China conducts drills in East China Sea

Posted to ABS-CBN (Aug 28): China conducts drills in East China Sea

China conducted large-scale air and sea exercises in the East China Sea on Thursday, state news agency Xinhua said, the third time in the last two months it has carried out such live-fire maritime drills.

The training involved more than 100 ships, dozens of aircraft, information warfare units as well the firing of close to 100 missiles, Xinhua said.

It did not specify where exactly the exercises took place.

China and Japan are involved in an increasingly bitter dispute over ownership of a group of uninhabited islets in the East China Sea, called the Senkaku by Tokyo and Diaoyu by Beijing.

China has in the last two months held similar exercises in the Yellow Sea, and also the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

China claims most of the potentially energy-rich South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year, and rejects the rival claims of Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan.

Separately, China's Defence Ministry said China will hold joint military drills next month with Malaysia in the strategic Strait of Malacca, and will also hold training exercises with Australia and the United States in Australia.

China's rapidly modernising armed forces have been increasing their global reach and carrying out exercises in ever more distant locations, as the government seeks to protect its interests around the world.

But China has jangled nerves, especially in its territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas with a growing assertiveness.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/world/08/27/15/china-conducts-drills-east-china-sea

Quorum lack stymies BBL’s passage

From The Standard (Aug 28): Quorum lack stymies BBL’s passage

SPEAKER Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said Thursday the perennial problem of securing a quorum in the House of Representatives was delaying the passage of the Palace-backed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Even if the House of Representatives was able to muster a quorum in the past three session days this week, Belmonte said, he was disappointed that the House had failed to resume its plenary debates and discussions on the measure.

                                  Romualdez

“To be very frank, I am a little disappointed that the BBL was not given a chance to be taken up,” Belmonte told reporters.

He made his statement even as Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez backed the passage of a proposed law allowing the live broadcast of all House proceedings in state-owned PTV Channel 4 to promote further transparency.

Romualdez was referring to House Bill 4049 filed by Rep. Lito Atienza, who wants the public to witness how their representatives are performing in the chamber.

“This is a very laudable proposal. The public must witness how members of the House are performing and responding to the call of their legislative duties,” Romualdez said.

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he was bracing for the expected intense debates on the grants to the Bangsamoro government, which is expected to reach billions of pesos, when the deliberations on the BBL resumes next week.

Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile hoped he would be the last to interpellate Marcos on his substitute bill that he was still studying following his release from detention.

Meanwhile, Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao appealed to lawmakers to restore the salient provisions in the original BBL while Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief negotiator Mohaqher Iqbal said he was uncertain about the fate of the draft law.

However, MILF leaders were convinced the BBL was still alive and remained hopeful.

Hataman issued his appeal as the Senate and House prepared to resume the deliberations on the draft law which, he said, was replaced by an entirely different version.

Belmonte said the quorum problem would be solved by simply reminding the House members to attend the sessions.

“I think reminding them is enough,” Belmonte said, even as he remained optimistic that the House leadership would be able to meet its deadline in passing a BBL that is “Constitution-compliant.”
“We can’t be divisive,” Belmonte said.

“The majority has five groups and the minority has two groups. They have the capacity to stand on their own. It is a better strategy to work in harmony.”

Belmonte also said he favored the proposal of Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. for the House leadership to come up with rules and regulations to address the quorum problem, such as penalties or suspension for absentee congressmen.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/08/28/quorum-lack-stymies-bbl-s-passage/

Philippines, Thailand leaders strengthen defense cooperation: Discuss West PHL Sea

From Ang Malaya (Aug 28): Philippines, Thailand leaders strengthen defense cooperation: Discuss West PHL Sea

The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand General Prayut Chan-o-cha made an official visit to the Republic of The Philippines on August 27-28, 2015. The visit is the leader’s first visit to Philippines since he assumed office in August 2014. “Prime Minister Prayut expressed appreciation to President Aquino and the Government of the Republic of The Philippines for the warm welcome and highly accorded hospitality extended to him and his delegation during this visit,” says in the joint press release after a meeting with President Aquino.

“The two Leaders updated each other on the political developments and national reforms in Thailand and The Philippines. Prime Minister Prayut congratulated President Aquino on the successful implementation of the vision “Straight Path” and the continued high economic growth rate for the past five years,” says in the joint statement.

Aquino and his counterpart are looking forward to the inaugural meetings of the Joint Committee on Military Cooperation (JCMC) and the Joint Trade Commission (JTC) in Manila later this year. Thailand also expressed readiness to host the First Meeting on Technical Cooperation between Thailand and The Philippines on 24-25 September 2015.

“The two Leaders expressed satisfaction on the signing of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Philippine Army (PA) and Royal Thai Army (RTA) Working Group in April 2015. The TOR aims to develop guidelines and rules of procedure on army-related activities between the two armies,” the statement said.

Aquino said in his speech said that “the Prime Minister was instrumental in strengthening the partnership between our Armed Forces during his time as Chief of the Royal Thai Army, so too does he continue to work with us in order to forge the kind of defense relations that enables us to serve our peoples in a more holistic manner.”

During the engagement, Thailand committed to cooperate with Philippines and fellow ASEAN countries in fully and effectively implementing the Declaration on the Conduct (DOC) of Parties in the South China Sea and the expeditious conclusion of Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea.

“They also exchanged views on the maritime disputes in the South China Sea. President Aquino apprised Prime Minister Prayut on the latest developments on The Philippines’ arbitration case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague,” states in the joint statement.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/08/28/12939-philippines-thailand-leaders-strengthen-defense-cooperation-discuss-west-phl-sea

FULL TEXT: Transcript of oral arguments on Philippines vs China arbitration case

From the Philippine Star (Aug 28): FULL TEXT: Transcript of oral arguments on Philippines vs China arbitration case

          

The Peace Palace at the Hague, the Netherlands is the seat of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which has the tribunal hearing the case filed by the Philippines against China's territorial claims. Wikimedia Commons/Yeu Ninje/International Court of Justice

The Arbitral Tribunal of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague, Netherlands released the full transcript of the oral hearings on the territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea as requested by the Philippines.

Last July, the Philippines sent a delegation composed of top executives from the three government branches as the United Nations arbitral tribunal opened the arbitration court proceedings on the sea dispute.

READ: IN PHOTOS: Philippine delegation in South China Sea arbitration

The Philippines filed a case against China's excessive maritime claims over the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea, being the first country to challenge its nine-dash line claim.

The arbitral tribunal is set to rule on the case against China over the territorial disputes within the year.

A copy of the full transcript of the three-day hearing on jurisdiction and admissibility can be viewed below.

[Copy of 106 page document attached to article]

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/08/28/1493261/full-text-transcript-oral-arguments-philippines-vs-china-arbitration

3 Abu Sayyaf members killed in Sulu clash

From the Philippine Star (Aug 28): 3 Abu Sayyaf members killed in Sulu clash

Three members of the Abu Sayyaf group were killed while 15 were wounded, including ten Marines and five Abu Sayyaf bandits, in an encounter Friday morning in the mountain of Patikul town, Sulu, a senior military ground official said.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu (JTGS), said the troops encountered about 300 followers from the combined groups of at least five Abu Sayyaf leaders about 6:29 a.m. in the vicinity of Mt. Awak in Barangay Latih.

The Marines composed of Special Operations Platoon 2 from the 2nd Marine Company and 32nd Marine Company were on focused military operations when they engaged the followers in combat of Abu Sayyaf leaders Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, Muamar Askali alias “Abu Ramy,” Almuktar, Namiel Ahajari, Basaron Arok and an unidentified henchman of Yasser Igasan.

Arrojado said supporting Marine forces launched heavy artillery shelling towards the Abu Sayyaf positions that prompted the group to retreat.
The encounter resulted to the death of three Abu Sayyaf members, identified as Umaili Jarmaani alias "Nidil," Aljimar Barin and Ardam Muhajili, all natives of Patikul, according to military intelligence sources. Two of the five wounded Abu Sayyaf bandits were identified as Sueb and Anas. 
“At least 10 Marines were wounded during the encounter,” Arrojado said. “The wounded soldiers were in stable condition.”
The wounded soldiers were identified as Sgt. Rey Addatu, Cpls. Elmer de Jesus Jr., Francisco Masanda III, Jomar Ballad, Private 1st Class Reygie Gapuz, Denmark Wanasen, Joseph Accad, Private Dionisio Lava Jr., Ronwaldo Dalayday and Paul Julius Calamay.
According to Arrojado, they relentlessly pursue the bandits who withdrew heading towards Barangay Maligay and Sitio Kanjimao, Barangay Buhanginan, all in Patikul town.
The military also launched joint ground artillery towards the withdrawal routes of the militants while others sealed the possible location of the Abu Sayyaf group to prevent them from escaping.
The military has intensified the operation to rescue the remaining hostages from the Abu Sayyaf group following threats of harming the captives.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/08/28/1493299/3-abu-sayyaf-members-killed-sulu-clash

Lumad decry airborne 'abduction' of 14 in Bukidnon but military says operation targeted 'NPA'

From InterAksyon (Aug 28): Lumad decry airborne 'abduction' of 14 in Bukidnon but military says operation targeted 'NPA'

Indigenous people’s organizations in Bukidnon decried what they called the “abduction” of 14 of their leaders and members from a hinterland village of Kitao-tao town even as northern Mindanao media reported a massive military operation that netted suspected members of the New People’s Army.

A statement from the Kahugpongan sa Mag-uuma sa Kitao-tao (KMK, Kitao-tao Farmers’ Organization) said the military has also threatened to burn down the tribal school and a health center run by the Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Inc. in Barangay White Culaman.

Controversy has hounded the tribal schools, mostly set up and run by religious groups in lumad communities that used to have no access to basic education, which the military and even some local education officials have accused of advocating support for communist rebels.

Recent incidents of lumad evacuations, including hundreds of Manobo from Davao del Norte and Bukidnon who have sought refuge at a Protestant church in Davao City, have been blamed on the military’s occupation of their communities and tribal schools, a fact noted by United Nations special rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons Chaloka Beyani when he visited the country last month.

The military has maintained the refugees are “manipulated” and victims of “trafficking,” even using excerpts from Beyani’s exit brief for security officials to bolster its claims but earning a sharp rebuke from the UN expert who called the move a “gross distortion” of his observations.

But Colonel Jesse Alvarez, commander of the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade, was quoted in news reports as saying the “law enforcement operation,” which involved around 200 soldiers and police personnel, was covered by a search warrant issued by a regional trial court and, aside from the alleged rebels, also led to the seizure of “sacks” of weapons and improvised explosive devices.

The suspects were flown by helicopter to the headquarters of the 8th Infantry Battalion in Maramag town, the military said.

The reports also quoted a government prosecutor and a freelance journalist who the military brought along as saying the operation was in order and people’s rights were respected.

But KMK claimed the purported evidence had been “planted” by hundreds of soldiers from the 8th and 23rd IBs who, it said, had arrived and deployed to the White Culaman sitios of Midsayap, Dibisyon, Hindangan, Sagasaan Malinaw, Dao and Poblacion on August 22.

On the evening of August 25, the organization said, troops occupied the barangay hall, health center and stage and, early the next day began searching houses and rounding up the suspects who KMK identified as its chairperson, Elen Manlibaas; Camilo Asunan, council member of the lumad organization Tinananon Kulamanon Lumadnong Panaghiusa sa Arakan; Rudolfo Tambog, council member of the Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma sa Barangay White Culaman; and members of the organizations Felizardo Labadan, Jun Pillisar, Noyda Manlumaray, Lolok Manlipay, Selmo Manlumaray, Ariel Manlumaray, Josie Labaninay,  Lucenio Labadan, Ar-ar Manlumaray, Dieno Manlibaas and Loling Maasin. 

KMK said the hands of the 14, who included a few minors, were bound with plastic twine and they were detained overnight at the daycare center before being flown out on Thursday as the military called a village assembly. It was during the assembly, the group said, that the alleged plan to torch the school and health center was supposedly raised. 

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/116732/lumad-decry-airborne-abduction-of-14-in-bukidnon-but-military-says-operation-targeted-npa

Zambo, USAID launch E-Peso program

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): Zambo, USAID launch E-Peso program

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar and officials of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) formally launched on Thursday afternoon the E-Peso ecosystem to jumpstart the implementation of cashless transactions in the local government.

Roger Carlson, USAID Acting deputy mission director, saidthat the launching activity was a very important step in a series of initiatives underway to implement the partnership for growth established a few years back between the Philippines and the United States.

Carlson said the E-Peso program is designed to support the Philippines commitment “to achieve a 20-fold increase in electronic payment usage and the development of an economic infrastructure that will enable Filipinos to access new financial products.”

“It will provide wide range of financial services that can help Filipinos build assets and participate in the formal economy which is a key to achieving inclusive growth and in the long run hoping to eliminate extreme poverty,” Carlson said.

He said the program will make the payment of taxes, permits and other transactions easier and more accessible to all.

“E-payments can be made right at the convenience of your home or office, saving you time from physically queuing or traveling just to settle obligations,” he said.

Salazar thanked the USAID for considering this city as a very vital place by helping and rolling out millions of dollars for projects that will usher growth and development.

“The lesson we want to learn is how to capacitate Zamboanga City so we can have opportunities for growth and development through the utilization and embracing new challenges through the use of electronic payments,” Salazar said.

Salazar expressed deep gratitude to the USAID for what she termed as a fruitful beginning stressing that with USAID’s guidance and support, this city will grow not only from rank 74 to 15 in the cities competitiveness ranking but will make a dent, make a ripple and make a way not only within the city but within Basilan, Sulu and the peninsula.

Edwin To, a representative of the local Chamber of Commerce, thanked Salazar for leading the way in the implementation of cashless transactions in this city stressing that “this is a manifestation of your dynamic leadership.”

The highlight of the launching program was a presentation of the E-Peso activity by USAID-E-PESO Chief of Party, the formal handover of the Executive Order 129-2015 creating the local government unit (LGU) E-Peso counterpart team by Salazar to Carlson and the signing of the Wall of Support.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=798034

14 wounded as troops clash with ASG brigands, JI militants in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): 14 wounded as troops clash with ASG brigands, JI militants in Sulu

Fourteen people, including four Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members, were wounded in an hour-long firefight Friday in the hinterlands of Sulu.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, said the firefight broke out around 6:29 a.m. Friday in Mount Awak, Barangay Latih, Patikul, Sulu.

Arrojado said the firefight broke out when the marine forces encountered about 300 ASG members while conducting focus military operation.

Arrojado said the ground troops have sighted four Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) militants, who were together with the ASG members during the clash.

He said the wounded soldiers belong to the 32nd Marine Company of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-2 (MBLT-2).

Arrojado said the Fire Base Santol pounded the positions of the enemy forces with 81-mm mortar shells while another platoon reinforced the engaged troops forcing the JIs and brigands to scamper to different directions.

He said the wounded troops were taken to the Trauma Hospital in Camp General Teodulfo Bautista and later to Camp Navarro General Hospital in this city.

He said that two of the wounded ASG brigands were identified as a certain Sueb and a certain Anas based on the reports from the ground troops.

He said the ASG brigands that figured in the firefight against the troops are led by Hatib Hajan Sawajaan, Muamar Askali, Almuktar Suddung, Namiel Ahajari, Basaron Arok and Yasser Igasan.

He said the troops are still conducting clearing operation at the clash site.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=798066

UPDATE: 3 Abu Sayyaf brigands killed, 14 wounded in Sulu clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): UPDATE: 3 Abu Sayyaf brigands killed, 14 wounded in Sulu clash

Three Abu Sayyaf brigands were killed while 14 others, including four brigands, were wounded in a fierce gun battle Friday in the province of Sulu, a top military official said.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, said the firefight broke out when the marine troops encountered some 300 Abu Sayyaf brigands around 6:29 a.m. Friday in Mount Awak, Barangay Latih, Patikul, Sulu.

Arrojado said the Marine Battalion Landing Team-2 (MBLT-2) troops were conducting focus military operation when the spotted the Abu Sayyaf brigands.

Arrojado said the troops have also noticed that four Jemaah Islamiyah militants were together with the Abu Sayyaf brigands during the clash.

He said the slain Abu Sayyaf brigands were identified as Umaili Jarmaani, Aljimar Barin, Ardam Muhajili based on the report of the ground troops.

He said two of the wounded Abu Sayyaf brigands were identified as a certain Sueb and a certain Anas.

He said the 10 wounded MBLT-2 troops were airlifted to a military hospital in this city after undergoing initial medical treatment at the Trauma Hospital in Camp Gen. Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo, Sulu.

Arrojado said the Fire Base Santol pounded the positions of the enemy forces with 81-mm mortar shells while another platoon reinforced the engaged troops forcing the JIs and brigands to scamper to different directions.

He said the Abu Sayyaf brigands that figured in the firefight against the troops are led by Hatib Hajan Sawajaan, Muamar Askali, Almuktar Suddung, Namiel Ahajari, Basaron Arok and Yasser Igasan.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=798160

Farmers unearth abandoned IED in North Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): Farmers unearth abandoned IED in North Cotabato

MATALAM, North Cotabato -- Alert villagers and palm oil plantation workers prevented what could be a bloody Friday when they discovered live improvised bombs under palm oil trees, police said on Friday.

Supt. Bernard Tayong, North Cotabato police spokesperson, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA), the plantation workers putting fertilizers on palm oil trees found the explosives at about 3 p.m.

To avoid premature explosion, the workers reported their discovery to the plantation owner, who in turn alerted the Matalam police.

Tayong said the IED was composed of a 40 mm projectile and live fragmentation grenade left unattended in the vast Zerudo palm oil plantation in Barangay Upper Valdevieso, Matalam, North Cotabato.

Police immediately cordoned off the area and directed plantation workers to stay away because of the danger of premature explosion if the ground moves.

Army bomb experts from the 57th Infantry Battalion safely defused the IEDs.

Tayong said the explosives could have been left unconsciously by armed men or Moro rebels operating in the hinterlands of Matalam.

No one claims ownership of the explosive which are now under the custody of 57th IB for safekeeping and proper disposal.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=798204

P-Noy to lead National Heroes' Day celebrations Monday

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): P-Noy to lead National Heroes' Day celebrations Monday

President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead the commemoration of National Heroes’ Day with a simple wreath-laying ceremony and commemorative program at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB), Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Monday.

The event will take place 8 a.m.

Aquino will be joined in by other top government officials, senior military officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel, members of the diplomatic corps, students, and members of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP).

A full military honor composed of personnel from the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy (Fleet and Marines) and Philippine Air Force will also be tendered to the President upon his arrival at the LNMB.

National Heroes' Day is a national holiday in the Philippines, celebrated every last Monday of August to pay tribute to our Filipino heroes, particularly soldiers fallen during combat and/or while performing in humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=798039

Yordan appointed AFP-GHQ and HSC commander

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): Yordan appointed AFP-GHQ and HSC commander

Brig. Gen. Vicente M. Yordan was appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines-General Headquarters (GHQ) and Headquarters Support Command (HSC) commander during simple ceremonies Friday.

He replaces Brig. Gen. Arthur P. Ang who retired after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

The latter is a member of Philippine Military Academy "Dimalupig" Class of 1981.

Ang served for 34 year in the military.

His replacement, Yordan, is a member of the PMA "Sandigan" Class of 1982.

His accomplishments as a military leader stems from his passion for excellence and perfection in everything he does.

Yordan is said to be a perfectionist to whom small details are important.

Prior to becoming AFP GHQ and HSC head, he held the position of Commander of 51st Engineering Brigade of Philippine Army.

He also held various military positions. Among the offices he held were executive office of OJ5 of AFP GHQ in 2007, Director of Doctrine Center, Training and Doctrine Command in Camp O’Donell Capas, Tarlac from 2009 to 2010, Army Chief of Engineers from 2010 to 2012, and Brigade Commander of 55th Engineering Brigade in Mindanao from 2012 to 2013.

Yordan underwent various schoolings including Scout Ranger Orientation Course, Basic Airborne Course and Counter Intelligence Course.

He also underwent schoolings abroad including National Security Course at Korea National Defense University, International Defense Resource Management in United States Naval Post Graduate School, and Mapping Charting and Geodesy Course at Fort Belvoir, Unites States of America.

Among the awards he received were Distinguished Service Star, Presidential Unit Citation Badge, Civic Military Action Medal, Mindanao Sulu Campaign Medal and Gawad sa Kaunlaran Award.

Yordan was born on August 6, 1960 in Mandaue City, Cebu. He is married to Aileen Sarmiento-Yordan, a researcher, with whom he had a son, Benedict John.

While Ang is a known adept in military diplomacy and international politics.

He was designated as military attaché to Beijing from 2005-2008.

Prior to his designation as commander of GHQ and HSC from March 28, 2014 until Aug. 28, he also served as Assistant Division Commander of 2nd Infantry Division, Philippine Army, based in Camp Mateo Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal from 2012 to 2014.

 

Among the positions he held were Brigade Commander of 901st Brigade of 9th Infantry Division in Albay, Bicol from 2010 to 2012, Chief of Staff of 9th Infantry Division Headquarters in Pili, Camarines Sur from 2009 to 2010 and Executive Officer of AFP GHQ’s OJ2 from 2005 to 2009.

Ang is also a graduate of Scout Ranger Orientation Course, Security Intelligence Officer Course, Counter Intelligence Officer Course and Field Artillery Officer Basic Course.

He also received international schooling including Rural Tradecraft Training in United States, Political Warfare Course in Taiwan and Foreign Officer Tactical Intelligence Course in Australia.

Among the decorations and awards he received were Anti-Dissidence Campaign Medal and Ribbon, Military Merit Medals, Distinguished Service Stars, Bronze Cross Medal and Gawad sa Kaunlaran.

He is also a recipient of Royal Thailand Army Airborne Wings.

Ang was born on Aug. 29, 1959 in Bacolod City. He is married to Evangeline Gabriel-Ang with whom he had a son, Arthur Angelo.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=798042

PMAAAI to conduct 4th Heroes Run

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): PMAAAI to conduct 4th Heroes Run

The Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association, Inc. (PMAAAI) on Friday announced that it will hold its fourth Heroes Run this coming Nov. 29.

Around 5,000 runners nationwide are expected to attend in this event.

This year's Heroes Run is the biggest get-together for military men and women as well as the general running public on their quest to aid the fallen and injured soldiers' dependents.

This year, the event will have three simultaneous gun starts: Manila, Ilo-Ilo (Visayas) and the recently added, Davao (Mindanao).

The nationwide run will have four categories: 3K for Php 500; 5K for Php 700; 10K for Php 800; and 21K for Php 900.

The aim of the run is to unite Filipino runners, whether professional or amateur to take part in this nationalistic effort.

Col. Leo Guinid, PMAAAI athletic representative, " "Heroes Run has been one of the most successful events in the country in terms of uniting the public and the military. It breaks down boundaries and shows the good nature of each side. It adds inspiration to the soldiers while it makes the public appreciate more the sacrifices our soldiers make for the sake of the country's peace and order."

Conceptualization of the Heroes Run started when PMAAAI saw the opportunity to unite the public and the military. For years, military men and women had marathons of their own.

It's part of their leisurely activities to promote camaraderie and a way of relaxation.

But in the past years, the public also became more health and fitness inclined holding runs and marathons of their own as well.

This sparked the idea to hold a run initiated by the military and open it to the public.

So far, Heroes Run gathered more and more runners in the past.

Just last year, it had two gun starts; one in Manila and the other in Ilo-Ilo.

It became very successful that PMAAAI decided to take it to the next level this year: to allow the whole nation join from Luzon to Mindanao.

And just like every Heroes Run, the fund-raising event's top mission is to help the families left behind by fallen soldiers or even the injured ones.

The chosen organization for 2015 is the Armed Forces of the Philippines Educational Benefit System Office (AFPEBSO).

"Our AFPEBSO has been consistent in managing the educational scholarship programs for the dependent of our hero soldiers. However, they need all the support we can give to ensure sustainability of these programs. Through this endeavor, we have the best chance to give back to our soldiers by participating in this event and by sponsoring," PMAAAI president Col. John Jurado said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=797991

National flags in all PA camps to be in half-staff Monday

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): National flags in all PA camps to be in half-staff Monday

In honor of Filipino soldiers who have fallen in combat or conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions (HADR), all national flags in Philippine Army (PA) camps and bases will be placed in half-staff Monday.

This will start at 5 a.m. and will end on 12 noon, PA spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao said.

Incidentally, the country will be celebrating National Heroes Day Monday.

"The PA will implement the half-staffing of national flag to pay tribute to our Filipino heroes, particularly soldiers fallen during combat and/or while performing in HADR operations," Hao stressed.

Under Republic Act No. 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, the Philippine Flag can be flown at half-mast or half-staff during the death anniversary of heroes and heroines, calamities or grave adversity of national or international solemnity as ordered by the Office of the President.

National flag can also be lowered to half-mast as a sign of mourning upon official announcement of the death of select government officials or other persons determined by the National Historical Institute.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=798086

12 rebels, arms cache seized in Bukidnon operations

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): 12 rebels, arms cache seized in Bukidnon operations

Troopers from the Eastern Mindanao Command have arrested 12 suspected New People's Army (NPA) fighters and seized their arms cache during operations in Bukidnon last Aug. 26.

Reports forwarded Friday by Capt. Alberto Caber, Eastern Mindanao Command public affairs office chief, said the rebel weapons consist of an improvised M-16 automatic rifle, a M-79 grenade launcher, three rifle grenades, two unexploded improvised explosive devices, detonators and blasting caps, assorted ammunition, and subversive documents.

Aside from these items, 12 rebels from the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee were arrested by troopers of the 8th Infantry Battalion and the PNP Public Safety Company at Barangay Kulaman, Kitaotao town, Bukidnon 5: 30 a.m.

The successful capture was made possible after concerned residents reported to the military the presence of these heavily-armed rebels.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=798232