CPP/NDF/NPA: Six military Actions Launched by NPA-NCMR on September

NDF/NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Oct 3): Six military Actions Launched by NPA-NCMR on September

NDFP National Democratic Front of the Philippines

 

Media Statement
October 3, 2015

On the month of September, the New People’s Army from three provinces in North Central Mindanao Region successfully launched various military actions against soldiers of the 4th ID and their paramilitary troops. This month also witnessed the arrest of an army sergeant from the 26th IB and his detention as POW. Harassment operations were also launched against the rescue operations to the prisoners-of-war. Together with the region’s revolutionary forces, we would also give our salute to a comrade who offered his life during this period.

September 29, around 11 o’clock in the morning – a counter-attack was launched by an NPA platoon under Eastern Misamis Oriental-North Eastern Bukidnon (NPA EMONEB) Subregional Command against troops of the 58th IB together with the CAFGU who attempted in raiding the temporary NPA camp in Purok 2, Balahan, Mat-i, Claveria, Misamis Oriental. One Cafgu was killed and 4 members of the 58th IB was wounded on the said clash. Nothing was confiscated by the raiders and no casualties were suffered by the NPA.

September 22 – an NPA team under Mt. KitangladSubregional Command harassed soldiers from the 1st Special Forces Batallion in combat operation in Lantapan, Bukidnon. One was killed and three soldiers got wounded on this harassment.

September 21, around 6:45 in the morning – an NPA team harassed a column of troops under the 26IB in the mountainous part of Kamingawan, Brgy. Balit, San Luis. Five got killed and there were undetermined wounded reactionary troops on this harassment. A helicopter lifted their fatalities and wounded at around 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon.

September 20, around 4:30 in the morning – an NPA unit detonated a command-detonated explosive (CDX) to a platoon under 26IB who pursued the NPA forces which assailed Sgt. Bengil. The ambush occured in the midst of Km.13 of Barangay Policarpo, San Luis. Two regular soldier under the 26th IB and a Civilian Armed Auxilliary (CAA) were killed and four suffered wounds on this event.

September 19, 2015, around 10:45 in the morning – an NPA unit under Western Agusan Norte-Agusan Sur (NPA WANAS) Sub-regional Command successfully arrested and took Sergeant Adriano De la Peña Bengil (serial number: 831966) as POW on a checkpoint while riding a motorcycle in Km.16, Brgy. Policarpo, San Luis, Agusandel Sur. He is team leader of the Peace and Development Team (PDT) under 26th Infantry Battalion which conducted their activities in Community Organizing for Peace and Development (COPD) in Mahagsay, Agusandel Sur. He is now in the care of the custodial unit of NPA WANAS and is moved to a safe location due to the continuing rescue operations of the AFP. His family now has also received the cash through a local radio station worth P10,150 which he is about to deliver them during his arrest in the checkpoint.

September 13, around 8 o’clock in the morning – an encounter unintentionally occurred between an NPA team under Mt. Kitanglad Sub-regional Operational Command and the Licanay brothers who are both members of the Licanay criminal bandit group in SityoTandacul, Brgy. Lilingayon, Valencia City. The two died on the clash despite their first shot towards NPA members who they met on the forested part of the barrio. The 4th ID spokesperson used the bandit father of the two who died in order to spin a story that the Red fighters desecrated the bodies of the two. This is a desperate effort of the 1st SFB and the 4th ID in order to shield their liability for the massacre of five Lumad farmers in Pangantucan, Bukidnon last August 18.

Despite the more intensified counter-revolutionary attacks of the AFP against the revolutionary armed units of the NPA coupled with the attacks on the poor population who should have been the Boss, the revolutionary movement was never deprived of its initiative and determination to defeat the last card of the US-BS Aquino regime, the OplanBayanihan. These tactical offensives and those upcoming will be the region’s share in responding to the Communist Party of the Philippines’ call of exacting justice to the victims of instigated crimes by the AFP, paramilitary and bandit groups. The ruling system could not anymore impede the further expansion and consolidation of the revolutionary movement because they themselves teach the fighting people in building a liberating and just path which extremely contrasts the “straight path” of the reactionary Aquino clique.

(Signed)
Ka Allan Juanito
Spokesperson
NPA-North Central Mindanao Region

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20151003_six-military-actions-launched-by-npa-ncmr-on-september

CPP/NDF/NPA: 1st SFB Killing Machine Subling Miarangkada

NDF/NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Oct 2): 1st SFB Killing Machine Subling Miarangkada

NDFP National Democratic Front of the Philippines

 

Pamahayag sa Media
Oktubre 2, 2015

Tataw nga mabati sa katawhan karon dinhi sa atong rehiyon ang pasistang paghari sa AFP paglabay sa pila ka dekada na human napalagpot ang pasistang diktadurang Marcos. Ang sunod-sunod nga masaker, pinataka nga pagpamusil sa mga sibilyan, pagterorisa sa mga Lumad ug tinibuok nga dislokasyon sa mga komunidad, ug lain-laing dagway sa pagpanghasi pulos nagsabwag og kalisang sa mga magbubuhis nga nagsweldo kanila, mga binuhatan sa mga daw nagsalimuang nga kontrarebolusyonaryong pwersa sa anino sa NPA. Bisan mga yanong Lumad, mga mag-uuma o ordinaryong sibilyan, NPA na ang ilang tinan-awan. Dili na malalis ang kapakyas sa ilang gidamgong pagdugmok sa rebolusyonaryong kalihokan ug labaw lang nilang gibutyag ang kainutil sa Oplan Bayanihan.

Niadtong Septyembre 27, miarangkada na usab ang killing machine sa 1st SF “massacre” Battalion. Mga kapin alas dose sa udtong tutok, walay pupanagana nga girakrakan sa mga berdugong membro sa maong batalyon ang nagabiyaheng Bongo truck padulong Valencia City gikan sa Baungon, Bukidnon subay sa Sayre Highway. Pag-abot sa Purok 1 sa Barangay Cabangahan, Malaybalay City, sumala sa mga baryuhanon nga nakasaksi sa hitabo, kalit nga mi-overtake ang puti nga SUV nga gisakyan sa mga operatiba sa 1st SFB babag sa highway diretso rapido sa mga nagsakay sa Bongo.

Patay diha-diha ang drayber nga si Walter Ayuban ug iyang pasahero nga si Edwin Namatidong. Samdan ang asawa ni Walter ug giaresto ang naligo sa dugo nga laing pasahero nga si Teresita Olarte nga dayon gipasa sa mga berdugo sa 1st SFB ngadto sa CIDG sa Malaybalay City ug gipasakaan og tinumo-tumo nga kaso. Tungod kay naandan na nila, wala sila’y pagpakabana o kaha may paghunahuna bisan gamay sa ilang nabiktima nga mga sibilyan. Ang mga paryente ra sa namatay nga drayber ang nagpahiluna sa iyang patayng lawas ug sa samaron niya nga asawa. Aron walay daghang kuskos-balungos – sayon ang pag-charge nga mga NPA silang tanan.

Awtomatik dayon nga namahayag si Col. Jesse Alvarez sa 403rd BDE nga dunay nahitabong engkwentro tali sa iyang mga tropa ug mga membro sa NPA human nila gitamnan og ebidensya nga pistolang 45, mga bala ug duha ka granada. Walay kabutangan sa pasigarbo sa kintahay ilang malampusong operasyon batok sa mga NPA ang mga tigpamaba sa 403rd BDE ug 4th ID AFP nga nagpuli-puli pagpagarpar. Sama sa miaging mga hitabo, giangkon nilang dakung kadungganan ang walay lipod-lipod nga pagpangyatak sa tawhanong katungod, paglapas sa ilang kaugalingong reaksyonaryong balaud ug sa mga internasyonal nga balaud sa gubat. Nagpatuyang na lang gyud sila sa pagligis sa sibilyan nga awtoridad, gimbuhatong pamulis o kaha pagtamod sa ilang reaksyonaryong hudisyal nga proseso sa pagdumala sa mga gidudahang subersibo. Niini nga mga binuhatan, gusto nilang isilsil sa alimpatakan sa katawhan nga nagsweldo kanila nga ang armas nga ilang gihawiran mao na ang balaud. Klaro nga sukwahi sa pasiatab nga usa ka elite ug propesyonal nga unit ang 1st SFB, sa tinuod lang, ignorante pa sila kaysa CAFGU ug luog pa sa mga mangtas nga para-militar nga terorista pareho sa mga sinuhulang mersenaryo sa mga tirano sa wala pa moabot ang katilingban sa yugto sa sibilisasyon.

Syempre dahumon nato nga atubangan sa timbangan sa opinyong publiko, lig-ong barugan pa gihapon sa mga upisyal sa 1st SFB, 403rd BDE ug 4th ID, ang paghugas sa ilang naduhig sa dugo nga mga kamot sa mga kriminal nga tulubagon, bisan kung nagkahulugan kini sa pagpusta sa ilang mga ranggo ug promosyon kay ang ilang napatay mga NPA. Apan sama sa ilang idolong mangingihaw nga si Palparan, ang pasistang pagkayawan-on dunay kinutuban.

Ang katawhang nabiktima sa pasistang dikdatura nakakat-on sa pagbarug ug nasayud sila asa nga natad sa pagsukol nila dad-on ang ilang pakigbisog. Kining masukulong diwa mituhop sa galamhan sa matag Pilipino nga walay paglurang ang pangandoy sa pagkab-ot sa katilingbanong kaangayan, kagawasan ug kalingkawasan gikan sa mga mapahimuslanon ug madaugdaugon. Labaw sa tanan, duyog ug saksi sila sa padayong pag-abante sa demokratikong rebolusyon sa katawhan nga may sosyalistang perspektiba nga gipaasdang sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan ilalum sa pagpangulo sa Partido Komunista sa Pilipinas.

Pinirmahan,
Ka Allan Juanito
Tigpamaba
New People’s Army
North Central Mindanao Command

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20151002_1st-sfb-killing-machine-subling-miarangkada

CPP/NDF/NPA: 2 Army Soldiers Captured in NPA Checkpoint in Monkayo were in Combat Operations

NDF/NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Oct 2): 2 Army Soldiers Captured in NPA Checkpoint in Monkayo were in Combat Operations

NDFP National Democratic Front of the Philippines

 

Press Statement
October 2, 2015

Red fighters belonging to the Comval North Davao South Agusan Subregional Command arrested in a New People’s Army checkpoint two regular elements of the Philippine Army’s 25th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Casoon, Monkayo, at 1pm September 30. Seized as Prisoners of War were members of the Reengineered Special Operations Team (RSOT) Alpha Company, Private First Class NiÑo L. Alavaro (serial no. 184895) and Private First Class Marjon S. Anover (serial no. 190028). Confiscated from the two POWs were two .45 caliber pistol.

Contrary to claims of the GPH’s provincial police that the two Prisoners of War were not in active duty, POW Alavaro and POW Anover came from the Army’s headquarters in Banlag, Monkayo and were enroute to combat operations at the time of their capture, warranting the Red fighters to take action and arrest them.

In adherence to the protocols of war, the NPA custodial unit is duty-bound to treat the two Prisoners of War humanely and leniently while an investigating team subjects them to the judicial process under the tenets of revolutionary justice.

The NPA mounted the checkpoint in response to the atrocities committed by the 25th IB RSOT. The fascist Army troops committed grave human rights violations in the villages when they ransacked several houses, encamped village centers, committed serious psychological warfare and arrested civilians on account of fake criminal charges. It was the same Army unit which seized and tortured to death three Red fighters in Montevista, Compostela Valley last year.

In contrast to the Army’s innate brutality as it sustains its counter-revolutionary campaign of suppression Oplan Bayanihan, the NPA exacts revolutionary justice against the people’s enemies while adhering to the international humanitarian law.

(sgd.) Aries Francisco
Spokesperson
NPA-Comval North Davao South Agusan Subregional Command

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20151002_2-army-soldiers-captured-in-npa-checkpoint-in-monkayo-were-in-combat-operations

Philippines engage China in debate at UN General Assembly

From Ang Malaya (Oct 6): Philippines engage China in debate at UN General Assembly

The Philippine delegation, headed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, engaged China during the general debate at the 70th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. Department of Foreign Affairs said the Philippines once again invited China “to join the deliberations of the arbitral tribunal and to let the merits be decided upon on the basis of international law and with transparency rather than by recourse to coercion and intimidation.”

“With the growing support from the international community in peacefully resolving disputes in the South China Sea, including through arbitration, the Philippines believes that the final outcome of this arbitration process would pave the way for a settlement of the maritime disputes,” del Rosario said in his address to the UNGA.

China, on the contrary said it wants a peaceful settlement in accordance with international law but insisted through bilateral negotiations and consultations. China emphasized that its claims of sovereignty over the South China Sea are based on historical and legal foundations.

The Philippine delegation, for its part, stressed that “given that the South China Sea is an international waterway, the stronger the reason to settle any disputes thereof at an international level, under international law, including arbitration under Annex VII of UNCLOS.”

DFA said Philippines has maintained the position that the core issue in the South China Sea is the claim of indisputable sovereignty of China, as represented by the nine-dash line, over almost the entire South China Sea, which has no basis under international law. “We cannot, moreover, accept China’s illegal actions on its artificial islands as fait accompli,” the Secretary added.

“The world cannot allow a country, no matter how powerful, to claim an entire sea as its own nor should it allow coercion to be an acceptable dispute settlement mechanism,” Secretary del Rosario concluded.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/10/06/13862-philippines-engage-china-in-debate-at-un-general-assembly

Navy deploys new troops in Kalayaan Island Group

From Ang Malaya (Oct 6): Navy deploys new troops in Kalayaan Island Group

The Philippine Navy sent-off new security personnel for the Kalayaan Island Group. The send-off ceremony was conducted September 28 at 2LT Lagare Tidepole Pier in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

The Navy said troop rotation, re-provisioning and replenishment on the eight island detachments in KIG were undertaken by BRP Quezon (PS70) and BRP Ivatan (AT298).

Naval Forces North West commander Commodore Jorge Amba and Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez were present during the ceremony. The strategic importance of the West Philippine Sea to national security and deployment of Fleet-Marine Forces in KIG were highlighted during the said ceremony.

“Immediately afterwards [the send-off ceremony], the entire force of the KIG Security Personnel embarked on BRPs Quezon and Ivatan, more than prepared and willing to selflessly serve by upholding the sovereignty and ensuring the territorial integrity of the Republic.”

Security forces were deployed to Lawak Island, Likas Island, Kota Island, Panata Shoal, Parola Island, Patag Shoal, Rizal Reef and Pag-Asa Island. They will relieve their fellow troopers who have been manning their posts for more or less three months.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/10/06/13870-navy-deploys-new-troops-in-kalayaan-island-group

US Navy: Some nations in Pacific continue to impose superfluous warnings, restrictions

From Ang Malaya (Oct 6): US Navy: Some nations in Pacific continue to impose superfluous warnings, restrictions

Top United States Navy officer in Pacific region, US Pacific Fleet commander Admiral Scott Swift told an audience at the Royal Australian Navy Seapower Conference in Sydney, Australia that freedom of navigation and overflight is the golden rule of a rules-based system codified in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

He added that freedom of navigation and overflight, and UNCLOS applies to all types of vessels and aircraft, military and civilian from all nations.

“It cannot be parsed, minced, or revised by any one nation’s domestic laws. It cannot be halted by coercion or encroachment. It endures regardless of competing maritime claims, no matter how longstanding or disputed, regardless of their being conceived by nature, or manufactured by man,” Admiral Swift added.

Without specifically mentioning a nation, Swift said “it’s my sense that some nations view freedom of the seas as up for grabs, as something that can be taken down and redefined by domestic law or by reinterpreting international law.”

He added that “some nations in this region continue to impose superfluous warnings and restrictions on freedom of the seas in their exclusive economic zones and claim territorial water rights that are inconsistent with UNCLOS.”

Admiral Swift warned “if even one of these restrictions were successful, it would be a major blow to the international rules-based system with ramifications well beyond the maritime domain.”

http://www.angmalaya.net/world/2015/10/06/13881-us-navy-some-nations-in-pacific-continue-to-impose-superfluous-warnings-restrictions

803rd Brigade in Northern Samar has new Commander

Just posted to Samar News (Sep 9): 803rd Brigade in Northern Samar has new Commander



8ID chief MGen Jet Velarmino as presiding officer, hands over the symbolic flag to the 803rd Brigade outgoing commander during the turn-over ceremony held at headquarters Camp Sumoroy, Catarman, Northern Samar.

By DPAO, 8ID PA
September 9, 2015

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – A former Deputy Brigade Commander has assumed the post of the Army's 803rd Infantry (PEACEMAKER) Brigade during the turn-over of command ceremony held on September 8, 2015 at Camp Somoroy, Brgy Dalakit, Catarman, Northern Samar.

Colonel Mario G. Lacurom replaced Brigadier General Herminigildo C. Aquino who has been appointed as the Assistant Superintendent of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio City.

Major General Jet B. Velarmino, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division presided the turn-over of command which was attended by the local government officials of Northern Samar headed by its Governor Hon. Jose L. Ong Jr., Col. Dinoh A. Dolina, Commander 802nd Brigade, PNP officials headed by PSSupt Daniel C. Mayuni, Provincial Director NSPPO, Civil Society Organizations, partners and stakeholders of the Brigade, the media, friends, Army's field commanders and the men and women of the 803rd Brigade.

In his message, Col Lacurom recognized the significant milestone of Northern Samar after the province was declared as Manageable Conflict Affected and Development Ready this year and confident to push Northern Samar as Insurgency Free province by urging the support from the stakeholders so that just and lasting peace will be realized.

Col. Lacurom further vowed to continue to support the initiatives of the local government units and closely collaborate with the stakeholders in line with the AFP Internal Peace and Security Plan "Bayanihan".

"This is a blessing to me from God and I am inspired for this designation and ready to face the challenges as I recalled my time when I was a Battalion Commander in Southern Leyte and now a Brigade Commander in Northern Samar is indeed a challenge in my life", Lacurom added.

Meanwhile, Major General Velarmino congratulated Brigadier General Aquino for a job well done during his stint as the Brigade Commander as the unit was conferred as initiated status of genuine transformation and reform thru Governance Strategy and Management and Col Lacurom for being selected to head the 803rd Brigade.

"Perform the given task at hand and put your heart into it, if we are truly committed then we are capable and competent as leaders of our men and our subordinates will trust us and give us their full support and cooperation", Velarmino added.

http://www.samarnews.com/news2015/sep/d415.htm

Security tight in Jolo town after troops recover bomb

From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 6): Security tight in Jolo town after troops recover bomb

Military authorities have tightened security on Tuesday in the southern Filipino town of Jolo after troops recovered a homemade bomb left behind by suspected Abu Sayyaf rebels.

Two motorcycle men abandoned the explosive – assembled from a 60mm mortar bomb – after seeing troops manning a checkpoint in the village of San Raymundo late on Monday. Soldiers tried, but failed to catch with the men who immediately fled, leaving behind the improvised explosive device hidden among a basket of fruits.

Military bomb experts inspected the basket and found the explosive which was eventually disarmed.

It was unknown whether the bomb was intended for shipment to Zamboanga City or for troops and military vehicles passing in the village which is near a marine and army bases in the town.

Security forces are battling the Abu Sayyaf, tagged as behind the spate of terrorism and ransom kidnappings, in southern Philippines.

The military said it has deployed more troops to help local police forces patrol the town which has been bombed in the past Abu Sayyaf attacks.

 http://mindanaoexaminer.com/security-tight-in-jolo-town-after-troops-recover-bomb/

Election threatens to derail BBL–Deles

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 6): Election threatens to derail BBL–Deles



Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

THE 2016 elections poses a threat to the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), according to Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles.

In a recent forum hosted by the Makati Business Club (MBC), Deles pointed out that “2016 partisan interests and agenda are already out there fighting tooth and nail to claim center stage.”

She, however, asserted that the Aquino administration remained “committed to continue its relentless efforts to secure the BBL’s enactment into law as soon as possible.”

“No, we are not giving up. This is the prevailing sentiment of the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front panels, as well as of our local and international peace partners in this historic endeavor for peace,” she said.

She asked the MBC members to “continue accompanying the peace process in ensuring that this dream will not dry up.”

“Let us together make sure it will flourish, flower and bear fruit, fruits that our children can enjoy in abundance, in a country that knows no war and tolerates no injustice, a country that is peaceful, harmonious and progressive, and one that has room enough for all its people and all their aspirations.”

Deles stressed that the government and the other stakeholders in the Bangsamoro peace process “cannot afford to go back to square one.”

“The time is getting really tight and if we give up, we can say that the entire legislation is really dead,” she said.

The Senate and the House of Representatives had agreed to move the deadline for passage of the proposed law to Dec. 16.

The filing of certificates of candidacy for May’s elections is on Oct. 12-16. After that, the politicians will be on election mode.

Civil society groups Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) and the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) have vowed to continue drumming up support for the passage of the BBL.

In separate statements, the Cotabato City-based IAG and the CEAP, which groups together 1,252 colleges and universities nationwide, both noted that the BBL was reflective of the spirit of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the 2014 peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/728176/election-threatens-to-derail-bbl-deles

NPA blamed for chieftain's ambush in North Cotabato

From the Philippine Star (Oct 6): NPA blamed for chieftain's ambush in North Cotabato



Members of the New People's Army (NPA) are reported to be harassing chieftains of tribal groups on suspicions they are helping the military. Philstar.com/File photo

Local folks are convinced communist rebels were behind Sunday’s fatal ambush of a Manobo warrior chieftain in Magpet, North Cotabato.

The victim, Joel Bia-ong, whose tribal name is Datu Bahani, was riding his motorcycle when gunmen, positioned at one side of a road in Barangay Tagbak, blocked his path and opened fire with assault rifles.  

Barangay Tagbak is a secluded area northeast of Magpet municipality.

Magpet’s municipal police chief, Senior Inspector Felix Fornan, on Tuesday said investigators are yet to identify the culprits, who immediately fled to a nearby hinterland after the attack.

Local residents are certain the New People’s Army (NPA) was responsible for the fatal ambush of Bia-ong.

Stories and text messages have been spreading in the province since Sunday, purporting that Bia-ong was killed by NPAs for his being identified with the military.

NPA forces in Magpet and in nearby towns have been harassing chieftains of tribal groups lately on suspicions they are helping the military locate the whereabouts of rebel groups operating in areas they control.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/10/06/1507781/npa-blamed-chieftains-ambush-north-cotabato

Burning of 4 houses in Bukidnon, a ‘demonic act’

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6): Burning of 4 houses in Bukidnon, a ‘demonic act’

The Kabataan Partylist in Northern Mindanao Region (KP-NMR) on Tuesday described the burning of four houses in the village of White Kulaman in Kitaotao, Bukidnon last Friday as “demonic act.”

The militant KP-NMR in the region has tagged the military as responsible in the burning of the four houses of Indigenous People (IP) in the hinterland of Malinao in the village of While Kulaman.

The perpetrators are now heading to Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Inc. (MISFI) to burn down the school, said Vennel Francis Chenfoo, coordinator of the KP-NMR.

Felipe Cabugnason, a village chief of White Culaman issued a memorandum last week ordering the closure of MISFI Academy saying that it lacks legal documents, such as a permit to operate.

The school is a “threat to the safety of the IPs living in the village because of their supposed links to the communist New People’s Army and that the lumber used to build the school remained unpaid.

“Local leaders are now mobilized by the state against Lumad schools at the instigation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, which has the same pattern with the increase cases of Lumad killings all over Mindanao.” Chenfoo said.

The KP-NMR strongly denounced the state and its armed forces in perpetrating the attacks of Lumad communities and of their schools.

He said that the rising cases of human rights violation against the Lumad only show that the state continues its relentless suppression against the people.

Militarization is not the solution, but rather, it would only worsen the devastating plight of the Lumad, Chenfoo said.

He said that the militant KP-NMR is calling for the pull out all the military troops in IP communities and schools since “militarization” is not the solution but contributes to the worsening plight of the IP communities.

In a statement, the military has denied any knowledge of the burning of the houses in While Kulaman saying that the army soldiers were in their barracks in the village center when the incident supposedly occurred.

Cabugnason, the village chief, belied the allegations that the soldiers are the ones responsible for the burning of houses in Sitio Malinao.

Last month, the military and police armed with a search warrant raided a house in the area believed an explosive factory of the communist guerillas, which rendered an “arm cache” that includes war materiel for assembling improvised explosive devices (IED).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=811992

Duterte confirms arrest of two suspects in Samal abduction incident

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6): Duterte confirms arrest of two suspects in Samal abduction incident

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has confirmed the arrest of two suspected abductors of three foreigners and a Filipina from the Holiday Ocean View Samal Resort last September 21.

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte named one of the arrested suspects as one Bandahar Adona, also known as “Banon”, who was identified by the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) as one of those who forcibly took one of the four victims, as seen on the CCTV footage.

“I was privy to that…I was invited to the briefing to listen,” Duterte told reporters on Monday in an interview in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. He said he was invited by the ISAFP.

However, Duterte refused to further reveal the details of the investigation, leaving it to the appropriate authorities to talk on the incident. He said it took time for the intelligence authorities to pick up and trace signals from cellular phone calls suspected to be coming from Bunawan District, this city.

Earlier, sources point to a certain Tanum group from Patikul, Sulu as responsible for the abduction. Tanum is reportedly a village in Patikul, the main base of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). The same sources said the group arrived onboard a white speedboat in Barangay Kaunayan in Patikul around 12:30 pm on Tuesday, September 22.

Duterte has already appealed to the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) not to harm the hostages. He even expressed willingness to go to Talipao, Sulu to appeal for the safe release of Canadian nationals John Ridsdel, and Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, and Filipina Marites Flor.

The Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Ocean View however refused to comment on the mayor’s revelation as it is still completing its investigation.

Philippine National Police (PNP) XI spokesperson, Antonio Rivera said probers are focusing on some personalities but would not say anything until SITG will complete everything.

He said if there is a report on the arrest of suspected abductors, he does not know about it yet or SITG might not have received any report yet from the military.

When asked how much time is given for SITG to complete its investigation, Rivera said it would be soon because authorities are still verifying all information.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=812007

Rebel killed, trooper wounded in series of clashes in Iloilo

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6): Rebel killed, trooper wounded in series of clashes in Iloilo

A New People's Army (NPA) member was killed while a soldier was seriously wounded during a series of encounters in Tubungan town, Iloilo.

The firefights started 4: 30 p.m. Monday after patrolling troopers from the 82nd Infantry Battalion encountered five rebels in the locality, 3rd Infantry Division public affairs office chief Major Ray Tiongson said Tuesday.

The patrol was the offshoot of complaints made by residents regarding the presence of lawless armed elements in their community.

The encounter which lasted for five minutes resulted to the wounding of an Army soldier Cpl. Paul Saldo who was hit on the right side of his belly.

Saldo was immediately evacuated from the encounter area and was brought to the nearest hospital in Iloilo City for proper medication. He is now on stable condition.

While pursuing the fleeing rebels, government forces encountered again the NPAs at 3:30 a.m. Tuesday at the boundary of barangays Buenavista and Batga

The gunbattle lasted for five minutes and succeeded in killing one NPA fighter and the recovery of one M-16 rifle, one.45 pistol, assorted ammunition, rifle grenades, and personal belongings.

The identity of the slain rebel is being determined as of this posting.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=811899

2nd report on Mamasapano encounter to be made public on Thursday -- De Lima

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6): 2nd report on Mamasapano encounter to be made public on Thursday -- De Lima

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will make public its second report on the investigation conducted on the bloody encounter in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25, 2015.

DOJ Secretary Leila M. De Lima on Tuesday said the DOJ will release the result of the investigation conducted by the joint special investigation team of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and National Prosecution Service (NPS) on Thursday.

Included in the second part of the investigation is the death of nine members of the 84th Seaborne Company of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), who were recovered from the vicinity of the nipa hut of the slain Malaysian bomb expert, Zulkifli bin Hir alias "Marwan" in Barangay Pidsandawan, Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Also included in the second report is the investigation into the extent of the alleged participation of the American troops and whether there was a criminal liability on the part of the lone survivor, PO2 Christopher Lalan for the death of some civilians and some members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The DOJ earlier released the first part of the report on the Mamasapano encounter where criminal charges were filed before the DOJ against 90 respondents, including the officials and members of the MILF, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and some members of Private Armed Groups (PAGs) for their alleged involvement in the death of 35 PNP SAF troopers who were killed in a cornfield in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapao also last January 25.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=812026

DND's JCPV Phase 3B project bidding now open

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6): DND's JCPV Phase 3B project bidding now open

In line with its efforts to ensure the seaworthiness and mission readiness of all Philippine Navy (PN) vessels, the Department of National Defense (DND) announced that it is opening the bidding for its JCPV Phase 3B acquisition project.

JCPV refers to the three Jacinto class patrol vessels currently in PN service.

The DND is allocating the sum of Php224,000,000 for the project. The money will be sourced from General Appropriation Act.

Phase 3B involves: " The restoration and sustainment of 76mm gun for one JCPV and upgrade of electro-optical fire control systems and sensors for one JCPV. "

Delivery of goods or the contract duration shall be within 20 months as per bidding documents.

Bid opening shall be on Oct. 27, 2015 at 11:30 a.m., at the DND-Bidding and Awards Conference Room, Basement, Left Wing, DND Building, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Only system integrators who are themselves manufacturers of the main weapons system, the fire control system or the combat management system are eligible to participate in the bidding.

The JCPV is one of the most modern surface combatants of the PN.

These ships, three in number, were originally operated by the Royal Navy in Hongkong.

They were sold to the Philippines in August 1997 when Great Britain's lease on Hongkong ended.

Bid opening was earlier scheduled for March 10 but was put in abeyance pending the signing of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program. The latter was signed last July 22.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=811939