AFP raises red alert ahead of 'difficult' Typhoon Maysak

From Rappler (Apr 1): AFP raises red alert ahead of 'difficult' Typhoon Maysak

Red alert status means all the troops must be inside the camps and ready for any deployment. All vacation leaves are suspended.



TYPHOON RESPONSE: File photo of Army soldiers preparing assets for typhoon response operations

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Gregorio Catapang Jr has raised the red alert status among the 4 military commands in Luzon and other supporting units ahead of strong and "difficult" Typhoon Maysak. (READ: PH braces for Typhoon Maysak)

"The Disaster Response Operations (DRO) teams under the aforementioned major units are placed on standby to support the local government and the office of the Civil Defense for possible humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) missions in calamity-affected areas," the military announced at 1pm on Wednesday, April 1.

The red alert status covers the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) spanning the area that the typhoon is forecast to hit, and other commands that can provide support – Southern Luzon Command (Solcom), Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTCF-NCR), and Central Command (Centcom) in the Visayas.

It means all the troops must be inside the camps and ready for any deployment. All vacation leaves are suspended.

The rest of the commands in Mindanao are on blue alert status.

After the briefing of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Wednesday, Catapang said what makes this particular typhoon "difficult" is its timing, as it is expected to enter the country as people troop to the provinces for Holy Week.

"This is quite a difficult typhoon. It is not only the typhoon we're thinking about. It's the Holy Week and so many people are now going to various places. The problem is how to protect the people – especially tourists – who might be caught in harms' way," the AFP chief said.

He added: "Especially foreign tourists, they don't know the evacuation centers. Where will they go if the typhoon hits their area. These things have to be settled in the municipal and provincial level."

The NDRRMC has urged  foreign and local tourists to coordinate with local governments regarding the typhoon. (READ: Holy Week travelers told: Adjust to Typhoon Maysak)

State weather bureau PAGASA said Typhoon Maysak, to be renamed Chedeng once it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), is 5 kilometers per hour short of being a super typhoon.

It can weaken as it approaches the country but will remain to be a strong typhoon considering its strength and diameter of up to 700 kilometers.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/special-coverage/weather-alert/88633-afp-red-alert-maysak

‘Rights’ group denounces massacre of farmers in Misamis Oriental

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 1): ‘Rights’ group denounces massacre of farmers in Misamis Oriental

A human rights group on Wednesday denounced the massacre of farmers in the borders of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental and called an investigation into the alleged participation of the military.

Four farmers, including a woman and a 17-year-old boy, died while three others wounded when fired upon by heavily armed men in the boundary of Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon and Tagolo-an, Misamis Oriental Sunday morning.

A police report identified the fatalities as Rosalie Neri,37, Bernabe Sarucam, 40, Nemesio Casas Sr. ,56, Fiel Casas,17. Wounded were Jessi Myomyo, Elejio Nakongos and Nemesio Casas Jr.

Julia Sarucam, wife of Bernabe Sarucam, told police that about 30 heavily armed men clad in military uniform swooped down the farming village of Bugna in Casinglot, Tagolo-an, Misamis Oriental last Sunday morning and started firing at the farmers who were taking coffee at that time.

“She said that she and other farmers ran away and hid in a fig tree nearby. The armed men ransacked our houses, and stole everything, including the small amount of cash, representing the sale of our store,” Sarucam said.

The military’s 4th Infantry Division has refused to confirm or deny the accusation after receiving reports that the farming community in Bugna were members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

Sarucam asked the military to conduct a background check on them as she denied that they were members of the NPA.

Fr. Christopher Ablon of the Human rights watchdog – KARAPATAN Northern Mindanao, has asked the government to conduct a probe on the killings of the farmers.

Ablon said that the farmers in the area have been harassed for the past two years by private groups who are alleged henchmen by those who are resisting the “Certificate of Ancestral Domain” claim by the indigenous group in the area.

Like the other farmers, Sarucam said, that they settled in a farm lot in Bugna many years ago at the invitation of Rogelio Neri.

According to Sarucam, the farmers have been an object of harassment by armed group after a certain Raul Delfin claimed to own the land occupied by farmers who opposed the tribal group’s claim to the land.

A few months ago, the farmers got information that the government was now preparing to award the farm lot that the occupants were cultivating, Sarucam told the police.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=749802

Army probes death of Samar detachment commander

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 1): Army probes death of Samar detachment commander

The military is looking into circumstances that led to Monday's killing of an army official by armed rebels along the national road in this city.

Sgt. Romeo Tan, detachment commander of Philippine Army’s 52nd Infantry Battallion based in Talalora, Samar was driving a single motorcycle along the major highway in Mahayag village, this city when armed men blocked the road and shot him three times.

The victim was off duty and unarmed during the attack. He was on his way to nearby San Jorge town to visit his family, said Capt. Andrew Linao, assistant spokesman of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division (ID).

Tan was very active in his peace and development works in rebel-infested communities in Samar, according to Linao

“There has been no claim of responsibility for the attack yet, however, both the police and military are now conducting an investigation as to how the incident happened and who are really behind,” Linao said

The attack happened a day after the 46th Founding Anniversary of the New People’s Army on March 29.

With the recent killing, the 8th ID officials warned soldiers to be vigilant on “shoot-to-kill” (STK) order by communist rebels, targeting unarmed soldiers.

The army recovered STK list when government troops sized some New People’s Army (NPA) camps in Samar.

The list includes names of active soldiers, policemen and civilians who are accused as military informants.

In 2014, the NPA in Samar provinces reportedly killed five soldiers and abducted two others.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=749837

Kaugnay Media Defense Corps Inc. organized in Aurora

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 1): Kaugnay Media Defense Corps Inc. organized in Aurora

The 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division (ID), Philippine Army based in Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija has organized the local chapter of the Kaugnay Media Defense Corps Inc. (KMDCI) in this capital town of Aurora to serve as conscience of the community focusing on the local needs and the windows of the world through information dissemination of the soldiers’ activities.

Lt. Col. Joey A. Escanillas, battalion commander of the 56th Infantry “Tatag” Battalion, Philippine Army, said that the members of the KMDCI Aurora chapter are known in the media industry, writing in the newspapers locally or nationally, and broadcasters from the radio and television.

Jason de Asis, a veteran reporter of the Catholic Media Network, Manila and news stringer of the Philippines News Agency was unanimously elected as president of KMDCI.

Other KMDCI elected officers are Ferdinand Pascual of CNN Philippines and broadcaster/reporter of Radyo TV Baler (executive vice president); Cristalyn Pascual of Radyo TV Baler (vice president for broadcast); George Balbero of GMA7/reporter of Bagong Aurora Website ng Bayan News Online (vice president for print); Nestor Molina of Radyo TV Baler (secretary); Jan Rael Bitong of Radyo TV Baler (treasurer); Norman Taruc of DZJO FM (auditor); Melanie Hugo of Radyo Natin FM and Shirley Sardea of Radyo TV (business managers).

De Asis expressed his heartfelt thanks to all his colleagues who voted for him.

“This is really an overwhelming sign of trust and confidence,” he said, promising that he will strive to do his best efforts for the concern of the organization that has started in Central Luzon,” he said.

He called on his colleagues for a deeper spirituality based on the Bible and for unity in prayer against corruption.

“Corruption in business and in politics must be eradicated if not minimize, urging the KMDCI members to be united through prayer, discernment and concerted action to renew and to strengthen the social and political fabrics of the people in Aurora, media and the country,” he said.

De Asis took his oath before Lt. Col. Escanillas in the presence of all media personalities and practitioners from the Central Luzon Media Association (CLMA), Kaugnay Media Defense Corps Inc. (KMDCI), local media and Baler Mayor Nelianto “Pilot” C. Bihasa.

KMDCI was registered at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) dated Nov. 30, 2014 signed by lawyer Richard R. Laus, acting director.

The KMDCI covers the 7th Infantry Division’s 702nd brigade area of responsibility (AOR) in La Union, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, 1st to 5th of Pangasinan, Cordillera Autonomous Region - Tubo, Abra and municipalities of 6th district of Pangasinan – San Miguel, Santa Maria, Asingan, Rosales, Tayug and Balungao) and the 703rd Brigade AOR in Aurora, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, municipalities of Dinapigue, Isabela and municipalities under 6th district of Pangasinan (San Nicolas, San Quintin, Natividad and Umingan), whole of Region 1, parts of Region 2, where the soldiers are assigned.

The Kaugnay Infantry Division’s area of responsibility represents varied cultures and geographical make-up covering 15 provinces, 23 cities, 253 municipalities composed of 6,797 barangays and inhabited by 14,890,738.

In Aurora, the first president of KMDCI is de Asis while in the regions are Ronald Madrid Leander of GMA 7 from San Luis town, who is based in Australia as GMA7 stringer and the incumbent president is Joy Franklin Gonzales of Tarlac province.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=749807

3 grandchildren of Zambo Sur town mayor seized

From MindaNews (Apr 1): 3 grandchildren of Zambo Sur town mayor seized

Ten gunmen believed to be kidnappers seized late Tuesday the three grandchildren of the town mayor of Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur.

Senior Supt. Sofronio Ecaldre, Zamboanga del Sur police director, said the gunmen seized the children and used them as human shields in a shootout with police around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in Barangay Poblacion, Pitogo.

Prior to the shootout, Ecaldre said, the gunmen arrived aboard two motorized bancas and docked at the town’s fish port.

Ecaldre said the gunmen proceeded to the residence of Chzarenia Kapa Sajulga, a businesswoman, and tried to seize her but failed as she managed to run and locked herself in a room.

He said the policemen were alarmed and rushed to the residence of Sajulga after the gunmen tried to destroy to enter the room by shooting its doorknob.

He said a shootout ensued between the responding policemen and the gunmen, who were about to leave the area aboard the two motorized bancas.

He said the gunmen grabbed three children who were at the fish port and escaped by using them as human shields.

He said the gunmen fled toward the direction of Zamboanga Sibugay along with the hostages who turned to be the grandchildren of Pitogo Mayor Richard Garban.

He identified Garban’s grandchildren as Ace Jay Garban, 3; Zynielle Jay Garban, 2; and, Ledegie Tomarong, 17.

The police official said he coordinated with the Zamboanga Sibugay Police Office to help locate the children’s whereabouts.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/04/01/3-grandchildren-of-zambo-sur-town-mayor-seized/

Army to NPA in Western Visayas: Observe Lent

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31): Army to NPA in Western Visayas: Observe Lent

The Philippine Army in Western Visayas urged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to renounce violence and armed struggle in the season of Lent.

“Together with all the stakeholders, we call on the remaining NPA members in the region to go back to their families and spend a week of peace and freedom in our democratic society,” Maj. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said in a statement.

Guerrero also instructed field commanders to closely coordinate with other law enforcement agencies, particularly the Philippine National Police, in ensuring the safety and security of the people and in securing vital installations and places frequented by tourists.

On Sunday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the population of the NPA is declining as the development projects of the government are now gaining momentum in the countryside, an official said on Sunday.

So far, the rebel strength all over the country is placed at 4,000.

"We can foresee their downfall as long as development will come in and we will have economic growth and prosperity to every Filipino. In the years to come, the NPA will be irrelevant as foreseen by the Internal Peace and Security Program 'Bayanihan' strategy," said AFP spokesperson Brigade General Joselito Kakilala.

The military’s strategy aims to beat the rebels by developing depressed countryside communities to remove a mass base for the NPAs.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=749458

BIFF finance officer falls in Cotabato City

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31): BIFF finance officer falls in Cotabato City

The military's 6th Infantry Division has announced Tuesday the arrest of an officer of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)in his residence in Cotabato City Monday night.

In a statement, Capt. Joann Petinglay, 6th ID spokesperson, identified the arrested BIFF official as Agdulgani Esmael Pagao, alias "Abdulayman Pagao," the group's finance officer.

Petinglay said the operation was carried out by the combined elements of 5th Special Forces Battalion, Intelligence Support Group, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, 6th Military Intelligence Group, 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, JSOU1, and Cotabato City Police Office.

Pagao was arrested at Campo Muslim in Barangay Mother Bagua, Cotabato City based on a search warrant issued by Judge Bansawan Z. Ibrahim dated March 30, 2015.

Seized from Pagao was a caliber .45 pistol with ammunition, two loaded magazines, and a fragmentation grenade. He did not resist arrest.

Petinglay said the arrest of Pagao marked another accomplishment of the government through excellent coordination with the different law enforcement agencies.

She said rebel group is expected to weaken as its sources of funds fell to government hands.

Task Force Central, a police-military composed tasked to neutralize lawless elements in Maguindanao, has slowed down its law enforcement operations although it is yet to arrest Filipino bombing expert Abdul Basit Usman and another Malaysian suspected terrorist hiding with him in the marshland.(

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=749527

Army condemns BIFF attack on military ambulance carrying wounded fighters

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31): Army condemns BIFF attack on military ambulance carrying wounded fighters
The Army's 6th Infantry Division on Tuesday condemned the ambush and killing of a military ambulance driver by suspected Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao on Sunday.

Maj General Edmundo R. Pangilinan, 6th ID chief and commander of Task Force Central, said the slain Army ambulance driver was transporting wounded infantrymen from the Army-BIFF encounter in Shariff Saydona to the Maguidanao provincial hospital when ambushed in Barangay Elian, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

“It only shows that these bandits do not observe and respect the International Humanitarian Law (IHL),” he said in a statement released by the Division Public Affairs Office on Tuesday.

A band of BIFF fired at the ambulance as it hurriedly transporting wounded soldiers. The medical team was able to fire back at the bandits while bringing the wounded soldiers to a safer area.

The driver-fatality, identified as Staff Sgt. Robert E. Espia of Forward Support Medical Platoon of Task Force Central, was hit while driving an ambulance. On board the ambulance were two wounded elements of the 34th Infantry Battalion.

The soldiers were also killed in a separate clash in Barangay Pamalian, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao. Thirteen BIFF were reported killed, including three commanders.

One of them was allegedly the hit squad leader of the BIFF who pinned down at least seven soldiers in separate occasions in Maguindanao.

The slain soldiers were identified as Cpl Faizal A. Julmain and PFC Marlon E. Marino of 34th Infantry Battalion and PFC Vincent Q. Gulla of 1st Mechanized Battalion.

The series of encounters last Sunday was evident that some members of the BIFF were still in the operation area.

On Monday, AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang announced the conclusion of the month-long all-out offensive against the rebel group BIFF.

However, the government forces will still continue pursuing the scattered members of the BIFF to prevent the group from regrouping and reorganizing in conducting terror activities in Mindanao.

A send-off ceremony was also held in 6ID for the four soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the recent clash.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=749529

AFP recognizes 9 units for complying with transformation roadmap

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31): AFP recognizes 9 units for complying with transformation roadmap

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday recognized the Public Affairs Office and eight other units that are on-track in taking initiatives towards the completion of the journey towards the realization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Transformation Roadmap.

These awardees are part of the second group of AFP offices and units that was conferred with Plaques of Recognition.

This set of awardees followed the first wave of military offices and units which received recognition on March 9 for their exemplary efforts of making AFP a better organization by following the points set by the AFP TR.

The AFP Office for Strategic Studies and Strategy Management (OSSSM) listed the following on second set of awardees: Office of the Ethical Standards and Public Accountability (OESPA); AFP Educational Benefit System Office (AFP EBSO); Public Affairs Office (PAO); AFP Peace and Development Center (AFP PDC); AFP Bids and Awards Committee (AFP BAC); Office of the Adjutant General (OTAG); Office of the Legislative Affairs (OLA); Dean, Corps of Professors (COP); and Office of the Chief Chaplain Service (OTCCHS).

These offices and units were recognized for making steps towards genuine transformation and reform through crafting of their respective strategy maps and performance scorecards.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=749313

Army commander visits 6th Infantry Division

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31): Army commander visits 6th Infantry Division

Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri paid a visit to the officers and enlisted personnel of the Maguindanao-based 6th Infantry Division on Monday.

Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said Iriberri's visit was connected withsituation updates on the ongoing joint law enforcement operations of Task Force "Kampilan" against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Aside from that, the PA commander also decorated the military personnel who were wounded in Sunday's clash with BIFF splinter groups.

He also led the inauguration of the new and refurbished facilities of the 6th Infantry Division -- the Kampilan Water Station, SM Transient Quarter, and Presidential Cottage.

Iriberri also decorated deserving officers and enlisted personnel who risked their lives in the conduct of law enforcement operations against the BIFF.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=749395

US admiral says China ‘creating great wall of sand’ in sea

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 31): US admiral says China ‘creating great wall of sand’ in sea

The commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet says China is using land reclamation to create “a great wall of sand” in disputed areas of the South China Sea, causing serious concerns about its territorial intentions.

Admiral Harry Harris Jr. told a naval conference in Australia on Tuesday that competing territorial claims by several nations are increasing regional tensions and the potential for miscalculations.

Harris said there is particular concern about what he called “unprecedented land reclamation currently being conducted by China” to buttress its territorial claims.

He said China “is creating a great wall of sand” with dredges and bulldozers over the course of months.

Harris said the rapid pace and scope of China’s construction of man-made islands “raises serious questions about Chinese intentions.”

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/682607/us-admiral-says-china-creating-great-wall-of-sand-in-sea

AFP now in 'blue alert' for Holy Week

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31): AFP now in 'blue alert' for Holy Week

With the Holy Week rush now in full swing, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang on Tuesday placed all military units in "blue alert".

"Blue alert" refers to having 50 percent of available troops and their supporting equipment in stand-by at camps nationwide for possible deployment.

"We are now in 'blue alert' for Holy Week, it means that half of our available troop strength must in camps in case there is a need for them," Catapang said in Filipino.

Earlier, AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said that units based in non-threat areas can grant leave to their personnel wanting to go home this Holy Week.

However, this condition cannot be applied to provinces and areas with intact threat groups like the New People's Army (NPA) and other lawless elements.

Areas in the Philippines known to be hosting NPA groups include Masbate, Sorsogon in Southern Luzon and Kalinga in Northern Luzon, Leyte, Eastern and Northern Samar in the Visayas and CARAGA Regions and Compostela Valley in Mindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=749427

Concrete bridge rising at site of Mamasapano incident

From the Philippine Star (Mar 31): Concrete bridge rising at site of Mamasapano incident



BRIDGE OF PEACE. Major Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan of the 6th Infantry Division, Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad and Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (3rd from left) and other officials walk through the iconic timber footbridge in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, to be replaced with a P10 million concrete structure. Philstar.com/John Unson

The military and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front jointly launched on Tuesday the construction of a concrete footbridge over a river near the scene of the deadly January 25 encounter between police commandos and secessionist rebels.

The P10 million worth bridge project in Barangay Tukanalipao in Mamasapano, Maguindanao is an infrastructure thrust of Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and his public works secretary, Hadji Emil Sadain.

The project will be bankrolled by Hataman's office with savings generated in recent quarters by the ARMM’s Department of Public Works and Highways.

Hataman, Sadain, Budget Secretary Florencio "Butch" Abad, Armed Forces chief Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, senior MILF officials Von Al-Haq and  Toks Ebrahim jointly officiated the symbolic launching of the project, in the presence of villagers and Mamasapano Mayor Benzar Ampatuan.

Al-Haq, who is spokesman of the MILF's military wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, said they are grateful to the ARMM government for having embarked on various infrastructure projects needed to address poverty and underdevelopment in Barangay Tukanalipao and surrounding peasant enclaves.

Al-haq said the police-MILF encounter in Mamasapano’s adjoining Barangays Tukanalipao, Pidsandawan and Inog-og could be a "blessing in disguise," something providential and meant to show to the national government the grinding poverty besetting the local communities.

He said the MILF will not disengage from its diplomatic dealings with government despite the "Mamasapano incident," which hogged the headlines and challenged the group's compact with Malacañang.

Al-Haq said the MILF is ready to help the Hataman administration implement its infrastructure projects in Mamasapano.

"Creating war is easy while building peace is a lengthy effort. All it takes to start war is just one shot, just one shot," Al-Haq said.

Also present in the activity were Major Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan of the Army's 6th Infantry Division, Col. Melquiades Feliciano of the 601st Brigade, officials of the ARMM regional police office and Brig. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. of the government’s ceasefire committee, which helps enforce all interim GPH-MILF security agreements in flashpoint areas in Mindanao.

Catapang, in a speech before the launching of the concrete footbridge, urged local folks to put closure to the Mamasapano fiasco.

Catapang lauded the ARMM leadership and the local communities for helping one another overcome the impact of the January 25 hostilities between Special Action Force commandos and MILF guerillas.

At least 44 SAF operatives, 17 MILF members and five innocent civilians were killed in the incident.

"Tapusin na natin ang issue ng Mamasapano. Mag move on na po tayo," Catapang said.

Laisa Alamia, ARMM's regional executive secretary, said Catapang and Abad's involvement in the launching of the concrete footbridge can help convince local folks that President Benigno Aquino III will not let the Mamasapano incident affect the now 18-year bilateral GPH-MILF peace initiative.

Also present in the event were representatives from the office of Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu led by provincial engineer Abdulrahman Asim.

Hataman, Sadain, representatives of the 6th ID and Engineer James Mlok of Maguindanao's 2nd District Engineering Office launched last week more than P40 million worth of infrastructure projects in Mamasapano.

The ARMM government and the 6th ID also started last week the construction of a P400,000 worth mosque in Barangay Tukanalipao.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/03/31/1439558/concrete-bridge-rising-site-mamasapano-incident

Tukalinapao Bridge in Mamasapano to be completed within 6 months

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31): Tukalinapao Bridge in Mamasapano to be completed within 6 months

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang on Tuesday said it will take at least six months to complete the Tukalinapao Bridge in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao.

The bridge, which will replace the rickety bamboo footbridge spanning the river and the cornfields where 44 Special Action Force members were killed during the operation which neutralized Malaysian bomber Zulkipli bin Hir last Jan. 25, is worth Php10-million.

"(Contractors) said it will take them six months as they need to put up the foundation first. It needs to be completed before the rainy season. Actually, once the foundation is constructed, the railings and steel portion of the bridge can easily be set up," Catapang said in Filipino.

He also assured the military is more than capable of securing the bridge as attested by the serious beating the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters sustained during the month-long law enforcement operations against the BIFF.

Around 151 BIFF men were killed, 65 wounded and 12 captured on the campaign which started Feb. 25.

Ten soldiers were killed while another 33 were hurt in the said campaign.

"Violence has stopped because they have realized that we are stronger than them and they will have a hard time (should they initiate hostilities anew).

Catapang on Monday terminated the law enforcement operations against the BIFF but said pursuit operations will continue against the bandit splinter groups.

Aside from the bridge, the government is planning to set up various development projects in Mamasapano, including an irrigation system.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=749473

3 rebels slain in clash on NPA’s 46th anniversary

From the Philippine Star (Mar 31): 3 rebels slain in clash on NPA’s 46th anniversary



Three suspected New People’s Army guerrillas were killed while another was captured following a firefight that occurred during the NPA’s 46th founding anniversary in Bukidnon Sunday.

Soldiers belonging to the Army’s 4th Infantry Division were on patrol in Barangay Manibugao when they encountered a band of rebels, said 1/Lt. Lorefel Judaya, deputy spokesman for the Army’s 66th Infantry Brigade. The military has yet to identify the fatalities.

Judaya said the rebels belonged to the Guerrilla Front 4-B of the NPA North Central Mindanao regional command.

He said they were investigating the arrested rebel, who suffered injuries in the firefight.

In Agusan del Sur, 30 insurgents raided a sawmill in Barangay Manat in Trento town and burned two trucks, two engines and a chainsaw.

The sawmill, reportedly owned by a barangay official, was said to be operating without a permit. Police placed the damage at P800,000.

2 soldiers hurt in Capiz encounter

Meanwhile, two soldiers were wounded in another encounter with suspected NPA guerrillas in Tapaz town in Capiz Sunday.

Cpl. Niel Lagat and Pfc. Raymund de Juan, both of the Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (IB), were airlifted to the 3ID Station Hospital at Camp Peralta in Jamindan town following a firefight in Barangay Tacayan,  Major Ray Tiongson, spokesman for the Army’s  3rd Infantry Division, said.

Lt./Col. Victor Llapitan, chief of the 61st IB, said the troops were checking reports about the presence of armed men in the area when they encountered the rebels.

Llapitan said the armed men were extorting money from the villagers. He believes there were rebels who were killed or wounded in the clash.

Ex-rebel nabbed for murder

In Laguna, an alleged former NPA official tagged in the murder of a court employee in Oriental Mindoro was captured in Sta. Rosa City Sunday.

Allan Alarzar, 39, surrendered after authorities cornered him in his hideout in Barangay Sto. Domingo at around 11:30 a.m.

Alarzar’s arrest was based on a warrant issued by Pinamalayan Judge Recto Calabocal for three counts of murder, Senior Superintendent Florendo Saligao, Laguna police director, said.

Alarzar was tagged in the killing of Paquito Umbao, an employee of the Pinamalayan court, on Oct. 30, 2011.

Saligao said the suspect was a former official of the communist group operating in Oriental Mindoro before he engaged in contract killing.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/03/31/1439193/3-rebels-slain-clash-npas-46th-anniversary