3 foreigners, Filipina in ASG hands in Sulu - military source

From InterAksyon (Sep 29): 3 foreigners, Filipina in ASG hands in Sulu - military source



Combo picture of the three foreign men seized on Samal Island. EASTMINCOM HANDOUT

The three foreigners and a Filipina seized last week by armed men from a resort in the Garden City of Samal Island are indeed in Sulu, a source said Monday, ending days of speculation about where their abductors might have brought them.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a ranking military official said in a telephone interview, "We've just confirmed tonight that the victims were already in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf Group based in Patikul town."

He said government forces in the area were alerted Monday evening to monitor the movements of the bandit group holding the captives.

"The group holding the captives is very mobile. Our troops are closely monitoring - having in mind, of course, not to do or make any move that may endanger the lives of the captives," the official said.

He said the kidnappers and their captives arrived in Sulu three days after their abduction in Samal.

The source confirmed the captives were in the hands of a certain ASG sub-leader Muamar Askali.

Earlier, the military had said the bandits and the captives were still in the Davao region; adding that all its naval, air and ground forces have been marshalled to throw a security ring around the kidnappers.

In captivity are Canadians John Ridsdel, 68, and Robert Hall; Hall's Filipino partner Marites Flor, and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad. They were seized at gunpoint Monday evening from the Holiday Ocean View Samal Resort.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/118142/3-foreigners-filipina-in-asg-hands-in-sulu---military-source

Sayyaf man in 2011 kidnapping of US woman, son arrested in Zamboanga City

From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 28): Sayyaf man in 2011 kidnapping of US woman, son arrested in Zamboanga City

Philippine authorities are holding an Abu Sayyaf rebel involved in the 2011 kidnapping of an American woman and her son in Zamboanga City.

Inspector Dahlan Samuddin, a regional police spokesman, said Wajir Arijani alias Abu Miqtad, is currently being interrogated following his capture at a hideout in Santa Catalina village here.

He said the rebel was involved in the kidnappings of Gerfa Yeatts Lunsmann and son Kevin on July 2011 on their beach house in Zamboanga. “The arrest was made after a long period of pursuit and surveillance operations by the intelligence community that finally pinpointed his location,” Samuddin said.

Arijani is a member of the Abu Sayyaf group under Puruji Indama in the neighboring province of Basilan and included in the wanted list of the police.

Gerfa and her son – who were on a holiday when kidnapped – had been separately freed by rebels in Basilan after paying off the Abu Sayyaf ransom.

Lunsmann, then 41, was born to a Muslim family in Basilan and adopted by an American couple and as a child grew up in the United States where she worked as a veterinarian.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/sayyaf-man-in-2011-kidnapping-of-us-woman-son-arrested-in-zamboanga-city/

Grenade blast rocks house of ex-Sultan Kudarat gov’s wife in Koronadal City; one hurt

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): Grenade blast rocks house of ex-Sultan Kudarat gov’s wife in Koronadal City; one hurt

A relative of a wife of former Sultan Kudarat Gov. Pax Mangudadatu was wounded in a grenade attack at their house in nearby Koronadal City on Sunday night.

Supt. Nestor Salcedo, Koronadal City police chief, said Monday the grenade exploded at around 7 p.m. in a residential compound owned by Mangudadatu’s wife Nora at Phase 1 of the Villa Agreda Subdivision in Barangay Sto. Nino.

He said the explosion ripped through the garage area, hitting Nora’s nephew Moktar Lipusan Ismael, 25, and damaging a parked vehicle.

“According to witnesses, the grenade was thrown by motorcycle-riding men,” he told reporters.

Nora said in a radio interview she was standing by a window at their sala when she noticed a motorcycle with two men onboard suddenly slowing down while passing by their house.

She said one of them hurled something at their garage that eventually exploded.

Ismael, who also serves as the house’s caretaker, was hit on his right leg and is now recuperating at a private hospital in Koronadal City, she said.

Investigators from the Koronadal City police station recovered from the scene a safety lever of PRB 423 Belgian anti-personnel fragmentation hand grenade.

Salcedo refused to speculate on the identity of the suspects and possible motive of the incident but said they are already looking into several angles.

But Nora believed the incident could be linked to a recent conflict in Lutayan town in Sultan Kudarat that involved his son Naga.

She was referring to the clashes in Barangay Bayasong in Lutayan earlier this month between members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) 10th base command and the barangay police action team (BPAT) led by barangay chair Falcon Bansil.

Bansil, who is a known ally of Naga Mangudadatu, and several BPAT members were wounded in the fighting.

The conflict eventually settled down through the intervention of military personnel and members of the International Monitoring Team.

At the height of the conflict, Nora said they noticed unidentified motorcycle-riding men suspiciously watching their house.

She said one of them was even chased at one point by local barangay tanods.

Nora added that prior to the Sunday attack, they received information about some threats allegedly coming from two MILF commanders based in Lutayan town.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=808770

3rd ID chief: Army on track to declare Negros, Panay insurgency-free next year

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): 3rd ID chief: Army on track to declare Negros, Panay insurgency-free next year

The 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army remains on track in their objective of declaring Negros and Panay Islands “insurgency-free” by next year, its top official said.

Major General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the 3rd ID based in Jamindan, Capiz, said in a statement while admitting that they fell short of their target to reduce the New People’s Army’s (NPA) strength and firepower in the third quarter of 2015.

Guerrero said they were able to reduce the NPA strength in Negros to about 147 members, with the same numbers also in Panay. At the same time, they were able to clear 49 rebel-affected barangays in both islands, he added.

Last year, the military estimated that there were still about 200 rebels operating in the hinterlands of Negros.

The 3rd ID aims to further reduce the NPA strength and firepower by 25 percent by the end of the year, he added.

While there is a lull in violent activities of the NPA, Guerrero admitted that there is also an increase in non-violent activities of the rebel group, such as recruitment of new members, mass-based buildup, and foraging of logistical requirements.

He, however, said the rebels are facing difficulty in their expansion activities due to the presence of Army Bayanihan Teams in rebel-affected areas.

For as long as the Bayanihan Teams are present in those areas, it will further restrict the movement and expansion attempt of the NPA remnants, Guerrero said.

Records of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command showed that 11 of the 16 provinces in the Visayas region have been declared as insurgency-free, including the two provinces of Negros, Iloilo, Northern Samar and Capiz.

As to the call of former Manapla Mayor Manuel Escalante to issue safe conduct passes for the NPA to join their respective families in the lowlands, Guerrero said they could come down anytime, provided they will not bring their firearms.

For as long as they abandon the armed struggle, there is no problem with it, he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=808934

Police: Zambo bus bombing suspect known

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): Police: Zambo bus bombing suspect known

The Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) has established the identity of the suspect behind the Sept. 18 bombing of a passenger bus in this city.

Sr. Supt. Angelito Casimiro, ZCPO director, said Monday identity of the suspect was established through the description given by witnesses and victims of the incident.

Casimiro declined to name the suspect pending the filing of appropriate cases in court.

A 14-year-old girl was killed while 33 others, including a one-year-old child, were wounded when a bomb exploded aboard a passenger bus at the terminal in Tomas Claudio Street, Barangay Zone I, this city.

The ill-fated bus is one of the units of the D’ Biel Transit Company owned by the family of Councilor Luis Biel III.

The family also owns and operates buses and vans in Basilan province servicing the Isabela City-Lamitan City route and vice-versa.

Casimiro said the artist sketch derived from the description of the witnesses and victims matched with the photo at the rouge gallery of a threat group member.

The police refer threat group to group of lawless elements and other criminal syndicate.

“We got the rouge gallery of the different threat group members and showed it to the witnesses and to the victims and they pointed to just one individual,” Casimiro explained how they established the bombing suspect’s identity.

He said they were just completing the needed documents in preparation for the filing of the case against the suspect.

He said the motive of the incident was extortion citing the suspect belong to the same group responsible in previous bombing of a bus owned by D’ Biel Transit Company.

Three people were killed while one was injured when a bomb exploded on Sept. 20, 2013 in one of the buses of the same company while parked at the storage area in Barangay Labuan, 36 kilometers west of City Hall.

The motive of the 2013 incident was also extortion.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=808954

Governor: Insurgency in Negros Oriental 'insignificant'

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): Governor: Insurgency in Negros Oriental 'insignificant'

DUMAGUETE CITY –- Governor Roel Degamo has declared that “insurgency has no place in Negros Oriental” as long as he is the governor of the province.

The statement was contained in the message of the governor during the culmination of the celebration marking the National Peace Consciousness Month held at the Robinsons mall in Dumaguete Sunday.

The governor said insurgency in the province has become insignificant because his administration was sincere and determined to address the root cause of poverty and by bringing government closer to the people through basic social services; one of the most popular is the conduct of “bayanihan” activities in hinterland barangays, medical missions and the like.

A committee headed by Fr. Enrique Balongag of the Colegio de Sta. Catalina of Alejandria (COSCA) was tasked to look into the status of the declaration of the province as a conflict manageable and development ready province, according to the governor.

Degamo said he was satisfied with the initial findings that indeed Negros Oriental remains a conflict management and development ready province urging the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police and Negorenses to help preserve the gains and to strive for an insurgency-free province before the year ends.

Lt. Col. Harold Anthony Pascua, 79th Infantry Batallion commanding officer, has confirmed that after more than one year since the declaration, it has not encountered any single violent skirmish involving the New People’s Army, particularly in the 2nd and 3rd districts in the province.

OIC provincial commander Sr. Supt Dionardo Carlos said the provincial police in partnership with the Army headed by Col. Allan Martin, the civil society organization, and other security forces, has committed to help preserve the peace in this part of the country.

He said peace is something that must be collectively embraced, nurtured and continuously pursued not just for the province but also for the entire country.

During the culmination activity, winners of the Art For Peace contest were recognized as follows:

Lunally Duria, student of the Balugo National High School, 3rd place; Dianne Yoic Capnoy of the Negros Oriental High School, 2nd place; and Frederick Amores of Valencia National High School, champion.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=809136

2 NPA suspects killed, 1 wounded in Bukidnon firefight

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): 2 NPA suspects killed, 1 wounded in Bukidnon firefight

Two suspected communist rebels were killed while one was wounded in an armed skirmish along the highways in Bukidnon, Sunday afternoon, the military reported Monday.

Army Lt. Leah Porra of the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade based in Bukidnon, said that an Army special unit team was on board a private vehicle on their way to a satellite camp in Maramag Sunday afternoon.

She said that the vehicle loaded with the Army team pulled along the highway in Kabangahan, Malaybalay when the firefight occurred.

Porras said that the suspects suddenly fired at a soldier who went down from the vehicle, which prompted the team to fire back.

Porras identified one of the fatalities as Walter Ayuban, the driver-owner of the vehicle and an unidentified companion.

The unidentified woman, who claimed to be the wife of Ayuban was also wounded and is now undergoing treatment in a hospital in Malaybalay City, Porras said.

“The Army did not know why they were fired at but returned fire when the armed men fired at them, which resulted in the death of the two suspects and the wounding of a woman on board the vehicle,” Porras said.

The military recovered one .45 caliber pistol, one grenade, rain boots, medicines, cellular phone, T-shirt with “Bagong Hukbong Bayan” markings, and PHP200.00 in the suspect’s car, Porras said.

She said that no one was hurt on the side of the military’s special armed forces team during the brief firefight past 12 noon Sunday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=809138

ARMM hosts PAMANA Summit for successful implementation of anti-poverty projects

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): ARMM hosts PAMANA Summit for successful implementation of anti-poverty projects
 

To ensure successful implementation of Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) programs in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the region's Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-ARMM) on Monday started the PAMANA Summit 2015 here with leaders of people’s cooperatives and project implementers across the region as participants.

The two-day summit aims to showcase PAMANA projects and addressing issues and challenges faced in the program’s implementation.

More than 200 representatives from community livelihood cooperatives and provincial PAMANA teams from the five provinces of ARMM – Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi – attended the first day of the event on Monday, Sept. 28.

The summit also seeks to empower project stakeholders and increase their awareness through inputs and discussions on cooperativism, organizational management, and entrepreneurship that would enhance their drive for effective project implementation as well as foster sustainable development.

PAMANA is the national government’s flagship program under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process to strengthen peace-building as well as reconstruction and development in conflict-affected areas in selected priority regions in the country.

PAMANA builds on a framework that seeks to optimize and harmonize the efforts of state and non-state actors in conflict areas. It complements current efforts in achieving just political settlement in all conflicts through negotiations.

The DSWD-ARMM has been implementing the PAMANA Program since 2012.

It has implemented the PAMANA community-driven development/livelihood assistance projects in all the provinces of ARMM targeting a total of 2,159 communities with 386 barangays as pilot areas.

To date, all pilot areas have fully implemented cycles 1 to 3 projects.

The program’s coverage has expanded to 1,773 barangays in 81 municipalities. The cycle 1 of the expansion is now 96% complete and is currently in the process of turning over project inputs to program participants.

Simultaneously, target barangays have started submitting project proposals for implementation this year.

Tairan Livelihood Producers Cooperatives is among the beneficiaries of the PAMANA in the province of Basilan.

The cooperative is a recipient of seaweed farming project from where its 30 members earn their living. It is based in Barangay Tairan in Lantawan, a third-class municipality.

Bhen Isik, 45, the president of the Tairan cooperative said the project is beneficial to cooperative members. Isik added their economic conditions have somehow eased because of the project.

A Bagsakan Center was built in the barangay where seaweed products of the cooperatives are sold. A multipurpose hall was also erected, where meetings and conventions of the cooperative are held.

On Tuesday, Sept. 29, a PAMANA Expo will be mounted at the Shariff Kabunsuan Commercial Complex inside the ARMM Compound here that could inspire project stakeholders to further promote the program’s objectives.

The expo will feature products, photos and success stories.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=809086

Criminalizing intentional filing of false accusations in courts

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): Criminalizing intentional filing of false accusations in courts

The House of Representatives approved on second reading last Sept. 21 House Bill No. 6148 which criminalizes intentional filing of false complaints in courts or and other government agencies exercising quasi-judicial or administrative powers.

“This measure seeks to protect any individual from others who bring false accusations in court without fear of prosecution except for a counter-suit. In such cases, said victim of false accusations suffers loss of integrity which may never be regained regardless of the outcome of the counter-suit,” Rep. Evelina G. Escudero, principal author, stressed.

The Committee on Revision of Laws, chaired by Rep. Marlyn L. Primicias-Agabas, earlier approved and sponsored HB 6148 in plenary until its passage, as contained in Committee Report 886, in substitution of the original HB 1733 filed by Rep. Escudero, with the committee chairperson as co-author.

HB 6149 is entitled “An Act increasing the penalties for the crime of slander by deed and including the intentional filing of a false complaint in court or with any government agency exercising quasi-judicial or administrative powers as one of its forms, amending for the purpose Article 359 of Act No. 3815, otherwise known as the Revised Penal Code.”

“Aside from penalizing the act of intentional filing of a false complaint, the proposed amendments also provide for stiffer penalty if proven that the false complaint was used as leverage against another to gain advantage or favor,” the authors said.

Article 359 of Act No. 3815 is proposed to be amended to read as follows: (amendments in bold big letters) “Article 359. Slander by Deed. – The penalty of (arresto mayor in its maximum) PRISION MAYOR IN ITS MEDIUM period to (prision correccional in its minimum) ITS MAXIMUM period or a fine (ranging from P200 to P1,000) OF 100,000 PESOS, OR BOTH, shall be imposed upon any person who shall perform any act not included and punished in this title, which shall cast dishonor, discredit, or contempt upon another person(.), INCLUDING THE INTENTIONAL FILING OF A FALSE COMPLAINT IN COURT OR IN ANY OTHER AGENCIES OR GOVERNMENT EXERCISING QUASI-JUDICIAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS. If said act is not of a serious nature, the penalty shall be (arresto menor) PRISION MAYOR IN ITS MINIMUM PERIOD or a fine (not exceeding 200 pesos) OF 50,000 PESOS.”

The amendment also provides a new paragraph to the aforementioned Article, which states: “IF DURING THE COURSE OF ANY FORMAL INVESTIGATION OR TRIAL OF THE CASE, IT IS PROVEN THAT THE ABOVE FALSE COMPLAINT HAS BEEN OR IS BEING USED BY THE COMPLAINANT TO GAIN ADVANTAGE OR TO RECEIVE A FAVORABLE DECISION, ACTION, OR RESOLUTION ON ANY MATTER, THE MAXIMUM PENALTY PROVIDED HEREIN SHALL BE IMPOSED.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=808575

Ranking NPA lady leader nabbed in Agusan Del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): Ranking NPA lady leader nabbed in Agusan Del Sur

Government security forces arrested a ranking lady leader of the New People's Army (NPA) during checkpoint operations at Barangay Poblacion, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur on Saturday.

Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, 4th Infantry Division public affairs office chief, identified the captured rebel leader as Rona Mae Callao, the secretary of Guerrilla Front 30A and at the same time Regional Financial and Medical Staff of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee in Surigao del Sur.

She is wanted for charges of robbery, multiple murder and frustrated murder.

"Callao was arrested by virtue of several warrants of arrest, observing a lawful and proper arrest procedure," Martinez said.

Recovered from her possession were a .357 revolver with five rounds of ammunition, one Lenovo tablet, four cellular phones, PhP 5,200 and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Meanwhile, 4th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Oscar T. Lactao said the “NPAs, especially those with warrants of arrest, will eventually be apprehended. The long arm of the law will eventually catch up with those wanted by the law and to face the consequences of their action. Also, taking arms to amplify grievances is not the way. We enjoin those who are still in the NPA ranks to accept the government’s peace initiatives and we are open for peace dialogues. Meantime, we reiterate the futility of the armed struggle.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=808589

10th ID supports DOJ probe on Lumad atrocities

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): 10th ID supports DOJ probe on Lumad atrocities

The 10th Infantry Division on Monday expressed its support to the Department of Justice (DOJ)'s investigation on alleged atrocities committed by the military against Lumad tribesmen living in Davao Del Norte and Bukidnon.

"We believe that, in light of the various views surrounding this issue, a thorough investigation conducted by a competent government institution is a step forward to find out the truth. More importantly, the Lumads, who have been the victims of this controversy deserves the justice that our constitution has guaranteed them," 10th Infantry Division public affairs office chief 1st Lt. Alexandre Cabales said.

"Our peace building effort, as embodied in our Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan, is one that recognizes the need to protect the ordinary Filipino from terror and fear in order to allow them to pursue their dreams and aspirations," he added.

Cabales said this commitment has brought them to the remotest of areas to answer to the people’s clamor for a just and lasting peace.

He added that the need to aid the Lumads has never been more important as they have become targets of exploitation by the NPA and their affiliate groups.

"For the past years, our soldiers together with other peace stakeholders have worked side by side with the lumads to win the peace in their communities and support their development," he stressed.

And in the performance of their mandate, Cabales said they have the opportunity to see first hand the beauty of the cultural heritage that the Lumads have fought long and hard to preserve. Like all other sectors of society, they would want to live in peaceful communities for their children and future generations.

This simple yearning is one that has inspired us and all other sectors to support the cause of the Lumads, he added.

"However, this endeavor is not without a price. Our soldiers have been vulnerable to attacks by the NPA in order to disrupt these efforts. Many lives has been offered by our soldiers yet they continue to remain steadfast in the performance of their duty. More recently, the attacks has been intensified such that the credibility of our soldiers are the ones being questioned. Sadder still, is that the groups who orchestrated these attacks has pawned the ordinary lumad disregarding their well-being just to pursue the propaganda," Cabales pointed out.

He added that the investigation of the DOJ is a welcome opportunity for the truth to come out.

"We manifest our all-out support to this investigation in the hope that this will pave the way for a greater appreciation on the plight of our brother lumads and recognition of their sector as vital component in our pursuit for just and lasting peace in our country," Cabales concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=808763

PAF T-41 training aircraft up for maintenance

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): PAF T-41 training aircraft up for maintenance

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has allocated the sum of Php3,931,752 for the acquisition of spare parts needed for the maintenance of one of its Cessna T-41 "Mescalero" training aircraft.

Major Gen. Isagani Silva, PAF Bidding and Awards Committee chair, in a bulletin posted at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System, said bid opening is slated for Oct. 8, 9 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

The Cessna T-41 Mescalero is a military version of the popular Cessna 172, operated by the United States Air Force and Army as well as the armed forces of various other countries as a pilot training aircraft.

The PAF operates around 20 T-41 units for its pilot training program.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=808844

PAF acquiring new S-70 engine assembly

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): PAF acquiring new S-70 engine assembly

In line with efforts to ensure the airworthiness of all its available aircraft, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced that it is allocating the sum of Php30,000,000 for the acquisition of a brand-new engine assembly for one of its Sikorsky S-70 medium transport utility helicopters.

Major Gen. Isagani Silva, PAF Bidding and Awards Committee chair, in a bulletin posted at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System, said bid opening is slated this coming Oct. 8, 9 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

The S-70 was developed for the US Army in the 1970s, winning a competition to be designated the UH-60 Black Hawk and spawning a large family in US military service.

New and improved versions of the UH-60 have been developed since. Civilian versions, and some military versions are produced under various S-70 model designations.

The PAF is known to operate three to six S-70 units in its inventory.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=808907

PA starts distribution of brand-new R4 rifles

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): PA starts distribution of brand-new R4 rifles

The Philippine Army (PA) has started the distribution of 24,300 brand-new 5.56mm R4A3 rifles to ground units based in the Visayas and Cotabato,PA Logistic head Col. Pio Diñoso said on Monday.

"Priorities for distribution are the troops assigned in Mindanao. However, due to our logistics distribution schedule, especially the availability of our C-130s, the troops in the Visayas and Cotabato received their rifles in advance last week," he added.

The initial distribution of the newly procured 5.56 R4A3 carbine rifles, also known as M-4 rifles, is part of the 44,186 total rifles that are now on-hand in the Army arsenal with 19,866 rifles still undergoing ballistic tests by the Philippine National Police.

The new M-4 rifles are part of the Army’s modernization program.

For this year, the PA expects the delivery of more armored personnel carriers, protective gears for individual soldiers, and radio communication equipment.

“By 2016, the PA envisions to be a well-equipped and respected Army in Southeast Asia, and a potent force that is ready and capable to address external threats,” PA commander Lt. Gen. Eduardo M. Año said.

There was a delay in the distribution of the new M-4s after the Army asked the contractor to improve its sight mechanism.

As reported, all sight mechanisms of the Army’s M4 were already replaced by the manufacturer.

It can be recalled that the PA has procured a total of 56,843 carbine rifles as part of its capability upgrade program. It is still awaiting the delivery of another 12,657 rifles.

The procurement of new firearms is part of the three horizons revised Armed Forces of the Philippine Modernization Act under Republic Act No. 10349 signed in December 2012 that aims to develop a credible strategic Armed Force and the professionalization of the AFP.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=808911

2 rebel weapons seized in Davao City clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): 2 rebel weapons seized in Davao City clash
 

Troopers from the 84th Infantry Battalion have seized two New People's Army (NPA) weapons during an encounter in Tugbok District, Davao City Sunday.

The encounter took place around 12 noon and lasted for five minutes, 10th Infantry Division public affairs office chief 1st Lt. Alexandre Cabales said.

The firefight stemmed from ongoing pursuit operations against five NPA fighters who broke-off from a larger rebel group during an encounter two days ago.

“They were forced to leave their firearms as the troops continue to advance towards them,” 84th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Louie DS Villanueva said.

Seized were an M-16 rifle and a carbine. No one was reported hurt nor killed among the pursuing government troops.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=809055