Cops tag NPA rebels in torching of truck in South Cotabato town

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): Cops tag NPA rebels in torching of truck in South Cotabato town

Police authorities in South Cotabato province tagged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) as behind the burning of a prime mover truck early Wednesday in the outskirts of Surallah town.

Supt. Benito Seron, Surallah police chief, said Thursday they received reports that the three suspects who torched the truck owned by foreign-backed banana firm Sumifru Philippines Inc. were NPA members operating in the area.

He said they are investigating reports that the rebels have been reportedly trying to extort “revolutionary taxes” from the company, which is based in T’boli town.

Based on their initial investigation, he said three unidentified men initially boarded the prime mover truck as it left Sumifru’s packing plant in Sitio Tabudtud, Barangay New Dumangas in T’boli at past midnight.

But after reaching Crossing Lambuntong in Barangay Lamsugod, Surallah, he said the suspects held the truck’s driver and commandeered the vehicle.

“They stopped the truck near a farm compound, ordered the driver to flee and then burned it,” he said in a radio interview.

The truck’s driver, who was identified as Roel Palara Araño of Barangay Bulacan, Malalag town in Davao del Sur, was not harmed by the rebels.

He told police that aside from the three suspects, seven other men were waiting at the scene of the incident.

“They were reportedly armed and identified themselves as NPA members,” the police official said.

Seron said the driver immediately fled from the scene and called for help from nearby residents.

Responding residents were able to put out the fire and saved the prime mover truck from getting totally burned.

The Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion immediately launched pursuit operations against the suspects in parts of Surallah and T’boli towns.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=771318

Army captures gun, camp of outlawed BIFF in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): Army captures gun, camp of outlawed BIFF in Maguindanao

The military here has announced the capture of a newly established camp of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Datu Unsay, Maguindanao.

Capt. Joan Petinglay, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said the camp was captured following a brief firefight with the military's Scout Rangers at 7 a.m. Wednesday in the villgae of Macalag, Datu Unsay town.

"Our Scout Rangers were able to repel the armed group who fled from the area to an unknown direction after a fifteen-minute firefight," Petinglay said.

After scouring the encounter area, an improvised Cal. 7.62 rifle was recovered by the operating troops believed to be left by the fleeing BIFF.

In another area just about a kilometer away, another group of rangers found an abandoned camp with about seven huts that can accommodate an estimated 60 persons.

The huts were already empty when the troops arrived.

Discovered by government forces were four jungle hammocks; two pairs battle dress Uniforms; one upper PNP SAF uniform with name cloth which reads “USMAN”; one bandoleer for M14; one bandoleer for M16 and one sweatshirt with the marking “BIFF”.

Petinglay said the operation was part of the continuing efforts of the 6th Infantry Division to go after the remnants of the BIFF after the group was displaced from their encampments and most of them killed during the all-out offensive conducted against them more than a month ago.

"The government forces will not allow the lawless group to establish new encampments that might be a future venue for IED fabrication," Petinglay said. The BIFF was known for manufacturing improvised bombs they used against the military and civilian targets.

Petinglay said the successful operation could be attributed to the concern of civilians who provide tips to the government forces about the lawless elements.

"It only manifests that majority if not all the people from Central Mindanao are joining the fight against a common enemy – terrorism," Petinglay said.

Earlier, the Army found and properly defused a powerful improviced bomb components in the village of Katalicanan, Aleosan, North Cotabato.

Members of the Army's 32nd Explosive and Ordnance Disposal Team responded to reports by concerned civilians about the presence of suspicious motorcycle parked and unattended at a roadside.

Post blast investigation reveal the following items were found in the IED: four rounds of cartridge of 60 mm high explosive; one support charge for 105 mm mortar, one booster charge of 60 mm; detonating cord, steel balls; bolt and knots.

However, no triggering device was found in the U-Box of the motorbike.

Police said two men arrived in the village on board a motorbike which encountered mechanical problem. When residents started to mill around and observed the duo, they left towards an unknown direction, raising suspicion among the villagers who alerted the police and the Army.

Petinglay said the Army believed the explosives are to be set off by the BIFF somewhere else but backed off when civilians became curious of their activities.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=771337

ASG member killed, soldier wounded in Sulu clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): ASG member killed, soldier wounded in Sulu clash

A member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was killed while a soldier was wounded in a firefight Thursday in the hinterlands of Sulu, a top military official said.

Col. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, said the firefight broke out around 10:45 a.m. Thursday in Barangay Sawaki, Indanan while the troops were in pursuit of ASG members.

Arrojado said prior to the firefight, the troops from the Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion have recovered two unregistered motorcycles that were abandoned by ASG members upon sensing the troops’ arrival in Barangay Sawaki, Indanan.

He said the firefight broke out as troops led by Major Ibni Saddama chanced upon about 30 ASG brigands as they pursued the group who abandoned the motorcycles.

Arrojado said the slain ASG member, who is still unidentified, was a follower of ASG sub-leader Jul Aksan alias "Halimao."

He said the wounded soldier belongs to the Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion.

He said ASG brigands who figured in the firefight scampered to different directions as the troops outmaneuvered them.

He said that blocking positions were established following report that some 70 ASG members led by Alhabsy Misaya and Alden Bagade were planning to reinforce the group of Aksan.

He said the troops launched clearing operations around the clash site.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=771363

OPAPP: MILF set to start decommissioning process

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): OPAPP: MILF set to start decommissioning process
 

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), as a sign of commitment to peace, is set to handover 74 crew-served weapons to the Independent Decommissioning Body.

Undersecretary Jose Lorena of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) told the Philippines News Agency that the weapons’ handover will be held anytime this month in Camp Darapanan.

Camp Darapanan, which is located in the municipality of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, houses the main headquarters of the MILF.

Lorena said the handover of the weapons is part of the process of decommissioning of MILF forces and weapons, which will be implemented in four phases.

“It symbolizes their sincerity that they will not go back to war,” Lorena said of the weapons’ handover.

He said the weapons will be handed over to the Independent Decommissioning Body, which in turn will validate the MILF inventory of weapons.

He said the members of the Independent Decommissioning Body are from Norway, Brunei and Turkey.

He said crew-served weapons are high-powered firearms that are usually handled by more than one person.

The government and MILF negotiators have signed protocol on implementing the decommissioning of MILF arms and forces in a meeting on January 29 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=771418

AFP to set up Negros Island Command – Catapang

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): AFP to set up Negros Island Command – Catapang

With the creation of the Negros Island Region (NIR), Armed Forces of the Philippines is expected to set up a regional command at the border of the two Negros provinces within the year.

“We will reconstitute our forces in the new region,” said Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr., who was in Negros Occidental Wednesday to witness the declaration of the province as “peaceful and ready for further development.”

Catapang said he will discuss the plan with Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. and Lt. Gen. Nicanor Vivar, chief of AFP Central Command.

“It will be an integrated approach together with other government agencies and units. It will be a joint command of the Army, the Air Forces, and the Navy. Hopefully, a general will be assigned here,” he added.

Executive Order 183, which was signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III on May 29, separated Negros Occidental from Western Visayas, or Region 6, and Negros Oriental from Central Visayas, or Region 7.

The NIR command “will be an inter-agency peace and order committee or organization to include all armed services and it will harness all resources of the government to address and maintain peace and security in the area,” Catapang said.

“We will put up new camps in the middle of the two provinces to secure both sides,” he added.

Meanwhile, Frank Carbon, president of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), lauded the declaration of Negros Occidental as “peaceful and ready for further development.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=771469

Advancing troops discover camp hastily abandoned by the Abu Sayyaf Group

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): Advancing troops discover camp hastily abandoned by the Abu Sayyaf Group

The government forces pursuing the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits have discovered a hastily abandoned camp of the bandits in the hinterlands of Sulu, a top military official announced Thursday.

Col. Alan Arrojado, Joitn Task Group Sulu commander, said the hastily abandoned ASG camp was discovered around 1:10 p.m. Thursday in the municipality of Indanan, Sulu.

Arrojado said the Scout Ranger Battalion troops were scouring the hinterlands of Indanan when they discovered the abandoned camp.

He said the camp has 117 bunkers, four kitchens, and four latrines that can accommodate more or less 300 persons.

He said there were indications that the camp was abandoned few hours before the troops arrived in the area.

The government forces are pursuing a group of brigands who figured in a clash earlier with the Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Sawaki, Indanan.

A member of the ASG was killed while a soldier was wounded in the clash that took place around 10:45 a.m. Thursday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=771496

Government troops overrun NPA camp in Bukidnon

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): Government troops overrun NPA camp in Bukidnon

An Army soldier was killed when government troops overran a camp of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) after a firefight in the hinterlands of Bukidnon, a military report said Thursday.

In a report reaching here, Capt. Norman Tagros, the spokesperson of the Army's 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) based in Bukidnon, said that the armed encounter took place in the mountain of Kitao-tao, Bukidnon Wednesday morning.

Tagros identified the lone casualty as PFC Glen Rojay Bacas, of the 8IB.

He said that the soldiers recovered Improvised Explosive Device (IED), some detonating cords, empty shells of AK-47 rifle, foodstuffs, medical supplies and subversive documents in the rebel camp.

“We do not know how many casualties the rebels have had but blood stains were evident in the scattered medical kits in the camp,” he said.

Tagros said that the rebels fled toward different directions after the firefight.

He said that the Army, in coordination with the local police, conducts combat operations in the area in response to reports that an armed group has been threatening farmers through force taxation and extortion.

Lt. Col. Lennon Babilonia, commander of the 8IB, urged the farmers and residents to stay because the Army soldiers would be around to protect the peoples’ rights and interests.

“We call upon the nearby communities where our operations are being conducted not to panic and avoid listening to political cadres of the communist rebels to evacuate,” Babilonia said.

The 8th IB commander also exhorted the farmers and residents to be discerning in dealing with organizations that only aim to exploit their concerns and offer solutions through a violent nature.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=771590

5th Special Forces Battalion undergoes 2-day airborne sustainment training

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): 5th Special Forces Battalion undergoes 2-day airborne sustainment training

Troopers from the 5th Special Forces Battalion have completed a two-day airborne sustainment training last June 8 to 9.

The latter is a field unit of the Maguindanao-based 6th Infantry Division.

Around 120 officers and enlisted personnel from the unit participated in the training activity.

Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, 6th Infantry Division public affairs office chief, in a statement Thursday said the troops assembled in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao and were released by batches on June 8.

Sixty troopers took part in this jump.

On June 9, another 60 troops participated in the training jump which included organic personnel of the 6th Infantry Division who were airborne qualified.

Petinglay said the activity was made possible with the arrival of a mobile training team from the Special Forces Airborne School.

However, the presence of qualified jump-masters and riggers among the 5th Special Forces Battalion troops facilitated the activity easier and systematic.

Proficiency jumps are intended to enhance the skills of the all airborne qualified soldiers who are receiving a “jump pay” which is equivalent to 50 per cent of his base pay.

A regular quarterly jump is a prerequisite for all airborne trained soldiers who are organic with the Special Operations Command such as the 5th Special Forces Battalion, in order to maintain their skills and to boost their confidence level.

Troops in Central Mindanao will continue to improve and harness their skills in order to maintain the highest degree of preparedness for any man-made or natural disaster.

It will also empower other stakeholders in order to have inter-operability in future operations within the region and nearby areas.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=771279

SSVs can act as command-and-control platforms, floating government centers -- Millan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): SSVs can act as command-and-control platforms, floating government centers -- Millan

Aside from improving the transport and logistics capability of the Philippine Navy (PN), the two strategic sea-lift vessels (SSVs) can also serve as command-and-control platforms or floating government centers during national emergencies.

This was disclosed by PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus C. Millan in a message to the PNA.

"(These ships can also be converted into) floating hospitals or evacuation centers," he added.

The first SSV had its steel-cutting ceremony last Jan. 22 and is slated for delivery in May 2016.

While the second SSV had its steel-cutting last June 6 and is scheduled for delivery in May 2017.

Both ships are being constructed by PT PAL (Persero), an Indonesian shipbuilder, at its Surabaya facility.

"The two SSVs will be a big boost to our transport capability once they will be phased-in/commissioned to our inventory. The SSVs will address our gaps on troop transport support for internal security and they could also improve our humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities as these vessels are multi-role platforms," Millan stated.

The Philippines has a two-SSV order with Persero for Php3,870,000,000 which is sourced from the AFP Modernization Fund.

The strategic sealift acquisition project for the PN was initiated upon the approval of Acquisition Decision Memorandum Number 2012-060 by the Secretary of National Defense last Oct. 30, 2013.

The Department of National Defense declared Persero as the Single Calculated Responsive Bidder with a bidding price of Php3,870,000,000 on Nov. 18, 2014.

The SSVs are programmed to be the PN’s floating command center carrying out their main purpose as military sealift and transport vessels and also for humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

Further, these vessels are critical assets for civil-military operations due to their capability of transporting large number of soldiers, logistics, and supplies.

Moreover, each SSV has the capacity to house three helicopters. The Navy’s Augusta Westland-109s are programmed to be on-board components of these vessels.

These forthcoming landing platform dock strategic sealift vessels will improve the transport capability of the PN and boost the defense capabilities of the country.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=771290

6th ID commander expresses thanks to public for CA confirmation

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): 6th ID commander expresses thanks to public for CA confirmation

Following his confirmation by the Commission on Appointment (CA) Wednesday, 6th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan expressed his gratitude and thanks to the people for making his two-star rank a reality.

Pangilinan's confirmation was earlier put on hold by the CA last March because of questions about his role in the botched rescue of 44 Special Action Force (SAF) members who died in an encounter with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25.

This also led to the death of 17 MILF members, five civilians and Malaysian terrorist and bomb-maker Zulkipli Bin Hir.

"I thank everyone because I owe this to the people," Pangilinan said.

He also said that his confirmation cannot be called his vindication in wake of the Mamasapano fiasco as he personally believes that he was not at fault.

"As far as I am concerned and as commander of the 6th Infantry Division we were able to do our best in helping them (beleaguered SAF troopers)," Pangilinan said in Filipino.

The 6th Infantry Division was the military unit that aided in the extrication of the surviving SAF men.

It earlier claimed that it was not able to do more as the SAF did not cooperate its operations with them.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=771425

6 upgraded AFVs to arrive by June 18 --PA

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): 6 upgraded AFVs to arrive by June 18 --PA

"The first six units of the upgraded AFVs are arriving by June 18," Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato, PA spokesperson, told the Philippines News Agency.

This lot will be followed by 18 other units and four more by July or August, he said.

Fourteen of the M-113s will be configured as fire support vehicles, four as infantry fighting vehicles, six as armored personnel carriers, and another four as armored recovery units.

The M-113s will be supplied by Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems Ltd.

The contract, which is worth PhP882 million, was signed on June 22, 2014.

Upgrades include installation of 25mm unmanned turrets, 12.7mm remote controlled weapon stations (RCWS) and fire control systems (FCS) for 90mm turrets.

The PA operates around 343 AFVs (armored fighting vehicles) and APCs (armored personnel carriers).

Around 85 percent of these AFVs are on green status (fully mission capable), another 10 percent on yellow status (undergoing repair) and five percent on red (beyond repair)

About 150 of these are the United Kingdom-built GKN "Simba," with the remaining AFVs consisting of United States-designed V-150 and V-200 APCs, M-113s, Turkish made ACV-300s and British Scorpion CVRTs.

These vehicles give the PA its armor capability and are organized into a 14-vehicle mechanized infantry companion for deployment with regular units.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=771455

ASG camp seized in Indanan, Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): ASG camp seized in Indanan, Sulu

Pursuing government troopers captured an abandoned Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) camp in a forested section of Indanan, Sulu Thursday afternoon.

Joint Task Group Sulu commander Alan Arrojado said the discovery took place at 1:10 p.m. as the troops from the 2nd Scout Ranger Company, 15th Scout Ranger Company and 1st Scout Ranger Battalion were conducting pursuit operations against the ASG bandits.

The captured bandit base has an area of 300 x 300 square meters and is composed of 117 bunkers, with four kitchens and four comfort rooms. It can accommodate an estimated 300 ASG bandits.

Arrojado said that the camp looked freshly abandoned.

Earlier, government security forces killed an ASG bandit during an encounter at Barangay Sawaki, Indanan, Sulu Thursday morning.

In the same clash, a soldier from the 35th Infantry Battalion was wounded. The encounter took place at 10:45 a.m.

Arrojado said the firefight stemmed from law enforcement operations being conducted by soldiers commanded by Major Ibni Saddama which resulted in the seizure of two undocumented motorcycles believed to be abandoned by ASG bandits at 8 a.m.

He added that pursuing government troopers clashed with 30 ASG bandits commanded by sub-leader Jul Aksan.

In the issuing firefight, an ASG bandit was killed while a soldier was wounded.

Armed support was requested by 35th Infantry Battalion. With this, Combat Group A of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion conducted blocking operations east of the encounter scene as elements of Combat Group B made similar operations on the west side.

On the other hand, soldiers from the 32nd Infantry Battalion conducted blocking operations on the south side.

Arrojado said that these deployments were made after they received reports that ASG bands under Alhabsy Misaya and Alden Bagade, numbering some 70, were planning to reinforce Aksan's group in their withdrawal attempt.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=771472

First episode of West Philippine Sea Documentary Airs on June 12

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): First episode of West Philippine Sea Documentary Airs on June 12

The Philippine government will launch on Friday a three-part documentary series on the West Philippine Sea amid growing disputes with China, which insists ownership of several features within Manila’s territory.

In partnership with the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), the Department of Foreign Affairs produced the documentary, called “Kalayaan” (Freedom).

Each episode focuses on a different angle of the issue: economic, historical and legal, a DFA statement on Thursday said.

The first episode is set to air on June 12, coinciding with the celebration of the 117th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said the documentary is part of the nationwide Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign of the department to increase the level of public awareness and understanding of the issues relating to the West Philippine Sea.

Kalayaan is directed by RA Rivera, Jr. and hosted by multi-awarded broadcaster, Lourd de Veyra, together with Jun Sabayton.

A preview of episode 1, “Karapatan sa Karagatan” (Maritime Right) which highlights the economic angle, was shown to members of the media at the DFA on Thursday. News and video clips about the first episode are also being circulated on social media.

On June 12, at 4:00 p.m., the full video of episode 1 and links to it will be launched in government social media, such as Facebook and Twitter.

Episode 1 will continue to be aired on PTV-4 every 5:30 p.m. from June 15 to 19, with a replay every 10:30 p.m. The second and third episodes will be aired in late June and early July, respectively.

The Philippines filed an arbitration case against China in 2013 to denigrate China's massive claim which infringes on Philippine sovereignty.

South China Sea, a major shipping route and home to rich fishing grounds, vast mineral and oil and gas deposits, is claimed in part or in whole by China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=771555

MILF to start decommissioning process on June 16

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): MILF to start decommissioning process on June 16

The chief peace negotiators of the Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) announced Thursday that the MILF is scheduled to undergo the first phase of the decommissioning of its weapons and combatants.

“We are scheduled to begin the decommissioning process this June 16,” Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer confirmed in a joint press conference with MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal at the Crowne Plaza in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

“Phase 1 of the process will begin with the ceremonial turnover of 55 high-powered and 20 crew-serve weapons, and the decommissioning of 145 members of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces,” Ferrer said.

Crew-serve weapons refer to weapon systems that require more than one individual for it to function at optimum efficiency, usually needing one person to load and another person to fire, such as medium and heavy machine guns.

“The President himself will be the guest of honor during the event and we are inviting our esteemed lawmakers from the House of Representatives and the Senate to join us and witness the commitment of both Parties to put an end to the armed conflict,” the GPH chief negotiator said.

“This is just the start of the decommissioning process, which the MILF has committed to undertake as a show of its sincerity to peace building,” she added, emphasizing that this "shows the continued commitment of the Parties to bring peace" even as the Bangsamoro Basic Law is still being deliberated in both chambers of Congress.

Earlier, Iqbal described the decommissioning process as "very difficult" but noted that the MILF has committed to "undertake the ultimate sacrifice."

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles has noted that the decommissioning process the MILF is set to undergo is unprecedented, as it was not done during the earlier peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

"We've never had an armed organization that has been fighting with government as an organization voluntarily — in partnership with the government — turn over weapons," Deles said, explaining that the peace accord with the MNLF only ushered in an integration of combatants with the armed forces and the police.

Gradual decommissioning is part of the Annex on Normalization signed by the MILF and the government last January 2014. Firearms will be turned over to the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB), while decommissioned combatants will undergo a registration, verification, and validation process, after which they will be provided immediate cash assistance amounting to PhP25,000 and PhilHealth Cards.

Medium- to long-term socioeconomic interventions for the combatants will be handled by the Task Force on Decommissioned Combatants and Communities.

The normalization process has three main components— security, socioeconomic development, and transitional justice and reconciliation — which are aimed at fostering peace in conflict-affected communities in Mindanao, which will then allow individuals to fully pursue productive and sustainable livelihoods without fear of violence or crime.

According to the Annex on Normalization, the decommissioning of MILF weapons and forces “shall be parallel and commensurate to the implementation of all the agreements of the Parties.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=771619

AFP coordinates with PNP to ensure peace and order during 117th Independence Day celebrations

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): AFP coordinates with PNP to ensure peace and order during 117th Independence Day celebrations

With the nation celebrating its 117th Independence Day on Friday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that its units are coordinating and assisting the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure that nothing untoward will transpire during the historic occasion.

In line with this, the AFP's Joint Task Force-National Capital Region will be deploying troops and assets to strategic areas to ensure peace and order.

This includes K-9 units, AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said.

At the same time, the AFP official said that the military is still to detect any groups or individuals who may be planning to disrupt Friday's festivities.

"We are yet to detect any threats but your AFP is keeping a proactive approach to ensure that it has sufficient forces at hand to deal with people who might want to make trouble," Cabunoc said in Filipino.

While rallyists and other demonstrators will be allowed to do their stuff, the AFP public affairs chief said that violent acts during protest actions will not be permitted.

He added that there are no plans to raise the AFP's alert status as the security situation is normal.

However, Cabunoc advised the public to immediately report to authorities suspicious looking persons or baggage they may happen to see.

The AFP public affairs chief also said that flag-raising ceremonies will be conducted in all military installations, including those in Pagasa Island and the BRP Sierra Madre off Ayungin Shoal which are both located at the Kalayaan Island Group.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=771618