From Ang Malaya (Aug 27): Philippine Marines opens training for civilians: Be measured physically and psychologically
The Philippine Marines is opening its training for civilians to have a taste of how Marines train. “Be measured physically and psychologically by the challenging obstacle that is both man-made and natural,” said LTCOL Stepehn Cabanlet, Philippine Navy(Marines) in a statement.
The racing with obstacles event, KARERA LAKAS PILIPINAS: The 2nd Commandant’s Cup, to be held on October 25, 2015 will simulate ‘marine life in the operational area’. The rare event will be held at the training ground of the Philippine Marine Corps in Marine Base Gregorio Lim, Ternate Cavite.
Interested civilians can choose between Astig and Bangis categories which are 5km and 10km run with obstacle courses, respectively. Registration fees are 500 pesos and 750 pesos. Races are also open for the military.
“Funds raised in this event shall be used for the MARFIT (Strength and Conditioning Program) as well as Wounded Warrior’s Recovery and Reintegration Program,” LTCOL Cabanlet said.
“A serendipitous and unsung hero of our country is hoping for your support. These soldiers has given immense sacrifice for our country to protect our freedom especially now with what’s happening in Palawan and some areas in Mindanao. We believe that the strength of the nation is the people itself,” he noted.
Registrations can be done online or onsite at Marine Corps Special Service Office (MCSSO), Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City during office hours Mondays to Fridays. More details at www.facebook.com/kareralakaspilipinas.
http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/08/27/12900-philippine-marines-opens-training-for-civilians-be-measured-physically-and-psychologically
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Activists blast govt focus on 2016 amid spike in killings, rights abuses
From InterAksyon (Aug 27): Activists blast govt focus on 2016 amid spike in killings, rights abuses
Human rights advocates and activists picket the DOJ to protest continued abuses, including massacres and extrajudicial killings. (photo courtesy of Bayan Metro Manila)
Human rights advocates and activists blasted the Aquino administration for drumming up the presidential bid of Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II while ignoring a spike in abuses that have so far claimed nine lives in separate massacres in Masbate and Bukidnon this month alone.
In sum, said Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay, 46 persons, seven of them minors, have died in 13 massacres blamed on security forces since President Benigno Aquino III came to power in 2010.
Karapatan and organizations allied with the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan staged a rally at the Department of Justice on Thursday to protest what they called the worsening human rights situation in the country. They also picketed the Manila regional trial court demanding the release of political prisoners.
"Just this month, there have been two documented cases of massacre, in Masbate and Bukidnon, with nine civilians dead, two of whom were children. All were tagged as New People’s Army members and supporters," Palabay said.
"But, instead of going after the army killers, Aquino is busy campaigning with Mar Roxas and the Liberal Party," she added.
Karapatan said the Inter-agency Task Force led by the DOJ, which is tasked to investigate extrajudicial killings, has nothing to show in terms of the effective and immediate prosecution of soldiers and military officials responsible for human rights violations.
“We call on Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to extricate herself from these early election campaign activities of the Liberal Party and heed the cries for justice of the victims and their families,” Palabay said.
De Lima, who is reportedly being eyed for inclusion in the administration’s senatorial slate, was with Aquino and Roxas at a sortie in Cebu City early this week.
On August 3 in Masbate, three habal-habal (motorcycles for hire) drivers and a nephew of a barangay captain of Del Carmen town were asked to help soldiers wounded in an NPA ambush.
"Instead of showing gratitude, members of the 9th Infantry Division and 96th Division Reconnaissance Company took the lives of” Adam Fajardo, Joebert Badillo, Gary Vistar and Rogelio Abelid, Palabay said.
The military claimed the dead were rebels slain in the encounter.
On August 19, residents of Sitio Mandum, Barangay Mendis, Pangantucan, Bukidnon, including barangay councilor Isabero Sulda, found five bodies at the Samia residence surrounded by 22 soldiers of the 1st Special Forces Battalion.
The residents’ faces were photographed and their names listed down as they were ordered not to look at the soldiers' faces. They were then told to carry the bodies.
The victims were Herminio Samia, 70, who was blind; his son Jobert and grandson Norman, 13; and his nephews Emer, 17, and Welmer Somina.
A 15-year-old eyewitness who escaped the massacre said that after the soldiers arrived, they shouted: “Kayong mga NPA na nandyan sa itaas ng bahay, lumabas kayo diyan at bumaba ditto You NPAs inside the house, get out and get down)!”
The victims were then shot as they emerged from the house.
The witness managed to run and hide behind big boulders. He then told his father what happened but a few days later, he could no longer speak.
"The soldiers are still at the barangay hall and daycare center up to now,” Palabay said. "The soldiers even had the audacity to stay in the community where they killed its residents like they were proud of what they did!"
Aside from the massacres, extrajudicial murders have also continued unabated with Karapatan tallying 33 killings in the first half of the year, 11 of these this month alone.
Among the most recent victims were Teodoro “Ka Tudoy” Escanilla, Karapatan Sorsogon spokesperson, who was killed on August 20 allegedly by elements of the Army’s 31st Infantry Battalion, and Joel Gulmatico, acting chairman of the Arakan Progressive Peasant Organization, or APPO, who was shot dead two days earlier near the detachment of the Army's 57th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Naje, Arakan, North Cotabato.
According to Karapatan, in February, a Sergeant Rene Enteria of the 31st IB supposedly arrested, tortured and then offered a resident of the same barangay where Escanilla lived P50, 000 and a caliber .45 pistol to kill the activist.
The person, whose name was withheld to protect him from retaliation, immediately reported this and other human rights violations committed by the Army unit to Karapatan-Sorsogon.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/116702/activists-blast-govt-focus-on-2016-amid-spike-in-killings-rights-abuses
Human rights advocates and activists picket the DOJ to protest continued abuses, including massacres and extrajudicial killings. (photo courtesy of Bayan Metro Manila)
Human rights advocates and activists blasted the Aquino administration for drumming up the presidential bid of Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II while ignoring a spike in abuses that have so far claimed nine lives in separate massacres in Masbate and Bukidnon this month alone.
In sum, said Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay, 46 persons, seven of them minors, have died in 13 massacres blamed on security forces since President Benigno Aquino III came to power in 2010.
Karapatan and organizations allied with the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan staged a rally at the Department of Justice on Thursday to protest what they called the worsening human rights situation in the country. They also picketed the Manila regional trial court demanding the release of political prisoners.
"Just this month, there have been two documented cases of massacre, in Masbate and Bukidnon, with nine civilians dead, two of whom were children. All were tagged as New People’s Army members and supporters," Palabay said.
"But, instead of going after the army killers, Aquino is busy campaigning with Mar Roxas and the Liberal Party," she added.
Karapatan said the Inter-agency Task Force led by the DOJ, which is tasked to investigate extrajudicial killings, has nothing to show in terms of the effective and immediate prosecution of soldiers and military officials responsible for human rights violations.
“We call on Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to extricate herself from these early election campaign activities of the Liberal Party and heed the cries for justice of the victims and their families,” Palabay said.
De Lima, who is reportedly being eyed for inclusion in the administration’s senatorial slate, was with Aquino and Roxas at a sortie in Cebu City early this week.
On August 3 in Masbate, three habal-habal (motorcycles for hire) drivers and a nephew of a barangay captain of Del Carmen town were asked to help soldiers wounded in an NPA ambush.
"Instead of showing gratitude, members of the 9th Infantry Division and 96th Division Reconnaissance Company took the lives of” Adam Fajardo, Joebert Badillo, Gary Vistar and Rogelio Abelid, Palabay said.
The military claimed the dead were rebels slain in the encounter.
On August 19, residents of Sitio Mandum, Barangay Mendis, Pangantucan, Bukidnon, including barangay councilor Isabero Sulda, found five bodies at the Samia residence surrounded by 22 soldiers of the 1st Special Forces Battalion.
The residents’ faces were photographed and their names listed down as they were ordered not to look at the soldiers' faces. They were then told to carry the bodies.
The victims were Herminio Samia, 70, who was blind; his son Jobert and grandson Norman, 13; and his nephews Emer, 17, and Welmer Somina.
A 15-year-old eyewitness who escaped the massacre said that after the soldiers arrived, they shouted: “Kayong mga NPA na nandyan sa itaas ng bahay, lumabas kayo diyan at bumaba ditto You NPAs inside the house, get out and get down)!”
The victims were then shot as they emerged from the house.
The witness managed to run and hide behind big boulders. He then told his father what happened but a few days later, he could no longer speak.
"The soldiers are still at the barangay hall and daycare center up to now,” Palabay said. "The soldiers even had the audacity to stay in the community where they killed its residents like they were proud of what they did!"
Aside from the massacres, extrajudicial murders have also continued unabated with Karapatan tallying 33 killings in the first half of the year, 11 of these this month alone.
Among the most recent victims were Teodoro “Ka Tudoy” Escanilla, Karapatan Sorsogon spokesperson, who was killed on August 20 allegedly by elements of the Army’s 31st Infantry Battalion, and Joel Gulmatico, acting chairman of the Arakan Progressive Peasant Organization, or APPO, who was shot dead two days earlier near the detachment of the Army's 57th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Naje, Arakan, North Cotabato.
According to Karapatan, in February, a Sergeant Rene Enteria of the 31st IB supposedly arrested, tortured and then offered a resident of the same barangay where Escanilla lived P50, 000 and a caliber .45 pistol to kill the activist.
The person, whose name was withheld to protect him from retaliation, immediately reported this and other human rights violations committed by the Army unit to Karapatan-Sorsogon.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/116702/activists-blast-govt-focus-on-2016-amid-spike-in-killings-rights-abuses
Abra CAFGU shoots comrade dead
From InterAksyon (Aug 27): Abra CAFGU shoots comrade dead
A member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) under the supervision of the Third Platoon of the 15th ABCAA Company in Abra, was shot dead by a fellow CAFGU member, the Police Regional Office in the Cordillera (ProCor) stated in a report.
Richie Maison Lizardo Bagni, 23 years old and single, used his M14 rifle in shooting Lito Astrande Wednesday at about 9 p.m. inside their camp located at Barangay Bugbog, Bucay, Abra.
The report stated that Astrande twice slapped the left side of the face of Bagni when the latter's lighted cigarette accidentally fell on his leg.
Bagni then got his M14 rifle and shot his victim once on his right chest. Medical attendants at Abra Provincial Hospital declared him already dead when he was brought in for treatment.
Army TSgt. Reynaldo Tabajunda surrendered Bagni afterwards to the Bucay Municipal Police Station, where he was booked for the crime.
This was the second recent case where a CAFGU was involved in a crime inside the camp.
On August 12, a CAFGU member under the 77the Infantry Battalion stabbed his superior, Sergeant Hermogenes Yanba Melandres Jr.
In a separate development, operatives of the Abra Provincial Police raided on Wednesday the house of Olario Tugadi Jaquias in Barangay Cosili East, Bangued, Abra and seized a Gauge 12 Springfield Shotgun with three live rounds of ammunition, a caliber .45 pistol with one empty magazine, and a black holster for the caliber .45 handgun.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/116711/abra-cafgu-shoots-comrade-dead
A member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) under the supervision of the Third Platoon of the 15th ABCAA Company in Abra, was shot dead by a fellow CAFGU member, the Police Regional Office in the Cordillera (ProCor) stated in a report.
Richie Maison Lizardo Bagni, 23 years old and single, used his M14 rifle in shooting Lito Astrande Wednesday at about 9 p.m. inside their camp located at Barangay Bugbog, Bucay, Abra.
The report stated that Astrande twice slapped the left side of the face of Bagni when the latter's lighted cigarette accidentally fell on his leg.
Bagni then got his M14 rifle and shot his victim once on his right chest. Medical attendants at Abra Provincial Hospital declared him already dead when he was brought in for treatment.
Army TSgt. Reynaldo Tabajunda surrendered Bagni afterwards to the Bucay Municipal Police Station, where he was booked for the crime.
This was the second recent case where a CAFGU was involved in a crime inside the camp.
On August 12, a CAFGU member under the 77the Infantry Battalion stabbed his superior, Sergeant Hermogenes Yanba Melandres Jr.
In a separate development, operatives of the Abra Provincial Police raided on Wednesday the house of Olario Tugadi Jaquias in Barangay Cosili East, Bangued, Abra and seized a Gauge 12 Springfield Shotgun with three live rounds of ammunition, a caliber .45 pistol with one empty magazine, and a black holster for the caliber .45 handgun.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/116711/abra-cafgu-shoots-comrade-dead
Philippines seeks 'real-time' U.S. help in disputed South China Sea
From InterAksyon (Aug 27): Philippines seeks 'real-time' U.S. help in disputed South China Sea
The Philippines has sought help from the United States to monitor "real-time" developments in the South China Sea, providing surveillance and reconnaissance, a military spokesman said on Thursday, amid China's rapid expansion in the area.
Colonel Restituto Padilla said the defense ministry had asked U.S. Pacific Command chief, Admiral Harry Harris, to provide air cover to a Philippine civilian ship that regularly delivers supplies to Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed waters.
"We want the U.S. military to watch over our ships, which China attempts to block every time we rotate troops and bring supplies to a ship that ran aground on Ayungin shoal," Padilla said.
Harris was in Palawan on Thursday to see first-hand the situation in the area near where China has built artificial islands.
China claims most of the South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei have overlapping claims.
Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez, commander of military forces in Palawan, told journalists the U.S. commander promised to help its oldest ally in the Asia-Pacific, but would also prevent conflict from erupting.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/116714/philippines-seeks-real-time-u-s--help-in-disputed-south-china-sea
The Philippines has sought help from the United States to monitor "real-time" developments in the South China Sea, providing surveillance and reconnaissance, a military spokesman said on Thursday, amid China's rapid expansion in the area.
Colonel Restituto Padilla said the defense ministry had asked U.S. Pacific Command chief, Admiral Harry Harris, to provide air cover to a Philippine civilian ship that regularly delivers supplies to Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed waters.
"We want the U.S. military to watch over our ships, which China attempts to block every time we rotate troops and bring supplies to a ship that ran aground on Ayungin shoal," Padilla said.
Harris was in Palawan on Thursday to see first-hand the situation in the area near where China has built artificial islands.
China claims most of the South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei have overlapping claims.
Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez, commander of military forces in Palawan, told journalists the U.S. commander promised to help its oldest ally in the Asia-Pacific, but would also prevent conflict from erupting.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/116714/philippines-seeks-real-time-u-s--help-in-disputed-south-china-sea
Iqbal cites JICA's unrelenting support to peace process
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 26): Iqbal cites JICA's unrelenting support to peace process
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief negotiator and Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) chair Mohagher Iqbal lauds the Japanese Government’s continuous support to the peace process in Mindanao.
During the August 24 turnover of the Php 2 million two-classroom school building in Kibleg, Upi, Maguindanao through the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in partnership with the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), Iqbal noted the unrelenting support of the Japanese Government to peace and development efforts in Mindanao.
The school building, fully painted complete with comfort room, lavatory, ceiling fans, table, chairs and blackboard is one of JICA’s ongoing 20 Quick Impact Projects in various sites in Mindanao that include multi-purpose halls, schools and warehouse with solar dryers.
“This is the best constructed two-classroom school building so far,” Iqbal said.
Iqbal said, Japan is not only a member of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) that oversees the adherence and compliance to the existing ceasefire agreement but also an active member of the International Contact Group (ICG) that has been steadfast in its peace and development efforts in Mindanao “investing in the peace process without expecting something in return”.
Iqbal acknowledged Japan’s active involvement in the socio-economic development not only for the future of the Bangsamoro entity but for the entire Mindanao.
“Japan has been investing so much even without the peace process succeeding. Japan is already with us investing so much money for our people,” Iqbal said.
In so far as the progress of the deliberation of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in Congress, Iqbal said, the MILF remains optimistic that the proposed law will be passed.
“To be frank with you, we do not know what will happen to the Bangsamoro Basic Law. In the case of the MILF, looking at the present situation, evaluating all aspects of the investment, it is the conclusion of the MILF that there is hope that the BBL will be delivered but there is no assurance”, Iqbal said.
Amid the challenges facing the BBL in Congress, he urged the people in the community to maintain existing harmonious relationship and cooperation for united and peaceful environment.
“Whether there is BBL or no BBL, or the BBL is delayed, I appeal to everybody, to all and sundry to maintain good neighborliness and good cooperation between and among the good people of this village because peace will start from every one of us and will start from this village for that matter,” Iqbal said.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1661440558092/iqbal-cites-jica-s-unrelenting-support-to-peace-process
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief negotiator and Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) chair Mohagher Iqbal lauds the Japanese Government’s continuous support to the peace process in Mindanao.
During the August 24 turnover of the Php 2 million two-classroom school building in Kibleg, Upi, Maguindanao through the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in partnership with the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), Iqbal noted the unrelenting support of the Japanese Government to peace and development efforts in Mindanao.
The school building, fully painted complete with comfort room, lavatory, ceiling fans, table, chairs and blackboard is one of JICA’s ongoing 20 Quick Impact Projects in various sites in Mindanao that include multi-purpose halls, schools and warehouse with solar dryers.
“This is the best constructed two-classroom school building so far,” Iqbal said.
Iqbal said, Japan is not only a member of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) that oversees the adherence and compliance to the existing ceasefire agreement but also an active member of the International Contact Group (ICG) that has been steadfast in its peace and development efforts in Mindanao “investing in the peace process without expecting something in return”.
Iqbal acknowledged Japan’s active involvement in the socio-economic development not only for the future of the Bangsamoro entity but for the entire Mindanao.
“Japan has been investing so much even without the peace process succeeding. Japan is already with us investing so much money for our people,” Iqbal said.
In so far as the progress of the deliberation of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in Congress, Iqbal said, the MILF remains optimistic that the proposed law will be passed.
“To be frank with you, we do not know what will happen to the Bangsamoro Basic Law. In the case of the MILF, looking at the present situation, evaluating all aspects of the investment, it is the conclusion of the MILF that there is hope that the BBL will be delivered but there is no assurance”, Iqbal said.
Amid the challenges facing the BBL in Congress, he urged the people in the community to maintain existing harmonious relationship and cooperation for united and peaceful environment.
“Whether there is BBL or no BBL, or the BBL is delayed, I appeal to everybody, to all and sundry to maintain good neighborliness and good cooperation between and among the good people of this village because peace will start from every one of us and will start from this village for that matter,” Iqbal said.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1661440558092/iqbal-cites-jica-s-unrelenting-support-to-peace-process
Japanese Government remains committed to peace and development efforts in Mindanao - JICA official
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 26): Japanese Government remains committed to peace and development efforts in Mindanao - JICA official
The Japanese government remains true to its commitment to support the peace and order efforts in Mindananao, an official of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
JICA President Akihiko Tanaka made this pronouncement during his visit here on Monday to turnover a two-classroom building to Kibleg Elementary School IN North Upi, Maguindanao.
The construction of said school building was funded through the JICA and implemented by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA).
Tanaka was accompanied by JICA Chief Representative in the Philippines Noriaki Niwa, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal, Upi Mayor Ramon Piang, Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) Exec. Dir. Mohammad Yacob, and International Monitoring Team (IMT-10) Head of Mission MGen. Datu Sheikh Mokhsin Bin Sheikh Hassan.
Said school building is among the 20 ongoing Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) jointly identified by the JICA and BDA in support of the peace process in Mindanao to help boost inclusive development in the region.
“This is financed through a QIP which is a small scale low cost project being implemented in a short period of time which addresses immediate community needs,” Tanaka said.
According to Tanaka, aside from working with local communities throughout the region, JICA’s QIP also includes multi-purpose halls, warehouses with solar dryer and renovation/expansion of school building/classrooms in 20 sites in the provinces of Maguindanao, Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Basilan, Sulu, Sarangani, Tawi-Tawi, Sultan Kudarat, Compostella Valley, Davao Oriental and Zamboanga Sibugay.
These communities are identified as among the most affected by armed conflicts.
He added that after the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro last March 2014, he met with MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim where they both agreed to start the implementation of QIP as part of trust and confidence building between and among the stakeholders of the peace process.
Tanaka said, both JICA and the MILF counterparts believed that QIPs would be a great way for the Bangsamoro communities to feel immediate peace dividends for people to remain hopeful on the benefits of the peace process.
In 2013, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) and JICA started the Comprehensive Capacity Development Project for the Bangsamoro (CCDP-B) undertook cooperation activities include assistance in public consultations for drafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), support in drafting the Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP), human resource development, capacity building and seminars in Tokyo to know more about Japan system of governance, and the implementation of QIP, Tanaka said.
He said, for the past 17 years, the peace negotiations between the Philippine Government and the MILF had experienced several challenges including the breakdown of MOA-AD in 2008, Mamasapano incident of January 2015 and the prolonged deliberations of the BBL.
However, he said, the Japanese government and JICA have remained steadfast in their commitment in supporting the peace process and promote development in the Bangsamoro area.
As this developed, Tanaka encouraged the students and school children to study hard and always listen to their parents and teachers citing education is one of the greatest things parents can give their children to ensure better future and personal growth.(
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1661440547489/japanese-government-remains-committed-to-peace-and-development-efforts-in-mindanao---jica-official
The Japanese government remains true to its commitment to support the peace and order efforts in Mindananao, an official of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
JICA President Akihiko Tanaka made this pronouncement during his visit here on Monday to turnover a two-classroom building to Kibleg Elementary School IN North Upi, Maguindanao.
The construction of said school building was funded through the JICA and implemented by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA).
Tanaka was accompanied by JICA Chief Representative in the Philippines Noriaki Niwa, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal, Upi Mayor Ramon Piang, Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) Exec. Dir. Mohammad Yacob, and International Monitoring Team (IMT-10) Head of Mission MGen. Datu Sheikh Mokhsin Bin Sheikh Hassan.
Said school building is among the 20 ongoing Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) jointly identified by the JICA and BDA in support of the peace process in Mindanao to help boost inclusive development in the region.
“This is financed through a QIP which is a small scale low cost project being implemented in a short period of time which addresses immediate community needs,” Tanaka said.
According to Tanaka, aside from working with local communities throughout the region, JICA’s QIP also includes multi-purpose halls, warehouses with solar dryer and renovation/expansion of school building/classrooms in 20 sites in the provinces of Maguindanao, Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Basilan, Sulu, Sarangani, Tawi-Tawi, Sultan Kudarat, Compostella Valley, Davao Oriental and Zamboanga Sibugay.
These communities are identified as among the most affected by armed conflicts.
He added that after the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro last March 2014, he met with MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim where they both agreed to start the implementation of QIP as part of trust and confidence building between and among the stakeholders of the peace process.
Tanaka said, both JICA and the MILF counterparts believed that QIPs would be a great way for the Bangsamoro communities to feel immediate peace dividends for people to remain hopeful on the benefits of the peace process.
In 2013, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) and JICA started the Comprehensive Capacity Development Project for the Bangsamoro (CCDP-B) undertook cooperation activities include assistance in public consultations for drafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), support in drafting the Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP), human resource development, capacity building and seminars in Tokyo to know more about Japan system of governance, and the implementation of QIP, Tanaka said.
He said, for the past 17 years, the peace negotiations between the Philippine Government and the MILF had experienced several challenges including the breakdown of MOA-AD in 2008, Mamasapano incident of January 2015 and the prolonged deliberations of the BBL.
However, he said, the Japanese government and JICA have remained steadfast in their commitment in supporting the peace process and promote development in the Bangsamoro area.
As this developed, Tanaka encouraged the students and school children to study hard and always listen to their parents and teachers citing education is one of the greatest things parents can give their children to ensure better future and personal growth.(
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1661440547489/japanese-government-remains-committed-to-peace-and-development-efforts-in-mindanao---jica-official
Off-duty soldiers killed in separate attacks in Central Mindanao (Graphic photo)
From the Philippine Star (Aug 27): Off-duty soldiers killed in separate attacks in Central Mindanao (Graphic photo)
Private 1st Class Hernando Daval of the 7th Infantry Battalion was killed in an ambush on August 26 in Pagalungan, Maguindanao. Philstar.com/John Unson
Authorities are still sifting through two crime scenes to identify the culprits in the seemingly related gun attacks in Central Mindanao in just five days that left two enlisted Army members dead.
The latest of the two incidents happened only last Wednesday in Pagalungan town in Maguindanao, which resulted to the instant death of a motorcycle-riding off-duty soldier, Private 1st Class Hernando Daval of the Alpha Company of the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion.
The off-duty Daval was on his way to Kabacan, North Cotabato from their company command post in a nearby town when gunmen flagged him down at a secluded stretch of a highway in Pagalungan, Maguindanao and killed him with .45 caliber handguns.
Responding investigators from the Pagalungan municipal police told reporters the gunmen only intended to kill Daval since they escaped without taking with them his motorcycle and personal belongings.
Maguindanao’s provincial police director, Senior Superintendent Nickson Muksan, said investigators will file corresponding criminal cases against the suspects behind the fatal ambush of Daval once identified.
The incident was preceded by last week’s similar attack in Midsayap town in the first district of North Cotabato that resulted to the immediate death of another off-duty soldier, Cpl. Angelo Magtubo of the 7th Field Artillery Battalion.
Magtubo was riding his motorcycle on his way to the town proper of Midsayap from their artillery detachment in the west of the municipality when gunmen emerged from one side of the road and opened fire.
Magtubo died on the spot from gunshot wounds sustained in the ambush.
Local officials are convinced members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) perpetrated both attacks, having claimed responsibility for the earlier killings of about a dozen off-duty soldiers in one attack after another in the second district of Maguindanao in months past.
The police urged the public to refrain from speculating and give probers enough time to wind up with their investigation on the two incidents.
Captain Jo-ann Petinglay, spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID), said their division commander, Major Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, had issued a directive restraining off-duty soldiers from going out of their camps riding motorcycles.
Combatants of the 6th ID and its component units in Maguindanao and North Cotabato figured in extensive combat engagements with the BIFF in the two provinces during the government’s March 28 to May 5 calibrated police action against the bandit group.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/08/27/1492874/duty-soldiers-killed-separate-attacks-central-mindanao
Private 1st Class Hernando Daval of the 7th Infantry Battalion was killed in an ambush on August 26 in Pagalungan, Maguindanao. Philstar.com/John Unson
Authorities are still sifting through two crime scenes to identify the culprits in the seemingly related gun attacks in Central Mindanao in just five days that left two enlisted Army members dead.
The latest of the two incidents happened only last Wednesday in Pagalungan town in Maguindanao, which resulted to the instant death of a motorcycle-riding off-duty soldier, Private 1st Class Hernando Daval of the Alpha Company of the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion.
The off-duty Daval was on his way to Kabacan, North Cotabato from their company command post in a nearby town when gunmen flagged him down at a secluded stretch of a highway in Pagalungan, Maguindanao and killed him with .45 caliber handguns.
Responding investigators from the Pagalungan municipal police told reporters the gunmen only intended to kill Daval since they escaped without taking with them his motorcycle and personal belongings.
Maguindanao’s provincial police director, Senior Superintendent Nickson Muksan, said investigators will file corresponding criminal cases against the suspects behind the fatal ambush of Daval once identified.
The incident was preceded by last week’s similar attack in Midsayap town in the first district of North Cotabato that resulted to the immediate death of another off-duty soldier, Cpl. Angelo Magtubo of the 7th Field Artillery Battalion.
Magtubo was riding his motorcycle on his way to the town proper of Midsayap from their artillery detachment in the west of the municipality when gunmen emerged from one side of the road and opened fire.
Magtubo died on the spot from gunshot wounds sustained in the ambush.
Local officials are convinced members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) perpetrated both attacks, having claimed responsibility for the earlier killings of about a dozen off-duty soldiers in one attack after another in the second district of Maguindanao in months past.
The police urged the public to refrain from speculating and give probers enough time to wind up with their investigation on the two incidents.
Captain Jo-ann Petinglay, spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID), said their division commander, Major Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, had issued a directive restraining off-duty soldiers from going out of their camps riding motorcycles.
Combatants of the 6th ID and its component units in Maguindanao and North Cotabato figured in extensive combat engagements with the BIFF in the two provinces during the government’s March 28 to May 5 calibrated police action against the bandit group.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/08/27/1492874/duty-soldiers-killed-separate-attacks-central-mindanao
AFP, PNP forces foil NPA’s roadside bomb plot in Bukidnon
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 27): AFP, PNP forces foil NPA’s roadside bomb plot in Bukidnon
The army’s 8th Infantry Battalion and elements of Philippine National Police’s Regional Public Safety Battalion (PNP-RPSB) recovered a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by suspected members of the New Peoples Army (NPA).
Lt. Col. Lennon G. Babilonia, commanding officer of the army’s 8th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division (8IB,4ID), said the landmine was fixed just beneath the ground along Bukidnon-Davao road in Palacapao village, Quezon, Bukidnon.
He said the AFP-PNP joint forces retrieved the bomb at about 10:00 p.m., August 14, after responding to an urgent call of a resident in said village.
The bomb is believed to have been planted by members of NPA under Guerilla Front 53 of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) who have been recently causing atrocities in the area, while making tricks — as diversionary tactics — to mislead the government forces who are conducting their crucial operation to protect human lives, he said.
Recently, the 8th IB thwarted NPA attacks and overran several rebel camps in jungle villages through a timely report from an upland resident.
“We commend our vigilant citizens in Bukidnon who are seriously taking part in a shared concept of security. While the 8th Infantry Battalion is capable of doing its mandate of protecting the people, the continued support of the community made our job a lot more effective and efficient. We also thanked the PNP for working hand in hand with us in ensuring the safety and security of the people,” Lt. Col. Babilonia said.
Citing a provision in the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), which bans the use of landmines, Babilonia said it is ironic because the National Democratic Front including the Communist Party of the Philippines and the NPA are signatories to this agreement.
“We will continue to uphold the CARHRIHL and we will always help the people of this beautiful and productive province win the peace,” he said.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1501440579239/afp-pnp-forces-foil-npa-s-roadside-bomb-plot-in-bukidnon
The army’s 8th Infantry Battalion and elements of Philippine National Police’s Regional Public Safety Battalion (PNP-RPSB) recovered a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by suspected members of the New Peoples Army (NPA).
Lt. Col. Lennon G. Babilonia, commanding officer of the army’s 8th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division (8IB,4ID), said the landmine was fixed just beneath the ground along Bukidnon-Davao road in Palacapao village, Quezon, Bukidnon.
He said the AFP-PNP joint forces retrieved the bomb at about 10:00 p.m., August 14, after responding to an urgent call of a resident in said village.
The bomb is believed to have been planted by members of NPA under Guerilla Front 53 of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) who have been recently causing atrocities in the area, while making tricks — as diversionary tactics — to mislead the government forces who are conducting their crucial operation to protect human lives, he said.
Recently, the 8th IB thwarted NPA attacks and overran several rebel camps in jungle villages through a timely report from an upland resident.
“We commend our vigilant citizens in Bukidnon who are seriously taking part in a shared concept of security. While the 8th Infantry Battalion is capable of doing its mandate of protecting the people, the continued support of the community made our job a lot more effective and efficient. We also thanked the PNP for working hand in hand with us in ensuring the safety and security of the people,” Lt. Col. Babilonia said.
Citing a provision in the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), which bans the use of landmines, Babilonia said it is ironic because the National Democratic Front including the Communist Party of the Philippines and the NPA are signatories to this agreement.
“We will continue to uphold the CARHRIHL and we will always help the people of this beautiful and productive province win the peace,” he said.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1501440579239/afp-pnp-forces-foil-npa-s-roadside-bomb-plot-in-bukidnon
Army demos corrected M4 rifles
From ABS-CBN (Aug 27): Army demos corrected M4 rifles
President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, leads the ceremonial distribution of assault rifles to the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy Marine troops at the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Headquarters canopy at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on August 14, 2014. Photo by Robert Viñas
In a bid to show the public that their newly purchased weapons are now fit for combat use, the Philippine Army did a test firing on three of the Remington M4 rifles that were recently given back to the manufacturer because of defects.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/08/27/15/army-demos-corrected-m4-rifles
President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, leads the ceremonial distribution of assault rifles to the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy Marine troops at the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Headquarters canopy at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on August 14, 2014. Photo by Robert Viñas
In a bid to show the public that their newly purchased weapons are now fit for combat use, the Philippine Army did a test firing on three of the Remington M4 rifles that were recently given back to the manufacturer because of defects.
The Armed Forces
of the Philippines (AFP) acquired 50,629 M4 rifles from Remington Outdoor Co.,
44,186 of of which will go to the Army and 6,443 to the Marines.
Last August,
President Aquino started a series of ceremonial turnovers of these rifles,
personally handing over some of the guns to the soldiers as testament to proper
use of government funds.
But as it turned
out, the rifles that Aquino and some former AFP officials handed over had not
yet passed the final inspection of the Technical Inspection and Acceptance
Committee (TIAC).
Around the same
time as the ceremonial handovers, the Army found that the rear sight on all the
rifles were unstable. All 44,186 rifles had to be returned to Remington.
Col. Benjamin
Hao, spokesman for the Army, was asked to respond to observations that the AFP
put President Aquino in a bad light, because they made him symbolically give
the soldiers weapons that turned out to be defective.
Hao said Aquino
was just happily showing the people that he could provide them better weapons.
But whether or not the AFP put Aquino in an embarrassing situation, Hao said he
could not speak on that.
He, however, said
that despite the earlier defects, the Army is happy that they have brand new
weapons. The M4s are lighter and shorter than the M-16 rifles that the Army has
been using for the past few decades. Hao said this will give more agility to
their soldiers in combat.
The warehouse
where some 50,000 M4 rifles were stored was opened to show none of the
defective rifles had been issued to the field. All of the defective rear sights
have been corrected, but all rifles still need to undergo ballistics test
before being issued.
The Marines have
already been issued 1,500 M4s.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/08/27/15/army-demos-corrected-m4-rifles
Kalahi-CIDSS expands in 11 towns in Davao Region
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27): Kalahi-CIDSS expands in 11 towns in Davao Region
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=797487
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here
will start implementing the Kalahi–CIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa
Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) in 11
municipalities in Davao Region with 80 field workers ready for deployment.
DSWD 11 Regional Director Priscilla Razon welcomed the
latest batch of Kalahi-CIDSS staffs during the week-long orientation-training
early this month at Island Garden City of Samal. This development is in line
with the Kalahi-CIDSS goal of empowering communities down to the grassroots
level.
The DSWD recently deployed in every town an Area
Coordinating Team (ACT) composed of an Area Coordinator (AC), Technical
Facilitator (TF), Finance Analyst (FA), and Community Empowerment Facilitator
(CEF).
The team will lead the implementation of the program in the
municipality in coordination with the Municipal Coordinating Team, the ACT
counterpart installed by the LGU in every Kalahi-CIDSS area.
Kalahi-CIDSS will operate in Baganga, Lupon (Davao Oriental);
Kiblawan, Jose Abad Santos, Malalag, Sta. Maria, Don Marcelino, Sarangani
(Davao del Sur); and Montevista, Braulio E. Dujali and San Isidro (Davao del
Norte).
Kalahi-CIDSS, one of the three core programs of DSWD, is a
community-driven development project of the Philippine Government that aims to
empower communities through their enhanced participation in local governance
and poverty alleviation projects.
According to Kalahi-CIDSS Deputy Regional Program Manager
Ma. Annabelle Jabla, choosing applicants to lead the program is one of the most
scrutinizing processes in the program.
“The people who should take up the task should have the
heart to help other people. The work in Kalahi-CIDSS is not a typical job that
we have inside the office. It’s a call for something deeper, they should have
the passion to be a catalyst for change, carrying on the goal of the program
and that is to empower the community in alleviating poverty.”
Approved by President Benigno Aquino on January 18, 2013,
Kalahi-CIDSS has expanded into a national scale of operations and opened in 16
municipalities in Region XI in 2014, in its pilot implementation.
Jabla added that the new workers have been capacitated using
the Community Driven Development (CDD) approach. ACTs are expected to empower
ordinary citizens to directly participate in local governance by identifying
their own community needs and collectively responding to it.
The 11 municipalities will receive a cash grant of Php 173,
980,750.00 that would benefit 197 barangays.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=797487
Hataman, Iqbal worry over substitute BBL but MILF remain optimistic
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27): Hataman, Iqbal worry over substitute BBL but MILF remain optimistic
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=797516
Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in
Muslim Mindanao has appealed to the country’s lawmakers to restore salient
provisions of the original Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) while Moro rebel chief
negotiator Mohaqher Iqbal was uncertain on the fate of the draft law.
However, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leaders
are convinced the BBL is still alive and remained hopeful.
Hataman issued the appeal as the Senate and House of
Representatives resume deliberations on the draft law which, he said, was
substituted by entirely different versions.
“We are concerned over raised apprehensions that the
substitute version no longer stand for the aspirations of the Moro people for a
genuine self-rule,” Hataman said in a statement.
Hataman has been hoping the Senate and the House this week
to observe separate deliberations of the two chambers.
Senator Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos Jr has filed his
substitute bill known as Senate Bill No. 2894 while in the House, members are
deliberating on HB No. 5811, authored by Cagayan Rep. Rufus Rodriguez.
At the Senate, debates resumed on Monday followed by a
period of amendments while at the House of Representatives, plenary discussions
happened only once due to quorum issues.
Mohaqher Iqbal, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief
negotiator and chair of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) that drafted
the BBL, admitted he was in a dilemma over the fate of the draft law.
“The government is telling us they are working on the BBL
but as of now it remained uncertain,” Iqbal said of the draft bill during a
speech at the turn-over of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
donated school building in Kibleg, Upi, Maguindanao.
“Sabi ng government sigurado na, pero parang di pa sure (The
government is telling us it is certain the bill will be passed as scheduled but
for me it is still uncertain),” Iqbal said.
Hataman believed the Senate and the House versions were
diluted and said, “a diluted BBL will only worsen the lives of Moro people in Mindanao .”
“(I appeal to) our lawmakers to pass a BBL that will result
in the creation of a political entity that is way better than ARMM,” Hataman
said.
“Anything lesser than ARMM will not solve the problem of Mindanao and the Moro people,” he said.
While many claimed the BBL is dead, the MILF, in its website
editorial, believed otherwise.
“The BBL is not yet dead on track. There is still chance for
it to pass Congress. President Benigno Aquino III will deliver; we still
believe in this. We also trust the collective wisdom of Congress to pass the
proposed law, a good BBL,” the editorial said.
“On many occasions, the MILF has been in a situation fraught
with dangers. But it never gave up; it never said die. No one knows exactly
what is in the offing. Only God does,” it added.
The MILF said one leader of another Moro revolutionary
group, apparently referring to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), told
them the BBL was a hopeless case to pursue.
“What they did to us, they will do it to you,” the editorial
quoted the Moro rebel official as saying.
Patience prevailed upon the MILF as it said “the MILF has
listened to all these pushing or bashing. While they are not taken as veritable
truth, they are not passed on to the other ear either.”
“The day of reckoning is not far away. We will know who is
correct and who is wrong. Let us wait for that,” the editorial said.
The editorial said the MILF asked itself: “If the MILF is to
disengage right now, what are the implications and alternatives? Who will be on
the bad side of history? Truth is that many a person criticizes an idea or
decision, but he or she has nothing to offer. Often their decision is caused by
emotions and not a well-thought-out idea.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=797516
PNP, Army hunt down gunmen in murder of off-duty soldier
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27): PNP, Army hunt down gunmen in murder of off-duty soldier
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=797698
The military and the police in Maguindanao have launched
manhunt against two men riding tandem on a motorbike who executed an off-duty
soldier Wednesday in Datu Montawal town.
Capt. Joann Patinglay, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry
Division, also reiterated the directive of Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, 6th ID
chief, for off-duty soldiers to refrain from traveling on motorcycles alone
because they became easy prey for lawless elements.
Inspector Rasul Pandulo, Datu Montawal town police chief,
said Private First Class Hernan Daval of Alpha, 7th Infantry Battalion based in
Pikit town was on his way to the Army headquarters when two men tailed him then
shot him using cal. 45 pistol in Datu Montawal highway.
Pandulo said robbery was ruled out since Daval's back pack
and motorbike as well as his personal belongings were untouched.
He was the second off-duty soldier killed in the 6th ID area
of responsibility since August 20.
Army 2nd Lieutenant Ferdinand Perez of the 7th IB said Daval
told him once that he has been receiving death threats through his mobile
phones. Perez could not say who was threatening his subordinate and for what
reason.
Pandulo said outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters
(BIFF) was one of the suspects. The BIFF, after its defeat during Army
offensive early this year, has resorted to "hit and run" attacks on
any military personnel traveling along Maugindanao and North
Cotabato highways.
Senior Supt. Nickson Muksan, Maguindanao police provincial
director, said Datu Montawal police investigators are following up a lead that
could identify the suspects and for filing of appropriate charges.
The killing on Wednesday of a member of the Philippine Army
in Maguindanao was the second this August.
On August 20, Cpl. Angelo Magtubo of the 7th Field Artillery
Battalion, in civilian clothes, was driving his motorcycle on his way to a
nearby store to buy cigarettes when shot at 3 p.m. in Barangay Nabalawag,
Midsayap, North Cotabato .
At least a dozen soldiers have been liquidated by suspected
BIFF hit men in Maguindanao since January this year.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=797698
DavOr town receives P2.3M worth of PAMANA projects
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27): DavOr town receives P2.3M worth of PAMANA projects
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=797862
Three barangays from the municipality of Tarragona
The beneficiaries were Ompao Muslim-Christian Cooperative
(OMCC), Tomoaong United Lumad Association for Development (TULAD) and Ugbo
Tubaon Mandaya Planters Association (UTMPA).
The beneficiaries received rubber seedlings, organic
fertilizers, organic foliar fertilizers, shovel and lagaraw.
DA regional director Remelyn Recoter in her message
delivered by Dr. Rafael Mercado, assistant regional director for research and
regulatory, told the beneficiaries to take good care of the project granted to
them.
A total of 200 hectare land from the three beneficiaries
will be utilized for the rubber production project.
Governor Corazon Malanyaon personally thanked DA and OPPAP
for helping her constituents. She also told the beneficiaries to take good care
of the project.
“You are very lucky to be chosen as the recipient of this
project. I hope you will take good care of it,” Malanyaon said.
PAMANA or Peaceful and Resilient Communities project is a national
government’s peace and development framework for empowering conflict-affected
areas in the country.
It is supported by concerned government line agencies, local
government units (LGUs) and civil society groups. It follows a convergence
strategy to close the gaps in development and bring progress to
conflict-affected areas, where they are needed the most. It also ensures that
communities benefit from improved delivery of basic social services and are
served by a responsive, transparent and accountable government.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=797862
Visiting official assures timely completion of US-funded road project in Samar
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27): Visiting official assures timely completion of US-funded road project in Samar
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=797742
The US-funded road rehabilitation project in two Samar provinces will be finished by 2016 a top official
of the Millennium Challenge Corporation has assured Tuesday.
MCC Deputy Vice President for Europe, Asia ,
the Pacific and Latin America Fatema Sumar said the road project is now 60
percent done.
“Our goal is to finish construction before May 25, 2016,”
said Sumar, adding that contractors of the project are mandated to finish it
before the deadline.
The official was in the province on Tuesday to inaugurate
anti-poverty projects funded by the US
Dubbed as the Secondary National Roads Development Project
(SNRDP), the road has a total road length of 222 kilometers stretching from
Paranas, Samar to Guiuan, Eastern Samar ,
traversing poor communities.
The USD214.4 million project started October 2012 and will
be finished by 2016.
The project, is expected to boost economic activities and
facilitate social service for the residents of the economically-depressed
provinces of Samar
Island
The project is divided into four contract packages. Contract
Package (CP) 1 with a PHP802 million funding, covers the rehabilitation of a
16.3km stretch from the Buray village in Paranas town to the Tenani village of
the same town.
CP 2 covers road rehabilitation of 63.68km from Hinabangan
town in Samar to Sulat in Eastern Samar . The
contract is valued at PHP2.5 billion.
CP 3 is concentrated on the 64.58km traverse San Julian,
Sulat, Balangkayan and Llorente in Eastern Samar .
The total project cost is PHP2.46 billion.
The longest stretch at 77.51 kilometers falls under CP 4,
stretching from Llorente town to Guian town. The cost is PHP2.2 billion.
Other than road upgrading project, the USD434 million
compact package is also intended for support reforms and investments to
modernize the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and to expand and improve a
community-driven development project, Kalahi-CIDSS of the Department of Social
Welfare and Development.
MCC has a five year contract project supporting the Philippines
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=797742
42 former rebels receive livelihood aid in Surigao del Sur
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27): 42 former rebels receive livelihood aid in Surigao del Sur
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=797533
Forty-two rebel returnees received livelihood grants from
the government's comprehensive local integration program (CLIP) in the province of Surigao del Sur.
The former rebels formally took their oath of allegiance to
the government and surrendered their firearms in a ceremony held on Tuesday at
a gymnasium in the town of Lianga
Each of the former rebels were given financial grants
amounting to PhP70,000.00
Aside from the said grant, the rebel returnees will aslo
receive another cash assistance from the "Gun For Peace Program" of
the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as compensation for the firearms
which they have surrendered
A total of 29 high-powered and low-powered firearms were
surrendered by the former rebels.
One of the rebel returnees, Vilma Quillano, 24, said she
joined the armed movement in 2010 to avenge the death of her mother who died in
an encounter between members of the New People's Army (NPA) and the military in
the province.
However, after giving birth to her son and raising her own
family, she realized the importance of the presence of a mother in a family.
This prompted her to leave the armed struggle in order to devote time to her
family.
“Sa una, dili nako matugkad ang akong kasuko batok sa
gobyerno tungod sa kamatayon sa akong inahan nga sakop sa mga NPA. Pero, tin-aw
na gayud karon kay nakita na nako karon ang kahimtang sa akong anak. Mitigbabaw
ang akong paghigugma kaniya nga dili nako gusto nga masinatian usab niya ang
akong nabatiang kapait nga nasinatian sa akong kinabuhi. Salamat sa Dios ug a
tanang mitabangsa amoa. Balik na sa normal ang among kinabuhi,” ( Before, I
cannot make out the anger I felt against the government because of the death of
my mother who was an NPA member, who died in an encounter between the military.
But as of now, as I think of the welfare of my son, my eyes were opened to the
reality, I clearly see that my family, especially my two-year old son. I found
out that I love him so much. I don’t want him to undergo the same bitter
experiences which I’ve had while I was in the underground. I thank the Lord and
those who have helped come up with these realizations,” she said.
Meanwhile, the AFP also welcomed the return of the former
lawless elements to civilian life and tagged it as a feat for the pursuit of
peace and development in the country.
”We would like to thank our brothers and sisters who finally
decided to live normal lives. Once again, armed struggle is not the solution to
end social, political and economic problem. It is only through peaceful
resolution of conflict. Once again, I urge everyone to take part as a peace
advocates. Let us work together to achieve or common goal so that we can live
in harmony,” said Maj. Gen. Oscar T. Lactao, the commanding general of the 4th
Infantry Division, Philippine Army.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=797533
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