Kalahi-CIDSS to operate in 11 towns in Davao Region

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 14): Kalahi-CIDSS to operate in 11 towns in Davao Region

Eleven municipalities in Davao Region recently concurred to implement Kalahi-CIDSS or Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The latest batch of Kalahi-CIDSS areas in the region comprises Baganga, Braulio E. Dujali, Lupon, Kiblawan, Jose Abad Santos, Malalag, Sta. Maria, Don Marcelino, Montevista, Sarangani and San Isidro (Davao del Norte).

Kalahi-CIDSS is a community-driven development program of the Philippine Government aiming to empower people through sustainable development, enhanced participation in local governance, and management of poverty alleviation projects.

Separate municipal orientations were attended by local government officials, program beneficiaries, and DSWD officers.

The municipal orientation, one of the components in the social preparation stage of Kalahi-CIDSS Community Empowerment Activity Cycle (CEAC), marks the official launch of the program in the municipalities.

DSWD XI Regional Director Priscilla Razon said, “The Municipal Orientation is very important because it generates awareness and acceptance of the program.”

It provides forums where the technical and administrative requirements of implementation are officially agreed upon by the community, she said.

Also discussed were conditionalities for local government unit enrollment and size of block grants to be downloaded.

Following the orientation was the signing of memorandum of agreement then the Administration of Panaad sa Pagsuporta (Manifesto of Support), a symbolic rite sealing the partnership and commitment between the local government unit and DSWD.

“The 11 targeted areas will have an aggregate municipal grant allocation of P173,980,750.00 for this year,” said Kalahi-CIDSS Deputy Regional Program Manager Ma. Annabelle Jabla.

Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo Del Rosario urged his constituents to participate in Kalahi-CIDSS since it has really improved the lives of community volunteers.

“Among other anti-poverty programs of the National Government, it is through Kalahi-CIDSS that we can provide development services and capacity building, and mobilize people’s participation in governance. I firmly believe through this program, we can truly fight poverty,” he explained.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=815069

Army in Northern Mindanao to recruit 200 candidate soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 15): Army in Northern Mindanao to recruit 200 candidate soldiers

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan De Oro City – The Philippine Army here would start recruiting 200 candidate soldiers to become regular soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the military announced Thursday.

Capt. Patrick Martinez, spokesperson of the army’s 4th Infantry Division here, said that the recruitment would start Friday until the 200 quota required by the division is meet.

He said that all able-bodied applicants 18 to 23 years old are qualified to take the Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test (AFPSAT) as one of the requirements of the application.

Martinez said that the applicant should present Transcript of Record (Original and Photocopy), 2 pieces ID pictures with white background.

He said that the applicant should also present the original and photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate, original and photocopy of the Diploma, and any valid identification card.

The applicants should submit all the requirements to the Philippine Army Headquarters at the 4ID here in Patag, Cagayan De Oro City.

Martinez said that all qualified applicants would take oath as the next Candidate Soldiers Course (CSC) on June 1, 2016 to provide the applicants enough time to prepare them emotionally and physically from a civilian to a soldier.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=815495

Rebel’s permit to campaign is illegal: Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 14): Rebel’s permit to campaign is illegal: Army

The Philippine Army on Wednesday described the permit to campaign imposed by the communist rebels on politicians as illegal and unauthorized.

Capt. Patrick Martinez, the spokesperson of the army’s 4th Infantry Division here, said that the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels imposed various permits on politicians in exchange of “fees” to be allowed to freely campaign in far flung villages in the country.

These permits include “permit to campaign” (PTC) and “permit to win” (PTW), Martinez said.

He said that the NPA extract different amounts of “fees” on these categories.

Martinez said that these fees were illegal and violated the provision of the Philippine Constitution that provides “candidates for any public office to be free from any form of harassment and discrimination.”

The PTC and PTW also violate the right to suffrage and makes the electoral process a mockery because it is the exact opposite of having a democratic government “by the people, of the people and for the people.”

He said that the PTC and PTW breed the idea of corruption because the aspiring politicians would think of regaining the amount paid from public funds when elected to office.

“For the NPAs, more politicians duped, more money to collect, more opportunities to sow threat – an ingredient to massive graft and corruption,” Martinez said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=815224

Suspects in NGCP towers bombing arrested in North Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 15): Suspects in NGCP towers bombing arrested in North Cotabato

Police arrested here Wednesday night three men believed to be behind the bombing of two transmission towers of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) last week.

Chief Inspector Raymund Sarmogenes, company commander 2nd Maneuver Company of the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB), said Senior Inspector Sindatu Karim, Pikit town police chief, sought the assistance of RPSB about a tip from concerned citizens that three armed men on board a motorbike will enter the town proper.

Sarmogenes said a surprised checkpoint was quickly established along a road near Fort Pikit at 10 p.m.

Minutes later, a Kawasaki motorbike with license plate MG-7541 with three men on board was flagged down for inspection.

Karim, quoting a report from RPSB, said the motorbike was driven by a certain Sam Hasan from Datu Paglas, Maguindanao. When he was subjected to body search, a live hand grenade fell off from his cargo pants.

Sarmogenes said the three, Hasan, Jonathan Pangawilan and Kuyog Sultan, both residents of Raja Muda, Pikit, North Cotabato were held for questioning.

Karim said Task Force Pikit has received a tip about the presence of men behind the bombings of NGCP Tower 44 and 45 on October 9.

Karim earlier said those behind the bombing of NGCP power lines were members of an extortion gang known as al-Khobar and outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

The bombing plunged part of North Cotabato, the whole of Maguindanao and Cotabato City into darkness. Repair and rehabilitation for the fallen towers are still ongoing.

Karim said the suspects will be turned over to the North Cotabato provincial jail.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=815288

U.S. Embassy launches two projects on Zamboanga del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 15): U.S. Embassy launches two projects on Zamboanga del Sur
 

The United States Embassy through its Public Affairs Section has launched two projects that will benefit more than 800 women and 40 youths from conflict-affected areas in the province of Zamboanga del Sur.

The U.S. Embassy said in a statement that one of the two projects, called “Promoting Agricultural Entrepreneurship among Disadvantaged Women,” will enable women-farmers in the province of Zamboanga del Sur to become entrepreneurs and leaders in agricultural development.

The province of Zamboanga del Sur consists of 26 municipalities and one component city. It has a population of 959,685 as of the 2010 census on population.

The training is designed by U.S. Embassy partner Women Empowerment Movement Rural Improvement Club Zamboanga del Sur, Inc.

The two-year project will help beneficiaries expand their economic opportunities by helping them identify agricultural resources, markets, and technologies that can increase their incomes.

The project is funded by the U.S. Secretary of State’s Office of Global Women’s Issues.

The second project, called “Children of War,” aims to transform 40 youth from conflict-affected areas into peace agents in their own communities.

The innovative project will provide technical education and career skills certification, as well as offering training and certification in peace advocacy and conflict resolution.

The participants will then share their acquired knowledge, training 200 community peace volunteers from their respective communities to become leaders themselves.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=815470

5 NPA rebels killed in clash with soldiers in Batangas

From the Sun Star-Manila (Oct 15): 5 NPA rebels killed in clash with soldiers in Batangas

FIVE communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed and two civilians were injured following a clash with government forces in Nasugbu, Batangas on Wednesday, a military official said Thursday.

Major General Romeo Gan, 2nd Infantry Division commander, said the firefight erupted when elements of 710th Special Operations Wing were fire upon by undetermined number of NPA rebels in Sitio Bautista, Barangay Mataas Napulo, Nasugbu.

The village is a rebel stronghold, Gan said.

Gan said the two civilians that were injured, a minor and 50-year-old man, were brought to a hospital in Nasugbu for treatment.

The military suffered no casualty, the official said.

"(I) immediately ordered the pursuit against the remaining members of the group. The neutralization of the armed group is yet another blow to the NPA's attempt to show that they are active in the Batangas area," Gan said.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2015/10/15/5-npa-rebels-killed-clash-soldiers-batangas-435923

Air Force Combat Group kills five communist rebels

From Ang Malaya (Oct 15): Air Force Combat Group kills five communist rebels

Five members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed during an encounter with the 730th Combat Group, 710th Special Operations Wing of the Philippine Air Force in Barangay Mataas na Pulo, Nasugbu town, Batangas Wednesday afternoon. The clash took place 1: 45 p.m., Southern Luzon Command spokesperson Major Angelo Guzman said.

Bodies of the slain rebels were all recovered by the military. “A squad from my unit was conducting a combat patrol when they came upon more or less 10 rebels along a deep creek in a 15-minute firefight,” 730th Combat Group head Major Francisco Mangubat said.

“They were responding to reports regarding the presence of armed men in the area,” Mangubat said. Soldiers who conducted clearing operations later recovered two M-14 rifles, an M-16 automatic rifle and a carbine.

Two civilians were slightly wounded in the clash. One was identified as 50-year-old Edwin Coronel and the other a 14-year-old boy. Guzman said the two were immediately brought to Apacible Memorial Hospital in Nasugbu for medical assistance. Both are now in stable condition.

“About three weeks ago, we monitored that a section of the MRGU (Main Regional Guerilla Unit) of the NPA operating in Mindoro had moved to Batangas. We immediately alerted our troops there to watch out for their presence in the area,” Southern Luzon Command head Lt. Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya said.

He added that there is a big possibility that that the armed group the troops encountered in Nasugbu is the same MRGU section earlier monitored.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/10/15/14283-air-force-combat-group-kills-five-communist-rebels

VIDEO | Released Zambo Sibugay mayor recounts kidnap ordeal under Abu Sayyaf

From InterAksyon (Oct 15): VIDEO | Released Zambo Sibugay mayor recounts kidnap ordeal under Abu Sayyaf



Mayor Gemma Adana of Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay recounts her abduction in the hands of Abu Sayyaf bandits. TV5 SCREENSHOT

A day after she was released by the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu province, Mayor Gemma Adana of Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay recounted to News5 how she was kidnapped from her home almost six months ago and how the bandits treated her while in captivity.

The ordeal that Adana suffered in the hands of her captors was not apparent as she was happily reunited with her family and supporters on Wednesday.

News5 sources said an P8.5-million ransom was paid by her camp for her release, but she doubted whether her family could raise such amount.

The Philippine National Police also denied that they received information that someone had paid ransom for her release, adding that the government adhered to the “no-ransom” policy.

Though Adana’s release coincided with the filing of the certificate of candidacy for the May 2016 elections, she said her family will have to seriously take into account her harrowing experience if she decides to return to politics.

Here’s a News5 video report by Dindo Flora:

[Video: Interview of Mayor Adana]

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/118938/video--released-zambo-sibugay-mayor-recounts-kidnap-ordeal-under-abu-sayyaf

MILF: Aquino asks Hataman to run for re-election in ARMM, but to make sacrifice once BBL is passed

Posted to the MILF Website (Oct 14): Aquino asks Hataman to run for re-election in ARMM, but to make sacrifice once BBL is passed



In a report by Philstar on October 12, it said that President Benigno Aquino III had asked ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv S. Hataman to run for re-election but have to make sacrifice once the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is passed by congress in December.

Hataman said the president has asked him to file his certificate of candidacy (COC) for reelection, while telling him to be ready to step down once the BBL is passed to allow room for transition, the report also said.

President Aquino cleared to Hataman that the “BBL is not dead”, and “I will push for its enactment”, the regional governor quoted the president, in a gathering at Basilan.

On Sunday, October 11, Hataman officially declared his reelection bid during the 1st Basilan People's Assembly at Isabela City attended by various sectors where he united all incumbent leaders to run under one administration ticket.

Hataman said the president told him about the plan Thursday during their meeting in Manila.
He said the president doubted that if another candidate would run for the gubernatorial post in ARMM, it would be difficult for the administration to convince him to step down citing possible legal matters.

"There is no problem for me because that's how tight our advocacy to pass the BBL measure was," Hataman said.

Hataman said he visited the MILF and informed the group of the president's plan for him to file.
"I visited and talked to them (MILF), explaining about the plan baka ma-misunderstood n'yo na mag-file ako ng kandidatura. This doesn't mean the BBL is dead," Hataman said. "This is a sacrifice for me because once BBL is passed and ratified by January, I may not be a candidate."

He said the MILF leadership was confident of Aquino's sincerity in passing the BBL and expressed understanding of the political dynamics involved.(Source: Philstar)

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/618-aquino-asks-hataman-to-run-for-re-election-in-armm-but-to-make-sacrifice-once-bbl-is-passed

MILF: MILF, MNLF sign Unified Declaration; to push for passage of BTC draft BBL

Posted to the MILF Website (Oct 14): MILF, MNLF sign Unified Declaration; to push for passage of BTC draft BBL



Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Datu Muslimen Sema of the MNLF Council of 15 signed a historic document called Unified Declaration on October 13 at Camp Darapanan, also known as Camp Arifeen, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on October 13.
   

Mohammad Ameen of the MILF General Secretariat in his introductory statement said, “The event today aims at finding just and lasting peace in the Bangsamoro homeland; moving forward in unison to regain our lost freedom and the Bangsamoro’s right-to-self-determination as distinct and independent people”. 

Ameen considers the event as a significant unification of the MILF and the MNLF for the freedom of the Bangsamoro people.

MILF 1st Vice Chairman Ghazali Jafaar in his welcome address said, “Today’s occasion is a very significant and timely event, the MNLF and the MILF have manifested and exhausted all the known civilized and democratic way of solving the Bangsamoro issue particularly through negotiated political settlements. However, until now the Bangsamoro issue remains unsolved”.



Jafaar narrated the story about the three bulls and one lion. The three bulls were once united and cannot be defeated, but when one of them was deceived by the lion, they ended up eaten by the lion.
Citing the anecdote as a lesson, Jafaar quoted the saying, United We Stand, Divided We Fall”.

“With the realities confronting the Bangsamoro people, it is therefore incumbent upon all of us, leaders of the Bangsamoro to solidly unite just like we did in the past, if we do not want to meet the fate of the three bulls in the anecdote”, he further said.

He called on his brothers in the two Moro fronts to solidly unite, stand as one and firmly demand for the establishment of the genuine self-governance in the Bangsamoro”

MNLF Vice Chairman Hatimil Hassan on the other hand recalled the history of the Bangsamoro people. “We were the first to resist foreign colonization from the Spaniards time to the American period. Our people had been resisting oppression, colonization that caused the martyrdom of so many people in defending our homeland and religion, Islam”.

“In our long history of struggle for separation, the Sultanate of Sulu and Maguindanao resisted the colonialists”, Said Hassan.

The message of MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim was so inspiring and motivating. He told the audience of more than 400 individuals, “Indeed, today is a historic day for the Bangsamoro people.

This occasion reminds us and refreshes our minds to the days, more than Forty years ago when we stood together in the same ground with One Objective and One Aspiration”. 



“As oppressed nation, who have been awakened to organized ourselves in order to defend our people from the merciless massacres and killings, the endless tyranny, rampant land grabbing, deliberate social, political and economic marginalization, and other forms of injustices, you and I have experienced these too much. You and I have been both humiliated and degraded. You and I both lost our properties, you and I have both lost much of our lands, and the most painful of all is that you and I have both lost our parents, our sons and daughters, our brothers and sisters and other members of our beloved families. It is painful because until now, it seems so fresh in our minds those tragic moments”, the MILF chair also said.

Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim mentioned the more than one hundred thousand lives mostly civilians, women, children and the aged that were already lost and the billions of properties damaged and destroyed during the Moro revolutionary war.

In ending his message, the MILF chair said, “It is bear repeating that our objective is the same and the reason for our unity has remained intact. Hence, today’s signing of the MNLF and MILF Unified Declaration, Alhamdulillah, manifest our commitment to remain united as brothers in Islam towards resolution of the Bangsamoro question, more importantly, our religion, Islam, is enjoining us to move as one”.

MNLF Council of 15 Chair Sema in his message said, “Today, we are here in these great hall erected right in the heart of truly MNLF enclave, Darapanan and we claim, once again as we did before, that we are Moros, in search of acceptance and peace with our fellowmen. With great joy, we have reached once again, a milestone in our struggle to agree on a common position and a common approach to the realization of the promises of peace”.



“What we are to achieve today is one of the building blocks of a permanent peace in our homeland. Certainly, there will be no peace, not even a semblance of it, if either the 2 peace tracts, the GPH-MNLF-OIC Tripartite Review on the implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement or the GPH-MILF Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), is left hanging in the balance”, Sema also said.

“Both peace tracts must come to fruition, the agreements achieved in both tracts must be implemented fully, wholly, and faithfully, with high regard to their solemn objectives, the establishment of truly autonomous Bangsamoro Government, and the Moro and Filipino peoples’ common aspiration for peace”, Sema continued.

After Sema’s message, the signing of the Unified Declaration followed. The Declaration contains, among others, the following:

“We demand for permanent and just political solution to the Bangsamoro Question and we strongly believe that the BTC proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) if enacted into law without diluting it shall implement the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and the 1996 Final Peace Agreement in letter and spirits”.

“We also strongly believe that the full implementation of the CAB is in line with the implementation of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and in accordance with OIC resolution of 2014”.

The message that followed by MGen. Sheikh Moksin Bin Sheikh Hassan of the International Monitoring Team-Mission 10 was equally inspiring. He lauded the two Moro fronts for coming up with a unified agreement that makes the quest for peace and freedom in the Bangsamoro homeland even stronger.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/617-milf-mnlf-sign-unified-declaration-to-push-for-passage-of-btc-draft-bbl

MILF: Pres Aquino hit Marcos for opposing BBL

Posted to the MILF Website (Oct 14): Pres Aquino hit Marcos for opposing BBL

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday hit at Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos for the lawmaker’s continuous opposition against the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

“Balita ko nga: Merong humirit mula sa Senado na wala na raw pag-asang pumasa ang BBL. Sa totoo lang, wala naman siyang iminumungkahing mas maganda, at sa pakiwari ko nga po ay wala siya talagang iminumungkahing iba—period,”Aquino said in his speech during the announcement of the Liberal Paty’s senatorial lineup at the Balay headquarters in Quezon City on Monday.

“Ang gusto niya lang ay kumontra sa ating mga isinusulong. Sa tingin ko, mali ang pagkakaintindi niya sa ibig sabihin ng “lingkod-bayan,” the president added.

Aquino stressed that the proposed legislation would be the solution to resolve the decades-long conflict in Southern Philippines.

The BBL is the legal translation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro which the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine Government signed after more than 17 years of peace talks.

Aquino pointed out that the BBL remains “top agenda” of his administration.

“Isipin ninyo na lang: ‘Pag di naipasa ang BBL, ipagpapatuloy lang natin ang siklo ng hidwaan; tuloy lang na malulugmok ang mga kapatid natin sa gulo at kahirapan,” he added.

According to Marcos the Malacañang’s version of the BBL has no chance of passing in both the Upper and Lower Houses of Congress because of constitutional infirmities.

He then crafted a substitute bill to assure that the proposed measure for the Bangsamoro is constitutional.

Aquino had earlier expressed willingness to support the Marcos’ substitute bill  only if it is proven better than the original version.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/615-pres-aquino-hit-marcos-for-opposing-bbl

Most capable US Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer enters Pacific Ocean

From Ang Malaya (Oct 14): Most capable US Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer enters Pacific Ocean

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) of the United States Navy has entered 7th Fleet’s area of responsibility October 13 for security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, the US Navy said. USS Benfold is now homeported to Yokosuka, Japan from its previous homeport in Naval Station San Diego, California.

USS Benfold’s will enhance presence in the 7th Fleet as part of the US Navy’s long range plan to send the most advanced and capable units to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, while also adding to the Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) capable ships in 7th Fleet’s AOR.

7th Fleet’s AOR includes 36 maritime countries and the world’s five largest foreign armed forces, People’s Republic of China, Russia, India, North Korea and Republic of Korea. Five of the seven US Mutual Defense Treaties are with countries in the area, Republic of the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Japan, and Thailand.

In October 2014, the US Navy said ballistic missile defense (BMD)-capable guided-missile destroyers USS Benfold and USS Milius (DDG 69) will be homeported to Japan, 2015 and 2017 respectively, as part of the US Navy’s long-range plan to put the most advanced and capable units forward. While guided missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) will hull swap USS Lassen (DDG 82) to join the Forward Deployed Naval Forces.

“Barry, Benfold, and Milius will all complete a midlife modernization, making them among the most capable ships of their class. All will be fitted with the latest Aegis Baseline 9 combat system which includes state of the art air defense, ballistic missile defense, surface warfare and undersea warfare capabilities,” the US Navy said.

http://www.angmalaya.net/world/2015/10/14/14239-most-capable-us-arleigh-burke-class-guided-missile-destroyer-enters-pacific-ocean

Japan, India, US start massive military exercise

From Ang Malaya (Oct 14): Japan, India, US start massive military exercise

India, Japan and United States warships, aircraft and troops are participating in the joint exercise Malabar 2015 starting October 14 to 19. The US Navy sent the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) with embarked Carrier Air Wing 1, guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), a P-8A Poseidon aircraft, and a Los Angeles-Class fast-attack submarine.

“Malabar is a complex, high-end warfighting exercise that has grown in scope and complexity over the years. Malabar 2015 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises conducted to advance multi-national maritime relationships and mutual security issues,” the US Navy said.

The exercise will feature both ashore and at-sea training. The on-shore training will be in Chennai, India which will include subject matter expert and professional exchanges on carrier strike group operations; maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations; surface and anti-submarine warfare; medical operations; damage control; explosive ordnance disposal (EOD); helicopter operations; and visit board search and seizure (VBSS) operations.

The at-sea part will be conducted off the east coast of India and are designed to advance participating nations’ military-to-military coordination and capacity to plan and execute tactical operations in a multinational environment.

http://www.angmalaya.net/world/2015/10/14/14257-japan-india-us-start-massive-military-exercise

47IB strengthening capability skills

From the Visayan Daily Star (Oct 14): 47IB strengthening capability skills

The 450-strong 47 th Infantry Battalion deployed in southern Negros is undergoing a two-month unit enhancement training at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz, in a bid to enhance the skills of its members in the non-conventional warfare setting.

Soldiers of the 47IB were pulled out from southern Negros in previous months to undergo re-training, as part of the Philippine Army's program to sharpen their skills in performing mandated tasks.

Maj. Rey Tiongson, 3 rd Infantry Division spokesman, said the 47IB is expected to be back in Negros, after completion of its training on Oct. 30.

The areas temporarily vacated by the 47IB are being occupied by the 79 th IB. Both infantry units are under the supervision of the 302 nd Infantry Brigade stationed in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.

The training is conducted annually by the 3ID as part of the Army's capability enhancement plan. It also introduces new strategies for use in anti-insurgency operations.

Lt. Col. Pompeyo Jason Almagro commands the 47IB.

The 3ID will also receive brand new M4 carbine assault rifles soon, for issuance to its 5,000 troopers assigned in Negros, Panay and Cebu.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2015/October/14/negor4.htm

AFP 'analyzing' video of Samal hostages, still uncertain who kidnappers are

From InterAksyon (Oct 14): AFP 'analyzing' video of Samal hostages, still uncertain who kidnappers are



The Armed Forces of the Philippines said Wednesday it is still analyzing the video, posted on the Internet, showing the three foreigners and Filipina kidnapped from Samal Island last month although it called the apparent good health of the hostages “positive.”

Aside from this, AFP spokesman Colonel Restituto Padilla said very little at a press briefing, saying they “cannot divulge operational details and discuss way ahead recommendations that may put in jeopardy the lives of the kidnap victims as well as others on the ground.”

Padilla also refused to say where the Samal hostages as well as Italian Rolando del Torchio, who was abducted in Dipolog City, are possibly being held.

Earlier, intelligence sources said Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, Hall’s Filipina girlfriend Marites Flor, and Norwegian resort owner Kjartan Sekkingstad were seized by the Abu Sayyaf and taken straight to Sulu where they are supposedly being guarded by 200 gunmen.

On the other hand, reports say Del Torchio was allegedly seized by a band of Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters.

The video shows the hostages sitting on the ground surrounded by masked gunmen, one of them held by the head by a man wielding a knife, with banners similar to that used by the Islamic State in the background.

In it, the three foreigners appeal to the Canadian and Philippine governments for help and to stop militar operations, including artillery barrages.

“The positive thing that we derived from this video is that the kidnap victims are in good health … and that is as far as we are concerned, part of the good news that we got out of it,” Padilla said.

However, Padilla said the video was not enough to identify the Samal hostages’ captors or Del Torchio’s kidnappers.

“Mahirap pa pong pangalanan kung anong grupo ang nasa (likod) ng mga isinagawang krimen na ito,” Padilla said, adding this would depend on the what analysts learn from the video. 

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/118919/afp-analyzing-video-of-samal-hostages-still-uncertain-who-kidnappers-are