From GMA News (Sep 16): Police arrest 6 militants during clash near US Embassy in Manila
Early-morning tension erupted near the US Embassy in Manila when police personnel clashed with a number of militants holding a ligthning rally to mark the 24th anniversary of the historic Philippine Senate vote rejecting the countinued stay of the US military bases in the country.
A report on "News TV Live" said the protesters, poising as joggers along Roxas Boulevard, converged in front of the US Ebassy armed with paint bombs and small placards and called for an end to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the US and the Philippines.
Militants engaged anti-riot police in a shoving match as they lobbed paint bombs at the embassy gate and waved anti-EDCA placards as they charged towards police lines near the embassy gate.
The windshield of a patrol car was hit by a hard object and broke during the clash that ended with the arrest of six protesters.
Traffic buildup on the section the Roxas Boulevard near the embassy occurred for a few minutes before the protesters were dispersed.
But the militants vowed to continue their protest plan, including a march rally going to the Supreme Court later in the day.
In a press release, militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan said members of their alliances would converge at the Supreme Court and the US Embassy.
It denounced the alleged "continuing US intervention and the plan to bring back US bases under the EDCA."
Bayan is calling on the SC to resolve several petitions questioning the EDCA which were filed last year. Petitioners included former senators, party-list lawmakers, activists, academics and church leaders.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/537070/news/metro/police-arrest-6-militants-during-clash-near-us-embassy-in-manila
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
US Embassy denies American soldier killed in Mamasapano
From GMA News (Sep 15): US Embassy denies American soldier killed in Mamasapano
The United States Embassy denied on Tuesday that an American soldier was among those killed in the counter-terrorism operation that led to the death of a wanted Southeast Asian terrorist and 44 elite commandos in Mamasapano town early this year.
"There were no US service member casualties," US Embassy spokesman Kurt Hoyer said in a statement.
Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, was killed in the operation, but as the police pulled out, an encounter with Muslim rebels erupted, killing 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force.
"The operation was planned and executed by Philippine authorities," Hoyer said. "We refer you to them for details of the operation."
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Tuesday said the government should check the authenticity of a video showing supposed proof that the January 25 Mamasapano encounter also resulted in at least one American casualty.
The video, according to a report in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, supposedly shows a slain "Caucasian-looking" man stripped down to his underwear.
The man is said to be a member of the US military who got involved in an encounter between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine National Police's Special Action Force in Mamasapano on January 25.
"Let's take a look at that video. Caucasian ba talaga? And if that video is authentic, Caucasian ba talaga ang nandoon?" De Lima told reporters.
Cooperation between the Philippines and the US has successfully led to the killing of key local terrorists in Mindanao.
"The U.S. government consults regularly with Philippine security forces on issues of mutual interest," Hoyer said.
Assistance provided by US personnel serving under the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines, he explained, were made upon the request of the Philippine government.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/536973/news/nation/us-embassy-denies-american-soldier-killed-in-mamasapano
The United States Embassy denied on Tuesday that an American soldier was among those killed in the counter-terrorism operation that led to the death of a wanted Southeast Asian terrorist and 44 elite commandos in Mamasapano town early this year.
"There were no US service member casualties," US Embassy spokesman Kurt Hoyer said in a statement.
Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, was killed in the operation, but as the police pulled out, an encounter with Muslim rebels erupted, killing 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force.
"The operation was planned and executed by Philippine authorities," Hoyer said. "We refer you to them for details of the operation."
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Tuesday said the government should check the authenticity of a video showing supposed proof that the January 25 Mamasapano encounter also resulted in at least one American casualty.
The video, according to a report in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, supposedly shows a slain "Caucasian-looking" man stripped down to his underwear.
The man is said to be a member of the US military who got involved in an encounter between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine National Police's Special Action Force in Mamasapano on January 25.
"Let's take a look at that video. Caucasian ba talaga? And if that video is authentic, Caucasian ba talaga ang nandoon?" De Lima told reporters.
Cooperation between the Philippines and the US has successfully led to the killing of key local terrorists in Mindanao.
"The U.S. government consults regularly with Philippine security forces on issues of mutual interest," Hoyer said.
Assistance provided by US personnel serving under the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines, he explained, were made upon the request of the Philippine government.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/536973/news/nation/us-embassy-denies-american-soldier-killed-in-mamasapano
De Lima apprehensive about unconfirmed Caucasian fatality in Mamasapano
From InterAksyon (Sep 15): De Lima apprehensive about unconfirmed Caucasian fatality in Mamasapano
Justice Secretary Leila De Lima
Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila de Lima on Tuesday questioned the authenticity of the video that surfaced recently, purportedly showing the body of a Caucasian soldier allegedly among the remains of the Special Action Force (SAF) commandos who died in the January 25 Mamasapano massacre.
De Lima said the authenticity of the video should first be established before anything else, adding that, once this is done, the next move should be to ascertain whether the fatality was indeed Caucasian or not.
"Let's take a look at that -- if that video is authentic, the next question should be, is he indeed a Caucasian?," De Lima told journalists, said as she appealed to the public not to immediately jump into conclusion.
"We should not jump into speculations and conclusions," she added.
De Lima also said that she will task the task force composed of prosecutors and agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) who are still investigating the second part of the encounter, involving that the death of the nine members of the 84th Seaborne Company, the main unit that supposedly took down Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir (nom de guerre Marwan) in his hut, to also look into the alleged implication raised by the video.
The task force has already completed its probe on the death of the 35 members of the SAF blocking force in Tukanalipao, Maguindanao.
De Lima clarified that protocol prohibits US troops from actively participating in combat operations in the country.
She said they could only go as far as sharing intelligence and participating in medical evacuation, if requested by their Filipino counterparts.
In a related development, the Department of Justice (DOJ) observed that the report of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on the incident "was incomplete."
Although Secretary De Lima said her office was given a copy of the 35-page MILF report, it was notably lacking in supporting evidence, such as affidavits of eyewitnesses.
"While there were findings and conclusions (in the MILF report), there are no other evidence to support it. I have noticed that, while there were factual observations, there was no supporting evidence, like the affidavits of first-hand witnesses," De Lima underscored.
De Lima explained that, while DOJ, through the fact-finding task force composed of state prosecutors and personnel of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), initially considered the MILF report, the lack of these supporting documents meant that it is not going to be of significant formal use.
The MILF report was submitted to the government two months after the January 25 encounter.
The DOJ, for its part, already completed the first part of its report on the incident covering the killing of the 35 members of the SAF 55th Company in Tukanalipao, Mamasapano.
The 55th Company served as the blocking force for the 84th Seaborne, the main unit in "Oplan Exodus" whose objective was to arrest Marwan.
Part Two of the DOJ investigation covered the death of nine members of the 84th Seaborne as well as the death of the MILF members and three civilians.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/117578/de-lima-apprehensive-about-unconfirmed-caucasian-fatality-in-mamasapano
Justice Secretary Leila De Lima
Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila de Lima on Tuesday questioned the authenticity of the video that surfaced recently, purportedly showing the body of a Caucasian soldier allegedly among the remains of the Special Action Force (SAF) commandos who died in the January 25 Mamasapano massacre.
De Lima said the authenticity of the video should first be established before anything else, adding that, once this is done, the next move should be to ascertain whether the fatality was indeed Caucasian or not.
"Let's take a look at that -- if that video is authentic, the next question should be, is he indeed a Caucasian?," De Lima told journalists, said as she appealed to the public not to immediately jump into conclusion.
"We should not jump into speculations and conclusions," she added.
De Lima also said that she will task the task force composed of prosecutors and agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) who are still investigating the second part of the encounter, involving that the death of the nine members of the 84th Seaborne Company, the main unit that supposedly took down Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir (nom de guerre Marwan) in his hut, to also look into the alleged implication raised by the video.
The task force has already completed its probe on the death of the 35 members of the SAF blocking force in Tukanalipao, Maguindanao.
De Lima clarified that protocol prohibits US troops from actively participating in combat operations in the country.
She said they could only go as far as sharing intelligence and participating in medical evacuation, if requested by their Filipino counterparts.
In a related development, the Department of Justice (DOJ) observed that the report of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on the incident "was incomplete."
Although Secretary De Lima said her office was given a copy of the 35-page MILF report, it was notably lacking in supporting evidence, such as affidavits of eyewitnesses.
"While there were findings and conclusions (in the MILF report), there are no other evidence to support it. I have noticed that, while there were factual observations, there was no supporting evidence, like the affidavits of first-hand witnesses," De Lima underscored.
De Lima explained that, while DOJ, through the fact-finding task force composed of state prosecutors and personnel of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), initially considered the MILF report, the lack of these supporting documents meant that it is not going to be of significant formal use.
The MILF report was submitted to the government two months after the January 25 encounter.
The DOJ, for its part, already completed the first part of its report on the incident covering the killing of the 35 members of the SAF 55th Company in Tukanalipao, Mamasapano.
The 55th Company served as the blocking force for the 84th Seaborne, the main unit in "Oplan Exodus" whose objective was to arrest Marwan.
Part Two of the DOJ investigation covered the death of nine members of the 84th Seaborne as well as the death of the MILF members and three civilians.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/117578/de-lima-apprehensive-about-unconfirmed-caucasian-fatality-in-mamasapano
Mamasapano incident should be put to rest, says Iqbal on reviving probe
From InterAksyon (Sep 15): Mamasapano incident should be put to rest, says Iqbal on reviving probe
Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal (L) is seen with Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. (4th L), government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer (2nd L) and several congressmen viewing the BBL exhibit at the House of Representatives Sept. 15, 2015. (Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, InterAksyon.com)
The chief negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said the Mamasapano incident should be put to rest following calls to revive investigation following the emergence of fresh details surrounding the death of 67 people, including 44 police Special Action Forces (SAF) men.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/117585/mamasapano-incident-should-be-put-to-rest-says-iqbal-on-reviving-probe
Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal (L) is seen with Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. (4th L), government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer (2nd L) and several congressmen viewing the BBL exhibit at the House of Representatives Sept. 15, 2015. (Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, InterAksyon.com)
The chief negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said the Mamasapano incident should be put to rest following calls to revive investigation following the emergence of fresh details surrounding the death of 67 people, including 44 police Special Action Forces (SAF) men.
"Sa amin, inilibing na namin ang issue ng Mamasapano,
matagal na nating pinag-usapan 'yan. Maliban sa hustisya na dapat makuha, hindi
na dapat halungkatin iyan kasi masakit iyan, especially sa mga pamilya ng SAF,
sa mga namatay (We have buried the Mamasapano issue; we had already
discussed it. Aside from justice that must be served, it should not be revived
because of the pain, especially for the families of the SAF men who
died)," Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief negotiator Mohagher
Iqbal said in an interview at the House of Representatives.
"Anyway, may report na ang Department of Justice as
well as police (Board of Inquiry), may report na sila at meron na rin sa
amin, so 'yun na lang ang dapat tingnan natin 'yung reports na nailabas
(the DOJ and the police had their report, we had ours, so we should just look
at the reports that came out)," he added.
Iqbal said it was "not a wise move" to reopen the
investigation, adding that "it would just go nowhere."
The Senate and the House of Representatives have also
conducted their separate inquiries, but the latter has yet to release its
report four months after it terminated its investigation.
The DOJ is completing its own investigation on the incident,
which could include the involvement of several MILF fighters as among those who
would be charged in the killing if the SAF men.
Asked to react on the possible involvement of the MILF,
Iqbal said, "That's an internal process of government, but so far, I have
not seen any official document that MILF members will be part of those on the
list who will be charged."
"As far as we are concerned, it's a closed case, I
don't think it has any effect on the passage of the BBL (Bangsamoro Basic
Law)," he added.
On the alleged participation of caucasians in the operation,
Iqbal said that the MILF report did not find the same information during its
investigation.
Iqbal was at the House of Representatives for the opening of
the BBL exhibit.
He was joined by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., government
chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and several congressmen in the exhibit.
The BBL, a product of the comprehensive agreement between
the government and the MILF, is still pending at the House and the Senate.
Iqbal said he was positive that the lawmakers will hear
their pleas to pass the measure.
Ferrer said having the BBL will give reality to the
aspirations of the Bangsamoro people to have peace and progress in the Mindanao region.
Belmonte said he was confident his colleagues will act on
the bill.
"However, I trust that my colleagues in this honorable
House will never pass a law that is not legally sound or unconstitutional,"
he said, adding that what should come out of Congress is a law that will be
"inclusive enough to integrate the needs and concerns of all
stakeholders."
At the House, the BBL is being debated in plenary, but the
lack of quorum had delayed its deliberation.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/117585/mamasapano-incident-should-be-put-to-rest-says-iqbal-on-reviving-probe
PH banks on backing of int’l community on territorial row with China
From MindaNews (Sep 16): PH banks on backing of int’l community on territorial row with China
China had
insisted it has “indisputable sovereignty” over contested isles in the West Philippine Sea as its “traditional fishing grounds”,
and had shunned the arbitration process.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/09/16/ph-banks-on-backing-of-intl-community-on-territorial-row-with-china-2/
The Philippine government will rely on the support of the
international community if the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea in The Hague , the Netherlands
decides in favor of the Philippines
over a territorial dispute with China
in the West Philippine Sea , a foreign affairs
official said Tuesday.
During the Multi-Sectoral Forum on the West Philippine Sea
held at the NCCC Mall of Davao, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Charles C.
Jose said China
“At the beginning, when we filed an arbitration case, China
He added other countries would support the position of the Philippines in the sea row with China
Jose said China ’s
nine-dash line takes up 80 percent of the West Philippine Sea and 85 percent of
South China Sea .
The official was confident the tribunal will favor the Philippines ’ position over China
Disputes on maritime boundaries are supposedly settled
through UNCLOS, dubbed the “constitution of the oceans,” he said.
He assured the Philippines
could get the backing of the international community, as they expressed their
support during the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting last month in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
During the East Asian Summit in August, also in Kuala Lumpur , he said 13 out of 18 member countries expressed
concern over the South China Sea . The EAS
includes member countries of the Asean.
“All of them spoke of South China Sea and all of them
expressed their concern on what’s happening in the South
China Sea . Without necessarily pointing at China
Jose said the international community has even called on China
“You would find all the countries would agree with the
position of the Philippines
But Jose said that even if China
would cave in to the pressures, it will take years before China
“Naniniwala kami na China
He said China
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/09/16/ph-banks-on-backing-of-intl-community-on-territorial-row-with-china-2/
Sayyafs free abducted workers in Basilan province
From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 15): Sayyafs free abducted workers in Basilan province
BASILAN – Abu Sayyaf rebels have freed 9 construction workers they seized in the southern Philippine province of Basilan, authorities said on Tuesday.
It said the rebels released all hostages in Sumisip town after finding out they are all Muslims working for a private contractor who is also a Muslim. It was unknown whether their employer paid ransom or not.
Rebels seized the victims on September 14 while on their way to work in Sumisip’s Benembengan town. Two others workers managed to escape and told authorities about the abductions.
Authorities said all victims have returned to their families.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/sayyafs-free-abducted-workers-in-basilan-province/
BASILAN – Abu Sayyaf rebels have freed 9 construction workers they seized in the southern Philippine province of Basilan, authorities said on Tuesday.
It said the rebels released all hostages in Sumisip town after finding out they are all Muslims working for a private contractor who is also a Muslim. It was unknown whether their employer paid ransom or not.
Rebels seized the victims on September 14 while on their way to work in Sumisip’s Benembengan town. Two others workers managed to escape and told authorities about the abductions.
Authorities said all victims have returned to their families.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/sayyafs-free-abducted-workers-in-basilan-province/
Army in Abra welcomes new commanders
From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 14): Army in Abra welcomes new commanders
Col. Roy T. Devesa took over the command from General Paul T. Atal.
Devesa, who was once assigned in the Cordilleras during his younger years as a soldier, asserted to continue to work on the mission of the unit particularly in keeping the peace and order of the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Kalinga and Mountain Province where the Brigade operates.
Prior to his current assignment here, Devesa served as Deputy Brigade Commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade of the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army based at Camp Robert Eduard M. Lucero in Carmen, North Cotabato.
Meanwhile, the 50th “The Defender” Infantry Battalion (IB) welcomed LtC. Gulliver L. Señires as its new Commanding Officer last September 7 at the Army headquarters in Sitio Barbarit, Brgy. Tagodtod, Lagangilang.
Señires replaces LtC. Edmund D. Tubiera who will be assigned in Upi, Gamu, Isabela.
Major General Lysander A. Suerte, Division Commander of the 5th Infantry Division who presided over the change of command ceremony, appreciated the attendance of many civilians, local government units and the Philippine National Police headed by PSSupt. Antonio P. Bartolome.
Suerte was happy to know that people in Abra no longer fear or hate the Philippine Army today but love and trust them as real peacemakers and heroes.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/111441693627/army-in-abra-welcomes-new-commanders
LAGANGILANG, Abra -- The new commander of the 503rd Infantry Brigade,
Philippine Army based in the province, vowed to sustain and
maintain the strictness of discipline in order to continue enjoying the trust
and help of the civilians in the attainment of peace and order.
Col. Roy T. Devesa took over the command from General Paul T. Atal.
Devesa, who was once assigned in the Cordilleras during his younger years as a soldier, asserted to continue to work on the mission of the unit particularly in keeping the peace and order of the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Kalinga and Mountain Province where the Brigade operates.
Prior to his current assignment here, Devesa served as Deputy Brigade Commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade of the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army based at Camp Robert Eduard M. Lucero in Carmen, North Cotabato.
Meanwhile, the 50th “The Defender” Infantry Battalion (IB) welcomed LtC. Gulliver L. Señires as its new Commanding Officer last September 7 at the Army headquarters in Sitio Barbarit, Brgy. Tagodtod, Lagangilang.
Señires replaces LtC. Edmund D. Tubiera who will be assigned in Upi, Gamu, Isabela.
Major General Lysander A. Suerte, Division Commander of the 5th Infantry Division who presided over the change of command ceremony, appreciated the attendance of many civilians, local government units and the Philippine National Police headed by PSSupt. Antonio P. Bartolome.
Suerte was happy to know that people in Abra no longer fear or hate the Philippine Army today but love and trust them as real peacemakers and heroes.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/111441693627/army-in-abra-welcomes-new-commanders
1,642 pass 2015 PMA entrance exam
From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 15): 1,642 pass 2015 PMA entrance exam
The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) announced that 1,642 examinees out of 12,767 applicants successfully passed the PMA Entrance Examination (PMAEE) conducted last August in different testing centers nationwide.
Major Jean Alia Robles, public information officer, said the successful 1,642 applicants composed of 1,141 males and 501 females will now be qualified to the next phase of the selection process, the Complete Physical Examination (CPE) that will be conducted at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center in Quezon City.
Those who pass the exam will go through medical, psychological and physical examination to determine their fitness to undergo the four-year military training in the Academy, she explained.
After the CPE, the PMA Cadet Procurement Board will deliberate and select the most qualified candidates to compose the PMA Class of 2020. These are expected to report to PMA on April 1, 2016 for the oath-taking ceremony and reception rites, she said.
Upon admission to the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines, the qualified candidate is developed to become a future military officer that possesses the values of Honor, Integrity , Courage, and Loyalty.
As a PMA cadet, he or she is a full scholar of the government- free college education with a well-rounded curriculum, receiving a monthly pay and allowances.
Upon graduation from the Academy, he or she is guaranteed a military career as an officer in the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy or Philippine Air Force.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/91442281244/1-642-pass-2015-pma-entrance-exam
The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) announced that 1,642 examinees out of 12,767 applicants successfully passed the PMA Entrance Examination (PMAEE) conducted last August in different testing centers nationwide.
Major Jean Alia Robles, public information officer, said the successful 1,642 applicants composed of 1,141 males and 501 females will now be qualified to the next phase of the selection process, the Complete Physical Examination (CPE) that will be conducted at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center in Quezon City.
Those who pass the exam will go through medical, psychological and physical examination to determine their fitness to undergo the four-year military training in the Academy, she explained.
After the CPE, the PMA Cadet Procurement Board will deliberate and select the most qualified candidates to compose the PMA Class of 2020. These are expected to report to PMA on April 1, 2016 for the oath-taking ceremony and reception rites, she said.
Upon admission to the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines, the qualified candidate is developed to become a future military officer that possesses the values of Honor, Integrity , Courage, and Loyalty.
As a PMA cadet, he or she is a full scholar of the government- free college education with a well-rounded curriculum, receiving a monthly pay and allowances.
Upon graduation from the Academy, he or she is guaranteed a military career as an officer in the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy or Philippine Air Force.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/91442281244/1-642-pass-2015-pma-entrance-exam
Army 4ID chief holds consultative meeting with LGU-SurSur, religious groups, lumad leaders
From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 15): Army 4ID chief holds consultative meeting with LGU-SurSur, religious groups, lumad leaders
MGen. Oscar Lactao, commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) of the Philippine Army (PA) has initiated a consultative meeting with the provincial government of Surigao del Sur, religious groups, and lumad leaders on Saturday, September 11.
Presided over by provincial administrator Efren Rivas, Jr., for and in behalf of Governor Johnny Pimentel who was out-of-town due to an earlier commitment, the high-ranking army official wanted to hear things from different perspectives, it was learned.
The administrator, who relayed the stand of the governor, said both Governor Pimentel and Bishop Nerio Odchimar had remained steadfast in their common stand—to disarm and disband the Magahat-Bagani force.
Allegedly, members of said group, particularly siblings Bobby and Loloy Tejero as well as Garito Layno were behind the brutal murder of Emerito Samarca, Dionel Campos, and Bello Sinzo, respectively, the executive director of Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural Development (Alcadev), chairman of Malahutayong Pakigbisug alang sa mga Sumusunod, and a civilian.
The said incident had triggered the mass evacuation of lumads from Kilometer 16, Sitio Han-ayan, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, 90 km. south, this city, and other nearby villages on September 1.
Rivas reported at the flag ceremony program on Monday that evacuees at the Surigao del Sur Sports Center had already been posted at more than 3,000.
Cases of multiple murder, arson, robbery, grave threats, and grave coercions had already been filed against the suspects and 20 John Does at the Prosecutor’s Office in Lianga town, according to P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero, PNP provincial director. However, warrants of arrest have yet to be issued in this regard.
According to Rivas, Gen. Lactao vowed to help pursue the arrest of the perpetrators.
Among others, the Saturday meeting held at the conference room of the Provincial Governor’s Office was attended by Bishop Odchimar, other church and lumad leaders, top army officials in the province and P/SSupt. Verdadero.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1741442279982/army-4id-chief-holds-consultative-meeting-with-lgu-sursur-religious-groups-lumad-leaders
MGen. Oscar Lactao, commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) of the Philippine Army (PA) has initiated a consultative meeting with the provincial government of Surigao del Sur, religious groups, and lumad leaders on Saturday, September 11.
Presided over by provincial administrator Efren Rivas, Jr., for and in behalf of Governor Johnny Pimentel who was out-of-town due to an earlier commitment, the high-ranking army official wanted to hear things from different perspectives, it was learned.
The administrator, who relayed the stand of the governor, said both Governor Pimentel and Bishop Nerio Odchimar had remained steadfast in their common stand—to disarm and disband the Magahat-Bagani force.
Allegedly, members of said group, particularly siblings Bobby and Loloy Tejero as well as Garito Layno were behind the brutal murder of Emerito Samarca, Dionel Campos, and Bello Sinzo, respectively, the executive director of Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural Development (Alcadev), chairman of Malahutayong Pakigbisug alang sa mga Sumusunod, and a civilian.
The said incident had triggered the mass evacuation of lumads from Kilometer 16, Sitio Han-ayan, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, 90 km. south, this city, and other nearby villages on September 1.
Rivas reported at the flag ceremony program on Monday that evacuees at the Surigao del Sur Sports Center had already been posted at more than 3,000.
Cases of multiple murder, arson, robbery, grave threats, and grave coercions had already been filed against the suspects and 20 John Does at the Prosecutor’s Office in Lianga town, according to P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero, PNP provincial director. However, warrants of arrest have yet to be issued in this regard.
According to Rivas, Gen. Lactao vowed to help pursue the arrest of the perpetrators.
Among others, the Saturday meeting held at the conference room of the Provincial Governor’s Office was attended by Bishop Odchimar, other church and lumad leaders, top army officials in the province and P/SSupt. Verdadero.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1741442279982/army-4id-chief-holds-consultative-meeting-with-lgu-sursur-religious-groups-lumad-leaders
Army releases inquiry reports on Surigao del Sur, Davao del Norte allegations
From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 15): Army releases inquiry reports on Surigao del Sur, Davao del Norte allegations
After reviewing the submitted reports of its field units, the Army released yesterday the results of its board of inquiries in the Lianga-Magahat Bagani allegations in Surigao del Sur, and the alleged sexual molestation of soldiers on a Lumad minor in Davao del Norte.
The allegations include the killings of three civilians and burning of a cooperative store in Sitio Han-ayan, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, and in Surigao del Sur on Sept. 1, 2015.
In a report submitted by the Commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) based in Cagayan de Oro City, the Army Board of Inquiry tasked to review the said allegations led to the conclusion that the incident in Sitio Han-ayan was a tribal conflict within the context of insurgency, that is, one tribal group affiliated with the New People’s Army (NPA) while the other is an anti-NPA tribal group.
Major General Oscar T. Lactao, the 4ID commander, said that the Board of Inquiry did not find any direct or indirect link that would connect the involvement of the military to the killings which were all attributed to the Magahat Bagani force.
“Magahat force has been known as anti-communist and as such, it is perceived to be closely associated with the government or military,” said Lactao.
“I would like to emphasize that it is the policy of this Command not to condone any illegal armed groups,” he added.
The 4ID commander also directed Col. Isidro L. Purisima, the 402nd Infantry Brigade Commander, to conduct law enforcement operation to capture the perpetrators, especially the identified suspects namely, Loloy Tejero, Bobby Tejero, and Gareto Layno. They are to face justice and shed light in connection with the incident.
The Army is also looking into the possible lapses of some of its operating troops who could have made actions that could lead to the immediate capture of the perpetrators.
On the issue of the alleged sexual molestation committed against a Lumad minor in Davao, the Army conducted an internal investigation even in the absence of a formal complaint from the alleged victim.
“Even in the absence of a complainant, the Army has the obligation to ensure that our soldiers act accordingly and decisively as required by existing AFP laws, regulations, directives or policies,” said Maj. Gen. Rafael C. Valencia, commander of the 10th Infantry Division.
The result of the submitted report by the 10th Infantry Division based in Mawab, Davao del Norte recommended charging individually the three soldiers involved in the case, in a general court martial for violation of the Article of War (AW) 97, or conduct of a nature that brings discredit upon the military service.
The soldiers, whose names are still withheld, denied the reports against them but the other details of the case gave the Army’s investigating body a ‘prima facie’ (at first encounter) case against the three soldiers for violation of AW 97.
Since no formal complaint was submitted, the result of the investigation was based on information given by the municipal social welfare and development officer of Talaingod, Davao del Norte and the affidavits submitted by concerned personnel.
The company commander of the three soldiers was also recommended for administrative sanction in violation on the policy of ‘commander’s responsibility,’ of promptly initiating the conduct of investigation to determine the administrative liability of personnel involved and failure to inform his immediate superior.
“The immediate release of the findings of our Board of Inquiry is a manifestation that we are serious in addressing the human rights issues and other cases against our personnel,” said Lt. Gen. Eduardo M Año, the Army Commanding General.
“Our Army troops must and will always abide with the highest standards of human rights, IHL and the rule of law,” Año added. (Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs)
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3001442219907/army-releases-inquiry-reports-on-surigao-del-sur-davao-del-norte-allegations
After reviewing the submitted reports of its field units, the Army released yesterday the results of its board of inquiries in the Lianga-Magahat Bagani allegations in Surigao del Sur, and the alleged sexual molestation of soldiers on a Lumad minor in Davao del Norte.
The allegations include the killings of three civilians and burning of a cooperative store in Sitio Han-ayan, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, and in Surigao del Sur on Sept. 1, 2015.
In a report submitted by the Commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) based in Cagayan de Oro City, the Army Board of Inquiry tasked to review the said allegations led to the conclusion that the incident in Sitio Han-ayan was a tribal conflict within the context of insurgency, that is, one tribal group affiliated with the New People’s Army (NPA) while the other is an anti-NPA tribal group.
Major General Oscar T. Lactao, the 4ID commander, said that the Board of Inquiry did not find any direct or indirect link that would connect the involvement of the military to the killings which were all attributed to the Magahat Bagani force.
“Magahat force has been known as anti-communist and as such, it is perceived to be closely associated with the government or military,” said Lactao.
“I would like to emphasize that it is the policy of this Command not to condone any illegal armed groups,” he added.
The 4ID commander also directed Col. Isidro L. Purisima, the 402nd Infantry Brigade Commander, to conduct law enforcement operation to capture the perpetrators, especially the identified suspects namely, Loloy Tejero, Bobby Tejero, and Gareto Layno. They are to face justice and shed light in connection with the incident.
The Army is also looking into the possible lapses of some of its operating troops who could have made actions that could lead to the immediate capture of the perpetrators.
On the issue of the alleged sexual molestation committed against a Lumad minor in Davao, the Army conducted an internal investigation even in the absence of a formal complaint from the alleged victim.
“Even in the absence of a complainant, the Army has the obligation to ensure that our soldiers act accordingly and decisively as required by existing AFP laws, regulations, directives or policies,” said Maj. Gen. Rafael C. Valencia, commander of the 10th Infantry Division.
The result of the submitted report by the 10th Infantry Division based in Mawab, Davao del Norte recommended charging individually the three soldiers involved in the case, in a general court martial for violation of the Article of War (AW) 97, or conduct of a nature that brings discredit upon the military service.
The soldiers, whose names are still withheld, denied the reports against them but the other details of the case gave the Army’s investigating body a ‘prima facie’ (at first encounter) case against the three soldiers for violation of AW 97.
Since no formal complaint was submitted, the result of the investigation was based on information given by the municipal social welfare and development officer of Talaingod, Davao del Norte and the affidavits submitted by concerned personnel.
The company commander of the three soldiers was also recommended for administrative sanction in violation on the policy of ‘commander’s responsibility,’ of promptly initiating the conduct of investigation to determine the administrative liability of personnel involved and failure to inform his immediate superior.
“The immediate release of the findings of our Board of Inquiry is a manifestation that we are serious in addressing the human rights issues and other cases against our personnel,” said Lt. Gen. Eduardo M Año, the Army Commanding General.
“Our Army troops must and will always abide with the highest standards of human rights, IHL and the rule of law,” Año added. (Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs)
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3001442219907/army-releases-inquiry-reports-on-surigao-del-sur-davao-del-norte-allegations
1st Cavalry Squadron exceeds NGP target for 2016
From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 18): 1st Cavalry Squadron exceeds NGP target for 2016
In a bid to finally make the National Greening Program (NGP) of the goverment sustainable, the 1st Cavalry Squadron, Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine Army recently planted some 2,000 mahogany seedlings in barangay Navalan here.
The officers and men of the 1st Cavalry Squadron led by LtCol. Charlemagne Batayola, Jr,. in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), office of 1st district representative Victor J. Yu and barangay officials of Navalan conducted the tree planting in the hilly part of the four-hectare farm of Barangay Captain Leoncio Osores.
Batayola said the tree planting activity was in support to the NGP, President Aquino’s flagship reforestation program which aims to plant 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares by 2016.
He said the activity will not only alleviate poverty and achieve food security, but it will also help address the problem on climate change.
Under the NGP, Batayola said the unit was given a quota of 8,800 trees to be planted and the unit was able to overshoot its goal.
From 2013 to 2015, he said the 1st Cavalry Squadron conducted five tree planting activities in the adopted sister barangays and within the period, they were able to plant more than 8,800 seedlings in the area.
“We have exceeded the NGP target since we planted 2,000 additional mahogany seedlings,” Batayola proudly announced.
“This is how we showcase the group’s shared passion in sustaining the efforts of the government in greening the Philippines,” he added.
Batayola said the activity was also part of the 9th founding anniversary of the Mechanized Infantry Division in Capas, Tarlac on September 11, where the different companies have conducted simultaneous tree planting activities in Basilan, Jolo, Sulu and Zamboanga City, respectively.
Meanwhile, Punong Barangay Leoncio Osores said he mobilized the ‘Bantay Kalikasan’, which composed of barangay tanods to prepare the planting holes, help in planting trees and take care of the newly planted seedlings.
“Among gitabangan ang 1st Cavalry Squadron dili lamang sa pagpananom ug mga kahoy, kun dili lakip na ang pag-amuma niini aron nga ang tanan motubo (We helped the 1st Cavalry Squadron not only in planting trees but also in taking care of it so that it will all grow),”Osores explained.
Teresita Puno, 63 years old said she did not fail to join the tree planting activity spearheaded by the unit saying that it is her commitment to help in restoring the environment.
“Lima na ka higayon nga nga wala ko misipyat pag-apil sa pagpananom ug kahoy nga gipasiugdahan sa 1st Cavalry Sqaudron. Mokabat na sa 50 ka mahogany seedlings ang akong natanom dinhi sa bukid,” Puno proudly said. (For five times, I have not failed to join the tree planting activity conducted by the 1st Cavaly Squadron. There were about 50 mahogany seedlings that I have planted in this mountain).
Batayola attributed the successful implementation of the tree planting activity to the support of various stakeholders such as the DENR, barangay officials and residents and other private-sector partners.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371442220635/1st-cavalry-squadron-exceeds-ngp-target-for-2016
In a bid to finally make the National Greening Program (NGP) of the goverment sustainable, the 1st Cavalry Squadron, Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine Army recently planted some 2,000 mahogany seedlings in barangay Navalan here.
The officers and men of the 1st Cavalry Squadron led by LtCol. Charlemagne Batayola, Jr,. in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), office of 1st district representative Victor J. Yu and barangay officials of Navalan conducted the tree planting in the hilly part of the four-hectare farm of Barangay Captain Leoncio Osores.
Batayola said the tree planting activity was in support to the NGP, President Aquino’s flagship reforestation program which aims to plant 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares by 2016.
He said the activity will not only alleviate poverty and achieve food security, but it will also help address the problem on climate change.
Under the NGP, Batayola said the unit was given a quota of 8,800 trees to be planted and the unit was able to overshoot its goal.
From 2013 to 2015, he said the 1st Cavalry Squadron conducted five tree planting activities in the adopted sister barangays and within the period, they were able to plant more than 8,800 seedlings in the area.
“We have exceeded the NGP target since we planted 2,000 additional mahogany seedlings,” Batayola proudly announced.
“This is how we showcase the group’s shared passion in sustaining the efforts of the government in greening the Philippines,” he added.
Batayola said the activity was also part of the 9th founding anniversary of the Mechanized Infantry Division in Capas, Tarlac on September 11, where the different companies have conducted simultaneous tree planting activities in Basilan, Jolo, Sulu and Zamboanga City, respectively.
Meanwhile, Punong Barangay Leoncio Osores said he mobilized the ‘Bantay Kalikasan’, which composed of barangay tanods to prepare the planting holes, help in planting trees and take care of the newly planted seedlings.
“Among gitabangan ang 1st Cavalry Squadron dili lamang sa pagpananom ug mga kahoy, kun dili lakip na ang pag-amuma niini aron nga ang tanan motubo (We helped the 1st Cavalry Squadron not only in planting trees but also in taking care of it so that it will all grow),”Osores explained.
Teresita Puno, 63 years old said she did not fail to join the tree planting activity spearheaded by the unit saying that it is her commitment to help in restoring the environment.
“Lima na ka higayon nga nga wala ko misipyat pag-apil sa pagpananom ug kahoy nga gipasiugdahan sa 1st Cavalry Sqaudron. Mokabat na sa 50 ka mahogany seedlings ang akong natanom dinhi sa bukid,” Puno proudly said. (For five times, I have not failed to join the tree planting activity conducted by the 1st Cavaly Squadron. There were about 50 mahogany seedlings that I have planted in this mountain).
Batayola attributed the successful implementation of the tree planting activity to the support of various stakeholders such as the DENR, barangay officials and residents and other private-sector partners.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371442220635/1st-cavalry-squadron-exceeds-ngp-target-for-2016
Tribesmen charge NPA for killing 2 IPs in Bukidnon
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15): Tribesmen charge NPA for killing 2 IPs in Bukidnon
Martinez
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=804168
Village residents in the hinterlands of Bukidnon accused the
New People’s Army (NPA) rebels of killing members of the Indigenous People (IP)
who refused to join the rebel movement, the military said Tuesday.
Capt. Patrick Martinez, spokesperson of the army’s 4th
Infantry Division here, said Reymond Dayo Licanay, 21 and younger brother Roy,
18, both members of the Tala-andig tribe were reportedly killed by NPA rebels
last Sunday.
The police investigators in Valencia
City said that the victims were residents
of the mountain village of Tandakol in Lilingayon ,
Valencia
Datu Uba Lucbay Bayawon, the uncle of the victims, said that
he suspected the NPAs as responsible for the killing of his nephews because of
their refusal to join the rebel movement.
“The NPA have been recruiting us, especially these victims,
for quite a time now. But we refused because we do not want to take up arms and
fight the government. We only wanted to live peacefully in our ancestral land.
This is the reason why the NPA rebels are furious about us because we do not
want to support their armed struggle. The rebels even threatened to kill us,”
Bayawon told the police.
He said that army Lt. Col. Nasser Lidasan, Commanding
Officer of the 1st Special Forces Battalion, has sent troops to support the PNP
on the conduct of Law Enforcement operation in the area.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=804168
8th FAB, HERO Foundation outreach program benefit 60 school children in Basilan
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15): 8th FAB, HERO Foundation outreach program benefit 60 school children in Basilan
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=804154
Lt. Col. Jeffrey Cabansay, 8th Field Artillery Battalion
(FAB) commander, has encouraged school children to study hard to fulfill their
dreams and goals in life.
Cabansay issued the statement during an outreach program
Monday in partnership with the Helping Everyone Randomly Organization (HERO)
Foundation at the Look Jambangan Primary School
in Barangay Baluno, Isabela
City
Cabansay told the school children that he became the
battalion commander of the 8th FAB because he studied hard during his days in
elementary and high school.
A total of 60 school children benefited from the joint
outreach program of the 8th FAB and HERO Foundation wherein they distributed
food and snacks purchased from food chain Jollibee as well as school supplies.
A Jollibee mascot entertained the school children during the
event.
“If the people can’t go to the city because of poverty and
don’t have the opportunity to dine in a restaurant or fast-food outlet like
Jollibee, then the HERO and 8th FAB will bring it to them so they can have fun
and laughter,” Cabansay said
The HERO Foundation headed by Rijan Peñaflor was organized
to help the needy and the less fortunate ones.
The Look
Jambangan Primary
School
The first was the Simeon Josefa Elementary School in
Barangay Binuangan, Isabela City, Basilan wherein 200 students benefited during
the outreach mission held last August 10.
Peñaflor and Cabansay said more outreach programs will be
held in the coming days for the benefit of the school children.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=804154
Blasts rock Maguindanao town, Army suspect BIFF hands
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15): Blasts rock Maguindanao town, Army suspect BIFF hands
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=804232
A set of road side bombs obviously intended for the military
were exploded minutes after residents discovered it and reported to nearest
police and Army detachment in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao Tuesday.
Capt. Joan Petinglay, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson,
said the IED fashioned from 60 mm mortars with mobile phone as triggering
device was found by a motorist who noticed a suspicious sack at a road side in
Barangay Timbangan at past 10 a.m.
The road was regularly used by the Army Mechanized Infantry
Brigade station in Shariff Aguak town.
"It was intended for the military and we suspect a hand
of the BIFF," an Army middle level officer told reporters, referring to
the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
Quoting a report from police and Army investigators in
Shariff Aguak, the Army officer said a certain Kagilawan noticed the suspicious
sack which he described as "heavy" and could be a bomb. He then
alerted the police and Army personnel nearby.
While elements of Shariff Aguak PNP and Army's 45th Infantry
Battalion was securing the perimeter to prevent civilians from getting closer
to the IEDs, it went off in succession.
Nobody was hurt in the blasts.
Investigation was still on going even as the Army are again
placed on heightened alert for possible atrocities to be carried out by the
BIFF.
BIFF spokesperson, Abu Misry, admitted his group was behind
the bombing. "It was our work, there will be more," he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=804232
PHL, SK 'Agreement on the Protection of Classified Military Information' valid for 5 years
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15): PHL, SK 'Agreement on the Protection of Classified Military Information' valid for 5 years
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=804120
The "Agreement on the Protection of Classified Military
Information" which was signed Monday by Philippine and South Korean
defense ministers has a validity of five years.
This was stressed by Defense public affairs office chief
Arsenio Andolong Monday.
The agreement regulates the exchange of classified
information between the Philippines
and South Korea
"The agreement will be implemented by the Deputy
Chief-of-Staff for Intelligence, J-2 on the part of the Philippines and Defense Intelligence Agency on
part of the Republic of Korea (South Korea
Signing took place last Monday. Representing the Philippine
side was Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin while South Korean Defense Minister
Han Min-koo signed for his country.
"This agreement will (also) enable the Philippines to be better apprised of the latest
developments in the Korean
Peninsula Koreas
Both officials manifested their continued support to the
further enhancement of its defense relations through the expansion of exchanges
at the senior defense and military levels.
And to promote more relevant and practical cooperation
towards the goal of establishing a strategic partnership, the Department of
National Defense and South Korean Ministry of National Defense will explore the
need for the establishment of an annual Defense Policy Consultation at the
vice-ministerial level.
Gazmin personally extended his appreciation, in behalf of
the direct beneficiaries of Leyte , who
benefited from the one-year deployment of the South Korean Army's
"Araw" Unit that extended assistance in the rehabilitation of Palo,
Tanauan and Tolosa in the aftermath of Typhoon "Yolanda" in 2013.
While Han, on the other hand, committed the support of Korean
defense industries in the Modernization Program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=804120
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