Rebels in viral Mamasapano video likely BIFF – NBI

From Rappler (Feb 19): Rebels in viral Mamasapano video likely BIFF – NBI

The National Bureau of Investigation continues to track the original uploader of the gruesome video

'OVERKILL.' Screenshots from the video showing the aftermath of the Mamasapano clash, where police commandos murdered in what the PNP OIC calls an 'overkill.'

 

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said that the unidentified men shooting an elite policeman in the face, as seen in a gruesome viral video, "might be" members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

 

This was based on information the NBI got from the person they believe was the first to upload it online, as the agency continues to probe where the video came from.

The video, which the NBI certified as authentic, showed a man sprawled on a cornfield in a camouflage uniform being shot twice at close range.

The victim was later identified by relatives as PO1 Joseph Sagonoy, one of the 44 Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (SAF) men killed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

The SAF commandos were in Mamasapano to capture Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, also known as Marwan, and Filipino bomb maker Abdul Basit Usman. Marwan was killed in the raid, while Usman remains at large.

An NBI source said they were able to get at least 3 names whom they believe are the source of the video. A certain "Yangyang,” believed to be the first person to upload the video on Facebook. gave the names.

Yangyang, who surrendered to the NBI in Davao City, said that he did not take the video.

The 3 people suspected of taking the video are believed to be in Pikit, North Cotabato, which the NBI said was a stronghold of the BIFF. The source said the NBI now has to decide whether or not to pursue the suspects, due to security concerns in the area where they live.

While he wasn't the original uploader, Yangyang said he downloaded the Mamasapano video from a friend's Facebook account and then uploaded it to his account through his mobile phone. He siad he uploaded the video "in good faith" to show how the SAF men were "mercilessly killed."

The NBI continues to track the original uploader of the video. (READ: Human rights body: Help identify who posted Mamasapano video)

Yangyang has since taken down the Mamasapano video and deactivated his Facebook page after receiving heat online for the post, and is worried that he could have potentially placed his family in danger.

Yangyang, who was brought to Manila Wednesday, February 18, from Davao, promised full cooperation with authorities in tracking down the source of the video.

Lorenzo said whoever uploaded the video could be charged with "obscene publication."

Earlier, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Commission on Human Rights urged the public not to share the video that has gone viral.

Malacañang called the person who uploaded the video "heartless," while Moro Islamic Liberation Front chairman Mohagher Iqbal said the executioner in the video was worse than a terrorist. "These are monsters, not people," he told senators on Thursday, February 12.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/84364-rebels-mamasapano-video-likely-biff

Gov’t, MILF must do more to regain trust - IMT

From Rappler (Feb 19): Gov’t, MILF must do more to regain trust - IMT

Foreigners monitoring the peace process between the government and the MILF say the return of the SAF weapons is a first good step

PEACE MONITORS. Maj. Gen. Dato Abdul Samad Bin HJ Yaakub, head of the International Monitoring Team, briefs Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. (left) about the weapons returned by MILF on February 18. File photo by Jeoffrey Maitem/Rappler

 

Peace monitors under the International Monitoring Team (IMT) said the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) need to do more confidence-building measures to regain public trust in the peace process.

 

Maj. Gen. Dato Abdul Samad Bin HJ Yaakub, head of IMT, noted that while both peace panels are sincere in seeking genuine peace in Mindanao, they need to exert efforts to regain public trust following the January 25 clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, involving MILF rebels, breakaway groups, and the police Special Action Force (SAF).

 

The IMT is an independent Malaysian-led group that monitors the agreements of both sides concerning ceasefire, rehabilitation, and development. It is composed of at least 55 members; the Malaysians oversee the security component of the team's mandate. Other IMT members include Libya, Brunei and Japan.

 

Yaakub and other members of the IMT witnessed the turnover ceremony of weapons taken by the MILF’s 105th Base Command from the SAF commandos who attacked Mamasapano to arrest terrorists Zulkifli bin Hir (or Marwan) and Abdul Basit Usman. Marwan was killed in the operation that also caused the death of 44 SAF troopers, 18 Moro rebels and at least 3 civilians. (READ: Timeline Mamasapano clash)

 

The MILF returned 16 SAF weapons to the government peace panel on Wednesday, February 18, at Camp Siongco, headquarters of the military’s 6th Division in Datu Odin Sinsuat town. A total of 63 firearms were lost during the Mamasapano operation, according to a police report.

 

“On behalf of IMT, we are honored [to witness one] of the historical events in the peace process. Since the tragic events in Mamasapano, the IMT with the rest of mechanism worked hard to minimize the effect of the tragedy,” Yaakub said.

 

“We realize that both parties are true to their word. They want peace. Confidence- building measures are one of the ways to gain back the trust of the Filipino public. It happened today,” he added.

 

The Malaysian officer said they hope both sides will do more in the near future.

 

“To the military, we salute you for your professionalism and your stabilizing factor of the current situation,” Yaakub added.

 

Heal wounds

 

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles thanked the IMT for its significant role in "installing the ceasefire" even as she asked all sides to "work to heal the wounds to move forward."

 

She acknowledged that the Mamasapano carnage has been the biggest challenge to the process, whose highlight was the peace agreement signed by both sides last year.

 

The clash is the PNP's worst operation in its young history, and it now threatens to ruin the peace legacy of the Aquino administration.

 

Congressional hearings on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, which President Benigno Aquino III hoped would pass early this year, have been suspended. 

 

 

Aquino earlier asked the MILF to show good faith in the process by returning the weapons to SAF and arresting Usman.

 

The government and MILF peace panels then held backchannel talks that culminated in the return of the weapons.

 

Senator Ralph Recto however said the MILF should also return the personal belongings of the SAF commandos, saying "these can never be spoils of war nor trophies of battles."

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/84387-government-milf-regain-trust-peace-process

PNP-AFP rift? 'We are one, we will overcome'

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): PNP-AFP rift? 'We are one, we will overcome'

Police and military generals downplay any perceived rift between the two forces in the aftermath of a police operation that left 44 elite cops dead

BROTHERS. AFP and PNP officials links arms during a ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo on February 19, 2015. Photo by Bea Cupin/Rappler

 

Even before any official spoke about the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the 16 firearms surrendered by the rebel group, or of a bloody encounter in Mamasapano town that claimed the lives of 44 elite cops, police and military officials on Thursday, February 19, linked arms as a show of the two forces’ good relationship.

 

“The AFP and the PNP are solidly working together for the benefit of everyone in this country,” AFP spokesman Colonel Restituto Padilla Jr. said at the beginning of the ceremonies in Camp Aguinaldo.

Padilla then asked police and military generals and colonels to link arms as they presented 16 firearms returned by the MILF through the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities.

 

 

Mistahs of PMA '81 and the Mamasapano tragedy

 

“We are one, we are strong and we will overcome,” added AFP chief General Gregorio Catapang Jr.

Things are – or at least perceived to be – shaky between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (PNP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) after “Oplan Exodus,” a January 25 PNP Special Action Force (SAF) operation to neutralize Zulkifli bin Hir, better known as “Marwan,” and Abdul Basit Usman.

The cops were able to kill Marwan, but Usman escaped.

In the operation, SAF troopers were trapped in a firefight with MILF and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Forty four of the 73 troopers who entered the area never came out alive.

“Oplan Exodus” was a top-secret operation that saw the acting PNP chief, the Interior Secretary and even the military out of the loop. Local military forces did not know of the SAF’s operation until after cops entered Mamasapano. (READ: Despite Mamasapano clash, 'all okay in PNP' – acting chief)

SAF officials, citing previous bad experiences in joint operations with the AFP, decided to only inform the military “time on target,” or only after troopers had entered Mamasapano. (READ: Why SAF didn't trust military)

As a result, soldiers were unable to send help on time, since they were left unsure of where the elite policemen were and what exactly was going on inside Mamasapano.

Both AFP and PNP personnel have expressed their dismay over each other.
The PNP, for the AFP’s failure to send help for beleaguered SAF troopers in time and the AFP, for the PNP SAF’s failure to coordinate with local military forces. (READ: Mamasapano: What ifs and what could have beens)

The AFP and PNP’s ties go beyond that of being the country’s internal and external security forces. Most of the two forces’ top officials were once classmates in the Philippine Military Academy. The PNP traces its roots to the Philippine Constabulary, which was once part of the AFP.

No feud here

During the Senate’s probe into the operation, senators pounded on the AFP for their perceived failure to help beleaguered SAF troopers. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano accused the AFP of “sacrificing” the 44 SAF troopers to “save” the ongoing peace process between the government and the MILF.

Catapang denied Cayetano’s assertion, insisting the AFP did not have enough time, nor did it have enough information to act accordingly. (READ: AFP unaware of 2nd SAF team)

 

TIMELINE: Mamasapano clash

 

 

Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, whom one senator had characterized as among the “calmer” voices in the issue, turned emotional before the Senate as he questioned why it took the AFP so long to send help.

The week before legislative probes began, relieved SAF commander Police Director Getulio Napeñas figured in a word war with Catapang, offering a narrative contrary to that of his PMA upperclassman during a press conference held hours after Catapang’s own media briefing. (READ: AFP clears troops of liability in Mamasapano)

PNP Office-in-Charge Police Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, Catapang’s mistah (classmate) from the PMA class of 1981, on the same day emphasized there was no feuding between the AFP and the PNP.
“Baka lang hindi nagkaintindihan, some elements on the ground between AFP and PNP. Kung puwede sana, baka puwedeng sinasabing AFP-PNP differences ay ma-refer lang doon,” Espina had told reporters after a Senate hearing on February 10.

(Maybe some elements of the AFP and PNP on the ground had misunderstandings. If it’s possible, let’s limit the discussion of AFP and PNP differences to them.)

Both the PNP and AFP, on separate occasions, have emphasized their commitment to the peace process.

Both forces also have the same message for the MILF: while the return of the 16 firearms was a “welcome development,” the MILF still has much to do to restore the trust not only of the PNP and AFP, but of the public.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/84425-afp-pnp-rift-mamasapano

Police to tighten security for Palparan trial

From InterAksyon (Feb 19): Police to tighten security for Palparan trial



Former military general Jovito Palparan's wanted poster. FILE PHOTO

Security is expected to be tightened anew on Monday as the trial of the kidnapping with serious illegal detention case against retired Army Major General Jovito Palparan began to sizzle following the appearance in court of an alleged eyewitness who personally identified the controversial military officer as behind the abduction of UP students Karen Empeño at Shierlyn Cadapan.

Bulacan police director Senior Supt. Ferdinand Divina said the premises of Bulacan Regional Trial Court (RTC) will be secured due to the intensity generated by the trial of Palparan and three other military officials.

Last Monday, fire trucks were used as barricade to prevent both militant groups and pro-Palparan supporters from getting near the Bulacan RTC. The court scheduled the next hearing on February 23.

“We want the safety of everyone and we want the case to push through without any untoward incident,” Divina said, adding that aside from the security detail of Palparan from his detention cell in Fort Bonificaio, the Bulacan police is also deploying anti-riot policemen and members of the Bulacan police-Special Weapons and Tacticts Unit.

Wearing Kevlar helmet and bullet-proof vest and surrounded by heavily armed security personnel, Palparan arrived last Monday at the sala of Bulacan RTC Branch 14 Judge Teodora Gonzales, together with his co-accused Lt.Col. Felipe Anotado and M/Sgt. Edgardo Osorio.

Torture witness

At Monday’s hearing, prosecution eyewitness Raymond Manalo testified that during his own detention, he saw Palparan three times.

He said he was lucky he escaped; he did not elaborate how he escaped.
Manalo claimed he saw the two missing UP students being tortured while tied naked.

Palparan’s lawyer Narzal Mallares shrugged off Manalo’s testimony, saying that everybody knew his client because he is popular.

He said that the accusers must prove their claims during cross examination.

Meanwhile, members of militant groups said they believe the two missing UP students are still alive.

As Palparan was being whisked away for his return journey to Fort Bonifacio after the hearing, some of the militant protesters shouted, “Executioner, release the students whom you abducted."

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/105409/police-to-tighten-security-for-palparan-trial

'BIGGER, MORE AMBITIOUS' | China to project power from artificial islands in disputed territory

From InterAksyon (Feb 19): 'BIGGER, MORE AMBITIOUS' | China to project power from artificial islands in disputed territory



South China Sea map

China's creation of artificial islands in the South China Sea is happening so fast that Beijing will be able to extend the range of its navy, air force, coastguard and fishing fleets before long, much to the alarm of rival claimants to the contested waters.

Reclamation work is well advanced on six reefs in the Spratly archipelago, according to recently published satellite photographs and Philippine officials. In addition, Manila said this month that Chinese dredgers had started reclaiming a seventh.

While the new islands won't overturn U.S. military superiority in the region, Chinese workers are building ports and fuel storage depots as well as possibly two airstrips that experts said would allow Beijing to project power deep into the maritime heart of Southeast Asia.

"These reclamations are bigger and more ambitious than we all thought," said one Western diplomat. "On many different levels it's going to be exceptionally difficult to counter China in the South China Sea as this develops."

China claims most of the potentially energy rich South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping claims.

All but Brunei have fortified bases in the Spratlys, which lie roughly 1,300 km (810 miles) from the Chinese mainland but much closer to the Southeast Asian claimants.

Beijing has rejected diplomatic protests by Manila and Hanoi and criticism from Washington over the reclamation, saying the work falls "within the scope of China's sovereignty".

The Philippines began expressing growing concern in mid-2014, in particular, accusing Beijing of building an airstrip on Johnson South Reef.

Satellite analysis published by IHS Jane's Defence Weekly this week showed a new installation being built on Hughes Reef. It described a "large facility" having been constructed on 75,000 square metres of sand reclaimed since August.

It also published images of Fiery Cross Reef, which now includes a reclaimed island more than 3 km (1.8 miles) long that experts said would likely become a runway.

Work is also well established on Gaven, Cuarteron and Eldad Reefs, with the new dredging taking place on Mischief Reef.

BOON FOR FISHERMEN

While the prospect of China using the artificial islands to refuel warplanes in any conflict was a possibility, some experts highlighted significant non-military benefits.

China could keep its fishing fleets and coastguard working in Southeast Asia more effectively, with crews able to re-supply and rest, said Carl Thayer, a South China Sea expert at Canberra's Australian Defence Force Academy. Oil explorers would similarly benefit.

Reuters reported in July that Chinese authorities were encouraging fishermen to sail to the Spratlys, often providing fuel subsidies to help.

Before the reclamation, China's facilities were limited to squat buildings and radar domes built on rocky outcrops, with limited berthing and storage facilities, a contrast to natural islands occupied by Taiwan and the Philippines.

"Even before you factor in military questions, the expansion of Chinese fishing and coastguard fleets is going to be a strategic shift that is going to be very hard for anyone to counter," said Thayer.

"And then you will have the navy just over the horizon."

Thayer noted that while no legal claim could be extended from an artificial island, China would effectively move to force rival countries from the surrounding seas.

Chinese strategic analysts said the build-up was being driven by what Beijing sees as security threats, especially the need to check Vietnam, which has had up until now the most holdings in the Spratlys, with 25 bases on shoals and reefs. Vietnam is also quietly building up its submarine fleet to counter China.

The two Communist Party-ruled neighbours clashed at sea in 1988 when China took its first Spratly holdings, including Fiery Cross Reef, from Vietnam.

Some regional military attaches believe China may eventually use helicopter facilities on the new islands to run anti-submarine operations.

"This is less about politics and legal issues and more about security, from China's perspective," said Zhang Baohui, a mainland defence specialist at Hong Kong's Lingnan University.

STRATEGIC GAP

Gary Li, an independent security analyst in Beijing, said he believed any military pay-off would be relatively small from the new islands, given their distance from the Chinese mainland.

"I suspect these reclamations would only ever have localised tactical uses in military terms," Li said.

China's lack of offshore military bases and friendly ports to call on was apparent last year when Chinese naval supply vessels sailed to Australia to replenish warships helping look for a missing Malaysian airliner in the Indian Ocean.

Naval planners know they will have to fill this strategic gap to meet Beijing's desire for a fully operational blue-water navy by 2050.

More immediately, some analysts said they believed the islands would give China the reach to create and police an air defence identification zone (ADIZ) above the South China Sea.

China sparked condemnation from Japan and the United States when it imposed an ADIZ, where aircraft are supposed to identify themselves to Chinese authorities, above the EastChina Sea in late 2013. China has denied speculation it would follow suit in the South China Sea.

Roilo Golez, a former Philippine national security adviser, predicted China would complete its reclamation work by early next year and announce an ADIZ within three years.

"They are connecting the dots. They're putting real muscle into this," Golez said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/105436/bigger-more-ambitious--china-to-project-power-from-artificial-islands-in-disputed-territory

Army declares Leyte town as insurgency-free

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): Army declares Leyte town as insurgency-free

The local government of Palompon, Leyte and the Philippine Army jointly declared the town as insurgency-free Wednesday.

The declaration was based on the absence of insurgency threats in the town for several years, citing military’s intelligence assessment.

The town, which hosts the tourist haven Kalanggaman Island, has been insurgency-free when two of its remote villages were cleared from influence of communist rebels in 2003.

Lt. Col. Nedy Espulgar recounted that the town met the imperatives stipulated in the National Internal Security Plan (NISP) in terms of communist movement that made peace and order stabilized.

Mayor Ramon Oñate and 802nd Brigade Commander Col. Dinoh Dolina signed the declaration witnessed by Col. Nedy Espulgar, battalion commander of the Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion based in Kananga town; Chief Insp. Hipolito Delima, town police chief; and other local officials.

The signing of the declaration was contained in the Municipal Resolution No. 230-020215 passed by the office of the local council.

The recent declaration brought down to 25 Leyte towns and cities targeted by the 802nd IB for insurgency-free declaration.

“We hope that all other towns and cities within our area of operations will soon be declared insurgency-free before this semester ends. Intensified engagement is underway so that other local government units through its peace and order council may initiate same effort,” Espulgar said.

Palompon is now the third town in Leyte to be tagged insurgency-free next to Merida on Sept. 4 and Matag-ob on June 12 last year.

Despite Palompon’s “cleared” status, the military will still be backing the local government unit with the Philippine National Police in its peace and development initiatives.

In his message, Col. Dolina, explained the impact of declaring Palompon as insurgency-free to the local economy as well as to the constituents considering its high potential for growth and development.

On the other hand, Oñate is confident that with such declaration, peace and tranquility in Palompon will flourish and further increase confidence from the business sector.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=737135

Army urged government agencies to help sustain rebel-free status in Leyte

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): Army urged government agencies to help sustain rebel-free status in Leyte

The Philippine Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion (IB) urged government agencies to sustain development efforts of Leyte towns declared as rebel-free.

Lt. Col. Nedy Espulgar, 19th IB commander said insurgency free status has already been declared in the towns of Merida, Matag-ob and Palompon.

Espulgar said that while these towns have been relatively peaceful, the root cause of insurgency must be addressed by the government to ensure that these areas maintain its status.

“The government should work closely with the town and provincial planning and development offices and other line agencies for programs that would help the locality remain insurgency-free.

Col. DinohDolina, commander of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, 19th IB’s mother unit said that peace and security is a complex issue that involves the implementation of "firm policies and it requires help from all stakeholders in the community.”

Top army and local government officials in the province gathered Wednesday in Palompon town to jointly declare the area as insurgency-free.

 

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=737134

Phil. Army 56th IB's service caravan benefits Aurorans

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): Phil. Army 56th IB's service caravan benefits Aurorans
 

MARIA AURORA, Aurora -- Hundreds of residents from three villages here have benefited from a whole day service caravan of the Philippine Army’s (PA’s) 56th Infantry Battalion.

Lt. Joey Escanillas, 56thIB commander, said on Thursday the services they rendered include free haircut, medical and dental mission for the people of Barangays Dianawan, Punglo and Bazal.

Besides actual service, Escanillas said the caravan also aimed at winning the hearts of the people and “poster harmony among us.”

“We are working for lasting peace for our people,” he said.

He said that similar activities are set to be conducted in other places within their area of responsibility in this province.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=737157

Armed men burned vehicle, shot dead mining guard in Surigao del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): Armed men burned vehicle, shot dead mining guard in Surigao del Sur

A security and monitoring personnel of a mining firm was shot dead after a vehicle was burned by an armed group at a coastal town of a southern province in the region, Wednesday morning.

Reports from Surigao del Sur Provincial Police reaching the regional headquarters here on Thursday said that a certain Jasmine P. Ontua, 50; a resident of Purok 6, Guinhalinan, Barobo town in Surigao del Sur reported to Barobo Municipal Police Station that her husband Anie M. Ontua, alias "Loloy" 35; employee of Philsaga Mining Corporation as monitoring and security personnel was shot dead by about 10 heavily armed men believed to be members of the rebel group under the New People's Army Guerilla Front Committee 14 led by an alias "Jemboy."

Barobo Police immediately proceeded to the crime scene to conduct investigation of the incident in coordination with the 131st Regional Public Safety Company based in Cutlog, of the said town, the 75th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army based in Scaling, Bislig City and DOLE, Guinhalinan, Barobo, all of Surigao del Sur, at 6:50 a.m. on Wednesday.

Police investigators disclosed that about 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Ontua's wife Jasmine, told them that the armed men arrived in their house and introduced themselves as NPAs. The suspects accordingly dragged the victim behind their house after tying his hands with a rope and stuffing his mouth with a piece of cloth.

Mrs. Ontua said the suspects took a chainsaw which they found in the place and took her cellular phone and pushed the victim inside the Elf truck owned by a certain Cesar Ontua which was parked nearby. As the suspects left with the victim with them on board the truck, they left a word to the wife in Visayan dialect "Ayaw lang ug kabalaka kay amoa rang estoryahon ang imong bana," (Don't worry, we'll just have conversation with your husband). The armed men then ordered the driver Enrico Campohan to proceed towards to a road in Brgy. Guinhalinan, and minutes later, several gunshots were heard coming from the direction of the location of the Elf truck.

Sometime thereafter, the driver of the Elf truck went back to the place where the victim's wife was and told her that he was commanded by the suspects to disembark from the vehicle and to leave the place. The driver told the wife that he saw one of the suspects fire at the tank of the vehicle before he left the place of incident. The wife of the victim reported the incident to the police who immediately proceeded to the crime scene and found the dead body of the victim with gunshot wounds on various parts of his body about 5 meters away from the burned Elf truck.

Recovered by the responding policemen at the crime scene were three spent shells of Caliber .45 pistol and three spent shells of a shot gun. The evidences were brought to Barobo Police Station for proper disposition.

The cadaver of the victim was brought to a funeral home in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.

A thorough investigation of the incident is now being conducted by the Barobo police.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=737150

PNP 11 files charges vs. captured NPA leader in Mati City attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): PNP 11 files charges vs. captured NPA leader in Mati City attack

The Philippine National Police (PNP) here on Wednesday filed multiple charges against a New People’s Army (NPA) leader captured by the military during hot pursuit operations for the rebels who attacked the Mati City Police Office last Sunday night.

PNP Police Regional Director Chief Supt. Wendy Rosario said police filed charges captured rebel leader Prince Wendell Olofernes alias Edoy or Doy, commander of the Sentro de Grabidad (SDG) of Front 18 under the Pulang Bagani operating in Compostela Valley for destruction of government properties, attempted murder and violation of Republic Act 8294 on possession of firearms, ammunitions and explosives.

Olofernes was captured around 9:30 a.m. on Monday in Barangay Taguibo, Mati City. He was still wearing a military uniform when cornered by the government troops.

A military investigation report showed that Olofernes assumed as the commander of the SDG Front 18, after its head Jordan Donillo alias Talyo was arrested in December 2014 by the combined military and police personnel.

Olofernes was designated as platoon leader of the Basil Platoon during the attack of Mati Police.

Rosario said the other captured NPA rebel will also face charges when he will be turned over by the military to the police.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=737254

Army tags four Leyte areas as rebel hotspots

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): Army tags four Leyte areas as rebel hotspots

The Philippine Army has tagged remote villages of one city and three towns in Leyte province as hotspots of the New People’s Army (NPA), which calls for more concerted effort to address insurgency.

Col. Dinoh Dolina, commander of the 802 Infantry Brigade based in Ormoc City, said that armed communist rebels have been sighted in remote areas of Jaro, Carigara, Burauen and Ormoc City.

Early this week, Dolina met with the Leyte provincial board to discuss strategies to solve the old-aged insurgency problem in the province.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines should make an effort to work closely with the local government officials and other line agencies to formulate programs that would help the locality achieve insurgency free,” Dolina said.

Dolina added that the impression of villagers that government programs do not reach their communities is one of the many reasons that people opted to join the rebel group.

Meeting with local legislators in Leyte is one of the many ways the AFP will be doing.

“We will take suggestions and information from legislators to implement policies that may curb insurgency, although it requires help from all the stakeholders,” Dolina said.

Meanwhile, Leyte Vice Governor Carlo P. Loreto is elated that there are three towns that have been declared as insurgency-free. These are the towns of Merida, Matag-ob and Palompon.

Loreto also lauded the recent move of the AFP that aside from going after the armed groups, “they are now shaping up their own ranks to free themselves from criticism of abuse and human rights violation.”

“The approach is internal, by shaping up and fixing up their group, they also engage in dialogue and to prepare for lasting peace,” said Loreto.

He added that the move of the military in involving the community and the local government leaders or the heroism approach is admirable.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=737262

Navy allocates Php36.7-million for BRP Miguel Malvar repair

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): Navy allocates Php36.7-million for BRP Miguel Malvar repair

In line with its efforts to boost the number of its operational naval assets, the Philippine Navy (PN) announced that it has committed the sum of Php36,782,946.31 for the structural repairs and dry-docking of the BRP Miguel Malvar (PS-19), one of the oldest corvettes in its service.

Winning bidders are required to complete the repairs within 100 calendar days.

BRP Miguel Malvar is the lead ship of the Miguel Malvar class of corvettes of the PN.

She was originally built as USS PCE(R)-852, a PCE(R)-848-class rescue patrol craft escort for the United States Navy during World War II.

She was acquired by the PN in April 1976 and later on commissioned as the BRP Miguel Malvar.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=737128

Decision to return SAF weapons highlight MILF's desire for peace - AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): Decision to return SAF weapons highlight MILF's desire for peace - AFP

With the military formally handing over the 16 high-powered Special Action Force (SAF) weapons to the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday said the decision of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) shows its willingness to sustain the gains of the peace process.

The SAF weapons, which were returned by the MILF, consists of two Finnish-made K3 light machine guns, two M4/M203 grenade launchers, and 12 M4/M4A1 carbines.The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Wednesday handed in 16 assault rifles taken by its members from police commandos killed in a clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province on Jan. 25.

An MILF delegation headed by Mohagher Iqbal, the rebel group’s chief peace negotiator, handed the weapons to Government of the Philippine chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. and ARMM Police Office officer-in-charge Senior Supt. Noel Armilla at the 6th Infantry Division headquarters at Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao Wednesday.

"We view this gesture as a clear sign that our brothers in the MILF want to sustain the gains of the peace process that we had worked on through the years," AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said.

With this positive development, he said they are urging the MILF to return more of the firearms and personal belongings that were taken from the fallen SAF members during the bloody encounter in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25.

The encounter stemmed from earlier efforts to neutralize Malaysian terror bomber Zulkipli bin Hir alias "Marwan".

In the day-long firefight, where members of the rogue Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and private-armed groups, also took part, 44 SAF men were killed.

"We support the government efforts in preventing armed violence and in promoting reconciliation as we take the difficult path towards lasting peace," Cabunoc stressed.

And in line with this, he said the AFP is also sending a message of utmost restraint and genuine concern for the people in conflict-affected areas.

"We are also appealing to all armed ground in Mindanao to end all acts of violence that have caused the displacement of people from different communities.

The AFP public affairs office chief also said that the military remains committed to the peace process.

"Through our collective efforts, we will help claim the peace, progress and prosperity for our people," Cabunoc concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=737141

No rift between AFP, PNP -- Catapang

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): No rift between AFP, PNP -- Catapang

Despite differences in their account of the Mamasapano, Maguindanao incident which claimed the lives of 44 Special Action Forces (SAF) members last Jan. 25, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang on Thursday said there is no rift with their counterparts at the Philippine National Police (PNP).

He made this statement after he and other ranking military officials handed the 16 SAF weapons, turned over by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Wednesday, to a PNP contingent headed by Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina Thursday.

"We just want to reiterate that we are (a) band of brothers, (and) we are just doing our job, and there's nothing personal about this," Catapang said in Filipino.

He added that the AFP is doing its best to recover other missing firearms and equipment of the fallen SAF men.

And despite their differences in their account of the Mamasapano incident, the AFP chief hopes that the truth will come out once the Board of Inquiry comes out with its findings.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=737200

Military units to enter MILF-BIFF conflict areas to deescalate tension

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): Military units to enter MILF-BIFF conflict areas to deescalate tension

In a bid to stop the recent fighting between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), which has now caused the dislocation of thousands of families in Maguindanao and North Cotabato, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that it is looking at the possibility of entering into the conflict affected areas in order to deescalate the volatile situation.

This was stressed by AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Thursday.

He also said that most of the fighting between the MILF and BIFF was triggered by "rido" or clan wars.

Catapang said AFP units will enter the affected areas in Maguindanao in an effort to get the parties involved in the fighting to stand down.

He said the military will also try to determine the exact cause of the conflict and act as some sort of arbiter while they are in the area.

Catapang said all military movement will be done in coordination with the MILF.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=737197