Army intensifies Bayanihan in Maddela remote village

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 6): Army intensifies Bayanihan in Maddela remote village

The Army’s 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division of the 5th Infantry Battalion has intensified 'Bayanihan' operations to help the local government units in delivering the basic services of the government towards the populace.

 In his report during the first quarter meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting here recently, Lt. Col. Joey A. Escanillas, commanding officer, said Bayanihan teams were deployed in places with sightings of armed groups to thwart any plans to sow terrorism in their areas of responsibility particularly in remote villages of Maddela town.

The Bayanihan teams shall implement projects such as installation of pipeline for water system and construction of stage at Brgy Cabua-an, provision of technical and manpower support in the installation of electricity at Puroks 3 and  4 of Brgy Villa Gracia, youth empowerment activities, among others.

Escanillas further said that armed groups are sighted in Maddela, Quirino; Casiguran, Aurora; Alfonso Castaneda – Maria Aurora area; Baler – San Luis area and Bongabon.

Prior to the deployment of Bayanihan teams, a signing of memorandum of understanding was held among the different stakeholders led by Mayor Renato G Ylanan, Vice Mayor Florante T. Ruiz, chiefs of offices of the local government, national government agencies and barangay chairmen.

In their messages, both Ylanan and Ruiz had signified strong support to the said undertaking saying that it will redound to community development and peace in the municipality.

LTC Escanillas said the remnants of the New People's Army  are expected to exert efforts to stop the deployment of Bayanihan Teams because it will hamper their Ideological Political Organizing  works, extortion activities and recovery efforts but they will continue to conduct Bayanihan activities in Quirino to help the LGUs/LGAs in delivering the basic services of the government towards the populace.

He further said the armed groups will continue to look for exploitable issues to agitate the constituents of the remote barangays in order to gain sympathy and to recruit members.

LTC Escanillas has stressed  the importance of increased involvement of stakeholders, the national and local government agencies, non-government entities and the entire citizenry in addressing peace and security concerns.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/451428278488/army-intensifies-bayanihan-in-maddela-remote-village

Government peace panel to continue reaching out to critics

From the Philippine Star (Apr 6): Government peace panel to continue reaching out to critics



Government peace panel chairman Miriam Coronel-Ferrer File photo

The government peace panel will continue to reach out to opponents of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), panel chairman Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said yesterday.

“The good Lord said, what good would it do if you love only brothers? To have peace, we need to reach out to those who are not like us. May Easter bring back love,” Ferrer said.

The Senate and the House of Representatives decided to suspend deliberations on the draft BBL following the killing of 44 police Special action Force (SAF) commandos after an encounter with Muslim rebels last Jan. 25 in Mamasapano. Maguindanao.

The BBL is the enabling law that would replace the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with a new Bangsamoro region.
Different views have been expressed by leading personalities in the country including former President and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.

Estrada, who launched an all-out war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) during his presidency in 2000, maintained that only an all-out offensive against the rebels could solve the Mindanao conflict.

He said that, like the previous administrations, his administration also conducted peace talks with the Muslim armed groups.

However, Estrada said he was forced to stop the peace process and launch an all-out war against the MILF after realizing the lack of sincerity and honesty of the insurgents in the peace process.

Estrada said his all-out war resulted in the government’s takeover of 46 camps of the MILF.

Defending the BBL, Ferrer earlier said that the government is not “over-financing” the proposed Bangsamoro regional government or even the ARMM.

Comparing the projected Bangsamoro budget with the funds received by other regions like the National Capital Region from the national government, Ferrer said that the P35 billion the government proposes to give the Bangsamoro in its first year is only half of what is being spent by the government in NCR.

“Today, the ARMM gets about P15,000 per capita subsidy from the national government. Compare that to the P34,000 per capita that Metro Manilans get from the national budget,” Ferrer said.

Ferrer said that the per capita subsidy is the average amount that goes to each resident in the region.

Even with the P8 billion to P11 billion new money that will go to the Bangsamoro if it is established in 2016, Ferrer said the per capita in the Bangsamoro would increase to only about P18,000.

She also clarified that the power and authority of constitutional bodies like the Commission on Audit (COA), Commission on Elections (Comelec), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), and Civil Service Commission (CSC) will not be diminished.

Ferrer said that these agencies would operate like regional offices or as supplementary offices in the Bangsamoro that would help strengthen the system of checks and balances in the region.

She also reiterated that the proposed BBL does not provide for automatic integration of armed fighters of the MILF to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, but they could apply and need to go through the rigorous standard hiring processes applied by the AFP and the PNP.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/04/06/1440766/government-peace-panel-continue-reaching-out-critics

10 living war vets honored by AFP

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 6): 10 living war vets honored by AFP



A SELFIE FOR POSTERITY WorldWar II veterans parade around the Hunters-ROTC Guerilla Field of the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, during the “Review in Honor of the Veterans” on Sunday. Stealing the scene is one of the “senior defenders” leading the pack who freezes the moment by snapping a selfie in the activity that marks the observance of the Philippine Veterans Week. RAFFY LERMA

For their “unparalleled service and selfless sacrifices,” 10 living war veterans were honored Sunday morning by the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the “Review in Honor of the Veterans” ceremony at the Philippine Army Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The AFP gave a snappy salute to their forebears and the “nation’s senior defenders” as part of the annual observance of the Philippine Veterans Week.

Among those who received plaques and medals of recognition for their service during the World War II were Col. Francisco T. San Miguel, Sgt. Jose Felix F. Caparas, Sgt. Manuel C. Carpio, Col. Francisco S. Tamondong, Pfc. Pilar Hipolito de Ocampo, Maj. Jesse M. Baltazar, Pvt. Manuel T. Cannu, Pfc. Valentin R. Ege, TSgt. Silvestre D. Sarmiento and Col. Catalino D. Ibañez.

Recognition was also given to the families of posthumous awardees Pvt. Francisco S. Cordoba Sr., lawyer Gamaliel A. Cordoba, Lt. Commander Vicente A. Perez, Sgt. Domingo G. Padiernos, MSgt. Jesus V. delos Santos, Lt. Gen. Jaime Delos Santos, Lt. Col. Saturnino R. Silva Sr., MGen. Calixto M. Duque, AFP and 3Lt. Leopoldo G. Bataoil.

Speaking before the veterans and their families, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said the awardees embody the traits that helped the military organization become “a more capable, more professional and more reliable Armed Forces serving the Filipino people.”

“The road they took are surely difficult but they have victories they can tell. I hope we will all be inspired by the examples of the awardees who have shown great courage and service,” Catapang said in his welcome speech.

The review is an annual tradition of the Armed Forces, wherein men and women in the uniformed service show their respect to veterans for their “unparalleled services, selfless sacrifices and numerous accomplishments.”

The veterans were paraded around the Hunters-ROTC Guerrilla Field and given honors by a battalion-sized contingent from the AFP.

Receiving the award for his uncle and namesake, Pangasinan Rep. Leopoldo N. Bataoil, also vice chair of the House committee on veterans affairs, was also the event’s special guest and keynote speaker.

In his speech, Bataoil remembered his World War II veteran uncle, whose body has not been found by the family until now.

“His body was never recovered in the hills of Bataan,” said Bataoil, who claimed to have been raised living up to the ideals of his uncle.

He also noted that 3Lt. Bataoil served as his inspiration when he became a policeman and climbed the command chain ladder, becoming the director of the PNP Regional Office I during the latter part of his career as a law enforcer.

In addressing the veteran awardees, Bataoil also read the privilege speech of Bataan 1st District Rep. Herminia B. Roman, chair of the House committee on veterans affairs, which appealed to the legislative body to continue to push for the increase of benefits and services to veterans and their beneficiaries.

Earlier, Lt. Gen. Hernando Delfin Carmelo Iberri, 56th Commanding General of the Philippine Army, led the sunrise ceremony, the traditional start of the Veteran’s Week, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig.

“To this day, our modern-day soldiers continue to offer the ultimate sacrifice. Nevertheless, they will continue to preserve the national pride that these honorable veterans gained for every Filipino,” Iberri said in his speech.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/683702/10-living-war-vets-honored-by-afp

No stopping Balikatan 2015 despite Laude case, Mamasapano

From ABS-CBN (Apr 6): No stopping Balikatan 2015 despite Laude case, Mamasapano

The Philippines and the United States will once again come together in joint exercises despite 2 major incidents that have cast a shadow over the military ties between the 2 countries.

In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said 5,000 US soldiers and 6,000 Filipino soldiers will engage in the 31st Balikatan Exercises, which will officially begin on April 20.

“Our Armed Forces and the US Armed Forces are coming together for this mutual defense and disaster response exercises towards a more responsive partnership to the community focusing on development and community service,” the AFP said.

The Balikatan is a yearly exercise that seeks to enhance the capabilities of both nations’ armed forces, as anchored on provisions of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.

The 2015 Balikatan will have three simultaneous events: Humanitarian Civic Assistance, Command Post Exercise, and Field Training Exercise.

The first is a joint civil-military operation by the AFP, US and Australian Defense Forces (ADF) in selected areas of the Western Command (WESCOM) area of responsibility in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan and Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility in Panay Island. It is seen to enhance civil-military cooperation in support of the AFP and US objectives.

The Command Post Exercise, on the other hand, will focus on Marine Security (MARSEC) with Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX) to demonstrate the capability of the AFP National Maneuver Force.

“Selected US and ADF staff members will form a Joint Liaison Group (JLG) to support the capability development at each staff,” the AFP said.

The field trainings, on the other hand, will involve the Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Air Force (PAF), Philippine Navy (PN), Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), AFP Special Operations Force (SOF), United States Army (USAR), United States Air Force (USAF), United States Navy (USN), United States Marine Crops (USMC), and United States SOF (US SOF).

These will be held in Crow Valley Gunnery Range (CVGR), Tarlac; Basa Air Base (BAB), Floridablanca and Clark Air Base (CAB) Angeles City, both in Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija (FMNE); Marine Base Gregorio Lim (MBGL), Ternate, Cavite; Naval Base Heracleo Alano (NBHA), Sangley Point, Cavite and at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantiouqui (NSLG), San Antonio, Zambales.

The field exercise is seen to enhance capacities and improve tactics, techniques and procedures, reinforce relations, and improve the interoperability of AFP, US and ADF forces.

The joint exercise comes amid renewed tensions in the South China Sea as China continues to expand land claims.

Admiral Harry Harris of the US Pacific Fleet recently said the US is ready to respond to security threats in the Asia-Pacific region.

Some critics have used the bloody Mamasapano incident, where the US provided anti-terror assistance, and the Jennifer Laude murder case involving US Pfc Joseph Scott Pemberton to question what they say is a skewed relationship between the 2 countries.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/06/15/no-stopping-balikatan-2015-despite-laude-case-mamasapano

11,000 Filipino, American soldiers to join Balikatan 2015

From the Philippine Star (Apr 6): 11,000 Filipino, American soldiers to join Balikatan 2015



The United States will be sending 76 air assets and three ships for the exercise while the Philippines will deploy 15 planes and one vessel.

Nearly 12,000 Filipino and American soldiers will join this year’s Balikatan exercises to be held as China is achieving significant progress in its construction projects in disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea.

A total of 6,656 American servicemen will participate in the drills, more than double the 2,500-strong contingent that joined last year and outnumbering its Filipino counterpart, which will consist of 5,023 soldiers.

Balikatan 2015, the 31st iteration of the bilateral exercise, will be held from April 20 to 30 and will feature traditional military trainings and community development projects.

The United States will be sending 76 air assets and three ships for the exercise while the Philippines will deploy 15 planes and one vessel.

The Australian Defense Force will also take part in the activity and will be sending 61 personnel and one aircraft.

“Our Armed Forces and the US Armed Forces are coming together for this mutual defense and disaster response exercises towards a more responsive partnership to the community focusing on development and community service,” said Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, public affairs chief of the Philippine military.

The Philippine military bared the details of the annual joint exercise a week after it reported that China is conducting reclamation and construction projects in at least seven reefs in the disputed Spratlys archipelago.

China, which has been occupying disputed areas to assert its expansive territorial claims, is building artificial islets over Mabini (Johnson South), Burgos (Gaven), Kennar (Chigua) and Calderon (Cuarteron) Reefs and is conducting reclamation in Zamora (Subi), Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reef and parts of Panganiban (Mischief) Reef.

Officials, however, have repeatedly denied that the Balikatan exercises are directed towards China.  The US previously said it won’t be taking sides on the territorial row but called on claimants to settle their differences peacefully through international law.

Balikatan 2015 activities will be divided into three categories namely the command post exercise, field training exercise and humanitarian civic assistance.

In the command post exercise, the scenario will focus on marine security and will involve combined arms live fire exercises.

The field training exercises will be held in Crow Valley in Tarlac, Basa Air Base and Clark Air Base both in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Marine Base Gregorio Lim and Naval Base Heracleo Alano both in Cavite and Naval Station Leovigildo Gantiouqui in Zambales.

Cabunoc said the exercises were designed to enhance the capabilities, tactics and interoperability of the Philippine and US militaries.

The humanitarian civic assistance events will be held in parts of Puerto Princesa in Palawan and Panay Island in the Visayas. Members of the Australian Defense Forces will participate in the activity, which seeks to strengthen the ties between the military forces and the local communities.

The opening ceremony of Balikatan 2015 will be held at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on April 20 while the closing rites will be at Clark Airbase on April 30.

Vice Adm. Alexander Lopez, the chief of the Palawan-based Western Command, will be this year’s exercise director while Armed Forces Command and General Staff College commandant Brig. Gen. Rodolfo Santiago will serve as his deputy.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/04/06/1440954/11000-filipino-american-soldiers-join-balikatan-2015

(Newsfeature) BBL: Filipinos at the crossroads

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6): (Newsfeature) BBL: Filipinos at the crossroads

Would you go to the troubled parts of Mindanao? Would you befriend an MILF member?

I bet most of you would answer "No," or even "No way!" We cannot deny the fact that many, nowadays, picture the conflict areas in Mindanao as a dangerous place and the MILFs depicted as bad guys.

Apparently, the passage of the Basic Bangsamoro Law (BBL) would clear that picture, as it is said to bring peace in the entire country as well as normalcy in the lives of the Moros, the MILF combatants and their families.

Recently, the BBL is always in the news. As cool as it may sound like the BB in BlackBerry and the ladies’ all-time favorite BB Cream, the BBL has a deeper meaning and agenda. Its thrusts, according to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the government of the Philippines (GPH) are being misunderstood by the public.

There were many questions raised about the bill. Fears have been expressed. What will happen when the BBL is passed? Who will benefit from it? These are just some of the many questions running in the minds of many Juan. Some, on the other hand, don’t care at all, as it would take them time to read the BBL draft. Thus, Filipinos are at a crossroads. Will you support the BBL? Will you go against it?

In a dialogue Monday among the MILF, the Philippine Council for Evangelical Churches (PCEC) and the GPH, the three groups expressed their desire for the passage of the BBL.

Each agreed that all Filipinos, not just the MILF or the Bangsamoro, will benefit from it. They also noted the common public misconceptions and fully expressed why they think anti-BBL sentiments exist.

Dissecting the BBL draft

Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, described that there are actually three groups currently existing: the "Stop BBL" group, the "Stall BBL" and the "Dilute BBL."

She said the "Stop BBL" group thinks that the said law is unconstitutional. They believe that the MILF is not a sincere partner to the government. Deles also noted that this group thinks that BBL will lead to independence and entry of ISIS.

The "Stall BBL" group, on the other hand, wants justice for the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) policemen who died during the January 25 anti-terrorist operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao after a clash with members of the MILF, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and armed groups.

Meanwhile, the "Dilute BBL" wants to remove CAB provisions. Deles said reports on the provision on Constitutional bodies, Bangsamoro Police and P70-billion fund for BBL were without basis.

So what is the GPH position on BBL?

First, she clarified that BBL was never rushed. “It has undergone 36 public hearings not just in Congress but also in Visayas and Mindanao,” she cited, and continued that it has undergone more consultations than any other laws enacted by the Congress. Also, she cited that President Benigno S. Aquino III and his Cabinet fully support the passage of the BBL.

Other supporters, according to MILF Peace Negotiation Panel chief, Mohagher Iqbal, are the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP); business community (Makati Business Club, Mindanao Business Council); 18 surviving members of the 1987 Constitutional Convention; Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP); growing support from other Christian churches; civil society; NGOs; and international community.

As for Iqbal, he said the MILF is pushing for BBL’s passage as this will end the long-standing armed conflict in Mindanao. “Human rights violations, economic inequities, social and cultural discriminations will be addressed in the BBL,” he said.

He noted that the law will end the suffering of the Bangsamoro people and other inhabitants of Mindanao. There will be no more war between the MILF and the AFP, thus, people will be more focused on livelihood and basic necessities in life.

Furthermore, Iqbal cited that the BBL will foster harmony and unity since inclusive representation and equitable sharing of resources will harmonize various groups. Iqbal envisions that BBL will pave the way for more inter-religious partnerships and dialogues. “The BBL will also buy in economic development in Bangsamoro, Mindanao, and the entire country. Foreign investors will be attracted to invest in a peaceful country,” he said.

Allaying fears

Both the MILF and the GPH mentioned that one of the most feared results of the BBL is with regard to the Shariah law. They clarified the Shariah law will only be applied to Muslims, and will not be applied to Christians and Indigenous Peoples (IPs). This also proves that Bangsamoro will not be an Islamic state since there would be separate courts for non-Muslims.

The rights (human rights, vested rights) will also be protected. The Bangsamoro Parliament will also have reserved seats for settler (Christian) communities.

Iqbal highlighted that now is the time to pass the BBL. “Opportunity rarely knocks on our doors,” he noted. Iqbal added that people will be disappointed if this will not be passed, and the MILF’s effectiveness will sink at the lowest level. He added that the MILF will not decommission its weapons and combatants “until the BBL is passed."

Busting myths

The MILF and GPH highlighted several facts, which, according to them, are commonly misunderstood by the public:

--Bangsamoro will not have its own armed forces. The defense and security are reserved to the national government;

-- It will not have a separate police;

-- There is no automatic integration of MILF combatants to the PNP and AFP. If they wish to apply, they will have to comply with the requirements set by the PNP;

-- It will not have its own Constitutional Commission; and

-- It will not receive P70-75 billion on its first year.

While it is true that the Mamasapano clash brought much anger, grief, and distrust, Deles said she thinks these were used towards one agenda – to weaken the President.

“If you don’t want the President to succeed, you would not want him to pass the BBL, which could even become a big legacy,” she noted.

She added the Anti-PNoy campaign, the original anti-BBL campaign as well as the 2016 electoral ambitions as other factors.

While the Constitution is very clear on the separation of the Church and the State, the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) expressed its full support to the government and the passage of the BBL.

“The PCEC envisions to help transform our nation. We call all parties to make the safety of civilians their priority,” said PCEC National Director Bishop Noel Pantoja.

Former PCEC National Director, Bishop Ephraim Tendero, stated that their group firmly believes that if they are pro-peace, then they are doing what God wanted, which is peace.

The BBL is set to undergo Committee hearings and the public is invited to attend. As Filipinos are at the crossroads, Deles leaves the following questions:

Would you return to war or a continued pursuit of peace?

Would you choose bigotry or celebrate cultural diversity?

Would you heighten distrust or choose leap of faith?

Would you prefer the short term interest of politicians or the long term interest of children everywhere?

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=750762

Nearly 7,000 US soldiers in games led by West PH Sea commander

From Rappler (Apr 6):  Nearly 7,000 US soldiers in games led by West PH Sea commander

This is more than twice the number of American troops who participated in the exercises in 2014



WAR GAMES: File photo of US Army soldiers maneuvering during a 'force on force training' as part of the US-Philippines joint military exercise at Fort Magsaysay, province of Nueva Ecija, north of Manila, Philippines, 21 April 2012. EPA/AMIEL MENESES

The United States military is doubling the troops it is sending to the Philippines later in April to join war games organized by the chief of the military command in charge of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), according to a military statement on the annual US-PH Balikatan Exercises.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Office chief Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc said earlier in the day, "Participants from the US will be around 5,000, while about 6,000 soldiers will be deployed by the AFP for the joint exercises."

 

The number of participants has since been updated to 6,656 Americans and 5,023 Filipinos.

 

This is more than twice the number of troops – 2,500 Americans and 3,000 Filipinos – who participated in the exercises in 2014. 

The chief of the Palawan-based Western Command (Wescom), Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez, is also this year's Balikatan director.

The entire West Philippine Sea is under the operational control of Wescom. 
On its 31st iteration, the Philippine-US war games are designed to improve interoperability between the two militaries. It is scheduled this year from April 20 to 30 and will be held in various areas including the Wescom area.

There will be 3 simultaneous events:

• Command Post Exercise on maritime security combined with arms live fire exercise to demonstrate the capability of the AFP National Maneuver Force
• Field training exercises involving various units of the US and Philippine militaries
• Humanitarian Civic Assistance events for combined and join civil-military operations

This year's Balikatan exercises come in the wake of the murder trial of US Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton over the death of Filipino Jennifer Laude. (READ: Pemberton camp denies making P21M plea bargain offer)

 

Pemberton was in the Philippines then to join a different set of war games – Philippine-US Amphibious Landing Exercises – exclusively between the US and Filipino Marines. He was enjoying a furlough in Olongapo City when he allegedly committed the crime. (READ: EDCA, Olongapo murder, and the old case of Daniel Smith and Remembering 'Ganda': The tragedy of Jennifer Laude)

 

The Balikatan exercises also resume while the new military deal between the Philippines and US, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), is pending with the Philippine Supreme Court over constitutionality issues.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/89056-us-philippines-balikatan-2015

Zamboanga Sibugay mayor abducted from home

From Rappler (Apr 6): Zamboanga Sibugay mayor abducted from home

The mayor of Naga town in Zamboanga Sibugay is abducted from her home late Monday evening

The mayor of Naga town in Zamboanga Sibugay was abducted late Monday evening, April 6, by unidentified armed men.

According to a report from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Naga mayor Gemma Adana was abducted at around 9:15 pm from her residence.

The unidentified armed men then boarded the municipal mayor onto a pump boat, and left heading towards Sibugay Bay.

Naga police are in pursuit of the mayor’s abductors as of posting.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/89119-naga-city-zamboanga-sibugay-mayor-abducted

MAMASAPANO | IMT finds possible fault on both govt, MILF sides

From InterAksyon (Apr 6): MAMASAPANO | IMT finds possible fault on both govt, MILF sides



The Mamasapano River, where it all began. FILE PHOTO, DENNIS ARCON, INTERAKSYON.COM

Both the government forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) through its Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) committed possible violations of the ceasefire agreement during the January 25 clash in Mamasapano town in Maguindanao, the International Monitoring Team (IMT) in its verification report said.

While Oplan Exodus, which was carried out to serve warrants of arrest on two international terrorists, was a "valid law enforcement operation" of the Philippine National Police, ceasefire protocols were not observed during its planning and execution, the IMT noted.

A neutral body tasked to assist in the monitoring of the implementation of the ceasefire agreements between the government and the MILF, the IMT was authorized to conduct a verification mission on the Mamasapano incident.

It submitted its report to the government peace panel on April 5. The findings and recommendations were presented to the media in a news conference Monday, April 6 by the government peace negotiating panel led by its chairperson Miriam Coronel Ferrer.

Among its pertinent findings, IMT stated that:

**There was no evidence to show the MILF, as an organization, provided sanctuary or assistance to international terrorists Zulkifli Bin Hir alias Marwan and Basit Usman, the main subjects of the operation. However, this does not dispel claims that some members of the MILF might have had knowledge of the whereabouts of Marwan and Usman.

**There was probable cause to assume that the PNP-SAF opened fire, resulting in the death of two BIAF members when they tried to cross the bridge in Mamasapano as supported by the bullet marks and blood stains on the bridge. This indicated a full firefight rather than a mere uncoordinated movement.

**The BIAF's actions can be seen as a response to the non-coordinated movements which cannot be categorized as a violation of the ceasefire agreement. However, the BIAF's entry into the cornfields that led to an armed clash with the 55th Special Action Company may be considered a violation of a provision of the ceasefire agreement.

**There was no sufficient evidence that the BIAF were the perpetrators of the summary execution against the SAF.

The IMT recommended that the government "coordinate and initiate the use of the conflict preventive mechanisms available when launching law enforcement operations in known MILF areas."

It also recommended the assignment of a higher ranking PNP officer to the coordinating committee on the cessation of hostilities, which oversees the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.

It suggested that the MILF-BIAF strengthen its command and control among its ranks as well as the circulation of intelligence in its organization. The IMT also said that PNP and BIAF combatants found to have committed crimes be penalized according to pertinent laws.

Area fully controlled by MILF

For her part, the government chief peace negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer disclosed that the IMT had acknowledged in its "Mamasapano Verification Report" that the area where the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) troopers, 17 fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and 3 innocent civilians perished in a whole day gun-battle is an area that is fully controlled by the MILF.

Ferrer said the IMT pointed out that the encounter was in an area controlled by the BIAF of the MILF.

The IMT was established in 2004 to monitor the peace process and help resolve hostilities that may endanger the ceasefire mechanisms on the ground as agreed upon between the government and the MILF.

"The encounter site is accepted to be an MILF- controlled area, particularly in Tukanalipao which is under the BIAF. It's a mixed community, though, where armed groups are also present. It has a population of more than 20,000. Of this number, more than 1,000 have arms roaming freely with their firearms on them, mingling with each other. Meaning, the area has more or less 19,000 civilians," Ferrer said.

In the Senate hearings, senators such as Bongbong Marcos and Alan Peter Cayetano had accused the MILF of coddling terrorists who live inside their "territories" and are "peacefully co-existing" with them.

The MILF through its chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal denied they coddle terrorists.

Ferrer, in a news briefing at the Discovery Suites in Ortigas Center on Monday, said the government peace panel received a copy of the report on Sunday and President Aquino still has to be briefed on its contents.

"He (Aquino) has not been informed yet, but we have a security cluster meeting this afternoon in Malacanang," where, she said, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) will brief the President on the report.

Ferrer dismissed as speculation the idea that the briefing was meant to set the tone on the issue as the House of Representatives is to resume on Tuesday it investigation.

Ferrer said the IMT encountered some problems during its probe on the incident.

"They told us, they were not granted access to the site where the firefight occurred due to security issues, particularly in Barangay Tukanalipao," Ferrer explained.

She said the IMT was also not able to interview any of the SAF men involved in "Oplan Exodus."

"They relied mostly on the proceedings and documents from the hearing made by Congress, the PNP's Board of Inquiry (BOI) and the MILF report," Ferrer said.

"The PNP has the authority to serve warrants against the suspects," Ferrer said, quoting from the IMT report.

But the PNP-SAF was to blame for the bloodshed for ignoring ceasefire protocols.

"With reference to ceasefire protocols, this was not observed by Oplan Exodus," Ferrer said.

As a result of not coordinating its operation with the ceasefire mechanisms on the ground, the PNP-SAF suffered such a big number of casualties.

Surprisingly though, Ferrer said the IMT found that the MILF may be providing sanctuary to criminals but there was "no evidence to show they did this as an organization".

"Maybe some members may have known the whereabouts of Marwan and Usman but not the MILF as an organization," she said.

But the MILF entry into the cornfield where they finished off the SAF men was also considered by the IMT as a violation by the MILF rebels.

BELOW IS THE REPORT OF THE IMT:

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/108307/mamasapano--imt-finds-possible-fault-on-both-govt-milf-sides

AFP Medical Center's new chief takes over helm at V. Luna

From InterAksyon (Apr 6): AFP Medical Center's new chief takes over helm at V. Luna



Col. Joseph Acosta receives the symbols of authority from Lt. General Virgilio Domingo, Deputy Chief of staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines, in a formal ceremony Monday morning, April 6, 2015. AFP-PAO HANDOUT

(UPDATED 11:21P.M., April 6) The military's premier hospital, the AFP Medical Center at V. Luna Road in Quezon City, has a new chief.
Colonel Joseph Acosta, one of the Ten Outstanding Philippine Soldiers in 2004, received the symbols of authority from Lt. General Virgilio Domingo, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff, in a formal ceremony Monday morning, April 6, 2015. 

Acosta now holds the office of commander of AFPMC in acting capacity pending approval of his designation by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III as outgoing AFPMC Commander Brigadier General Normando Sta. Ana, Jr., retires from the service, according to the AFP's Public Affairs Office.

Sta. Ana is an Air Force general whose watch was tainted by accusations of irregularity but was later cleared in an investigation.

Air Force Colonel Acosta is the current chief of the Medical Corps of the AFP.

Several months of investigation into alleged corruption involving P80 million worth of medical supplies that reportedly did not undergo public bidding turned up nothing, and Sta. Ana was absolved by the AFP leadership.

Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. earlier relieved Sta. Ana from his post last year amid media reports of the alleged corruption.  Sta. Ana, a product of the AFP’s Officer Candidate School, is an adopted member of Catapang’s batch at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Dimalupig” Class 1981.

Also sacked from their positions were former special disbursing officer Lieutenant Colonel Florencio Ritchie I. Capulong, former Management and Fiscal Office chief Major Neil D. Bugarin, and former acting ACS for Logistics Colonel Rogelio S. Del Rio.

Subsequently, however, the AFP leadership absolved Sta. Ana after months of investigation and Catapang ordered his reinstatement as AFPMC chief.

Sta. Ana implemented a sweeping revamp at the AFPMC on his return: sacking officers, staff and even civilian employees whom sources said he suspected as having had a role in leaking the corruption allegations.

The case first arose from a complaint filed by a certain Renato Villafuerte before the Office of the Ombudsman, asking Conchita Carpio-Morales to investigate the alleged irregularity in the procurement of medical supplies - in violation, he said, of Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act of 2003.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/108261/afp-medical-centers-new-chief-takes-over-helm-at-v--luna

AFP, US Armed Forces get set for Balikatan April 20 - 30

From InterAksyon (Apr 6): AFP, US Armed Forces get set for Balikatan April 20 - 30



Closing rites of Balikatan 2014. Photographed by Krisken Jones

The armed forces of the United States and the Philippines are all set to conduct the 2015 Balikatan Exercise from the 20th to the 30th this month.

According to Lt. Col. Harold M. Cabunoc, Chief of the Public Affairs Office, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), this year's Balikatan is the 31st in the series of bilateral exercises based on the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.

A joint exercise between the governments of the Republic of the Philippines and the United States, Balikatan serves as a venue for joint and combined training between the Philippines and United States militaries for this mutual defense and disaster response. Units from the Australian Defense Forces (ADF) will also take part.

The aim is to affirm a more responsive partnership to the community focusing on development and community service.

The exercise is designed to enhance the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Armed Forces in capability development, not just in the conduct of traditional military training but also with regard to civil military projects focusing on reaching out toward priority communities.

There will be three simultaneous events:

Humanitarian Civic Assistance (HCA) events is the conduct of combined and joint civil-military operations by the AFP, US and Australian Defense Forces (ADF) in selected areas of the Western Command (WESCOM) area of responsibility in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan and Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility in Panay Island, to enhance civil-military cooperation in support of the AFP and US objectives.

In the Command Post Exercise (CPX) event, the scenario will focus on Marine Security (MARSEC) with Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX) to demonstrate the capability of the AFP National Maneuver Force.  Selected US and ADF staff members will form a Joint Liaison Group (JLG) to support the capability development at each staff.
Field Training Exercises (FTX) events. The Field Training Exercise will involve the following units: the Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Air Force (PAF), Philippine Navy (PN), Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), AFP Special Operations Force (SOF), United States Army (USAR), United States Air Force (USAF), United States Navy (USN), United States Marine Crops (USMC), and United States SOF (US SOF) will be held in Crow Valley Gunnery Range (CVGR), Tarlac; Basa Air Base (BAB), Floridablanca and Clark Air Base (CAB) Angeles City, both in Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija (FMNE); Marine Base Gregorio Lim (MBGL), Ternate, Cavite; Naval Base Heracleo Alano (NBHA), Sangley Point, Cavite and at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantiouqui (NSLG), San Antonio, Zambales  to enhance capacities and improve tactics, techniques and procedures, reinforce relations, and improve interoperability of AFP, US and ADF forces.
Balikatan 2015 will be formally opened on April 20 at the AFP General Headquarters in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City, while the closing ceremony will be at Clark Airbase on April 30.

There will be 5,023 participants from AFP, and 6,656 soldiers will be deployed by the US side for the joint exercises.

AFP will be using 15 of its aircraft, ADF will send one, while the US contingent will be using 76. AFP will also use one of its ships, while the US will use three.

The Balikatan Exercise Director for this year is Vice Admiral Alexander S Lopez, AFP, while Brigadier General Rodolfo B Santiago is the Exercise's Vice Director and also the commandant of AFP Command and General Staff College.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/108303/afp-us-armed-forces-get-set-for-balikatan-april-20---30

Task group formed to probe Good Friday blast in Zambo

From MindaNews (Apr 6): Task group formed to probe Good Friday blast in Zambo

The local police has formed a special investigation unit to handle the Good Friday bombing at a police station in this city.

Senior Supt. Angelito Casimiro, city police director, said Monday the unit called Task Group Navarra will gather evidences for the filing of a case against the suspect.

“We are now in the process of getting testimonial evidences,” Casimiro said.

He released a computer-generated artist sketch of the bombing suspect and sought the help of the public in identifying him.

The suspect was described as male, about 20 to 30 years old, 5’4” to 5’6” in height, around 60 to 70 kilograms in weight, medium built, having brown complexion, and spoting short hair.

Casimiro said identifying the bomb carrier will help them identify the bombing mastermind.

“From there, we will move on and get more testimonial and objective evidence to link up to the brain or whoever gave the order to do the bombing operation,” he said.

Four people were injured in the bomb explosion, which took place around 7:55 p.m. on Good Friday in front of Police Station 9 in Barangay Ayala.

Marvin Esperat, 14, who was critically injured, is recuperating at the hospital after he had undergone surgery.

The other victims namely Magdalena Araneta, 61, Ofelia Enriquez, 71, and, Victor Bartolome, 34, were slightly injured.

The bomb, which was placed at the back of an impounded Navarra pick-up, destroyed the vehicle as well as shattered window glasses of Police Station 9 and that of a nearby house.

Casimiro said post-blast investigation showed the explosive used was of the ammonium nitrate fuel oil type.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/04/06/task-group-formed-to-probe-good-friday-blast-in-zambo/

2 NPA sumuko sa militar sa Bukidnon

From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 6): 2 NPA sumuko sa militar sa Bukidnon

Hawak ngayon ng militar ang 2 rebeldeng New People’s Army na umano’y sumuko sa lalawigan ng Bukidnon, ngunit inaalam pa ng mga opisyal kung bakit tumiwalag ang mga ito sa kanilang grupo.

Sa ulat na inilabas ng 4^th Infantry Division, sinabi ni Maj. Christian Uy, ang tagapagsalita ng militar, na dalawang armas rin ang isinuko ng mga rebeldeng sina Etok Islao at Jovito Anlangan, Sr, sa Barangay Silipon sa bayan ng Libona.

Nais umano ng mga ito na makasama ang kanilang pamilya at makapagbagong-buhay sa ilalim ng Balik-Baril program. Humihingi rin ng amnestiya ang dalawa kapalit ng kanilang tulong sa militar kung sakaling pumasa sa interogasyon.

Walang detalye na inilabas ang militar ukol sa pagsuko ng dalawang rebelde. Matagal ng nakikibaka ang NPA sa pamahalaan upang makapagtatag ng sariling estado sa bansa.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2015/04/2-npa-sumuko-sa-militar-sa-bukidnon.html

Bangsamoro to stimulate multi-billion peso economic turnaround: expert

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6): Bangsamoro to stimulate multi-billion peso economic turnaround: expert

Government expects creation of the targeted Bangsamoro autonomous region, a poverty-stricken and war-weary area at present, to generate economic growth of at least some PHP36 billion annually and about 60,000 jobs.

"That's even only a conservative estimate of Bangsamoro's possible contribution to Philippine GDP," government peace panel member and former agriculture chief Senen Bacani said Monday (April 6) at a Metro Manila forum on updates regarding the government-Moro Islamic LiberationFront (MILF) negotiations for peace and the region's creation.

He projects peace and stability following the region's creation to fuel agro-fisheries as well as gas and minerals exploration activities, stimulating economic turn-around of the area.

"Agro-fisheries will be the biggest job creator there," Bacani said.

Between PHP100,000 to PHP200,000 investment is needed to generate jobs in the area's agro-fisheries sector, he noted.

"I think it's possible to generate the projected 60,000 jobs there," he said.

Bacani made the projections, noting conservative estimates place the Bangsamoro's expected economic growth at about a third of one percent of Philippine GDP which already ballooned to around PHP12 trillion.

According to government, the target Bangsamoro territory will still be part of the Philippines.

Such territory will cover land mass as well as maritime,terrestrial, fluvial and alluvial domains and the aerial domain above it, government noted.

Bangsamoro's core territory will include the present geographical areas of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as well as Baloi, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagoloan and Tangkal municipalities in Lanao del Norte province.

The target region will also cover all other "barangay" (village) settlements in Kabacan, Carmen, Aleosan, Pigkawayan, Pikit and Midsayap municipalities in North Cotabato province that voted for inclusion in ARMM during the 2001 plebiscite; Cotabato and Isabela cities as well as "all other contiguous areas where there is a resolution of the LGU or a petition of at least 10 percent of registered voters in the area asking for their inclusion at least two months prior to conduct of ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law and the process of delimitation of the Bangsamoro."

Government also said areas contiguous and outside the Bangsamoro core territory "may opt at any time to be part of the territory upon petition of at least 10 percent of the registered voters and approved by a majority of qualified votes cast in a plebiscite."

Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is the legislation Malacanang proposed for the target region that will replace the current ARMM.

Bacani said the target Bangsamoro region will likely experience, some 10 years after its creation, the full impact of expected multi-billion peso economic growth.

He based such forecast on developments after past international conflicts, noting it normally took a decade for private investments to flow into previously strife-stricken areas.

He said government hopes the real impact of Bangsamoro's economic growth can be substantial in the next five years with the nearly 50 percent poverty incidence there at present being halved by then.

"We're optimistic that in the near-term, there should be faster effect in terms of poverty alleviation," he noted.

Public and private expenditures will help bring forth such poverty reduction, he said.

"Only sustainable livelihood can lift people out of poverty," he said.

Bangsamoro's immediate impact is possible some two years after creation of this target region, Bacani said further.

It will take such period for government to establish in Bangsamoro the infrastructure and basic services needed for this target region's economic take-off, he noted.

"Government must fill in the necessary gaps," he said.

Peace talks between government and MILF hit a snag this year when deadly fighting erupted in Maguindanao province between Special Action Force (SAF) police commandos and non-State forces during an anti-terrorist operation.

Forty-four of the SAF commandos were killed in action while on a mission against terrorists Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan, a Malaysian master bomb-maker, and his Filipino counterpart Basit Usman.

Authorities identified the non-State forces as belonging to MILF, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) breakaway group as well as private armed groups.

At least 17 MILF and four civilians also died during the fighting.

In February 2013, government and MILF launched the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Program which is a socio-economic initiatives for jumpstarting initial dividends of the peace both parties continue striving to achieve.

The program aims to improve health, education and livelihood of priority Bangsamoro communities and targeted individual beneficiaries through quick-gestation, high-impact and social protection-type measures.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as well as other government agencies concerned directly implement projects under the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Program.

Sajahatra was designed to be inclusive so there are individual IPs and non-Moros as well as areas under this program that are outside the proposed Bangsamoro core territory.

The government said such areas include Davao Oriental and Zamboanga Sibugay provinces.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=750772

Army condemns NPA killing of 2-year-old girl in Samar town

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6): Army condemns NPA killing of 2-year-old girl in Samar town

The Philippine Army has condemned the killing of a two-year-old girl who was accidentally shot by communist rebels chasing a former militia member in a remote village of Matuguinao, Samar province on Friday morning.

Lt. Col. Seigfred Tubalado, commanding officer of the Philippine Army’s 43 infantry battalion, said that six armed rebels led by Gilbert Erasga were hunting down former militia member Jovic Dela Cruz Obiado and chanced upon him resting in a waiting shed near the house of the girl’s parents in Mahanud village.

Obiado saw the gunmen who pursued him and fired their rifles with automatic shots, killing Disley Arandia who was sleeping inside their house.

The girl’s mother, Perlita, screamed after seeing Disley profusely bleeding from the shots. The NPA members stopped chasing Obiado and escaped.

“We condole with the family of the child. This is one of the most barbaric attacks of the NPA rebels not even sparing children,” Tubalado said.

He said indiscriminate firing on innocent civilians and the killing of a child is a clear violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Law (CARHRIL), which the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) is one of the signatories.

“The barbaric act is a clear violation of human rights and with this act, NPAs can be classified as plain terrorist plaguing peaceful communities,” Tubalado said.

"This is not fighting for a cause. This is a disservice to the community they claim to represent," he added.

The army and local police launched a hot pursuit against the perpetrators.

Last year, people in remote villages of the town had to flee their homes in the wake of armed clashes between government forces and NPA rebels.

The NPA – the armed wing of the CPP – has been fighting the government since the late 1960s. Remote villages in Samar Island are considered as among the hotbed in the NPA armed struggle.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=750511