NPA rebels burn trailer truck in Catanduanes

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 10): NPA rebels burn trailer truck in Catanduanes

New People’s Army(NPA) rebels set on fire a trailer truck at Sitio Sumingit of Barangay Bugao, Bagasamoc town in the island-province of Catanduanes at about 5 p.m. Aug. 9.

A report received on Monday by the Philippines News Agency from Capt. Mardjorie Paimela P. Panesa, spokesperson of the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army based at Camp Elias Angeles, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur, said seven armed rebels believed to be under Michael M. Guerrero alias Melwin did the burning of the heavy vehicle owned by the CADVEL Construction.

The firm has an ongoing bridge construction in the area.

The Philippine National Police Catanduanes provincial office is still investigating the incident.

Previous incidents of burning of heavy equipment by NPA members had been claimed by the dissident movement as being due to non-payment of revolutionary taxes.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=791523

US Navy men gear at teaching, learning in Pangasinan

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 10): US Navy men gear at teaching, learning in Pangasinan

Some 70 personnel of the United States (US) ship Mercy is looking at sharing knowledge with the people of Pangasinan.

"Knowledge is far more important," remarked Capt. Brian Delamont, deputy commander of the Pacific Partnership 2015 in tandem with the province of Pangasinan.

Delamont added they expect to learn a lot from Pangasinan, citing that oftentimes, they learn more from the host nations.

Likewise, according to Col. Gregg Montalto, the group's director of medical operations, their focus is on the "transfer of knowledge."

He said they would like to impart their expertise on services in medical, veterinary, and disaster-preparedness and learn, as well from the Pangasinan people, especially from the concerned provincial government employees.

Montalto, a pediatrician, further underscored the importance of the "cultural context" and partnership with the locals, like with the provincial government in this case, in providing services to the people.

"I'm a pediatrician and I have found that when I take care of a child in San Diego (California) or Washington, D.C., it's different from taking care of a child when I was in Kenya, or Uganda, or the Philippines, or Papua New Guinea," he said.

He also vowed to maintain contact with the province to continue the established partnership

On the other hand, Governor Amado Espino Jr. expressed gratitude to the US navy team for their advocacy to "teach us new techniques" following the international standards.

"Here's another manifestation of the friendship between the Philippines and the United States," he added

Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region, starting in 2006.

In Pangasinan, Pacific Partnership 2015 activities starts from Aug. 10 to 12. The team just came from Roxas City in Capiz and Subic Bay in Olongapo, where the Mercy ship is currently docked.

The 70 ship officers include Filipinos like Lt. Cmdr. Elmer Jimenez, the medical planner for the Philippines, who hails from Calasiao, Pangasinan.

Jimenez lauded the provincial government's efforts, citing "a lot of improvements" in the province.

The group engaged in various activities related to medical, health, veterinary, and disaster-preparedness in partnership with the provincial government.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=791764

Cagayan naval base set to undergo upgrade

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 10): Cagayan naval base set to undergo upgrade

A ranking Philippine Navy (PN) official announced that plans are afoot to upgrade its Naval Base Camilo Osias which is located in Sta. Ana town, Cagayan.

"(What's being developed there) is our capability to respond and to monitor whatever activities are happening in that area, to protect our interests in the north," Naval Task Group 11 head Capt. Albert Mogol said.

Naval Base Camilo Osias, which is equipped with an airstrip, is presently addressing humanitarian and disaster response activities.

He did not give details on the upgrade plans for security reasons.

Mogol's statement is very timely considering that activities of foreign poachers and other intruders are increasing in Cagayan waters along with those of nearby Batanes.

Recently, the Philippine Coast Guard reported that even Taiwan Coast Guard ships have been entering waters near Batanes and engaged its smaller patrol boats in standoffs.

Earlier, the PN announced it will set up more "littoral observation stations" in Northern Luzon to beef up its monitoring capability.

This is to expand and improve the PN's maritime situational awareness capability to detect, monitor and if necessary, drive away intruding water craft from one's territorial waters.

Mogol said these stations are needed as the country has a large coastline amounting to 35,000 square kilometers.

He added that the PN has already established "littoral observatory station" in Basco, Batanes to help monitor the entry of foreign vessels.

Marine troopers are manning the facility, which shares a building with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration.

In September 2013, then Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command chief Gregorio Pio Catapang announced a proposal to put up littoral observatory stations in Batanes, Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, and Aurora.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=791460

Armed AW-109Es commissioned Monday; 2 Australian donated LCHs blessed

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 10): Armed AW-109Es commissioned Monday; 2 Australian donated LCHs blessed

The Philippine Navy (PN) formally commissioned into service its two armed AgustaWestland AW-109E "Power" helicopters in simple ceremonies at Naval Station Jose Andrada, on Roxas Boulevard, Manila Monday.

The helicopters are armed with .50 caliber machinegun pods and 2.75 inch rocket launchers.

Cmdr. Lued Lincuna, PN public affairs office chief, said that armed AW-109Es are also equipped with maritime air surveillance capability, amphibious air support operations and weather search radar and forward looking infrared systems that enhances the Navy's maritime air surveillance and close air support for ground troops.

The 8 a.m. commissioning ceremonies were spearheaded by outgoing PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus C. Millan.

The last two AW-109E airframes arrived in the Philippines last December.

This is part of the five-helicopter deal, worth Php1.33-billion, signed by the Philippines with AgustaWestland early 2013.

Three of the AW-109s were delivered and commissioned in Dec. 22, 2013.

Millan said the acquisition of the armed AW-109Es are part of the PN's efforts in developing a robust island defense force and becoming an effective instrument of national development.

Meanwhile, the two Australian-donated landing craft heavies (LCHs) were also blessed Monday.

The two LCHs vessels were christened as BRP Ivatan (AT-298) and BRP Batak (AT-299) to preserve the distinctiveness of the two ethnic groups of Palawan and Batanes.

These ships were donated by the Australian government last January. They arrived in Sangley Point, Cavite last Aug. 7.

Milan said the addition of these vessels translates into the boosting of the capability of the PN to transport personnel, equipment and aid during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. They will also be useful in transporting troops from one operational area to another.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=791560

Army vows to rescue tribal leaders abducted by rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 10): Army vows to rescue tribal leaders abducted by rebels

As the nation celebrates International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Day, the Philippine Army (PA) has assured its support to rescue the kidnapped tribal leaders in Davao Del Norte Monday.

This year marks the 66th year of the establishment of IHL.

"With our commitment to the IHL, it is imperative that we deliver the Army's all out support to sustain forces on the ground, the 10th Infantry Division in particular, who are are now in an effort to rescue the kidnapped tribal leaders," PA head Lt. Gen. Eduardo M. Año said.

68th Infantry Battalion head Lt. Col. Vicente Edgardo De Ocampo and his officers are now assisting local officials in locating the victims as well as in the filing of criminal charges against the kidnappers.

The New People's Army-Southern Mindanao Regional Committee allegedly kidnapped four tribal leaders identified as Datu Danilo Angcomog; Datu Laris Landakay; Datu Jovanie Angcomog; and Datu Kalumpot Dalon in Sitio Bulo, Barangay Dagohoy, Talaingod, Davao Del Norte last Aug. 1

Accordingly, the said tribal leaders went to the area to settle a “Maghat” or tribal feud regarding a certain “Sapunan Baylohanon Case”.

The four are the witnesses of human trafficking cases which resulted to the death of Datu Lito “Lolong” Lundia inside the UCCP Haran Compound, Davao City.

The victims are residents of Sitio Inayaman, San Jose, San Fernando, Bukidnon.

Barangay chairman Jose Baon and Sitio leader Nanding Dungutan Angcomog already reported the incident to the municipal police station.

Concerned Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) and tribal chieftains of the said town already held an emergency meeting in order to make a resolution addressed to the New People's Army kidnappers for the safe release of the victims.

Año reiterated that soldiers should commit itself to the proper conduct during operations, the practice of clear command responsibility and the humane treatment of combatants and non-combatants alike.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=791798

New PN chief cites need for more 'firepower'

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 10): New PN chief cites need for more 'firepower'

To ensure that the Philippine Navy will be able to carry out its mandate of protecting the country's maritime sovereignty, newly-appointed PN flag officer-in-command Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad has stressed the need for the acquisition of more modern and potent naval equipment.

"The mission of the PN and the Armed Forces is to protect our sovereignty and with our limited resources, we need to cover and patrol an intensive coastline in order to ensure or impose that we have sovereignty over (those) seas," he said in Filipino.

The Philippines coastline is estimated at over 35,000 square kilometers and is considered one of the largest in the world.

To patrol such a vast area, the PN only has 100 ships of various sizes and vintages and 15 aircraft to employ for that vital mission.

To ensure that Filipino sovereignty over those waters remains uncontested, Taccad said there is a need to acquire much-needed firepower in terms of more modern naval vessels and aircraft.

"Once we acquire that firepower, we will be able, more or less, to deter any naval force that would try to stop us from ensuring or employing our assets to assert sovereignty over our waters," the new PN chief stressed.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=791786

(News Feature) AW-109Es, Navy's fastest helicopter in service

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 10): (News Feature) AW-109Es, Navy's fastest helicopter in service

For Lt. Cmdr. Ariel Coloma, the AgustaWestland AW-109E "Power" naval helicopter and its armed counterpart, is the most maneuverable and fastest aircraft in the inventory of the Philippine Navy.

He said the AW-109E can cruise at 140 knots or 20 knots better than Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 they used to fly.

The last two and armed version of the AW-109E were commissioned Monday.

This is part of the five-helicopter deal, worth Php1.33-billion, signed by the Philippines with AgustaWestland early 2013.

Coloma, a Navy Air Group pilot with 750 flying hours, also said that their newest helicopter can also be made fly at a sizzling 160 knots.

But he will not recommend it during normal operations as this is close to their never-exceed 168 knot limit which can seriously damage or destroy the AW-109E if persisted.

Another interesting feature of this aircraft is the autopilot feature which "can be use in three axis" of flight which can greatly help the pilot in controlling the helicopter.

Coloma also said that the AW-109Es have a ferry range of 300 nautical miles and is very maneuverable for its size.

The AW-109 is a three-ton class eight seat helicopter powered by two Pratt and Whitney PW206C engines.

The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with a number of modular equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles.

The aircraft’s safety features include a fully separated fuel system, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical systems and redundant lubrication and cooling systems for the main transmission and engines.

The AW-109 has established itself as the world’s best selling light-twin helicopter for maritime missions.

It's superior speed, capacity and productivity combined with reliability and ease of maintenance make it the most cost effective maritime helicopter in its class.

For shipboard operations the aircraft has a reinforced-wheeled landing gear and deck mooring points as well as extensive corrosion protection measures.

The ability to operate from small ships in high sea state enables the AW-109 to perform its mission when many others helicopters would be confined to the ship’s hangar.

Over 550 AW-109 "Power" and AW-109 light utility helicopters have been ordered for commercial, parapublic and military applications by customers in almost 50 countries.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=791830

President Aquino cites need to further lift the Armed Forces' capacity, welfare

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 10): President Aquino cites need to further lift the Armed Forces' capacity, welfare

President Benigno Aquino III highlighted on Monday the need to further support the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in line with their job to secure the country's territory as well as aid in rescue and relief activities.

In his speech during the change-of-command ceremony at the Philippine Navy headquarters along Roxas Blvd. in Manila, the Chief Executive said the continued expansion of the domestic economy has enabled the government to also address the needs of the Navy.

He cited the arrival last Friday of two Landing Craft Heavies (LCHs) from Australia, which were donated to the Philippines to help in future relief efforts.

He said the process to acquire three additional ships for the PN is also ongoing.

"Ito pong ating mga inisyatiba, nakatutok pa rin sa pagbibigay-lakas at kakayahan sa ating unipormadong hanay," he stressed.

The President pointed out that being the Armed Forces' Commander-in-Chief, he knows that the uniformed personnel are always ready to secure the safety of the country even in bad times and inclement weather.

"Hindi man nakukuhanan ng litrato o video; natatabunan man ng ibang balita sa diyaryo; mulat akong hindi kayo napapanghinaan ng loob, buong-buo ang inyong dedikasyon sa pagtupad sa sinumpaan ninyong tungkulin. Saludo ako sa ipinapakita ninyong wagas na serbisyo para sa bandila at sa sambayanang Pilipino," he said.

Thus, President Aquino stated the need to also take care of the uniformed personnel's needs.

"Naniniwala po tayo: Kayong mga kumakalinga sa bayan at sa mga Pilipino, kailangan ding arugain ng estado. Positibong siklo naman ito: Sa pag-unlad ninyo at paghusay ng inyong serbisyo, mas mapapalapit sa inyo ang tao; lalo na dahil nakikita nilang sulit ang ipinupuhunan sa inyo ng lipunan," he said.

"Ang resulta naman nito, nakikibalikat sa inyo ang mamamayan, gagaan ang inyong trabaho, kabilang na ang trabaho namin sa sangay ng Ehekutibo, at sa kabuuan, mapapadali ang pag-unlad ng buong bansa," he stressed.

The Philippine Navy is now headed by Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad, who succeeded Vice Admiral Jesus Millan.

The President cited that just like the former Flag Officers-in-Command of the Navy - from Vice Admiral Alex Pama, Vice Admiral Jolu Alano to Vice Admiral Millan - he does not personally know Rear Admiral Taccad.

He, however, believes that just like his predecessors, Taccad would be an effective leader who will institute reforms.

"Lahat sila, buong-loob na pinaunlad ang ating Hukbong Dagat. Imbes na maging pabigat, naging kabalikat natin sila sa pagpasan at pagresolba sa mga pagsubok na ating sinuong at hinarap," the President said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=791773

Newly-appointed PN chief vows to turn service into a 'formidable' one

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 10): Newly-appointed PN chief vows to turn service into a 'formidable' one

Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad, who assumed command of the Philippine Navy on Monday, vowed to turn the PN into a "formidable" naval force in Southeast Asia.

Taccad replaced PN flag officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus C. Millan who formally retired after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Taccad is the 35th PN chief. His assumption of command ceremonies was presided by President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Naval Station Jose Andrada, the Navy headquarters on Roxas Blvd., Manila.

In his speech, the newly-appointed PN chief recalled how a senior cadet at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) asked him in 1980 on why he wanted to join the Navy.

“I answered that I would like to help make it as one of the most formidable force in the Asia-Pacific region,” Taccad, a second year cadet at the time, said.

“Upon joining the Navy after graduation, that has been my goal in every position I landed – to make the Navy a notch better than before,” he added.

The new PN chief is a member of PMA Class of 1982.

Taccad said he has been assigned to various positions in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the last one was as the Navy’s vice commander, and those posts “strengthened my resolve to achieve that goal, that dream.”

He added the “honor and privilege” to serve as the Navy’s 35th flag officer-in-command is a “fitting culmination to cap a career-long of pursuit for that formidable Navy.”

“Together with the officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees, I shall steer the Philippine Navy towards continued transformation, modernization and professionalization and overall progress in order to provide a maritime defense and security that is expected from a strong and formidable Navy,” the PN chief stressed.

Taccad said he is confident to assume the Navy leadership, noting that he has with him the “devoted, fearless, courageous and loyal men” with him.

“And as maritime security challenges continuously evolve, I will keep counting on each one of you as we stand together being the gallant protectors of the Philippine archipelago, our country, our home,” he said.

With the PN playing a major role in protecting Philippine interests in the disputed portions of the West Philippine Sea, Taccad pledged to carry on with the Navy’s “outstanding performance and we shall continue this while undertaking our mandated tasks.”

“We will continue to protect our seas and secure the future of our nation and its people. We shall continue to be a dependable naval force, prompt in response and sharp in action,” he stressed.

“We will persistently aim for a stable, productive and constructive relationship with our maritime stakeholder and partner navies to preserve the peace in the Asia-Pacific region,” Taccad said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=791774

Photo: Aussie donation

From The Standard (Aug 10): Photo: Aussie donation



A Navy man performs guard duty at the Navy Headquarters near the Cultural Center of the Philippines in front of one of two Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) vessels donated by the Australian government to Philippines on Sunday. The vessels will be blessed in the presence of President Benigno Aquino III today. DANNY PATA

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/08/10/aussie-donation/

Photo: Operation Smile

From The Standard (Aug 10): Photo: Operation Smile



Volunteer doctors  onboard the USNS MERCY ship get into the act. The volunteers  have conducted 110  surgeries for free  to repair cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformitiesof children-residents of Zambales and Bataan  for the past five days. The USNS MERCY is docked  in  Subic Bay  as part of the Pacific Partnership  with Capt. Christopher Engdahl as mission commander. REVOLI CORTEZ

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/08/10/operation-smile/

Iriberri on Golez's charge of '˜incompetence'™: I respect his view but I know my job

From InterAksyon (Aug 10): Iriberri on Golez's charge of '˜incompetence'™: I respect his view but I know my job



Armed Forces chief of staff General Hernando Iriberri said Sunday he respects the opinion of National Security Adviser now Paranaque City Rep. Roilo Golez, but strongly disputed the latter's description of him as “incompetent” for putting in the backburner a project boosting external defense amid China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“I respect his opinion…As I said during my interview after my assumption, I said my record will speak for itself,” Iriberri said in a phone interview. He once again thanked President Benigno Aquino for appointing him to the top military post.

Golez earlier weighed in on criticisms arising from Iriberri's move to push the realignment of financing meant for the P6.5-billion Shore-Based Missile System (SBMS) Acquisition Project - billed as a plank of the external defense program - for another project acquiring helmets, armor vests and rifles, among others, for ground troops.

Golez said the shelved SBMS project with the government of Israel could have jump-started Aquino’s promise for the military to achieve “minimum credible external defense capability” before he exits 2016. The project was originally planned to be implemented in October 2015, and completed before mid-2016.

Iriberri had justified the move to realign the SBMS project's funds by noting the urgency of protecting the troops who are often wounded or killed on the field because they do not have the basic protection from helmets, armor vests and rifles.

The local representative of the Israel Military Industries (IMI) is the same supplier who earlier filed criminal and administrative charges against Iriberri at the Office of the Ombudsman for delaying the implementation of at least three ammunition projects worth P97.8 million.

The supplier has asked Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales to preventively suspend Iriberri in connection with the complaints.

Golez, meanwhile, has urged the Commission on Appointments (CA) to withhold Iriberri's confirmation.

Golez said he doubted Iriberri's ability to lead the AFP, adding that the latter “obviously does not understand external defense and is unfit to lead the AFP when we are facing a grave external threat.”

To this, Iriberri said, “I respect his opinion,” but raised the possibility that “baka misinformed lang siya [he might have just been misinformed]”.

Iriberri declined to provide, when asked, for an update on developments in the WPS, particularly at Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, saying only: “I’m sorry, I cannot”.

Panatag Shoal has been de facto occupied by the Chinese since April 2012, following a standoff between Philippine maritime forces and Chinese vessels in the area falling well within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

China last week said it had completed its controversial reclamation frenzy on a huge area of the South China Sea, including areas claimed by the Philippines.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/115725/iriberri-on-golezs-charge-of-incompetence-i-respect-his-view-but-i-know-my-job

US Navy men in Pacific Partnership mission arrive

From InterAksyon (Aug 10): US Navy men in Pacific Partnership mission arrive



USNS hospital ship Mercy at the Subic Bay, 4 August 2015. SBMA PHOTO

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- Some 50 members of the US Navy Pacific Partnership team have arrived in Pangasinan for a series of humanitarian and civic mission to be conducted in various areas of the province lasting up to August 12.

Their initial activities include attending a flag-raising ceremony at the Capitol Plaza to be followed by a press conference at the Urduja House and a coordination briefing with rural sanitary inspectors and health program managers and coordinators.

A veterinary medical mission will also be held in 10 barangays of Lingayen town alongside an expert exchange coordination meeting for humanitarian and disaster relief.

Fellowship night to be led by Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. with Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Calimlim Jr., members of the provincial board, department heads, and chiefs of hospitals has been arranged for them.

Continuation of the hospital engagement activity will be held in the morning of August 11 followed by a symposium on public health diseases in the afternoon.

This will focus on various diseases such as tuberculosis, leprosy, leptospirosis, and dengue.

Simultaneous activities have been set for environmental sanitation inspection among identified business establishments.

Veterinary medical mission will be held in 10 barangays of San Carlos City; there will also be mobile blood donation, TB "Suyod" in Bayambang town, and the continuation of previous hospital engagement.

Pre-surgical screening forum will also be held in preparation for the scheduled Operation Smile intended for patients with cleft palate.

Activities for August 12 include a regional animal disease diagnostic laboratory, demonstration and rapid rabies detection test, and demonstration of chemical castration in dogs with zeuterin.

Under the US Navy Pacific Partnership program, the hospital ship USN Ship Mercy and support vessel USN Ship Millinocket are main components of the operation, said Lt. Commander Timothy Pietrack, the mission’s public affairs officer.

Pacific Partnership 2015 is said to be the largest annual multilateral humanitarian-assistance and disaster-relief preparedness mission in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

The team has initially conducted a two-day Basic Life Support Training at Subic Bay, Olongapo City on August 5 and 6 joined in by the Pangasinan Provincial Health Office (PHO) medical team and hospital teams.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/115747/us-navy-men-in-pacific-partnership-mission-arrive

Tired of life in the mountains, rebel yields in Agusan

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 9): Tired of life in the mountains, rebel yields in Agusan

BUTUAN CITY – Realizing that the hardship he has suffered of hiding in the mountains at the expense of his family was not worth it, a New People’s Army (NPA) regular bolted from his group’s maintain lair somewhere in Agusan del Sur to voluntarily surrender to a local Army unit Thursday.

Capt. Joe Patrick A. Martinez, regional spokesman of the Army’s Northeastern and Northern Mindanao 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4th ID), identified the NPA fighter who surrendered as Richard D. Cagayan, alias “Ka Wendyl” of guerrilla-Front Committee 88 of the CPP-NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

Cagayan brought with him M16 Armalite rifles and a large volume of M16 live ammunitions when he first sought the intercession of his brother Roger, an active member of the Citizen Armed Force Goegraphical Unit (Cafgu) Active Auxiliary based in Esperanza town, Agusan del Sur.

“Talagang pagod na raw sya (he is so tired). Na miss na rin daw nya ang kanyang mga mahal sa buhay” (he missed already his love ones), said Martinez, quoting Cagayan on the reason why he wanted to end years of fighting in the mountains.

He said the higher command of the 4th ID was now facilitating the support from the AFP Guns for Peace Program as remuneration on the firearms he surrendered.

“Financial and livelihood support from the Comprehensive Local Integration

Program (CLIP) is also being facilitated for him,” said Martinez even as Cagayan was already undergoing tactical debriefing at a local military unit in Agusan del Sur.

As of press time, the former NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is still under tactical debriefing at local military unit in Agusan del Sur.

http://www.mb.com.ph/tired-of-life-in-the-mountains-rebel-yields-in-agusan/

Cafgu killed in encounter with rebels in remote Misamis village

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 9): Cafgu killed in encounter with rebels in remote Misamis village

Camp Bancasi, Butuan City – A member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary (CAA) was killed while another CAA member was wounded after government forces engaged a band of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in a 30-minute battle in the hinterland village of Farmbugas in Claveria town, Misamis Oriental, a sketchy report reaching the military advance command post (ACP) here yesterday stated.

The report also said that residents of the far-flung barangay saw the insurgents carrying their dead and wounded comrades as they fled to the mountains.

“Marami ding casualty na inakay sa mga nagtakbuhang mga rebelde” (many casualties were also brought along by the running rebels), claimed Capt. Joe Patrick A. Martinez, regional Army spokesman of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4th ID), quoting the initial report coming from the field.

The 4th ID spokesperson identified the slain militiaman as CAA Rafael L. Tantuhan. Renford Basilan was also hit by gunfire during the encounter and is now recovering in a local hospital.

The gun battle took place when soldiers of the First Special Forces Battallion, accompanied by the CAA force, engaged the heavily-armed NPAs in the hinterland area of Barangay Farmbugas in Claveria town.

“Our troops were conducting security patrol when they encountered members of guerrilla-Front Committee 4-B of the CPP-NPA Northern Mindanao regional Committee (NMRC),” Capt. Martinez said.

However, he said the rebels withdrew after almost 30-minute heavy gunfight, sensing that reinforcing troops from nearby areas were coming.

“As of this time, massive and wide pursuit operation is still ongoing,” added Martinez as troops from the 403rd Infantry Brigade pressed on with their pursuit of the rebels near Claveria town.

http://www.mb.com.ph/cafgu-killed-in-encounter-with-rebels-in-remote-misamis-village/