PAF, volunteers work together to suppress Mt. Apo Forest Fire

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 30): PAF, volunteers work together to suppress Mt. Apo Forest Fire

Fire suppression operation went on for the second day at the peak of Mt. Apo facing Davao City and Davao del Sur using a super Huey helicopter by the Philippine Air Force.

Lt. Colonel Jose Ritchie Pabilona, commander of the Tactical Operations Group XI of the Philippine Air Force said that as of 11:00 0’clock am Wednesday, seven bucket operations had been conducted on the peak to put off the fire.

He said the chopper picks up water from Lake Mejo in Barangay Kapatagan, Digos, Davao del Sur using a large bucket to douse the raging forest fire several kilometers above the sea level.

Pabilona said only one chopper is used in the firefighting operation since two of its kind are posted in Western Visayas and Luzon Island, respectively.

“One of the choppers is used to also put off the fire near Mt. Kanlaon between Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental,” he said.

Pabilona said that the volunteers are coordinating with the chopper pilot to prioritize the burning areas which are hard to reach on foot.

He said the chopper is under the operational control of the 505the Search and Rescue Group and is capable of the bucket operation and has the capability to hoist survivors.

Pabilona said its bucket is capable of carrying three drums equivalent to 620 liters of water.

“It is capable of taking water from the lake, sea or river,” he said.

Pabilona said the fire suppression operation is focused on the peak facing Davao City and Davao del Sur.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2381459320527/paf-volunteers-work-together-to-suppress-mt-apo-forest-fire

Former rebels receive gov’t assistance

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 31): Former rebels receive gov’t assistance

Fifteen New People’s Army (NPA) rebels from various areas of the province go back to the folds of the law and receive cash and livelihood assistance from the national and provincial government of Comval.

The 15 rebel returnees were presented by Colonel Macairog Alberto, commander of the 1001st Infantry Pag-asa Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to Vice Governor Manuel E. Zamora representing Governor Arturo T. Uy during the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) at the Social Hall, Capitol building on March 22.

Each of the rebel returnees received P5,000 as immediate cash assistance, food packs and other materials such as mosquito nets, blankets  and others, for their respective families.

The rebel returnees were also given temporary shelter by the provincial government, meals and other livelihood assistance through a “half way village” somewhere in Nabunturan.

Vice Governor Zamora urged the rebel returnees to completely abandon armed struggle and to become productive members of their respective communities and hoping that this will encourage others.

“Salamat nga inyong gireplayan akong pag sampit kaninyo, salamat pud sa pag testing unsay kinabuhi sa gobyerno kay nalipay ko nga nagbalik-loob mo kay makita ninyo nga kaming naa sa gobyerno kanunay nagalantaw sa inyung kaayohan,” Zamora told the returnees in his message.

Provincial Director PSSUPT Albert Ignatius D. Ferro said Filipinos, whether from the government or rebel sides, have been fighting for years yet the armed confrontations have given nothing but the loss of precious lives to the country.

“Tama na ang patayan at pag-aaway away sa kapwa natin Pilipino, sana yung mga kapatid natin na nasa bundok pa ay bumaba na para magkaisa na tayo dahil pangit tingnan na kapwa Pilipino ay nag papatayan,” Ferro said.

The rebel returnees will also undergo seminars and trainings as part of the evaluation of the Comval Support Units for their educational background. Such as on agricultural production, electrical and other skills and technical education under the CLIP program of the government.

The DILG said the technical education will help the returnees become productive when they are reintegrated to their respective communities.

Also attending the ceremony were Deputy Brigade Commander of the 1001st  Brigade Col. Gilbert Saret, Executive Officer Battalion Commander of the 46IB Major Crismond Mercado, Provincial Administrator Virgilia S. Allones, Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) Head Josephine Frasco and other members of the armed forces of the Philippines.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1591459315853/former-rebels-receive-gov-t-assistance

3 hurt as armed groups clash in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31): 3 hurt as armed groups clash in Maguindanao

Armed clashes involving armed men in Pagalungan, Maguindanao erupted early on Thursday and left three persons injured and massive evacuation.

Police Senior Inspector Blayn Lomas-e, Pagalungan town police chief, said the armed hostilities erupted around 5:30 a.m. in the village of Damalasak between the armed group led by Edzing Daguiaman and Makakena Kasim.

Lomas-e said the motive of the skirmishes remain unknown to date and investigation has been on going.

Due to the clashes, hundreds of civilians left their homes and proceeded to the town center in Barangay Poblacion.

Initial reports showed that Kasim and Daguiaman have been locked in a long standing land dispute.

Soldiers and policemen have been deployed near the village to separate warring armed men.

Lomas-e could not say if the warring groups were supporters of political candidates in the coming election.

Pagalungan is one of the areas considered by police, military and election officials as "area of immediate concern" relative to the coming elections.

The village is also known as area of coverage of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which entered into a peace deal with Manila.

Lomas-e could not say if some MILF members or other lawless elements are involved in the conflict.

Efforts are on going to settle what appeared to be a "rido" or clan war.

The three injured persons belong to one of the warring groups. They were rushed to the hospital in nearby Pikit town in North Cotabato.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=871781

TF-Masbate raid seizes 113 sacks of explosive chemicals in Masbate town; owner escapes

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31): TF-Masbate raid seizes 113 sacks of explosive chemicals in Masbate town; owner escapes

Task Force Masbate (TFM) operatives on Wednesday afternoon confiscated 104 sacks of ammonium nitrate and other chemicals used in making improvised explosive devices.

The task force is composed of joint elements of the Philippine National Police Bicol Regional Special Operation Task Group, PNP Masbate Provincial Office and the 9th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.

Chief Insp. Arthur Gomez, RSOTG-Masbate spokesperson, said the raid was conducted at about 2:45 p.m. Wednesday in the warehouse owned by Alfredo R. Bangiban, alias “Potong”, on the strength of a search warrant issued by Judge Alben Rabe of the Tabaco Regional Trial Court Branch 15.

The project, part of the PNP One-Time Big Time Operation, was done in Barangay Calanay, Aroroy, a gold-rich town in Masbate.

Bangiban and four companions were able to escape after they apparently learned about the coming authorities.

Despite this, Gomez expressed satisfaction that the task force was able to seize sacks of ammonium nitrate used in making IEDs and this is important for the raiding team as these would no longer pose a threat to security in Masbate.

He said it was very difficult for the raiding team to pursue the operation as it still used two boats and it was difficult to dock at the shore of Barangay Calanay due to the absence of a pier.

It took the team almost two hours to walk from the shore to the target area, deep into the mountainous portion of the village where cellular phone and other communication equipment had poor signals.

This, Gomez said, could be the reason why the suspects were able to escape before the raiding team could come.

The task force members are now tracking down Bangiban, who, according to a police report, is engaged in selling explosive substances and devices to fishermen and small-scale miners operating in the area, he said.

Aside from the sacks of ammonium nitrate, the raid also yielded five pairs of blasting caps with time fuse, 90-inch detonating cord and a .45-caliber handgun.

Gomez said in a phone interview that Bangiban had been in the RSOTG watch list following reports that he had been operating the business that illegally sells ammonium nitrate and explosive devices to people engaged in illegal fishing and small-scale mining.

He said police operatives are still digging for information and evidence to pin down other business partners of the suspect believed to be also engaged in selling explosive materials to private armed groups (PAGs), including the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

The police official said that since the start of the series bombings of the NPA in six towns of Masbate on March 15, the task force has already focused its attention on the locating those keeping and selling explosive materials.

Police Senior Supt. Alexander D. Sampaga said in a press statement that while ammonium nitrate is being used as fertilizer for agriculture products and for mining operations, this chemical is also being used by armed groups in the manufacture of landmines and homemade bombs.

The Task Force Masbate has been operating since Feb. 9 in the island-province to quell election-related violence that would possibly mar the May 9 national and local elections.

Masbate has been tagged by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the PNP as among the election hot spots in the country due to intense political rivalries and the presence of PAGs, including communist guerrillas operating in the province.

The police have scheduled the filing of cases for violation of Republic Act 9851 and illegal possession of firearms against Bangiban and four John Does.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=871982

Jap destroyer, submarine units in PHL for goodwill visit

From the Philippine News agency (Mar 31): Jap destroyer, submarine units in PHL for goodwill visit

The Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) will send its Destroyer Escort Division 15 and Training Submarine Division 1 to the Philippines for three-day port visit starting from April 3 to 6.

Destroyer Escort Division 15 is commanded by Capt. Haruhiko Morisita while Training Submarine Division 1 is headed by Capt. Hiroaki Yoshino.

The former is composed of two vessels, namely JS ARIAKE (DD-109) and JS SETOGIRI (DD-156).

While the latter is composed of the submarine JS Oyashio (SS-511).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=871943

Roxas, Murad agree to preserve and continue peace process in Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31): Roxas, Murad agree to preserve and continue peace process in Mindanao

CAMP DARAPANAN, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao -- Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas and the leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), led by its chieftain Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, on Thursday agreed to preserve the peace process and continue to work together to continue the pursuit of everlasting peace in Mindanao should the administration bet get elected to the presidency.

Roxas was the first presidential candidate to personally meet with the MILF central committee at the group's headquarters in dialogue and present his plans for Mindanao which includes pushing for the passage of a Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in Congress.

“Peace in Mindanao is of utmost importance to the nation for we cannot truly prosper as a nation if there is no peace there,” Roxas said in joint press briefings that immediately followed the dialogue that was off-limits to media.

He said that if elected, he would continue to push for the political realization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) – the BBL.

The passage of the BBL was stalled in Congress after more than a few lawmakers in both chambers questioned the constitutionality of several of its provisions.

“We would carefully study all the complaints and differing opinions of all the stakeholders and look for common grounds so that we can pass the BBL. It is not important in what form it will be, but what is important is that it should be compliant with the CAB,” the Team Daang Matuwid presidential bet said.

“We would make the peace process a national agenda,” Roxas said.

For his part, Murad said that the MILF recognizes the gains of the peace process and vowed to preserve it.

He admitted that the non-passage of the BBL in Congress was a case of very bad timing – the proximity of the national elections which highly politicize the bill and the Mamasapano massacre.

However, he said that the MILF will continue the struggle towards peace and push for the implementation of the CAB.

“We believe that the BBL would have a new chance under Roxas. He was part of the peace process and we stand on common grounds, common interests,” he said.

 

“We will move under a new atmosphere and the BBL would be looked upon with more objectivity. With Mar, we hope that we can continue the reforms so that we can move forward,” Murad said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=871935

Indian shipbuilder undergoing post-qualification process for DND's frigate program

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31): Indian shipbuilder undergoing post-qualification process for DND's frigate program
 

A ranking Department of National Defense (DND) official announced that Indian shipbuilder, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), is now undergoing the post-qualification process, in line with the ongoing bidding for the two missile-firing frigates for Navy.

This was confirmed by DND undersecretary for finance, munition, materiel and modernization Fernando Manalo Wednesday.

The process involves inspection of the shipyard's construction, legal and financial capabilities.

And should the Indian shipbuilder managed to pass this stage, it will be declared the lowest calculated and responsive bidder for the program.

Contract formulation, awarding and signing will then follow, Manalo said.

Some specifications of the proposed frigates state that it must be 92-meters in length, with a displacement of 2,000 tons, capable of carrying and housing a 12-ton helicopter and capable of engaging in anti-surface, anti-submarine, anti-air and electronic warfare.

These ships are the proposed home of the soon-to-arrive two AgustaWestland AW-159 "Wildcat" anti-submarine helicopters of the Navy.

Six firms including Navantia Sepi of Spain, STX Offshore & Shipbuilding of South Korea, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. of South Korea, Hyundai Heavy Industries Inc. of South Korea, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. of India, and STX France SA were previously qualified in the 2013 first stage bidding.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=871831

Suspect in Zamboanga airport bombing surrenders at NBI

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31): Suspect in Zamboanga airport bombing surrenders at NBI

A suspect in the bombing incident at the Zamboanga City Airport on Aug. 5, 2010, where two people were killed and 28 others injured, including former Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan, has surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Addong Salahuddin, alias "Addong Salapuddin," surrendered at the NBI Headquarters on Wednesday afternoon.

It was learned that an outstanding warrant of arrest is pending against Salahuddin which was issued by the Zamboanga City Regional Trial Court (RTC) on May 2, 2011 due to the incident in the said airport.

Salahuddin was temporarily detained at the NBI while there is still no "commitment order" from the Zamboanga City RTC.

According to Salahuddin, who is allegedly a fighter of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), he was bothered by his conscience, hence, he surrendered such that the two victims who died during the incident were like brothers to him.

Salahuddin claimed that he was ordered by a certain "Imam Kasim" to execute the bombing attack, however, he said, the latter also has already died.

The NBI is still verifying the authenticity of the details provided by Salahuddin about the incident.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=871936

China to US: 'Be careful' in South China Sea

From Rappler (Mar 31): China to US: 'Be careful' in South China Sea

When asked about a recent report on US patrols in the sea, defense ministry spokesman Yang Yujun tells a briefing, 'As for the US ships which came, I can only suggest they be careful'



PAGASA ISLAND. A file picture dated 20 July 2011 and taken through the window of a closed aircraft, shows an aerial view of Pagasa Island, part of the disputed Spratly group of islands, in the South China Sea, located off the coast of western Philippines. File photo by Rolex Dela Pena/EPA

Beijing's defense ministry on Thursday, March 31, warned the US navy to "be careful" in the South China Sea and slammed a newly signed defense agreement between Washington and the Philippines.

Earlier this month, Manila agreed to give US forces access to 5 military bases, including some close to the disputed South China Sea, where tensions have risen over Beijing's assertion of its territorial claims.

China claims virtually all the South China Sea despite conflicting claims by Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines, and has built up artificial islands in the area in recent months, including some with airstrips.

Washington has since October carried out two high-profile "freedom of navigation" operations in which it sailed warships within 12 nautical miles of islets claimed by China.

Asked about a recent report on US patrols in the sea, defense ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told a briefing on Thursday: "As for the US ships which came, I can only suggest they be careful."

The agreement between Washington and Manila applies to the Antonio Bautista Air Base on the western island of Palawan, directly on the South China Sea.

Asked about the deal, Yang said: "To strengthen military alliances is a reflection of a Cold War mentality".

"It is in the opposite direction of the trends of the era for peace, development and cooperation," he said, adding bilateral military cooperation "should not "undermine a third party's interests".

Washington regularly accuses Beijing – which says it has built runways on and deployed unspecified weapons to islands in the South China Sea – of militarizing the area.

Beijing denies the accusations and says US patrols have ramped up tensions.

"Now, the United States has come back, and is reinforcing its military presence in this region and promoting militarisation in the South China Sea," Yang said.

Beijing acknowledges that the facilities on its new islands will have military as well as civilian purposes.

Satellite imagery released last month showed Beijing was installing radar equipment and had deployed surface-to-air missiles and lengthened a runway to accommodate fighter jets on one islet, Woody Island, in the Paracels.

http://www.rappler.com/world/regions/asia-pacific/127794-china-us-careful-south-china-sea

300 Sulu households receive livelihood assistance from PAMANA program through DSWD-ARMM

From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 31): 300 Sulu households receive livelihood assistance from PAMANA program through DSWD-ARMM

At least 300 households in Talipao, Sulu received livelihood assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DSWD-ARMM) under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program Expansion Cycle 2.

The households are members of 10 beneficiary cooperatives in the town, namely:

• Andalan Talipao Agricultural Producers Cooperative;
• Buntod Agricultural Producers Cooperative;
• Kabatuhan Bilaan Abdulsalam Agricultural Producers Cooperative;
• Jambangan Kabatuhan Tiis Agricultural Producer Cooperative;
• Kahawa Agricultural Producer Cooperative;
• Kandaga Agricultural Producer Cooperative;
• Kanlibot Agricultural Producer Cooperative;
• Lower Laus Agricultural Producer Cooperative;
• Mungit-Mungit  Agricultural Producer Cooperative; and,
• Upper Kamuntayan Agricultural Producer Cooperative.

Faida Ensanah, regional PAMANA focal person, said the agency turned over several types of livelihood support machines and equipment, which include 1,399 rolls of hogwires and vulcanizing and sewing machines. She said the assistance will augment the residents’ agricultural production and income.

“The hogwires will help protect the cassava and vegetable plantations of the farmers in the area from stray, wild, and domesticated animals. Meanwhile, the vulcanizing and sewing machines will provide alternative sources of income for the residents,” Ensanah said.

Aiman Abdul Albani, 45, from Batuan-Bilaan in Talipao, Sulu, expressed her gratitude to the agency. She said the assistance will help uplift the economic condition of her family.

“Magsarang sukol kami kanyo katan, biang katatabangan nyu kamo, in kame mga taw miskin, natabangan mga makina, mga pukot, grarihilan nyu kame sing kamo nanghinan tasan. Na kina ku ini makina in katabangan kako na magtahi ako. Ipag gas to so mga anak ku nag iskul (Thank you for providing us these machines and equipment. These will help me start a new business and will also assist the schooling of my children),” said Aiman.

Hja. Sitti Raya Tulawie, town mayor of Talipao, accompanied Ensanah in the turnover ceremony held at Talipao gymnasium in Bilaan, Talipao Sulu on March 18, 2016.

Mayor Tulawie recognized the support the PAMANA program provides to boost agricultural harvest in Talipao. She extended her gratitude to DSWD-ARMM and the program and has renewed her commitment to the future ventures of PAMANA especially in her municipality.

The PAMANA is a program aimed at making citizens become stronger agents of peace and development in the region, and in the country. This is the current administration’s peace and development framework anchored on providing inclusive growth and lasting peace in Mindanao.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/300-sulu-households-receive-livelihood-assistance-from-pamana-program-through-dswd-armm/

DWDD: NEW NAVAL WARFARE CAPABILITY II DND Signs Contract for Anti-Submarine Helicopters

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Mar 30): NEW NAVAL WARFARE CAPABILITY II DND Signs Contract for Anti-Submarine Helicopters



Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin and AgustaWestland Limited SVP for Sales and Strategic PlanningMr. Stefano Bortoli sign the contract for theAnti-Submarine Helicopter Acquisition Project.

CGEA, QC (DWDD) – The Department of National Defense and AgustaWestland Limited signed the Php5.36-B contract for the acquisition of two AW-159 anti-submarine helicopters for the Philippine Navy in a ceremony held on March 29, 2016, at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.



Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin and Mr. Stefano Bortoli, Senior Vice President for Sales and Strategic Sourcing of AgustaWestlandLimited, signed the contract for the country’s first anti-submarine warfare capability as the AFP moves towards attaining a minimum credible deterrence posture.

“After more than four decades of aspiring to improve its capability, our Navy has found optimism in this anticipated acquisitionof a new state of the artequipment and weaponry to addresstherequirements of anti sub-surface naval operations,” Secretary Gazmin said in his speech during the contract signing.

AgustaWestland Limited emerged as the single calculated bidder during the project’s rebidding held in November 2014, with a bid proposal of Php5,362,762,748.56. The Approved Budget for the Contract was Php5,405,000,000.00.

After a series of workshops for the crafting of the Final Revised Technical Specification and the conduct of the Post-Qualification Inspection, the DND approved and issued the Notice of Award, which was duly conformed by the supplier on March 22, 2016.

“With the eventual availabilityand utilization of these new air assets, our navy can conduct naval operations with a high degree of confidence and reliability,” the Defense chief added.

The two anti-submarine helicopters are scheduled to be delivered 900 days after the signing of the Notice to Proceed. AES / DND PAS / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/50552-2/

DWDD: NEW LIFE II 9 Fmr NPAs Receive Assistance Under CLIP Program in Davao Del Sur

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Mar 30): NEW LIFE II 9 Fmr NPAs Receive Assistance Under CLIP Program in Davao Del Sur



DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur (DWDD) – While the NPA is celebrating its 47th Founding Anniversary, another celebration for the nine former NPAs who returned to the folds of the law bringing along their firearms to the Provincial Local Government of Davao del Sur was held after they received checks under Firearm Remuneration of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) at Arnaldo’s Hotel, Digos City on Tuesday, March 29, 2016.

In an interview by DWDD with Major Gen. Rafael Valencia, Commander of 10th Infantry “Agila” Division (10ID), the ceremonial giving of firearm and receiving of check was headed by Hon. Claude Bautista,Governor of Davao del Sur and chairman of CLIP committee represented by Hon. Nonito A Llanos III, Sangguniang Panlalawigan member; PSSupt Dario L Gunabe, Provincial Director of Davao Del Sur Police Provincial Office; and Provincial Director Abito Bernasor, DILG and  handed-in the check worth fifty-eight thousand pesos (P58,000.00) to Rodanny ANSUDO alias DANDAN, who surrendered to 73rd Infantry NEUTRALIZER Battalion (73IB), as remuneration to the AK47 assault rifle he surrendered. Other three former NPAs who surrendered to 73IB namely, Banases MARIANO alias BOBBY of Malita, Davao del Sur received two thousand pesos (P2,000.00) for the caliber .357; Odoy MALBINO alias RENAN of Malita, Davao del Sur received forty-five pesos (P45,000.00) for M16A1 assault rifle; and Bening MENTAL alias BENBEN of Malita, Davao del Sur received thirty thousand pesos (P30,000.00) for a Garand Rifle.

Meanwhile, five other former NPAs who also surrendered to 39th Infantry SMASH’EM Battalion (39IB) namely, Roger PARASA alias AMAR of Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, Charlie PASCO alias LONGHAIR of Magpet, North Cotabato, who both brought along their M14 rifle received sixty thousand pesos (P60,000.00) each while three other former NPAs from Davao del Sur namely, Roy PARASA alias NIÑO of Magsaysay; Cornelio MAMPO alias GAMAY of Magsaysay and Guillier OMBAOY alias RITCHEN of Magpet, North Cotabato received fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) each for the M16 rifles they surrendered.



Under the said program, firearm remuneration given to former NPAs depends on the type and serviceability of the firearms surrendered. The recently conducted ceremony for firearms remuneration of the CLIP for former NPAs was held the first time after a series of validation conferences were done by the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, Provincial Interior and Local Government, Digos City Police and the Davao del Sur Police Provincial Office.

“This year, the nine former NPA’s celebrated their anniversary by receiving the checks of the firearm remuneration under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the DILG, DSWD and the Provincial Government of Davao del Sur,” said Col Ronald Villanueva, 1002nd Infantry Brigade Commander. “The nine other former NPAs with 110 others who surrendered last year till to date, were given a better life by the government away from hardship and starvation. This program will not be around forever, it is high time for the members of the armed group to return to the folds of the law before it will be terminated soon.” Col Villanueva furthered.

In his message, MGen Rafael Valencia said that “While the NPAs celebrate their anniversary today we are celebrating the return to the folds of the law of our fellow Filipinos. He further shared that “We are celebrating this as our “Victory of Peace” while we would like to entice other government officials to help us facilitate those who still want to return to the folds of the law.” AES / MCAG / Photos by 10DPAO

 http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/new-life-ii-9-fmr-npas-receive-assistance-under-clip-program-in-davao-del-sur/

DWDD: FAREWELL VISIT II CSAFP Visits Joint Task Group Sulu

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Mar 30): FAREWELL VISIT II CSAFP Visits Joint Task Group Sulu



Camp Bud Datu, Indanan, Sulu (DWDD) – GEN HERNANDO DCA IRIBERRI AFP, Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines and his Party were received by Officers and men of the Joint Task Group Sulu (JTGS) during the former’s visit at Headquarters JTGS/501st Infantry Brigade on Tuesday, March 29, 2016.

GEN IRRIBERRI’s visit was part of the traditional troop visit in order to uplift the morale and spirit of all soldiers in the field.

The Chief of Staff commended the troops of the 10th Infantry Battalion for their feat in their recent encounter against the Abu Sayyaf Group. He also lauded General Alan Arrojado, Commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu, for his sterling leadership and likewise recognized the invaluable services and sacrifices of the soldiers in Sulu for contributing immensely to the overall accomplishment of the AFP’s mission.

“The government has been monitoring the activities of JTGS and its efforts in accomplishing its mandated mission, and I am very proud of you,” he said.

On his farewell visit, the AFP Chief gave his inspirational message to the officers and enlisted men of the Command as he reiterated his deepest gratitude to them for the support and contributions extended to the AFP and to the country as a whole especially during his stint.

In closing, GEN IRRIBERRI challenged everyone to sustain the gains and continue fight against ASG but at the same time reminded the troops to remain apolitical in the coming elections and to support the COMELEC in ensuring honest, orderly, and peaceful elections. Josephine Jaron Codilla / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/farewell-visit-ii-csafp-visits-joint-task-group-sulu/

DWDD: HAIL OUR SOLDIERS II Successful AFP Campaigns vs NPA in Caraga

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Mar 29): HAIL OUR SOLDIERS II Successful AFP Campaigns vs NPA in Caraga


CARAGA (DWDD) – Troops from the 4^th Infantry Division has achieved continuous success in their campaign to bring peace in Mindanao, particularly in the CARAGA Region.




Major General Benjamin Madrigal, 4ID Commander, praised the relentless efforts of the soldiers, from the declaration as Conflict Manageable and Ready for Further Development of Agusan Del Norte last February 21, up to the successful operations undertaken by the 401^st Infantry Brigade under  Col Alexander Macario where they overtook a major camp of the New People’s Army (NPA).

The armed engagement, the 22^nd for the past month, led to the discovery of the rebels main camp in CARAGA located at the mountainous part of Jabonga, that resulted in the neutralization of three NPA members, recovery of one M14 and six AK47 rifles, four landmines, four handheld radios, 17 rounds of 60MM and five rounds of 81MM mortars, and NPA belongings, subversive documents with high intelligence value.

General Madrigal expressed sadness whenever Filipino lives are lost and reiterated that if only the NPA leadership have not deceived these people, they would still be living peacefully with their families.

He added that today (March 29) is supposedly the anniversary of the NPA, but we are celebrating the triumph of our soldiers for the Filipinos.

Madrigal thanked the peace-loving people of CARAGA who grew sick and tired of the extortion activities and intimidation of these lawless elements, where many have helped in providing vital information leading to the NPAs location.

Lastly, he called on the remaining rebels still hiding in the mountains that armed struggle is never an option in a democratic society and urged them to think and reflect for the future of their love ones and their countrymen. AES / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/hail-our-soldiers-ii-successful-afp-campaigns-vs-npa-in-caraga/

DWDD: ASG sub-leader arrested in Zamboanga Sibugay

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Mar 29): ASG sub-leader arrested in Zamboanga Sibugay



DWDD– COMBINED elements of police and military arrested a sub leader of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) involved in series of kidnapping activities during their operation the other day in Zamboanga, Sibugay.

This was confirmed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)- Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesman Major Filimon Tan. Tan identified the suspect as Esmael Pingli alias Tago Pingli, subleader of ASG and involved in the kidnapping incidents in Zamboanga Peninsula. Tan said the suspect was arrested at around 1:15 pm along national highway of RT Lim and Tungawan , Zamboanga, Sibugay by intelligence operatives of 102nd Brigade, 6th Special Forces Battalion, 15th Division Reconnaissance Company and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

Record showed that the suspect was also involved in the kidnapping of Tito Bautista in Zamboanga City in 2008.

The suspect has standing warrant of arrest for kidnapping and illegal detention. Tan said the suspect is also associated with Waning and Abral Abdulsallam of the Kidnap for Ransom Group.

Arrested suspect was now under the custody of CIDG in Zamboanga City for proper disposition.

Authorities are now conducting follow-up investigation to the incident.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/ii-asg-sub-leader-arrested-in-zamboanga-sibugay/