwan and Tokyo.
Manila has recently bared China’s “accelerating” construction activities on the disputed shoals the past months. The Philippines has already filed a diplomatic protest against China over supposed reclamation activities in at least five reefs in the West Philippine Sea.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=philippines-remains-firm-on-a-diplomatic-resolution-to-territorial-dispute-despite-a-hawkish-china&id=102702
Saturday, February 14, 2015
2 NPA men nabbed in Surigao clash
From the Sun Star-Davao (Sep 14): 2 NPA men nabbed in Surigao clash
SECURITY forces arrested two suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) following an encounter in Barangay Diatagon in Lianga town, Surigao del Sur on Friday morning.
Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) public information officer Ezra Balagtey, identified the two rebels as NPA leader Robert Laurente Rivas Jr. and Jojean Alameda.
Members of the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion and Lianga Municipal Police Station nabbed Rivas and Alameda at a checkpoint in Diatagon around 9 a.m.
"The two, on board a motorcycle driven by Alameda, were on their way to lay a landmine in the area when they were stopped by the troops for inspection," Balagtey said.
Recovered from the possession of the two rebels were improvised explosive device (IED), one caliber .38 revolver, one blasting cap, 27-meter firing wire, cellular phone, two battery packs and P520.
After the two rebels were arrested, Balagtey said, a 10-minute firefight ensued between the government troops and NPA rebels in Barangay Capitan Angel in Malaybalay City in Bukidnon.
Balagtey said no one was reported hurt on the incident.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/02/14/2-npa-men-nabbed-surigao-clash-392185
SECURITY forces arrested two suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) following an encounter in Barangay Diatagon in Lianga town, Surigao del Sur on Friday morning.
Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) public information officer Ezra Balagtey, identified the two rebels as NPA leader Robert Laurente Rivas Jr. and Jojean Alameda.
Members of the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion and Lianga Municipal Police Station nabbed Rivas and Alameda at a checkpoint in Diatagon around 9 a.m.
"The two, on board a motorcycle driven by Alameda, were on their way to lay a landmine in the area when they were stopped by the troops for inspection," Balagtey said.
Recovered from the possession of the two rebels were improvised explosive device (IED), one caliber .38 revolver, one blasting cap, 27-meter firing wire, cellular phone, two battery packs and P520.
After the two rebels were arrested, Balagtey said, a 10-minute firefight ensued between the government troops and NPA rebels in Barangay Capitan Angel in Malaybalay City in Bukidnon.
Balagtey said no one was reported hurt on the incident.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/02/14/2-npa-men-nabbed-surigao-clash-392185
PMA expects 4,000 cavs
From the Sun Star-Baguio (Feb 13): PMA expects 4,000 cavs
Philippine Military Academy will open its doors to all alumni next week, bringing in an expected 4,000 cavaliers back to their alma mater.
“For many cavaliers, this event has become their way of renewing and strengthening their sense of patriotism and idealism that the Academy has imparted in them, to some it is a time to unwind and reacquaint with their mistahs,” PMA information chief Major Fara Krishna Candelaria said.
Candelaria said there will be no tension within the ranks of former classmates despite controversies hounding PMA alumni today.
In the latest controversy surrounding the January 25 Operation at Mamasapano, Maguindanao involving PMA Dimalupig Class of 1981, most military and police officials at the ongoing Senate hearings are mistahs.
Candelaria said the PMA is not worried about clashing ideologies or controversial issues during the homecoming saying there will be no bad blood between the cavaliers as when they step into the PMA they will all be equals.
“At the end of the day, they will still be classmates,” Candelaria stressed.
Cadelaria said there are no updates to date on who will attend the homecoming.
The grand parade is set on February 21, starting with arrival honors for the keynote speaker, Eduardo Oban, Executive Director of the Presidential Commission on Visiting Force, followed by the Alumni Parade and Review at the Borromeo field.
Candelaria said the PMA is ready for at least 4,000 visitors on the alumni week consisting of cavaliers, their families and friends.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2015/02/13/pma-expects-4000-cavs-392047
Philippine Military Academy will open its doors to all alumni next week, bringing in an expected 4,000 cavaliers back to their alma mater.
“For many cavaliers, this event has become their way of renewing and strengthening their sense of patriotism and idealism that the Academy has imparted in them, to some it is a time to unwind and reacquaint with their mistahs,” PMA information chief Major Fara Krishna Candelaria said.
Candelaria said there will be no tension within the ranks of former classmates despite controversies hounding PMA alumni today.
In the latest controversy surrounding the January 25 Operation at Mamasapano, Maguindanao involving PMA Dimalupig Class of 1981, most military and police officials at the ongoing Senate hearings are mistahs.
Candelaria said the PMA is not worried about clashing ideologies or controversial issues during the homecoming saying there will be no bad blood between the cavaliers as when they step into the PMA they will all be equals.
“At the end of the day, they will still be classmates,” Candelaria stressed.
Cadelaria said there are no updates to date on who will attend the homecoming.
The grand parade is set on February 21, starting with arrival honors for the keynote speaker, Eduardo Oban, Executive Director of the Presidential Commission on Visiting Force, followed by the Alumni Parade and Review at the Borromeo field.
Candelaria said the PMA is ready for at least 4,000 visitors on the alumni week consisting of cavaliers, their families and friends.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2015/02/13/pma-expects-4000-cavs-392047
BIFF confirms 2 fatalities in clashes with MILF
From the pro-CPP Davao Today (Feb 14): BIFF confirms 2 fatalities in clashes with MILF
The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters confirmed on Thursday that it suffered two casualties this week in two separate clashes with the rival forces of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
BIFF’s Spokesperson, Abu Misry Mama, in a phone interview Thursday, confirmed to DavaoToday that two of their BIFF fighters were killed after it traded shots with MILF on Monday and Wednesday at Barangay Kalbugan, Pagalungan in Maguindanao. Two were also wounded.
The MILF-BIFF skirmishes were also confirmed by the military stationed at Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
Captain Joan Petinglay, army’s 6th ID spokesperson, on Tuesday said a BIFF fighter was killed while two others were wounded in a gun battle with MILF forces in Barangay Kalbugan.
Petinglay said that 5:20 p.m on Monday the rival forces of MILF’s 108th Base Command led by Jack Abas and BIFF forces led by Gani Saligan traded shots in the remote village of Kalbugan in Maguindanao.
A new MILF-BIFF clash reportedly erupted Wednesday in the same area after BIFF forces intruded a village known to be a bailiwick of MILF ‘s Abas, according to Mama.
Mama claimed that Monday’s and Wednesday’s firefight with the MILF were meant to drive them out in their enclaves.
“North Cotabato Governor Lala Mendoza paid Jack Abas to drive out BIFF forces in our territory,” Mama alleged.
In a separate interview Wednesday, Mendoza said the MILF-BIFF clashes were a result of “personal grudge between Karialan and Abas about territory, guns and their members.”
“Ask the military, ask Abas. Huwag nila akong isali sa drama at away nila,” said Mendoza.
Mendoza claimed that BIFF has threatened her, saying “I heard of threats from BIFF.
Well, it comes with the territory kasama sa trabaho ang dahil sa pulitika, namomolitika at napaka convenient para sa 2016 kung mapatay ang governor diba?”
On Monday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed that an operation is ongoing to hunt and capture Basit Usman, the alleged Filipino bomb maker linked to terrorist groups Abu Sayyaf Group and Jemaah Islamiyah.
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/biff-confirms-two-fatalities-in-clashes-with-milf/
The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters confirmed on Thursday that it suffered two casualties this week in two separate clashes with the rival forces of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
BIFF’s Spokesperson, Abu Misry Mama, in a phone interview Thursday, confirmed to DavaoToday that two of their BIFF fighters were killed after it traded shots with MILF on Monday and Wednesday at Barangay Kalbugan, Pagalungan in Maguindanao. Two were also wounded.
The MILF-BIFF skirmishes were also confirmed by the military stationed at Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
Captain Joan Petinglay, army’s 6th ID spokesperson, on Tuesday said a BIFF fighter was killed while two others were wounded in a gun battle with MILF forces in Barangay Kalbugan.
Petinglay said that 5:20 p.m on Monday the rival forces of MILF’s 108th Base Command led by Jack Abas and BIFF forces led by Gani Saligan traded shots in the remote village of Kalbugan in Maguindanao.
A new MILF-BIFF clash reportedly erupted Wednesday in the same area after BIFF forces intruded a village known to be a bailiwick of MILF ‘s Abas, according to Mama.
Mama claimed that Monday’s and Wednesday’s firefight with the MILF were meant to drive them out in their enclaves.
“North Cotabato Governor Lala Mendoza paid Jack Abas to drive out BIFF forces in our territory,” Mama alleged.
In a separate interview Wednesday, Mendoza said the MILF-BIFF clashes were a result of “personal grudge between Karialan and Abas about territory, guns and their members.”
“Ask the military, ask Abas. Huwag nila akong isali sa drama at away nila,” said Mendoza.
Mendoza claimed that BIFF has threatened her, saying “I heard of threats from BIFF.
Well, it comes with the territory kasama sa trabaho ang dahil sa pulitika, namomolitika at napaka convenient para sa 2016 kung mapatay ang governor diba?”
On Monday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed that an operation is ongoing to hunt and capture Basit Usman, the alleged Filipino bomb maker linked to terrorist groups Abu Sayyaf Group and Jemaah Islamiyah.
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/biff-confirms-two-fatalities-in-clashes-with-milf/
Agusan folk flee as police, NPA clash
From the Manila Standard Today (Feb 15): Agusan folk flee as police, NPA clash
Some 125 families or 812 individuals from the Manobo, Lapaknon tribe and Christian communities fled their homes in Barangay Binicayan, Loreto, Agusan del Sur following clashes between policemen and New People’s Army guerillas in the area.
The firefight between the policemen and NPAs left two persons dead – a police officer and a suspected NPA guerilla commander.
Killed in action were PO2 Danny Suhayon, who was assigned with Agusan del Sur Provincial Public Safety Company and one alias Jaguar, the alleged Commander of Sandatahang Yunit Propaganda of Guerilla Front 34 of the NPA.
Seriously wounded during the firefight was PO1 Rodnilo A. Gier Jr. of the 131st Regional Public Safety Company.
Reports said the policemen were doing combat patrol when they encountered an estimated 35 communist guerillas in Sitio Union, in Barangay Binucayan on Tuesday.
Jaguar’s body was recovered during pursuit and clearing operation. Also recovered were three magazines of AK47 with ammunition, two improvised explosive devices, several subversive documents and personal belongings.
The body of PO2 Suhayon, meanwhile, was brought to PPSC Patrol Base in La Fortuna, Veruela, Agusan del Sur while PO1 Gier was brought to one of the hospitals for treatment in Agusan del Sur.
Loreto, Agusan del Sur Mayor Darius Otaza said that the firefight the lumad residents to leave their homes for fear that they would be caught in a crossfire.
This is the second time in two months that the lumads had to flee their homes because of an encounter between government forces and NPA rebels. On Jan. 23, more than 222 families or about 1,500 individual lumads fled their homes in 14 Banwa-on lumad communities in San Luis, Agusan del Sur starting January 23 because of a similar firefight.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/02/15/agusan-folk-flee-as-police-npa-clash/
Some 125 families or 812 individuals from the Manobo, Lapaknon tribe and Christian communities fled their homes in Barangay Binicayan, Loreto, Agusan del Sur following clashes between policemen and New People’s Army guerillas in the area.
The firefight between the policemen and NPAs left two persons dead – a police officer and a suspected NPA guerilla commander.
Killed in action were PO2 Danny Suhayon, who was assigned with Agusan del Sur Provincial Public Safety Company and one alias Jaguar, the alleged Commander of Sandatahang Yunit Propaganda of Guerilla Front 34 of the NPA.
Seriously wounded during the firefight was PO1 Rodnilo A. Gier Jr. of the 131st Regional Public Safety Company.
Reports said the policemen were doing combat patrol when they encountered an estimated 35 communist guerillas in Sitio Union, in Barangay Binucayan on Tuesday.
Jaguar’s body was recovered during pursuit and clearing operation. Also recovered were three magazines of AK47 with ammunition, two improvised explosive devices, several subversive documents and personal belongings.
The body of PO2 Suhayon, meanwhile, was brought to PPSC Patrol Base in La Fortuna, Veruela, Agusan del Sur while PO1 Gier was brought to one of the hospitals for treatment in Agusan del Sur.
Loreto, Agusan del Sur Mayor Darius Otaza said that the firefight the lumad residents to leave their homes for fear that they would be caught in a crossfire.
This is the second time in two months that the lumads had to flee their homes because of an encounter between government forces and NPA rebels. On Jan. 23, more than 222 families or about 1,500 individual lumads fled their homes in 14 Banwa-on lumad communities in San Luis, Agusan del Sur starting January 23 because of a similar firefight.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/02/15/agusan-folk-flee-as-police-npa-clash/
‘Govt pact with MILF became a monster’
From the Manila Standard Today (Feb 15): ‘Govt pact with MILF became a monster’
The Moro National Liberation Front on Saturday blamed the government for creating a “monster” out of the peace deal it entered with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which it said only complicated the peace and order situation in Mindanao.
MNLF spokesman Absalom Cerveza said President Benigno Aquino III and his lieutenants developed a “trojan horse” after it abrogated the 1976 Jakarta peace accord and forged a peace negotiation in bad faith with the MILF, which now faces public outrage over the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law following the tragic death of the 44 Special Action Force commandos in the Jan 25 Mamasapano incident.
“They have created a trojan horse, and at present they’re having a hard time extricating themselves after falling into a pit,” Cerveza said.
“The negotiations with the MILF, to me, is a treachery, because we (the MNLF) had an standing peace negotiation,” Cerveza added.
Cerveza recalled that when the MNLF was negotiating with the government, other government, particularly former House Speaker Jose De Venecia, was negotiating with the MILF.
When asked if the MNLF is willing to provide realistic solution to the government to once and for all attain lasting peace in Minandao, Cerveza said “wala na kaming magagawa, kasi kasalanan nila. Noon pa sabi namin sa kanila wag na muna kayong maki-pag negotiate with the MILF, pabayaan ninyo kami ang gumawa ng paraan para magkaroon ng organix reunification ang dalawan group—MILF and BIFF. Eh hindi pa kami nakapag trabajo sa Jakarta andun na si De Venicia nakikipag-usap na sa MILF,” Cerveza said.
Cerveza also blamed the government, particularly Secretary Theresita Deles for concealing the crucial status of the ongoing MNLF-Government peace negotiations that was seriously being pushed by the OIC for its complete and final implementation.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/02/15/-govt-pact-with-milf-became-a-monster-/
The Moro National Liberation Front on Saturday blamed the government for creating a “monster” out of the peace deal it entered with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which it said only complicated the peace and order situation in Mindanao.
MNLF spokesman Absalom Cerveza said President Benigno Aquino III and his lieutenants developed a “trojan horse” after it abrogated the 1976 Jakarta peace accord and forged a peace negotiation in bad faith with the MILF, which now faces public outrage over the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law following the tragic death of the 44 Special Action Force commandos in the Jan 25 Mamasapano incident.
“They have created a trojan horse, and at present they’re having a hard time extricating themselves after falling into a pit,” Cerveza said.
“The negotiations with the MILF, to me, is a treachery, because we (the MNLF) had an standing peace negotiation,” Cerveza added.
Cerveza recalled that when the MNLF was negotiating with the government, other government, particularly former House Speaker Jose De Venecia, was negotiating with the MILF.
When asked if the MNLF is willing to provide realistic solution to the government to once and for all attain lasting peace in Minandao, Cerveza said “wala na kaming magagawa, kasi kasalanan nila. Noon pa sabi namin sa kanila wag na muna kayong maki-pag negotiate with the MILF, pabayaan ninyo kami ang gumawa ng paraan para magkaroon ng organix reunification ang dalawan group—MILF and BIFF. Eh hindi pa kami nakapag trabajo sa Jakarta andun na si De Venicia nakikipag-usap na sa MILF,” Cerveza said.
Cerveza also blamed the government, particularly Secretary Theresita Deles for concealing the crucial status of the ongoing MNLF-Government peace negotiations that was seriously being pushed by the OIC for its complete and final implementation.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/02/15/-govt-pact-with-milf-became-a-monster-/
Mamasapano incident should not hinder quest for Mindanao peace, says Palace
From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 15): Mamasapano incident should not hinder quest for Mindanao peace, says Palace
The Palace said lawmakers should not lose the perspective of attaining a lasting peace in Mindanao as they investigate the bloody Mamasapano clash that killed 44 SAF commandos more than two weeks ago.
The House leadership said that because of the investigation on the encounter and the effects on lawmakers' perception about the peace process, the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) can no longer be passed in the first quarter of the year. The BBL may stay in the back burner until late this year or early next year, it said.
In a radio interview Saturday, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda admitted that it would be hard to discuss the Bangsamoro Basic Law right now given the emphasis of Congress on the investigation on the Mamasapano incident.
"But I do hope that as we continue to seek accountability, let us not lose focus on the importance of finding a peaceful solution," Lacierda told dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.
"The Mamasapano incident may provide some context to the Bangsamoro Basic Law Bill being deliberated and... siguro kailangan tingnan ito, at kung ano ang kailangan nilang ma-improve sa bill, pag-usapan, dahil mahalaga naman that we move forward."
The ongoing inquiry must seek accountability but it also needs to look at what will happen to Mindanao in the long term, he said adding Congress has to come up with a Bangsamoro Basic Bill.
"Kung ano sa tingin nila ang kailangang pagbabago doon sa Bangsamoro Basic Law gawin po nila. Pero huwag tayong tumigil sa ating perspective, sa ating focus na kailangan tayong magkaroon ng isang just and lasting peace sa Mindanao," he said.
Some lawmakers said the unfortunate Mamasapano incident eroded some support because of the brutality of the killings as well as the large number of casualties on the government side.
Lacierda said the MILF could regain the trust of the people if it returns the weapons seized from the dead commandos and honor its pledge to help the government capture Basit Usman, one of the targets of the January 25 SAF operation in Maguindanao.
He added that the appearance of MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal at the Senate investigation this week was a positive development.
The Palace official also said that he doesn't know what the MILF is doing at this time with regards to apprehending Usman but the group should show sincerity that it is a true government partner in the peace process.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1781423909406/mamasapano-incident-should-not-hinder-quest-for-mindanao-peace-says-palace
The Palace said lawmakers should not lose the perspective of attaining a lasting peace in Mindanao as they investigate the bloody Mamasapano clash that killed 44 SAF commandos more than two weeks ago.
The House leadership said that because of the investigation on the encounter and the effects on lawmakers' perception about the peace process, the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) can no longer be passed in the first quarter of the year. The BBL may stay in the back burner until late this year or early next year, it said.
In a radio interview Saturday, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda admitted that it would be hard to discuss the Bangsamoro Basic Law right now given the emphasis of Congress on the investigation on the Mamasapano incident.
"But I do hope that as we continue to seek accountability, let us not lose focus on the importance of finding a peaceful solution," Lacierda told dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.
"The Mamasapano incident may provide some context to the Bangsamoro Basic Law Bill being deliberated and... siguro kailangan tingnan ito, at kung ano ang kailangan nilang ma-improve sa bill, pag-usapan, dahil mahalaga naman that we move forward."
The ongoing inquiry must seek accountability but it also needs to look at what will happen to Mindanao in the long term, he said adding Congress has to come up with a Bangsamoro Basic Bill.
"Kung ano sa tingin nila ang kailangang pagbabago doon sa Bangsamoro Basic Law gawin po nila. Pero huwag tayong tumigil sa ating perspective, sa ating focus na kailangan tayong magkaroon ng isang just and lasting peace sa Mindanao," he said.
Some lawmakers said the unfortunate Mamasapano incident eroded some support because of the brutality of the killings as well as the large number of casualties on the government side.
Lacierda said the MILF could regain the trust of the people if it returns the weapons seized from the dead commandos and honor its pledge to help the government capture Basit Usman, one of the targets of the January 25 SAF operation in Maguindanao.
He added that the appearance of MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal at the Senate investigation this week was a positive development.
The Palace official also said that he doesn't know what the MILF is doing at this time with regards to apprehending Usman but the group should show sincerity that it is a true government partner in the peace process.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1781423909406/mamasapano-incident-should-not-hinder-quest-for-mindanao-peace-says-palace
Army, PNP on alert vs. retaliatory bombings by Marwan, Usman recruits
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14): Army, PNP on alert vs. retaliatory bombings by Marwan, Usman recruits
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=735699
Police and military authorities in North
Cotabato have remained on heightened alert weeks after the bloody
Mamasapano carnage in Maguindanao where Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir
alias “Marwan” was killed.
Army Colonel Audie Edralin, commander of the 7th Infantry
Battalion based in Pikit, said soldiers have been on alert on thwart bombing
attempt by recruits of Marwan and his Filipino aide Abdul Basit Usman. Usman
was seriously wounded in the Mamasapano operation but managed to escape along
with about 15 armed followers.
Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Toto Mangudadatu said Usman was
still in Maguindanao and highly mobile to avoid detection by authorities.
He appealed to Moro villagers in communities where Usman and
his men are believed to be hiding to report quickly to police or military
authorities “so the bombings in Maguindanao and nearby areas will stop.”
“There is a possibility that bombers trained by Marwan and
Usman will launch retaliatory attacks in populated areas to get back at the
death of their leader,” Edralin told reporters.
After the death of Marwan was confirmed by the Philippine
National Police (PNP) and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, police and
Army intelligence community had monitored movement of suspected bombers out to
sow terror in North Cotabato and Sultan
Kudarat.
Pikit was among the target, the Army colonel said. In fact,
two suspected bombers were killed in Pikit three days after Mamasapano incident
when the improvised bomb they were carrying prematurely exploded.
This intelligence information was corroborated by the local
police.
Senior Inspector Sindatu Karim, Pikit police chief, said
Asraf Mohammad and Jomar Palaguyan, both of Pikit, were student-recruits of
Marwan and Usman.
The two were blasted to death on the night of January 28
while on board a Baja motorcycle along Manuel Quezon Avenue
Witnesses said Asraf, 28, was driving the motorbike and back
rider Palaguyan, 29 was carrying a box on his lap when it suddenly exploded at
6:20 p.m., throwing the duo off the motorcycle.
"I was shocked seeing mangled body," said witness
Cesar Eleuterio, 34, who was on his way to the convenience store when the blast
happened. "I felt strong wind coming to me right after the blast," he
said.
Karim said bomb experts recovered fragments of 60-mm mortar
with mobile phone as trigger mechanism at the blast site.
Karim also said the incident was also related to the death
of suspected bomber during anti-drug buy bust operations two weeks ago.
Police remained on heightened alert here as more cops were
deployed at the town public market.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=735699
Armed group torched van loaded with bananas in Surigao del Sur
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14): Armed group torched van loaded with bananas in Surigao del Sur
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=735746
A container van loaded with banana fruits were set on fire
by heavily armed men Thursday afternoon in a coastal municipality of a southern
province in the region.
Belated reports from Surigao del Sur Police Provincial
Office reaching the regional headquarters here on Friday said that the
container van loaded with bananas, owned by DOLE Philippines, was set on fire
by about seven men armed with AK47 at Sitio Nangka, Guinhalinan, Barobo,
Surigao del Sur at 4:56 p.m. on Thursday.
The van marked GESEACO, bearing Body Number GESU 937712-9
was attached to an orange prime mover (TYA 973) with Body Number 07 and owned
by a certain Allan Bernal, a resident of Poblacion, Barobo of the said
province.
It was manned by Edgar J. Fedillaga, 44; resident of
Cabangohan, Panabo
City Davao
City
Police also said that the armed men ordered the driver to
disembark, confiscated his cellular phone and ordered him to open the container
van. The driver said that one of the armed men poured about two gallons of
gasoline inside the van and then set it on fire. The driver was however
released with the prime mover.
The estimated cost of the damage is anbout Php 2 million.
Initial police investigation showed the DOLE Philippines refusal to give in to
the extortion activities of the lawless elements motivated the burning of the
van.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=735746
Php22.3 million allocated for repairs of BRP Rizal
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14): Php22.3 million allocated for repairs of BRP Rizal
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=735606
The Philippine Navy (PN) has allocated the sum of Php22.3
million for machinery repairs of the BRP Rizal (PS-74), one of the oldest ships
in the fleet.
Winning bidders are required to complete the repairs within
100 calendar days.
The repairs are to ensure that the BRP Rizal is seaworthy
and battle-worthy at all times.
The BRP Rizal is the lead ship and first of two Rizal class
ships in service with the PN.
She is formerly an ex-US Navy Auk class minesweeper that
were produced during World War II, and is now classified as a patrol corvette
protecting the vast waters of the Philippines
BRP Rizal was commissioned into Philippine service in June
18, 1965.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=735606
DND allocates Php55-million for acquisition of 50 metric tons of propellant powder
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14): DND allocates Php55-million for acquisition of 50 metric tons of propellant powder
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=735653
The Department of National Defense (DND) announced that it
is allocating the sum of Php55-million for the acquisition of 50 metric tons of
propellant powder for use of the Government Arsenal in Limay, Bataan .
The money will be sourced from the General Appropriations
Act of 2015.
The powder fills the interior of an ammunition cartridge or
the chamber of a gun or cannon, leading to the expulsion of a bullet or shell.
Interested bidders must have completed a similar project
within the last five years
Winning bidders must be able to deliver the item within 180
calendar days.
Pre-bid conference is slated for Feb. 24 while bid opening
is on March 11.
Both will be held at 11 a.m. at the DND bidding and awards
committee conference room, basement, left wing, DND building, Camp Aguinaldo ,
Quezon City
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=735653
Intensified security operations net NPA vice commander in Surigao Del Sur
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14): Intensified security operations net NPA vice commander in Surigao Del Sur
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=735707
Intensified security operations of units under Eastern
Mindanao Command resulted in four encounters against New People's Army rebels
and the capture of an NPA vice commander last Feb. 12.
Major Ezra Balagtey, Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson,
in a statement Saturday, said troops from 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion and Lianga
Police Station apprehended two NPAs in a checkpoint operations at Samilia
Detachment, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao
Del Sur.
The duo, identified as Robert Laurente Rivas, Jr., alias
"Opos," a rebel vice commander operating in the area and Jojean
Alameda, were on their way to lay landmines when intercepted by government
troops.
Recovered from their possession were an anti-personnel
improvised explosive device (IED); a .38 caliber revolver; a blasting cap; 27
meters firing wire for IED; a cellphone (My Phone) with simpack; two battery
packs for cellphone; and cash money amounting to Php 520.
In another incident, a 10-minute skirmish took place between
Special Forces troopers and NPA fighters in Barangay Capitan Angel, Malaybalay City
Still in Bukidnon, another firefight took place at 2 p.m.
when troops from 8th Infantry Battalion were fired upon by NPA bandits while
responding to the information about armed men coercing Barangay folks in
Barangay Pagan in the town of Kitaotao
In Dominga, Calinan District, Davao City Bukidnon-Davao Highway
In Sarangani
Province
No casualties was reported among the government troops and
from the NPAs during these skirmishes.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=735707
MILF commander: No 'overkill' in Mamasapano
From Rappler (Feb 14): MILF commander: No 'overkill' in Mamasapano
Shedding light on possible US involvement in the bloodbath, MILF commander Haramen also says they observed a drone hovering around the area the night before the attack on January 25
SLAIN COMRADES. Philippine police commandos load body bags containing the remains of their comrades killed in a clash with Muslim rebels onto a truck in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, on January 26, 2015. Photo by Mark Navales/AFP
Stressing it was not an “overkill,” a Muslim rebel commander said his troops retaliated against an elite police force in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, because they thought the policemen's attack was part of a clan war or rido.
In an interview with MindaNews published on Friday, February 13, MILF commander Haramen said his troops heard the first shots at around 4:30 am on January 25.
“Akala namin rido (clan war) 'yun. Ang kadalasang mangyari sa amin, rido,” said Haramen, operations commander under the MILF's Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces.
He said they didn't think the attackers belonged to the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) or the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The MindaNews report quoted Haramen as saying “it was easy to know if government troops are operating because the first bursts of gunfire would be followed by air support and mortar fire.”
“Pero sa mga sandaling yun, hindi pa namin alam ang kalaban namin kung military o SAF kasi walang eroplano, walang bazooka, 105 (mm howitzer). Kapag military yun, galing sa gobyerno, siguradong mayrong eroplano at saka 105. Buong akala namin grudge talaga, na mga tao na ayaw nila ang aming tropa,” Haramen said.
(But in those moments, we didn't know if our enemies were from the military or SAF because there was no airplane, no bazooka, no 105-mm howitzer. If it's from the military, from the government, for sure there would be an airplane and 105. We really thought it was from people holding a grudge, people who don't like our troops.)
The MILF commander's statements come as criticism over the lack of coordination – between the SAF and the MILF, and between the SAF and the PNP – continues to hound the Mamasapano operation. (READ: Mamasapano: What ifs and what could have beens)
'How can it be a massacre?'
In his interview with MindaNews, Haramen said he and his troops knew their attackers were from SAF only at 2:30 pm on January 25. This was after the MILF's central committee informed them about this.
He said they initially didn't see the SAF members who hid in the cornfields.
“Sila ang nakakakita sa amin. Nakita namin sila noong pag-search na. Pero wala na kaming magawa. SAF pala. Pero nangyari na ang nangyari,” he said. (It was they who saw us. We only saw them during our search. But we couldn't do anything; it turned out to be SAF. What was done is done.)
Haramen, however, denied allegations that the MILF perpetrated an overkill. The MILF's critics earlier said it was not an encounter but a massacre.
“'Yun ang sasabihin nila kasi galit sila sa amin. Kahit anong sabihin nila, nagsasabi pa sila na 'massacre' pero paano ang massacre eh engkwentro? May napatay sa amin, sila pa ang unang bumaril. Paanong sabihin na massacre? Pero maraming sumasakay na hindi gusto ang kapayapaan. Gusto nila ang hindi kapayapaan,” he said.
(That's what they will say because they're against us. They say it's a massacre, but how can it be a massacre when it was an encounter? Some of us died. They were the ones who fired the first shots. How can that be a massacre? But many people who don't like peace want to ride on the issue. They don't like peace.)
He said farmers like himself want peace, not war. “Kung may giyera dito, sino kayang mag-araro? Sino kayang mag-farm kung may eroplano na magbomba sa amin?” (If there's war here, who would do the farming? Who would farm if an airplane would bomb us?)
Haramen denied that MILF troops killed SAF members who were seriously wounded but alive.
“Hindi po totoo. Sa amin po bawal barilin ang patay at ang hindi na makalaban,” he said. (That's not true. We're not allowed to shoot those who are dead and helpless.)
On February 11, during a joint joint House public order and peace committee hearing on the deadly clash, Police Chief Inspector Reynaldo Ariño, commander of the 5th Special Action Battalion, confirmed that the armed officer shot twice in a purported video of the Mamasapano clash circulating online was a member of the SAF.
"Yes, it's a SAF officer assigned in the 55th company," Ariño was quoted as saying.
It has not been established, however, who did the merciless shooting, which had been described by the MILF's peace chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal as an act of someone worse than a terrorist.
Drone seen over Mamasapano
Haramen's statements also shed light on the possible American involvement in the Mamasapano attack.
Haramen said he has heard reports that the United States had a hand in the bloodbath, but said he himself didn't see Americans.
On the night before the attack, however, starting around 8 pm on January 24, he and his troops observed a drone hovering around the area.
Relieved Police Director Getulio Napeñas denied the use of drones in Mamasapano, in the face of reports that a drone supposedly owned by the US surveyed the area and monitored operations.
The Mamasapano clash thrust Philippine President Benigno Aquino III into one of his worst crises, with critics even calling on Aquino to quit.
When asked about a rally set on February 22 to ask Aquino to resign, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda on Saturday, February 14, said the Palace respects these “demonstrations for expression.”
Lacierda, however, said the Palace is waiting for the results of the investigation into the incident “because we really need to know the truth.”
http://www.rappler.com/nation/83923-milf-commander-no-overkill-mamasapano
Shedding light on possible US involvement in the bloodbath, MILF commander Haramen also says they observed a drone hovering around the area the night before the attack on January 25
SLAIN COMRADES. Philippine police commandos load body bags containing the remains of their comrades killed in a clash with Muslim rebels onto a truck in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, on January 26, 2015. Photo by Mark Navales/AFP
Stressing it was not an “overkill,” a Muslim rebel commander said his troops retaliated against an elite police force in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, because they thought the policemen's attack was part of a clan war or rido.
In an interview with MindaNews published on Friday, February 13, MILF commander Haramen said his troops heard the first shots at around 4:30 am on January 25.
“Akala namin rido (clan war) 'yun. Ang kadalasang mangyari sa amin, rido,” said Haramen, operations commander under the MILF's Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces.
He said they didn't think the attackers belonged to the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) or the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The MindaNews report quoted Haramen as saying “it was easy to know if government troops are operating because the first bursts of gunfire would be followed by air support and mortar fire.”
“Pero sa mga sandaling yun, hindi pa namin alam ang kalaban namin kung military o SAF kasi walang eroplano, walang bazooka, 105 (mm howitzer). Kapag military yun, galing sa gobyerno, siguradong mayrong eroplano at saka 105. Buong akala namin grudge talaga, na mga tao na ayaw nila ang aming tropa,” Haramen said.
(But in those moments, we didn't know if our enemies were from the military or SAF because there was no airplane, no bazooka, no 105-mm howitzer. If it's from the military, from the government, for sure there would be an airplane and 105. We really thought it was from people holding a grudge, people who don't like our troops.)
The MILF commander's statements come as criticism over the lack of coordination – between the SAF and the MILF, and between the SAF and the PNP – continues to hound the Mamasapano operation. (READ: Mamasapano: What ifs and what could have beens)
'How can it be a massacre?'
In his interview with MindaNews, Haramen said he and his troops knew their attackers were from SAF only at 2:30 pm on January 25. This was after the MILF's central committee informed them about this.
He said they initially didn't see the SAF members who hid in the cornfields.
“Sila ang nakakakita sa amin. Nakita namin sila noong pag-search na. Pero wala na kaming magawa. SAF pala. Pero nangyari na ang nangyari,” he said. (It was they who saw us. We only saw them during our search. But we couldn't do anything; it turned out to be SAF. What was done is done.)
Haramen, however, denied allegations that the MILF perpetrated an overkill. The MILF's critics earlier said it was not an encounter but a massacre.
“'Yun ang sasabihin nila kasi galit sila sa amin. Kahit anong sabihin nila, nagsasabi pa sila na 'massacre' pero paano ang massacre eh engkwentro? May napatay sa amin, sila pa ang unang bumaril. Paanong sabihin na massacre? Pero maraming sumasakay na hindi gusto ang kapayapaan. Gusto nila ang hindi kapayapaan,” he said.
(That's what they will say because they're against us. They say it's a massacre, but how can it be a massacre when it was an encounter? Some of us died. They were the ones who fired the first shots. How can that be a massacre? But many people who don't like peace want to ride on the issue. They don't like peace.)
He said farmers like himself want peace, not war. “Kung may giyera dito, sino kayang mag-araro? Sino kayang mag-farm kung may eroplano na magbomba sa amin?” (If there's war here, who would do the farming? Who would farm if an airplane would bomb us?)
Haramen denied that MILF troops killed SAF members who were seriously wounded but alive.
“Hindi po totoo. Sa amin po bawal barilin ang patay at ang hindi na makalaban,” he said. (That's not true. We're not allowed to shoot those who are dead and helpless.)
On February 11, during a joint joint House public order and peace committee hearing on the deadly clash, Police Chief Inspector Reynaldo Ariño, commander of the 5th Special Action Battalion, confirmed that the armed officer shot twice in a purported video of the Mamasapano clash circulating online was a member of the SAF.
"Yes, it's a SAF officer assigned in the 55th company," Ariño was quoted as saying.
It has not been established, however, who did the merciless shooting, which had been described by the MILF's peace chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal as an act of someone worse than a terrorist.
Drone seen over Mamasapano
Haramen's statements also shed light on the possible American involvement in the Mamasapano attack.
Haramen said he has heard reports that the United States had a hand in the bloodbath, but said he himself didn't see Americans.
On the night before the attack, however, starting around 8 pm on January 24, he and his troops observed a drone hovering around the area.
Relieved Police Director Getulio Napeñas denied the use of drones in Mamasapano, in the face of reports that a drone supposedly owned by the US surveyed the area and monitored operations.
The Mamasapano clash thrust Philippine President Benigno Aquino III into one of his worst crises, with critics even calling on Aquino to quit.
When asked about a rally set on February 22 to ask Aquino to resign, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda on Saturday, February 14, said the Palace respects these “demonstrations for expression.”
Lacierda, however, said the Palace is waiting for the results of the investigation into the incident “because we really need to know the truth.”
http://www.rappler.com/nation/83923-milf-commander-no-overkill-mamasapano
Armed men torch container van loaded with DOLE bananas in Surigao del Norte
From InterAksyon (Feb 14): Armed men torch container van loaded with DOLE bananas in Surigao del Norte
Initial investigation showed that seven men armed with AK-47 assault rifles stopped the container van bearing markings of GESEACO with body number Gesu-937712-9 attached to an orange prime mover with license plate number IYA-973.
The van was reportedly owned by Allan Bernal of Poblacion, Borobo, Surigao del Sur and was being driven by Edgar Fedillaga, 44, married, of Cagangohan, Panabo City. The shipment was being transferred from the DOLE Philippines Plantation at Brgy. Guinhalinan and headed for Davao City.
It was flagged by the seven armed men, who ordered the driver to get off the vehicle before one of the suspects poured gasoline all over the van and then set it on fire, the report said.
After setting the container van on fire, its driver and the prime mover was released unharmed by the suspects, while the estimated losses were placed at P2 million.
The report added that the incident might related to the refusal by the management of DOLE Philippines to give in to the extortion demand by lawless elements operating in the said area.
The reports added that the Borobo Municipal Police Station coordinated with other friendly forces in the area to pursue the suspects, who fled after the incident.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/105074/armed-men-torch-container-van-loaded-with-dole-bananas-in-surigao-del-norte
Initial investigation showed that seven men armed with AK-47 assault rifles stopped the container van bearing markings of GESEACO with body number Gesu-937712-9 attached to an orange prime mover with license plate number IYA-973.
The van was reportedly owned by Allan Bernal of Poblacion, Borobo, Surigao del Sur and was being driven by Edgar Fedillaga, 44, married, of Cagangohan, Panabo City. The shipment was being transferred from the DOLE Philippines Plantation at Brgy. Guinhalinan and headed for Davao City.
It was flagged by the seven armed men, who ordered the driver to get off the vehicle before one of the suspects poured gasoline all over the van and then set it on fire, the report said.
After setting the container van on fire, its driver and the prime mover was released unharmed by the suspects, while the estimated losses were placed at P2 million.
The report added that the incident might related to the refusal by the management of DOLE Philippines to give in to the extortion demand by lawless elements operating in the said area.
The reports added that the Borobo Municipal Police Station coordinated with other friendly forces in the area to pursue the suspects, who fled after the incident.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/105074/armed-men-torch-container-van-loaded-with-dole-bananas-in-surigao-del-norte
Double-talk nga ba?
From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Feb 14): Double-talk nga ba?
%2Bcopy.jpg)
Isang gunsmith sa Maguindanao ang makikitang gumagawa sa kanyang tagong shop sa lalawigan at inamin nito na may mga lumapit sa kanya upang ipabura ang marka sa isang Glock pistol at Bushmaster automatic rifle na pagaari ng Philippine National Police, ngunit tinanggihan niya umano. At makikita rin sa larawan ang isang MILF sniper habang nasa training gamit ang MILF-made na Barrett rifle. (Mindanao Examiner Photo – Mark Navales)
MAGUINDANAO – Double- talk nga ba? Ito ngayon ang katanungan na ipinupukol saMoro Islamic Liberation Front matapos nitong pasinungalingan na miyembro nila ang mga armadong kalalakihan sa kumalat na video sa Facebook na makikitang pinagnanakawan ang mga pinaslang nilang Special Action Force commandos sa Maguindanao province.
Mismong si MILF Vice Chairman Mohagher Iqbal ang nagsabing hindi nila kasapi ang mga armado sa naturang video. Isa sa mga ito ay makikitang pinagbabaril ng walang awa ang isang sugatan SAF commando hanggang sa mapatay habang pinagnanakawan naman ng iba ang mga kasamahan ng parak.
Napatay sa labanan sa MILF ang 44 SAF commandos sa Barangay Tukanalipao sa bayan ng Mamasapano matapos silang kuyugin ng mga armadong miyembro nito.
Palabas na sana ng nasabing lugar ang grupo ng SAF matapos na mapatay nila si Malaysian bomber Zulkifli bin Hir ng pinagtulungan sila ng MILF at Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. Teritoryo ng MILF ang lugar na kung saan naroon ang kubo ni Zulkifli.
Sa kabila ng pagtanggi ni Iqbal ay sinabi naman nito na ibabalik nila ang mga armas na nakuha ng ilang miyembro ng MILF at inginuso pa nito ang BIFF na umakong nasa kanila ang mahigit sa isang dosenang armas ng SAF commandos.
May sariling pagawaan ng armas ang MILF at maging ang Barrett sniper rifle ay ginagaya ng mga ito, ayon sa militar.
Naniniwala ang pamunuan ng pulisya na pawang mga miyembro ng MILF ang nasa kumalat na video at pinagtatakpan lamang ito ni Iqbal dahil sa brutal na pagpatay sa sugatang SAF commando ng kanilang tauhan.
%2Bcopy.jpg)
%2Bcopy.jpg)
%2Bcopy.jpg)
%2Bcopy.jpg)
%2Bcopy.jpg)
%2Bcopy.jpg)
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2015/02/double-talk-nga-ba.html
%2Bcopy.jpg)
Isang gunsmith sa Maguindanao ang makikitang gumagawa sa kanyang tagong shop sa lalawigan at inamin nito na may mga lumapit sa kanya upang ipabura ang marka sa isang Glock pistol at Bushmaster automatic rifle na pagaari ng Philippine National Police, ngunit tinanggihan niya umano. At makikita rin sa larawan ang isang MILF sniper habang nasa training gamit ang MILF-made na Barrett rifle. (Mindanao Examiner Photo – Mark Navales)
MAGUINDANAO – Double- talk nga ba? Ito ngayon ang katanungan na ipinupukol saMoro Islamic Liberation Front matapos nitong pasinungalingan na miyembro nila ang mga armadong kalalakihan sa kumalat na video sa Facebook na makikitang pinagnanakawan ang mga pinaslang nilang Special Action Force commandos sa Maguindanao province.
Mismong si MILF Vice Chairman Mohagher Iqbal ang nagsabing hindi nila kasapi ang mga armado sa naturang video. Isa sa mga ito ay makikitang pinagbabaril ng walang awa ang isang sugatan SAF commando hanggang sa mapatay habang pinagnanakawan naman ng iba ang mga kasamahan ng parak.
Napatay sa labanan sa MILF ang 44 SAF commandos sa Barangay Tukanalipao sa bayan ng Mamasapano matapos silang kuyugin ng mga armadong miyembro nito.
Palabas na sana ng nasabing lugar ang grupo ng SAF matapos na mapatay nila si Malaysian bomber Zulkifli bin Hir ng pinagtulungan sila ng MILF at Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. Teritoryo ng MILF ang lugar na kung saan naroon ang kubo ni Zulkifli.
Sa kabila ng pagtanggi ni Iqbal ay sinabi naman nito na ibabalik nila ang mga armas na nakuha ng ilang miyembro ng MILF at inginuso pa nito ang BIFF na umakong nasa kanila ang mahigit sa isang dosenang armas ng SAF commandos.
May sariling pagawaan ng armas ang MILF at maging ang Barrett sniper rifle ay ginagaya ng mga ito, ayon sa militar.
Naniniwala ang pamunuan ng pulisya na pawang mga miyembro ng MILF ang nasa kumalat na video at pinagtatakpan lamang ito ni Iqbal dahil sa brutal na pagpatay sa sugatang SAF commando ng kanilang tauhan.
%2Bcopy.jpg)
%2Bcopy.jpg)
%2Bcopy.jpg)
%2Bcopy.jpg)
%2Bcopy.jpg)
%2Bcopy.jpg)
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2015/02/double-talk-nga-ba.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)