Moro leader to come to CDO sans armed bodyguards

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10): Moro leader to come to CDO sans armed bodyguards

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Officials of a local university on Tuesday allayed the fears about the presence of armed combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) during the school’s graduation rites here.In a statement released to the local press, officials of the Xavier University, said that Mohagher Iqbal, the MILF chief peace negotiator, would come to Cagayan De Oro City without armed bodyguards.

The university would confer the Fr. Masterson Awards to Iqbal in recognition to his efforts to forge a peace pact with the national government in a bid to end the Moro conflict in Mindanao.

Iqbal has promised not to bring along his armed security group during the university’s 75th Commencement Exercises on March 26, 2015 here, the statement said.

Despite the public clamor to defer the giving of the recognition, the Jesuit-owned university has insisted on extending the award amid protests from the university’s alumni.

The school alumni described the recognition as “premature” since the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) remains inoperative and have yet to withstand the test of time.

City Councilor Ramon Tabor, an influential alumnus of the Xavier University, said that nobody is against the award but with the Mamapasano tragedy, the recognition award at a time when the emotions are high is untimely.

University officials, however, said that the university’s Board of Trustees have already decided the recognition award last November 2014, or two months prior to the Mamapasano tragedy.

However, the university made the announcement to confer the honor on Iqbal was only made public in mid-February, causing outrage in the city, including university alumni.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=743053

BIFF now weak, out of ammo, demoralized - AFP general

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10): BIFF now weak, out of ammo, demoralized - AFP general

CAMP SIONGCO -- The lawless Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) fighters are now weak, out of ammunition and out of food and eventually give up or continue fighting to death.

This was the assessment of 6th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, currently the chief of Task Force Central, a joint Army, Marines and PNP, formed to neutralize the BIFF.

"They have splintered into smaller groups, they are running out of bullets and they are demoralized," Pangilinan said of the BIFF, an outlawed Moro armed group believed to be coddling foreign terrorist involved in bombings in Midnanao.

"We are gaining headway, sooner or later, we can finish this operation," Pangilinan told reporters.

At least 73 BIFF have been killed, 33 wounded while the military has four fatalities, including an Army captain, and 29 wounded.

"There's no let up in our campaign, we are closing in to their location," said Pangilinan, referring to the so called SPMS box where the BIFF strongholds were located.

The SPMS refers to the towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Saudi Ampatuan), Mamasapano and Shariff Saydona, all in Maguindanao's second district.

The fighting, which entered its 12th day today, has escalated to Gundulungan and Talayan towns, also in Maguindanao after BIFF engaged elements of the Philippine Marines in overnight skirmishes. It also forced civilians in about 15 villages to flee to safer grounds.

Meanwhile, the military has provided decent burial to four slain BIFF, one of whom was wearing fatigue uniform of PNP Special Action Force slain in the January 25 Mamasapano encounter.

The slain BIFF members identified as Jack Norodin, Kaharudin Pendatu, Tahir Sapal, and Murad Duwang, were turned over to local officials before they will be handed over to their families on Sunday, according to Colonel Emmanuel Salamat, 1st Marine Brigade commander.

They were believed to be part of an armed group which ambushed 10 SAF members who were part of the blocking force of SAF seaborne that killed Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan.

Salamat said the four bandits were felled by snipers of the 26th and 36th Marine Companies, which broke through the BIFF’s defense cordon encircling the BIFF camp in Barangay Dasikil, Mamasapano.

The Philippine Marines have hoisted the Philippine flag in Barangay Dasikil, Mamasapano believed to be the second biggest BIFF camp where improvised explosive device were manufactured and set off in passenger buses, public markets and populated areas in North Cotabato.

Pangilinan has a standing order to all units under him to facilitate decent burials for every gunman neutralized and ensure that they are officially handed over to local government officials.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=743101

PNP-Bicol intelligence group ranks No. 2 in 2014 Annual Performance Evaluation Rating

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10): PNP-Bicol intelligence group ranks No. 2 in 2014 Annual Performance Evaluation Rating

CAMP GEN. SIMEON A. OLA, Legazpi City – The Police Regional Office 5's Regional Intelligence Division bagged the Number 2 performer award in the 2014 Annual Performance Evaluation Rating nationwide with an over-all rating of 113.46 in the field of police intelligence based on the standard set forth by the Philippine National Police Directorate for Intelligence.

The PRO5, in recognition of the noteworthy contribution and remarkable achievement of the Regional Intelligence Division (RID), awarded the office with Plaque of Merit.

The plaque was presented by Senior Supt. Romulo A. Esteban, Deputy Regional Director for Operation and Senior Supt. Lito B. Pitallano, acting, RCDS Regional Office 5 head, to Supt. Oscar Regala, officer-in-charge, Regional Intelligence Division, during Monday's flag-raising ceremony held at the PRO5 Parade Ground here.

A Plaque of Merit was given to the RID for making PRO5 as the Number 2 Performing PRO out of the 17 police regional offices and 23 national support units for CY 2014 Annual Unit Performance Evaluation Rating nationwide.

Likewise, a Medalya ng Kagalingan was awarded to Senior Insp. Joel S. Sabuco, Senior Insp. Andrew J. Alcomendas, Insp. Chester M. Enriquez Jr., SPO2 Arturo B. San Jose, PO3 Joennis S. Cid, PO2 Ryan R. Sabater and PO1 Arvin S, Depositario in recognition of their distinct accomplishment as team leaders and members of the combined operating team of the Regional Special Operations Group, and Pamplona Municipal Police Station, Camarines Sur Provincial Police Office.

The were awarded for the arrest of Ma. Fe A. Mendoza, also known as “Kim” and the confiscation of 40.717 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride commonly known as shabu during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Tambo, Pamplona, Camarines Sur on Jan. 13.

Another awardee is SPO1 Gil B. Bedis who was awarded with Medalya ng Papuri in recognition of his commendable deed as Patrol Officer of Sto. Domingo Police Station, Albay PPO, for returning to the rightful owner the wallet he found containing ATM and credit cards, other important documents, and cash amounting to Php 4, 690 and a 20 Saudi Riyal.

"These laudable performance, accomplishment and exemplary behavior are worthy of emulation in the Philippine National Police," Chief Supt. Victor P. Deona, Bicol police chief, said.

Supt. Rommel B. Dela Rama, the resource speaker and presently the deputy chief of the Regional Intelligence Division, shared an important topic on the different choices that the police officers have made in their life.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=743098

15 PRO 7 officials to train with US Navy

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10): 15 PRO 7 officials to train with US Navy

CEBU CITY -- At least 15 officials of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 will undergo a two-week rigorous training with the United States Navy to enhance their combat and operation skills.

The training will focus on tactical combat, marksmanships, mission planning, and close quarter combat and will be carried out here in Cebu.

The participants will come from RSOG, Regional Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force, Provincial Intelligence Branch and the Cebu City Police Office.

Sr. Supt. Conrad Capa, PRO 7 deputy regional director for operations, said the training “will enhance the capabilities of the participants.”

Chief Supt. Prudencio Tom Bañas, PRO 7 director, said the police “need to undergo the training and to be more skillful in the performance of their duties and functions” as the country gears up for global economic development.

Bañas stressed the need for ordinary policemen to be capable of combating most the sophisticated criminals and insurgents that undermine the peace and order in the region.

He said the police need to be a step ahead of the enemies by increasing police and community vigilance and by strengthening and developing defense capabilities that are crucial in attaining peace and order.

These defense capabilities will be what the 15 commissioned officers will benefit from the Joint Exchange Program of the United States and of the Philippines.

Supt. Rex Derilo, Regional Special Operations Group 7 chief, said the training will cover “close quarter combat, marksmanship, human rights, medical treatment, and maritime operation.”

“Sooner or later we will reecho this will enhance our training as far as combat training is concerned,” Derilo said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=743152

Mayor lauds 2 Zamboangueños included in PMA’s Top 10 grads

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10): Mayor lauds 2 Zamboangueños included in PMA’s Top 10 grads

ZAMBOANGA CITY-- Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has expressed jubilation as two Zamboangueños are included in the Top 10 of the Philippine Military Academy’s Sinag-Lahi Class of 2015.

They are Genesis Salvador Dizon of Barangay Sta. Maria, who will graduate Top 2 of the class and Steven Tali of Barangay Lower Calarian, Top 8.

The two are part of the 171 PMA cadets who will be graduating on March 15 in Camp del Pilar in Baguio City with President Benigno Simeon Aquino, III as the guest of honor.

“Zamboanga City is very proud to have two of its sons included in the Top 10 of the Sinaglahi PMA Class,” Salazar said with pride.

She expressed hope that their accomplishments will serve as inspiration to other young Zamboangueños to always aim for the best in everything they do.

“Our message to them is to live by courage, integrity and loyalty as Zamboangueños, to be courageous in meeting their assignments wherever they will be sent. We live in a community where peace and instability is a challenged, carry on as ambassadors of peace!” she said.

She noted that the life stories of two Zamboangueno PMA cadets are very inspiring.

Dizon, class salutatorian, was motivated to join the military by his father who served the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for many years.

Tali on the other hand, is the proud son of a fish vendor, who single-handedly sent his four children including Steven to school after his wife left him several years ago.

The class name Sinag-Lahi comes from the Filipino phrase “Sundalong Isinilang na may Angking Galing at Lakas, Handang Ipaglaban ang Bayan (Soldiers born with natural abilities and strength who are ready to fight for the country).”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=743214

Blast rocks Cotabato City

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 11): Blast rocks Cotabato City

An improvised bomb was set off by still unidentified men in front of a civil military office of the 6th Infantry Division here Tuesday night.

Nobody was hurt in the 7:30 p.m. blast a few meters away from the CMO office at PC Hill, Cotabato City, according to Senior Supt. Rolen Balquin, Cotabato City police director.

Responding Army and police bomb experts recovered one ounce of C4 bomb component, 9 volts battery and fragmented circuit.

Balquin said the blast was light and it appeared the motive was to sow fear among the residents and passersby.

Police could not say as of yet who was behind the explosion and whether or not it was related to the on going military action in Maguindanao.

Balquin has appealed to the city residents to remain vigilant because peace saboteurs could strike anytime or simply sow terror among the residents.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=743325

North Cotabato lawmaker urges local leaders to lead campaign vs terrorism

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 11): North Cotabato lawmaker urges local leaders to lead campaign vs terrorism

KIDAPAWAN CITY -- A provincial board member here has asked local government chief executives to spearhead and be active in the campaign against terrorism and save its people from harm or even death.

North Cotabato and Kidapawan City have been bracing for bombings as "diversionary" tactics by outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) now the subject of massive law enforcement operations in adjacent Maguindanao province.

Its leaders have publicly announced it will carry out bombings in North Cotabato and even threatened to attack the provincial capitol, the seat of power of the provincial government.

Board Member Joemar Cerebo has submitted a resolution in the provincial council urging the provincial government and the town executives to lead in the campaign against lawlessness and terrorism in the face of threats from outlawed groups.

Three bombing attempts were foiled in North Cotabato since the military and police launched law enforcement operations against the BIFF in Maguindanao marshland.

Speaking to DXND Radyo Bida, Cerebo stressed that local mayors should lead the implementation of checkpoints day in day out, activate the municipal to barangay level police force multipliers and Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team to help thwart attempts to destabilize the province.

Cerebo chairs the Sangguniang Panglungsod Committee on Laws.

He said it is the obligation of the government to protect its people from terrorism or groups fighting the government.

He also stressed that this obligation was contained in Republic Act 10121 or the Local Disaster Risk Reducation and Management Act.

His resolution was unanimously supported and approved by the provincial board during its recent session here.

In explaining his resolution, Cerebo explained that local leaders should act first before reacting to a calamity like terrorism.

Cerebo believed that a pro-active local official will encourage the citizens to be more vigilant and save lives and properties.

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De Lima fails to get MILF report on Mamasapano, will get it through IMT

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 11): De Lima fails to get MILF report on Mamasapano, will get it through IMT

Justice Sec. Leila de Lima on Tuesday failed to get a copy of the investigation report of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on the January 25 Mamasapano encounter in Maguindanao on her visit in the MILF bailiwick.

However, De Lima said DOJ could still get a copy of the report through another channel.

De Lima was welcomed by MILF chair Al Haj Murad inside the MILF's Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

The Justice secretary said she reached out to the MILF to seek copies of its investigation report on the incident.

Both officials met behind closed doors.

After the meeting, De Lima said the purpose of her visit was to secure copies of the report because the DOJ wanted to know its content to determine culpability in the incident that stunned the nation.

She refused to reveal other details of the meeting except by saying that Murad told her the MILF could not provide copies to DOJ but it will be coursed through the International Monitoring Team and the Malaysian government which is facilitating the peace talks.

"I was told the MILF probe is yet to be completed," she said.

"There is a mechanism that we need to follow, a mechanism designed and crafted by both the government and the MILF peace panels," De Lima quoted Murad as saying.

De Lima also asked the MILF if a DOJ panel could meet and talk to the witnesses in the killing of civilians during the Mamasapano incident.

De Lima explained that aside from securing copies of the PNP Board of Inquiry, DOJ also needs the copy of the MILF report so that it can determine who are the personalities to be charged

De Lima and DOJ members are now proceeding to Mamasapano, Maguindanao to visit the site of the bloody skirmishes last January that claimed the lives of 44 police commandos, 18 Moro rebels and five civilians.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=743334

20 BIFF, 2 soldiers killed in latest Maguindanao clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 11): 20 BIFF, 2 soldiers killed in latest Maguindanao clash

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Twenty Moro bandits and two soldiers were killed in the latest skirmishes between Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Philippine Marine troopers in Mamasapano, Maguindanao that erupted Tuesday.

Capt. Joann Petinglay, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said the encounter between 8th Marine Battalion Landing Team under Task Force Central and BIFF started at about 4 p.m. Tuesday and ended past midnight.

”Our troops clashed with about 70 BIFF armed men while the military was conducting clearing operations in Barangay Pusao,” Petinglay said.

About 20 BIFF members were killed and 30 others were wounded, Petinglay said, quoting a report from MBLT-8.

Without identifying the slain soldiers, Petinglay said their families have been fully informed.

Earlier reports said the elusive Filipino bomber Basit Usman was with the group but still managed to escape.

Task Force Central Commander Major General Edmundo R. Pangilinan, 6th Infantry Division chief, has extended his deepest sympathy to the families of the fallen soldiers who risked their lives during the heavy fighting with the bandits.

”Remains of the fallen soldiers are now being taken care of at the 6ID morgue,” Petinglay said.

Pangilinan assures the public that the firefight will not spill over to other areas of engagement and said that JTF Central will protect the civilians at all cost.

Earlier today, March 11, fighting erupted at the same area between the operating Marines troops and the BIFF.

To date, more than 100 BIFF have been killed and 60 other were wounded. Petinglay said the slain BIFF were buried by their retreating companions while others brought the wounded.

On the government side, six soldiers, including an Army captain and two lieutenants were slain and 27 others were wounded.

Petinglay said no civilian was injured since the fighting was in the middle of the marshland already deserted by non-combatants.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=743603

Ambassador Goldberg cancels Leyte trip due to plane ‘engine trouble’

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 11): Ambassador Goldberg cancels Leyte trip due to plane ‘engine trouble’

United States Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg has cancelled his trip to the province today due to “engine trouble” by his private plane before it took off Manila this morning.

Hundreds of children, their parents, and local officials turned quiet when they heard the news that the ambassador cancelled his Leyte trip.

Children bearing US and Philippine flags went out of their classrooms shortly before 9 a.m. anticipating that the US envoy and US Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Gloria D. Steele are coming.

The official was supposed to lead the inauguration of a 6-classroom school building in San Joaquin Central School this town.

Nikki Meru, USAID Rebuild project media liaison officer told reporters that the ambassador decided to call off the trip due to engine trouble of their private plane. The official was reportedly at the Manila airport when crew found out the engine problem.

Meru said that Steele will try to attend other activities in Tacloban today through a commercial flight.

The activity proceeded despite the absence of Goldberg and Steele. Local officials addressed the crowd gathered, expecting to see the visiting US envoy.

“My sincerest thanks to Sir Philip and Ma’am Gloria for your magnanimous heart that lift a part of San Joaquin Central School. Your commendable leadership and support shall always inspire us as we continue our life after Yolanda,” said school principal Liberato Cobacha.

The school lost 67 enrolled children when super typhoon Yolanda struck. The catastrophe totally “washed out” several classrooms.

Grade 5 learner Reymark Avila, 13 who lost his younger sister during the onslaught of super typhoon, thanked the US government for the new classroom.

“Even if I’m the only learner in this school in our family, I am motivated to study because of their generosity,” Reymark shared. Yesterday, children prepared colorful “Thank you” cards for the US envoy and USAID officials.

Following the inauguration, officials are scheduled to proceed to Utap village in this city to turn over 40 sari-sari stores to small entrepreneurs whose means of livelihood were shattered by the 2013 super typhoon.

After lunch, Goldberg and Steele are supposed inaugurate a two-storey health facility that houses a tuberculosis treatment clinic and the Tacloban City Health office, which serves about 39,000 residents from 45 villages.

These projects are part of the U.S. Government’s USD143 million relief and rehabilitation assistance for Yolanda survivors.

This is the second time that the US ambassador cancelled his Leyte trip. The first was in July 2014 due to threats of typhoon Glenda.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=743396

PHL's first C-295 medium lift aircraft to arrive by March 23 or 25 - DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10): PHL's first C-295 medium lift aircraft to arrive by March 23 or 25 - DND

The country's first medium lift C-295 aircraft will be delivered by Spanish manufacturer EADS/CASA-Airbus Military this coming March 23 or 25 at the latest.

This was confirmed by Department of National Defense (DND) undersecretary for finance, modernization and materiel Fernando Manalo in a briefing Monday.

"Our first C-295 (the first out of the three ordered) will be arriving at Clark Field, Pampanga by March 23 or 25," he said.

Upon arrival, the aircraft will be subjected to technical inspection and flight tested by Air Force crews before being accepted for service.

The Philippine Air Force's cargo and transportation capability is expected to get a much needed boost with the arrival of the first C-295.

The March delivery date of the first C-295 is five months earlier than its scheduled August arrival, Manalo said.

With the early arrival of the first aircraft, the DND undersecretary expects two other aircraft to follow in short order.

EADS/CASA-Airbus Military won the DND's medium lift aircraft program by tendering a bid of Php5.29 billion for three aircraft last year.

This is lower than the Php5.3-billion stipulated in the contract.

The PAF's medium lift capability is presently being fulfilled by its three F-27 "Friendship" aircraft.

"These aircraft will help in troop and limited equipment movement," DND secretary Voltaire Gazmin earlier said.

The C-295 is described as "a capable and versatile transport and surveillance aircraft.”

EADS/CASA-Airbus Military stated that the C-295 can carry up to nine tons of cargo or 71 people.

It also has a maximum cruising speed of 260 knots and operate in short and rough airfields.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=742869

PNP invites bidders for 743 sub machine gun; 34 units HF/SSB Base Radio

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10): PNP invites bidders for 743 sub machine gun; 34 units HF/SSB Base Radio

The Philippine National Police is inviting interested bidders to apply for 743 units of sub machine gun and 34-unit HF/SSB Base Radio, PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr., said on Tuesday

Cerbo said the approved budget for the acquisition of 743 units of sub machine gun is Php133, 740, 000.

He said PNP now invites bids for the said project. Bidding is open to all interested bidders, whether local or foreign, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the IRR of RA 9184.

Bid opening will be on April 17, 2015, 9 a.m. at the PNP Main Conference Room in Camp Crame.

Under the IRR, the delivery of goods is required within 150 calendar days divided into two tranches upon issuance of the permit, 400 on the first tranche required within 90 calendar days and second tranche 343 within the remaining period covered.

Prior to the deadline of Submission and Opening of Bids, the National Headquarters- Bids and Awards Committee (NHQBAC) shall accept applications from Monday to Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for registration of manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and contractors participating in PNP procurement of goods, infrastructure projects and consulting services.

A complete set of bidding documents may be acquired by interested bidders from March 4 to April 17 upon payment of a non-refundable fee in the amount of Php50, 000.

It may also be downloaded from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and PNP website at www.pnp.gov.ph, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the bidding documents not later than the submission of their bids.

“The pre-bid conference would be held at the PNP main conference room on March 17, 9 a.m. at PNP Main Conference Room,” Police Director Juanito Vaño Jr., Chairman of the PNP Bids and Awards Committee said.

Meanwhile, the PNP is also inviting interested bidders to apply for a 34-unit HF/SSB Base Radio until March 25, 2015.

With the General Appropriations Act of 2014 as basis, the PNP intends to apply the sum of Seventeen Million Pesos (Php17,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) as payment for the said Base Radio units.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine National Police and inspect the Bidding Documents at the National Headquarters Bids and Awards Committee, 2nd Floor, PNP-NHQ Main Building, Camp Crame, Quezon City during working days from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Bids must be delivered to the said address on or before March 25, 2015 at 9:00 AM.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders from March 3, 2015 to March 25, 2015 from the address below upon payment of a non-refundable fee in the amount of Twenty-Five Thousand Pesos (Php25,000.00). It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the PNP Website, www.pnp.gov.ph, provided that Bidders shall pay the non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

According to Police Director Juanito B. Vaño Jr., the PNP Director for Logistics and Chairman of the National Headquarters Bids and Awards Committee, the bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a nondiscretionary "pass/fail" criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (lRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the "Government Procurement Reform Act".

“Bidding is solely for Filipino proprietorships, corporations, partnerships or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.” said Vaño.

Bid opening shall be on March 25, 2015 at exactly 9:10 a.m. at the PNP Main Conference Room, Camp Crame. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend while late bids shall not be accepted. However, the PNP reserves the right to accept or reject any bid to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to PNP Bids and Awards Committee c/o NHQ-BAC Secretariat, 2nd Floor, NHQ-PNP Main Building, Camp Crame, Quezon City with telephone number (02) 723-0401 local 3009 and telefax number (02)726-7218.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=743057

One of four BIFF members killed in Maguindanao clash likely a foreign terrorist

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10): One of four BIFF members killed in Maguindanao clash likely a foreign terrorist

There is a huge possibility that the foreign-looking individual, killed during a clash with Marine units in Shariff Saydona, Maguindanao Saturday, was a member of a international terrorist group. "He is about 5 feet and eight inches tall, fair complexion and has a similarity (to one) listed international terrorist," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala said during a briefing Tuesday.

Kakilala said that the suspected foreigner, one of the four Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) members killed during Saturday's clash seemed "South Asian looking."

"The SOCO (scene-of-the crime-operatives) is right now conducting (the) medico legal for the DNA (test), its (is) up to SOCO to determine the identity of foreign-looking (individual)," he said.

Kakilala said that there was a possibility that the foreign-looking individual could be a member of the Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist group but said that this was still being validated.

The body of the latter and the three others killed are still at the mortuary of the 6th Infantry Division in Camp Siongco, Awang town, Maguindanao.

As of this posting, the bodies remained unclaimed, Kakilala said.

And as for the four BIFF men captured during the Maguindanao operations last Friday, these individuals had been transferred to the custody of the Philippine National Police.

Kakilala also said that the offensive against the BIFF has been extended against for another three days to ensure that the brigands are totally decimated in Maguindanao.

This period started this Tuesday, he added.

"Commander of the 6th Infantry Division will be one to make operational assessment (if there) is a need for a continue military operation," the AFP spokesperson said.

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President Aquino cites PSG's worth

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10): President Aquino cites PSG's worth

President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday said he continues to see a strong bond between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“Ngayon ngang may naglalayong buwagin ang matibay na samahan ng ating AFP at PNP, iisa lang ang tugon ko sa mga nagtatanim ng intriga at negatibismo: Tingnan ninyo ang PSG. Tingnan ninyo ang dedikasyon ng mga sundalo at pulis na nag-aambagan upang makamit natin ang ating inaasam-asam bilang isang bansa. Tingnan ninyo ang mga kasama kong nagmamalasakit sa bayan,” he said in his speech during the 29th founding anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG).

Issues between the AFP and the PNP were raised following the incident wherein some questioned why the military were late in augmenting the police’s Special Action Force (SAF) in the latter’s operation to arrest Malaysian Zulkifli Bin Hir, a.k.a. Marwan, and Filipino Ahmad Akmad Batabol Usman, alias Basit Usman in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25, 2015.

However, the military maintained that it sent augmentation forces and investigations through public hearings and reports of the government showed that there were operational lapses, thus, the operation suffered large casualties.

The Chief Executive cited that “bilang mga tagapagtanggol ng bayan, bilang mga kasapi ng ating nagkakaisang AFP at PNP, tunay na mga propesyonal ang mga kasapi ng PSG.”

He said responsibilities of PSG members are not easy since they are tasked to look after the country’s top official.

He said he is confident about the security in all his engagements because he has the PSG at his back.

” Sa aking bawat aktibidad, nariyan kayo, handang magsakripisyo, handang makiramay sa trabaho abutin man ng pagod, gutom, o puyat; at talagang nakikiambag sa pagsusulong ng malawakang transpormasyon ng lipunan,” he said.

Aquino cited one instance wherein resiliency of PSG members was proven.

He said that in his trip to Zamboanga City in 2013, he decided to visit a sports stadium where residents of fire-fighting-affected areas were temporarily residing.

He was advised by a PSG Group Commander against it because they were not able to screen all the people there since it was already occupied when they arrived and because the area was mortar-range.

He, however, insisted in going to the area and relied on the security to be provided by the PSG.

” At talaga naman pong naging matiwasay at pinakita nga ho ng ating group commander, na noong panahong iyon ay dadalawang linggo pa lang yata sa puwesto ng PSG, ay handa anumang oras at anuman ang kakailanganin,” he said.

With all these efforts, the President said he remains confident that the PSG will remain strong and continue to prove its worth.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=743222

Soldiers killed in battle against BIFF rebels to get benefits based on law, says Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10): Soldiers killed in battle against BIFF rebels to get benefits based on law, says Palace

The Palace on Tuesday said soldiers killed in a recent battle against members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) will receive benefits based on the law.

"Lahat ng benepisyo ay batay sa batas. Mayroong mga benepisyo ang wounded in action, mayroon din namang benepisyo ang killed in action, kaya’t ipatutupad naman ang mga benepisyong ito nang naaayon sa batas," Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said during a press briefing in Malacañang.

According to news reports, four soldiers, including a Scout Ranger captain, were killed as military operations against rebels continued at the borders of Mamasapano, Datu Piang and Shariff Saydona.

At least 10 BIFF members were killed in Barangay Pusao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao, one of whom was wearing a uniform of the Special Action Force (SAF).

Last January 25, some 44 PNP-SAF members were killed in Mamasapano during a law enforcement operation to capture terrorist suspects Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, and Basit Usman. This sparked the military operation against BIFF rebels who were reportedly among those responsible for the death of the police commandos.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=743211