Abu Sayyaf took four more Malaysians? Rumours, says IGP

From the Malay Mail Online (Jun 20): Abu Sayyaf took four more Malaysians? Rumours, says IGP


















The Inspector-General of Police said Malaysian intelligence have not received any reports to confirm the allegation. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa 

Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar refuted today rumours that four more Malaysians have been taken hostage by the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group in the southern Philippines, days after four Sarawakians were released.

The Inspector-General of Police said Malaysian intelligence have not received any reports to confirm the allegation.

 “No, those are all mere rumours. We ourselves did not pick up intelligence that our citizens were kidnapped and the Philippine authorities have also not given us any confirmation. “So until today, they are unable to give us any confirmation, so I assume that that is a rumour that such an incident happened,” he told reporters at the national police headquarters in Bukit Aman.

Last week, a Philippine media agency reported that another four Malaysians were snatched and taken to the Sulu province on June 16, just days after the four Sarawakian hostages were freed.

News of the alleged fresh kidnapping incident by Abu Sayyaf militants came amid the a storm of rumours online that a handsome ransom had been paid to the terror network to secure the release of the four.

The government has insisted that no ransom was paid but Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who oversees the police force as the home minister subsequently confirmed that RM12 million was given by the Special Branch to unidentified Filipino welfare groups to secure the release of the Sarawakian hostages.

Khalid, however, later denied the exchange happened as reported, and said the police had merely accompanied the family to the southern Philippines to hand over the money directly to an unknown “third party” who helped negotiate the foursome’s freedom.

Khalid also claimed ignorance when asked if the money was indeed for ransom.

Brothers Wong Teck Kang, 31, and Teck Chii, 29, their cousin Johnny, and an unrelated friend Wong Hung Sing, 34, were abducted from a commercial barge, MV Massive 6, in the waters off Pulau Ligitan on April 1 while returning to Tawau, Sabah, after sending a cargo of wood to Manila. Abu Sayyaf gunmen freed the four hostages on June 8

http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/abu-sayyaf-took-four-more-malaysians-rumours-says-igp

Son laments brutal killing of NPA ma in Paquibato encounter

From the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines online publication the Davao Today (Jun 20): Son laments brutal killing of NPA ma in Paquibato encounter

Nilo, 22 said he was about to file his leave of absence from work to join his mother’s birthday celebration next month.

But his return from Cebu, where he is working, came early as his mother, Elenita Garing was killed on June 9 in Barangay Lumiad, Paquibato district here.

Elenita Garing is a member of the New People’s Army who was last seen captured in an encounter on June 9 along with Will Biliran aka Joel. The two were found dead the next day.

Nilo, the second eldest son, said his mother was able to text him on June 9 asking for load.

Elenita left  four children, the youngest is 20 years old.

A copy of the police blotter obtained by their family indicated that an armed encounter happened between some 29 members of the NPA at 5:00 pm on Thursday, June 9.

Three bodies of the NPA were recovered on the next day, including that of Grace Quimbo aka Mary Jane.

In an interview with Davao Today on Wednesday, June 15 in Baguio District here, Nilo said based on their initial information, his mother was seen tied in a basketball court in Barangay Lumiad with a guy companion.

“They said by night time they were taken to another place. And by morning their bodies were found,” Nilo said. He said her mother was tortured.

“Naay bali ang tuhod, naay pinusilan ang tuhod sad. Mga bun-og sa lawas, unya gisi sa nawong (Her knee was broken, she has a gunshot on her knee. Her body bore bruises and her face was damaged),” Nilo said.

Elenita’s face was unrecognizable. Nilo said they were able to identify her because of her tattoos.

Possible rape

Nilo said he was told by witnesses that the underwear of her mother was found in the place of the incident.

“Nakita ang iyahang panty sa panghitaboan. So possible na rape (It was possible that she was raped),” he said.

The National Democratic Front, in a statement also said Elenita was raped.

“They were brutally tortured and summarily killed. Their bodies bore torture marks and were dumped in a ditch. Ka Milo was raped by the enemy,” NDF spokesperson Rubi Del Mundo said.

Del Mundo said: “On June 9, Red fighters of the 1st Pulang Bagani Battalion of the New People’s Army engaged troops belonging to the 72IB-AFP and the paramilitary Alamara forces in a firefight at around  4:00 in the afternoon in Sitio Palangag, Brgy. Lumiad, Paquibato.”

“Quimbo was martyred during the battle. Joel aka Will Biliran and Elenita aka Milo Garing were captured by the enemy after the two Red fighters were separated from the unit,” Del Mundo said.

Del Mundo said residents in Paquibato saw Biliran and Garing with the Army troops at around 8:00 pm in Barangay Lumiad.

For autopsy

Reverend Jurie Jaime, convener of the Exodus for Justice and Peace, a group composed of peace advocates that serves as third party facilitator, said that they are assisting the Garing family to ensure that an autopsy will be carried out.

He said the family plans to have the funeral on Saturday, June 18, but he said “they are willing to extend the wake and wait for the conduct of the autopsy.”

“There is a violation of the international humanitarian law here. And if that will be proven by the investigations, the perpetrators should be held accountable,” he said.

Geneva Convention

Based on the Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions relative to the treatment of the Prisoners of War: “Persons taking no active part in the hostilities, including members of armed forces who have laid down their arms and those placed hors de combat by sickness, wounds, detention, or any other cause, shall in all circumstances be treated humanely, without any adverse distinction founded on race, colour, religion or faith, sex, birth or wealth, or any other similar criteria.”

The Convention which is also adopted by the Philippine government prohibits “(a) violence to life and person, in particular murder of all kinds, mutilation, cruel treatment and torture.”

It also prohibits “(d) The passing of sentences and the carrying out of executions without previous judgment pronounced by a regularly constituted court affording all the judicial guarantees which are recognized as indispensable by civilized peoples.”

The same violations are found in Chapter 3, Section 4 of Republic Act 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity”.

If found guilty, a person shall be penalized with reclusion temporal in its medium to maximum period and a fine ranging from P100,000 to P500,000.

“When justified by the extreme gravity of the crime, especially where the commision of any of the crimes specified herein results in death or serious physical injury, or constitutes rape, and considering the individual circumstances of the accused, the penalty of reclusion perpetua and a fine ranging from P500,000 to P1 million shall be imposed,” the law said.

Mother’s birthday

Nilo said two days before the incident, he and his mother were exchanging messages about her birthday on July 27. She would be turning 49.

Nilo said he is familiar with the involvement of his mother as an NPA.

“Lisud gyud siya pugngan pero naa man gyud syay gibarugan (It’s hard to stop her because she is fighting for what she believes in),” he said.

But despite her involvement in the armed movement, Nilo said she was a good mother to them.

“Family first gyud si mama, wala gyud mi masaway niya (She always put her family first, we only have good things to speak of her),” he said.

He said her mother did everything to send them to school.

Even if  they already knew of the dangers of her mother’s involvement, they cannot accept the way she was treated.

“Sakit lang kay gi-ingon ana pa ba (It’s very hurtful that they did that to her),” he said.
Nilo said because of the incident, he finds it is proper that there are people who are taking up arms.

“After ani nga panghitabo makaingon gyud ko nga sakto lang nga naay taong mo-barog gyud sa ilahang baruganan kay og ing-anion ra diay ang mga kabus,” he said.

The family said they will file a case before the government to seek justice for the death of his mother.

http://davaotoday.com/main/headline/son-laments-brutal-killing-of-npa-ma-in-paquibato-encounter/

Lawless armed group continues to prey lumads

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 20): Lawless armed group continues to prey lumads

Only less than a month after a lawless armed group murdered Josefina “Nicnic” Bajade, a 64-year old retired provincial welfare and development officer (PSWDO) in the province of Agusan del Sur, another killing incident transpired in Barangay Binicalan, San Luis of the same province when a family of lumad were fired upon by the same bandit, the New People's Army (NPA), on June 5, 2015 at about 8:00 a.m.

According to “Dodong” (not his real name), a 10-year old lone survivor of the said incident, he and his family left Purok 3, Barangay Freedom, Cabanglasan Bukidnon heading towards Mt. Katalawan, Barangay Binicalan. As they were traversing Taguikan Creek, they were fired upon by an undetermined number of lawless armed men.

The child claimed that he immediately took cover and ran in order to survive until he finally reached Barangay Indalasa in Bukidnon. There he reported the incident to the local authorities.

Upon receipt of the report, the 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, together with the Philippine National Police, immediately conducted a search and rescue operation which led to the discovery of the corpse of Lando Bocalas (father), Julina Bocalas (mother) who was five months pregnant, Mancolobe Bocalas (Lando’s brother), while Rosalyn (eight years old), Bahanan (six years old) and Bayubasan Bocalas (four years old) are still missing up to this time.

Pursuit operation is ongoing to put the perpetrators to justice.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2761466385503/lawless-armed-group-continues-to-prey-lumads

1CAV spearheads distribution of school supplies to children in remote village

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 20): 1CAV spearheads distribution of school supplies to children in remote village

TUKURAN, Zamboanga del Sur –  Looking around  Man-ilan Elementary School in the rural community of Tukuran, one might think it is for privileged children.

Arnold Tagalog, the school head said it has large classrooms, a computer laboratory, a small garden, and large playground. “Children not only get traditional education here but they learn about art, technology and the English language,” he said.

“But the children who attend this school, which is more than 20-kilometers from the town proper don’t come from rich families. Instead, most are poor, and their parents struggle to provide for basic needs, so buying school supplies like pad papers, notebooks, pencils, crayons, erasers, and rulers is a luxury,” Tagalog explained.

Over the weekend, the 1st Cavalry (Tagapanguna) Squadron, Mechanized Infantry Division, 1st Field Artillery Battalion (1FAB), Army Artillery Regiment and the Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative (PAFCIFIC)   provided school supplies to 120 schoolchildren.

Students, parents, teachers, and barangay officials of Man-ilan were surprised by the generous gift.

“All the students were happy and parents were happy too. It’s really nice to receive these gifts from generous people,” Tagalog said.

Mayor Francisvic S. Villamero said the basic school supplies bring hope for children whose education is hindered by poverty. “I encourage you to strive hard in your studies. And I hope that you will grow as intelligent and industrious students,” the good mayor quoted.

Capt. Gabriel Lastimosa, civil-military operations officer of the 1st Cavalry Squadron said the distribution of school supplies project will motivate children to attend school and to take continued interest in their schooling.

“I believe that you will be motivated to go to school. We wish you success in your studies and become professionals in the future,” Lastimosa urged.

PAFCIFIC Manager Romelie Lawagon said they partnered with the project of 1CAV and 1FAB because this would help ease the financial burden of parents and give kids a good start of the school year.

She encouraged the children to study seriously, and not allow poverty to hinder their education, as she believes that education is a proven way to break the vicious cycle of poverty.

Lawagon said like them, she came from a poor family but along with her brothers and sisters, they strived hard in their studies and fulfilled their dreams of becoming professionals.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371466390799/1cav-spearheads-distribution-of-school-supplies-to-children-in-remote-village

Esperon ex-aide shot dead in Zamboanga

From Rappler (Jun 20): Esperon ex-aide shot dead in Zamboanga

A veteran against the Abu Sayyaf, Lieutenant Colonel 'Tiny' Perez had served as operations chief of incoming National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr



A former intelligence officer and Mindanao veteran was shot multiple times on Sunday night, June 19, in his home in Barangay Guiwan, Zamboanga City, by motorcycle-riding men.

Army Lt Col Cristobal Julian Paulo “Tiny” Perez was declared dead on arrival at the Zamboanga Peninsula Hospital at 10:45 pm Sunday. He was 46.

The operations chief of former Armed Forces chief of staff, retired General Hermogenes Esperon Jr, Perez was assigned to G-1 (personnel unit) of the 1st infantry division of the Philippine Army based in Pagadian City. Prior to this, Perez also worked as an intelligence officer in the same division.

 

Esperon is the incoming National Security Adviser of the Duterte administration.

 

Well-liked and respected by civilians he has helped especially in Basilan and Zamboanga,

Perez spent most of his military service in Mindanao, where he joined in operations against the Abu Sayyaf and other armed groups in the area.

 

Tracing his roots to Basilan, Perez also served as battalion commander of the 18th infantry battalion based in the town of Ungkaya Pukan in the province in 2013-2015.

 

 

HELPING ABU SAYYAF VICTIMS. Lt Col 'Tiny' Perez (left, in orange shirt) with soldiers and civilians in Basilan. Photo courtesy of Zhiela Ritz Gatchalian

A 1993 graduate of the Philippine Military Academy, Perez served as aide-de-camp of Esperon when Esperon headed the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPAPP) under the Arroyo administration.

 

During his stint in Basilan, Perez assisted various groups that reached out to the children left behind by victims of the Abu Sayyaf.

 

“He and his group helped me search for the scholars based in Isabela City and Lamitan,” recalled one of his former co-workers at OPAPP, Zhielah Ritz Gatchalian.

 

 “He was very kind, always ready to help. He believed peace is possible in Basilan, where he grew up.”

 

Perez is the highest ranking active-duty military officer to be killed outside the combat zone in recent years. Military officers could not immediately say who the suspects are, noting that Perez had run after various armed groups in Basilan, Sulu and Zamboanga.

 

"Last time we talked, he said he will lie low," a Rappler source quoted an officer close to Perez as saying.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/137001-army-colonel-shot-dead-zamboanga

Of Regional Interest: Indonesia vows to stand firm after skirmishes with Chinese ships

From InterAksyon (Jun 20): Indonesia vows to stand firm after skirmishes with Chinese ships



Indonesian Vice President Yusuf Kalla in a pensive pose during a Reuters interview on June 20, 2016, in Jakarta. Another confrontation between Indonesian and Chinese vessels was reported at the weekend off Natuna islands. REUTERS FILE

Indonesia is determined to assert its exclusive right to a corner of the South China Sea where there has been a run of skirmishes between Indonesian navy ships and Chinese vessels, the vice-president said on Monday.

Jusuf Kalla told Reuters that Indonesia would send a message to Beijing demanding that it respect the Southeast Asian nation's sovereignty over waters around the Natuna Islands.

China's foreign ministry said over the weekend that an Indonesian naval vessel fired on a Chinese fishing boat near the chain of islands on Friday, injuring one person.

Indonesia's navy responded that it had fired warning shots at several boats with Chinese flags it accused of fishing illegally but there were no injuries.

It was the third reported confrontation near the Natuna Islands this year and comes amid rising regional tensions over China's assertiveness in the South China Sea.

"This is not a clash, but we are protecting the area," Kalla said in an interview with Reuters at the presidential palace.

Asked if the Indonesian government had made a decision to be more assertive, he said: "Yes, we will continue."

Separately, Indonesia's chief security minister, Luhut Pandjaitan, told reporters the government would seek the advice of legal experts on the matter.

"On the South China Sea we want to talk to experts in international maritime laws on what is the most appropriate way to resolve it," Pandjaitan said, without elaborating.

Indonesia is not part of a broader regional dispute over China's reclamation activities in the South China Sea and Beijing's claims on swathes of key waterways.

But Jakarta has objected to China's inclusion of parts of the Indonesian-ruled Natuna Islands within a "nine-dash line" Beijing marks on maps to show its claim on the body of water.

China has said it does not dispute Indonesia's sovereignty over the Natuna Islands, but Kalla said its ships sometimes claim that they have the right to operate in waters around the islands because they are "traditional Chinese fishing grounds".

"But we are focused on the legal basis," Kalla said, referring to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). "We will send a message to the other side to honor the area in accordance with the law."

China claims most of the South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei have overlapping claims.

http://interaksyon.com/article/129286/indonesia-vows-to-stand-firm-after-skirmishes-with-chinese-ships

Malaysia stands firm no ransom is paid to Abu Sayyaf

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 20): Malaysia stands firm no ransom is paid to Abu Sayyaf
 

Kuala Lumpur has stood firm that no ransom was paid for the safe release of four Malaysian citizens kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf.

But Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi admitted the families of the victims raised and channelled about 12 million ringgits to a Muslim foundation in the Philippines in exchange for the freedom of the hostages – all tugboat crew members of MasFive 6.

The hostages – Wong Teck Kang, 31, Wong Hung Sing, 34, Wong Teck Chii, 29, and Johnny Lau Jung Hien, 21, – were released to unidentified Filipino negotiators on June 8 in Sulu province and were spirited out by Malaysian police forces to Sabah. They were kidnapped off Ligitan Island on April 1 off Tawau town in Sabah

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, was quoted by the Malaysian news agency Bernama as saying that the money – collected through donations and sale of property by families of the hostages – was handed to the police in Sandakan.

“The families handed the sum to the Special Branch of the police and I can confirm that it was channeled to a certain organisation in the Philippines for a sanctioned cause,” he told reporters.

But Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, on Monday said the money did not pass through them and quickly shut down suggestions for a formal investigation into it. He said the money collected by the families of the hostages was passed to a “third party” in the southern Philippines and not to Malaysian police in Sandakan, a report by the Malay Mail Online newspaper said.

“Why must we open an enquiry about it now? I have already explained what happened to the cash. There is no reason for us to conduct any enquiry as we were not involved. I do not know, but police will not investigate because we know where the money went and I have already explained it. So I am not going to go back-and-forth on something which I have already explained,” he told reporters at the national police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. 

It was not immediately known whether the Abu Sayyaf received the money through a bogus foundation, and the Philippine military has no official report or confirmation whether ransom has been paid to the ISIS-linked group.

But the Abu Sayyaf had previously freed 14 kidnapped Indonesians sailors through the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

And one of those who was being tapped by Malaysia to negotiate to the Abu Sayyaf in their behalf was Hajji Mamih Sangkula, also an MNLF member now based in Sabah, but is frequently back in Sulu.

Just recently, Jolo town Mayor Hussin Amin – in an exclusive interview by television giant ABS-CBN – has accused the military of colluding with the Abu Sayyaf group and claimed that some officers had taken shares of ransoms paid for the freedom of some of its hostages.

He also said the military has been using some Abu Sayyaf members as their “assets” a slang to refer to spy or informant. He asked the government to investigate military officers in cahoots with the Abu Sayyaf and for the Armed Forces of the Philippines to conduct a loyalty check among its ranks.

“Mga scalawags, eh dapat nga huwag na lang patago, kung meron, imbestigahan, oo na andoon na ang ransom, pero imbestigahan kung sino ba ito? Sino ba ang kumikita sa ransom? Hindi naman Abu Sayyaf. Iyan ang mga grupo na sabi iisa lang, ngayon dumadami na dahil may mga andiyan, ay ginagawang asset doon, sinasabing hindi nila asset, alam naman ng military yan,” he said.

Amin, a former judge in Jolo before he became a politician, said the Abu Sayyaf may be getting support or information from scalawags within the military. “These are the people who are in connivance with the scalawags in the military kaya malakas ang loob. Sabihin na ba ang totoo kung mayroon man ransom, dapat alamin kung sino ba ang gumagawa ng ransom. Sino ba ang kumikita sa ransom, dapat dito ikulong,” he said in the interview.

Amin, a former congressman, also said that a colonel in the military benefited from ransoms paid for the release of Dr. Alberio Canda who was kidnapped in Sulu in 2004 and freed a month later.

He said a congressional inquiry into the kidnapping showed the alleged involvement of the military officer. The military’s Western Mindanao Command quickly denied the accusations and challenged Amin to prove his allegations.

“Well, that’s his allegations. He has to prove that. Kung meron, bakit hindi niya sabihin sa amin? Yan ang mga hindi dapat nangyayari, yung mga ganyan, within the organization, it makes the organization suffer. Sundalo ka tapos ganoon ang gagawin mo, napakasakit naman noon,” Major Filemon Tan, a military spokesman, told ABS-CBN.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/malaysia-stands-firm-no-ransom-is-paid-to-abu-sayyaf/

Zambo police probe military officer’s gun slay

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): Zambo police probe military officer’s gun slay

The local police have activated a special investigation task group to conduct deep investigation over the gun slay of a military officer late Sunday in this city.

Supt. Luisito Magnaye, Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) director, said the probe body, Special Task Group Tiny, is named after the nickname of the victim, Lt. Col. Cristobal Julian Paolo Perez.

Perez, 46, at the time of his death, is the personnel chief of the Army’s First Infantry Division based in Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

Initial investigation showed that Perez was repeatedly shot by riding in tandem suspects around 9:20 p.m. Sunday outside his residence in Buenbrazo Drive, Barangay Guiwan, 3.40 kilometers east of City Hall.

The police learned that Perez went out of his residence through the compound’s backdoor after receiving a phone call.

The police reported that shots were heard by the victim’s family while Perez was having a conversation with the person who called him through phone.

Perez was rushed to a private hospital where he expired more than an hour later while undergoing medical treatment.

The Scene of the Crime Operatives (Soco) recovered four empty shells of caliber .45 pistol at the crime scene.

Magnaye said they will look into all possible motives to unmask the culprits of the incident.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=896727

KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP completes PHP221-M worth of projects in Antique

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP completes PHP221-M worth of projects in Antique

The Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services-National Community-Driven Development Program (KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP), one of the major poverty alleviation programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), has now completed PHP221,550,645.56 worth of projects in Antique province as of this month.

The 393 number of projects completed have been funded by the Kalahi Grant and it includes 21 school buildings in the tune of PHP17,048,567.67, which are timely with the opening of classes this June and the start of the senior high school.

Engr. Mark Anthony Ton-ogan, Community Infrastructure Officer III of KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP, said in an interview Monday that the total number of school buildings they are constructing for the province is 55 of which 21 have already been fully completed as of June.

Other projects that have been implemented and completed varies from barangay hall, two, in the tune of PHP937,091.14; Box Culvert/Drainage Canal, one, worth PHP541,011.34; Bridge, five, worth PHP4,021,271.68; Capability Building/Training/ Feasibility Studies, nine, worth PHP3,152,558.80; Church/Chapel/Congregation Building, one, PHP983,042.75; Community Center/Multi-Purpose Building,13, worth PHP8,708,015.27; Day Care Center, 26, PHP15,832,420.29; Electrification /Lighting, 40, worth PHP25,855,645.73; Flood Control/River Control, 88, worth PHP42,852,083.76; Footpath,/Foot Trail/Access Trail , 37, PHP12,606,675.09; Health Station, three, PHP1,651,968.70; Pre and Post Harvest Facilities, 25, PHP11,729,862.01; Riprap Wall/Slope Protection/Erosion Control, 31, PHP15,269,903.69; Road, 80, PHP53,282,480.96; Seawall, 10, worth PHP6,887,896.69; and, Spillway/Overflow Bridge, one, PHP190,150.00.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=896815

516 patients benefit from dental, med mission in Sorsogon

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): 516 patients benefit from dental, med mission in Sorsogon

The Philippine Army's 903rd Infantry Brigade and its stakeholders have successfully provided medical and dental services to 516 patients in Barcelona, Sorsogon province over the weekend.

Capt. Victor Dugaduga, 903rd Infantry Brigade public affairs office chief, said they were aided by the ASA Philippines Foundation Inc. and Barcelona local government unit, and the 31st Infantry Battalion.

The dental and medical mission took place last June 18.

Civic-military operations (CMOs) are part of Internal Peace and Security Program "Bayanihan" strategy to deny insurgency from gaining a foothold in the countryside, he said.

For his part, 903rd Infantry Brigade commander Col. Fernando Trinidad said: “We will sustain peace and development effort through CMO activities like these in order to help address the issues in the delivery of basic services to the remote areas like Barangay Tigkiw of Gubat, San Antonio, Sta Lourdes, San Ramon, Fabrica, Bugtong, and Bagacay all of Barcelona, Sorsogon."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=896665

Spares needed for 'Nomad' APG system

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): Spares needed for 'Nomad' APG system
 

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is now looking for manufacturers capable of supplying it with spare parts needed for the maintenance of the APG systems of its GAF N-22B "Nomad" patrol and transport planes.

Budget for the project is placed at PHP7,190,981.

Submission and opening of bids is on July 7, 9:00 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City, said Air Force bids and awards chair Brig. Gen. Nicolas Parilla.

The "Nomad" is a twin-engined turboprop, high-wing, short takeoff and landing aircraft.

It was designed and built by the Australian Government Aircraft Factories (GAF) at Fishermens Bend, Melbourne.

Major users of the design have included the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, the Australian Army and the Australian Customs Service.

The "Nomad" is to be re-engineered and put back into production as the GippsAero GA18.

The PAF has an estimated 20 units of the aircraft in its inventory.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=896753

TOPS 2016 winners formally presented

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): TOPS 2016 winners formally presented

Winners of the Metrobank Foundation-Rotary Club of Makati Metro Search for "The Outstanding Philippine Solders" (TOPS) were formally presented to the public during ceremonies at AFP headquarters, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Monday.

They are identified as Lt. Col. Eliglen Ferrer Villaflor, Technical Sgt. Danilo Delos Santos and Technical Sgt. Bernardo Labao Tacbas, all members of the Philippine Army.

While awardees from the Navy include Marine Lt. Wilfredo Baylon Manalang, Marine Staff Sgt. Albert Dangan Eleazar and Intelligence Specialist Chief Fernando Juinio Parcon.

And from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) side, feted were Lt. Col. Oliver Alina Banaria, Master Sgt. Abel Lim Idusma and Technical Sgt. Andersen Daing Avellana.

While Col. Jocelyn Pancrudo Turla from the Technical Administrative Services completes this year's TOPS winners.

“The Search for TOPS is the civilian society’s expression of genuine appreciation and gratitude for the men and women in the Armed Forces - for their sacrifices and dedication in pursuing our shared dreams of a safe and peaceful nation. We believe that the civilian and private sector’s support, cooperation, admiration, and respect should accompany the role of our soldiers as protectors of our sovereignty and defenders of our national patrimony," Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña said

"This year, we welcome a new batch of outstanding Philippine soldiers who selflessly serve and protect our nation. They are considered as our modern-day heroes who showed not only unremarkable courage and nationalism, but concern for other people and their communities as well. They are our country’s pride and hope for a peaceful and secured nation,” he added.

Each TOPS awardee received a cash prize of PHP500,000 and a trophy.

Villaflor, one of the TOPS awardee from the Army, was at the forefront of the combat and civil-military mission in Basilan.

As 4th Special Forces Battalion commander, he was able to significantly contribute to the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and other lawless elements — with the recapture of a rebel stronghold and recovery of other encampments and firearms.

There were also several rebels killed and injured in a series of encounters against the ASG in his two-year stint. He also led the capture of Jerry Ibon Alam, one of the most wanted figures in illegal drugs in Basilan.

Villaflor believes that achieving peace could not be resolve by combat alone, but through working with the communities and winning their support.

His civil military operations have highly impacted Basilan where thousands have received the benefits of his initiatives.

“From Camp to School, From Guns to Books” was one of his successful campaigns where the military was able to transform a captured Moro National Liberation Front camp into a school campus.

Villaflor also pioneered Project Masjid where non-Muslim entities participated in the preparation and celebration of Ramadan.

Initiated activities involved cleaning and beautification of mosques and peace keeping and security of the mosques and Muslim brothers and sisters.

While the Air Force's Avellana has undergone numerous specialty courses such as the Basic Electronic and Communication Course, Ground Radio Course, Basic Weapons Mechanic Course, and Aircraft Engine Mechanic Course in New Zealand, which made him a remarkable Weapons Mechanic Technician.

One of his shared innovations in PAF was the repair of ten pieces of intervalometer which is known as an essential part in any rocket launchers activity.

As the lead, he carefully studied the overhaul process of the intervalometer and given a budget of PHP13,465,000 for the repairs.

The fact that he succeeded and even saved the PAF PHP1.5 million is worthy of note.

Avellana always exceeds on what is expected of him, with his dedication and hard labor he was also able to complete the repair of three optical sights of MG-520 attack helicopters which saved the PAF PHP400,000.

He is also a recipient of many awards, including the PAF Enlisted Personnel of the Year & INSTEP Awardee for Professionalism, this award is given to those personnel who religiously shown commitment in improving the current state of PAF in terms of existing equipment and weaponry innovation.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=896767

PHL, Malaysia, Indonesia eye trilateral air, maritime patrols in common areas

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): PHL, Malaysia, Indonesia eye trilateral air, maritime patrols in common areas

In wake of the rising security challenges in Southeast Asia, the defense chiefs of the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia have meet in Manila Monday to explore the possibility of conducting trilateral air and maritime patrols in common areas of concerns by the three nations.

This is an obvious reference to the Sulu Sea, the maritime area bordering the three nations where Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits have infiltrated and launched several kidnapping attacks against Malaysian and Indonesian seafarers.

Present during the trilateral meeting were Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin; the Minister of Defense Malaysia, His Excellency Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein; and the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency General (R) Ryamizard Ryacudu,

The meeting was conducted in the spirit of cordiality, mutual understanding and good neighborliness.

It reaffirmed the commitments made last May 5 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia by the Foreign Ministers and the Chief of Defense Forces of the three countries in addressing regional maritime and security challenges affecting the three countries.

During the meeting, the defense ministers raised concern over the recent incidents of kidnappings and armed robbery at sea in the maritime areas of common concern, and reaffirmed the need, commitment and collective responsibility of the countries to address such threats that undermine peace, security and prosperity of the region.

All three agreed that the best practices shared by Malaysia and Indonesia on their experiences in the Malacca Straits Patrol may be adopted as a model for trilateral cooperation to address common maritime security concerns.

In this regard, the three deliberated and have agreed in principle for the armed forces and/or relevant agencies to explore the following measures:

a. Coordinated activities among the militaries of the three countries, focusing on maritime security;

b. Possibility to establish joint military command posts at designated locations including ad hoc military liaisons on board;

c. Trilateral maritime and air patrol at the maritime areas of common concern;

d. Trilateral Maritime Patrol Working Group which would set the operational directions on the conduct of the trilateral maritime patrol. The Maritime Command Centers shall be established by the respective countries and shall retain overall responsibility for the tasking and deployment of their respective assets;

e. A transit corridor within the maritime areas of common concern which will serve as designated sea lanes for mariners entering the maritime area of common concern;

f. Information and intelligence sharing pertaining to the maritime area of common concern; and

g. A trilateral database sharing mechanism.

The ministers also agreed for the armed forces and relevant agencies of the three countries to expedite the crafting and finalization of relevant Standard Operating Procedures and hopes to conduct the next trilateral meeting soon after.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=896776

Support Duterte admin

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): Support Duterte admin

As he bids the officers and enlisted personnel of the Pili, Camarines-based 9th Infantry Division goodbye on Monday, outgoing Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya urged troops to wholeheartedly support incoming President Rodrigo Duterte.

Visaya is the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)'s next chief-of-staff who is scheduled to assume command on July 1, a day after Duterte's inauguration.

"Let us support the next administration the way we support the current administration," he said to the 9th Infantry Division which is commanded by Major Gen. Ferdinand Quidilla.

Visaya also narrated to 9th Infantry Division troops that when he was called by Duterte in Davao City, the president-elect ordered him to focus on addressing the persisting Abu Sayyaf Group threats in Mindanao; the AFP's support to law enforcement operations of the Philippine National Police; and the nation-wide anti-illegal drug campaign.

"Don't use illegal drugs," he warned the troops, stressing that the AFP will be very strict on this matter.

The incoming AFP chief also urged military personnel not to be misled by rumors of Duterte slowly moving the country to communism and coup d'état rumors.

"His talking to different anti-government groups/organizations; his offer of cabinet posts to the Communist Party are due to his dream of creating change which leads to true peace," he added.

"If he really wanted the country to become communist, then why did he designate many former military men to his Cabinet," Visaya said.

"Do not believe in coup rumors because there is no coup," he stressed.

Visaya said that the AFP leadership is solid to the Constitution, the organization and the chain-of-command.

As this develops, the incoming AFP chief reminded all 9th Infantry Division brigade and battalion commanders not to relax, instead, continue pressuring the New People's Army (NPA) through focused military operations.

"Until no official and clear-cut guidelines have been issued, until no formal talks have been made, we continue with our current operations in Bicol. Remember that the NPA announced that they will increase tactical offensives against government forces until the last day of the Aquino administration," he added.

From Jan. 1 to date, the military in Bicol neutralized 21 NPAs (10 killed, nine captured/ apprehended, two surrendered).

Also, 23 high-powered firearms, eight lower-powered firearms and 131 improvised explosive devices were captured.

But he said the the AFP will support all peace initiatives of the next administration.

"Let us just abide to instructions coming from the Chain-of-Command. Let us obey and follow," Visaya stressed.

The outgoing SOLCOM Chief thanked the Officers, men and women of 9th Infantry Division for all the support given to him during his term.

"My job as commander, SOLCOM is made easier because of your cooperation and support," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=896800

PVAO always at the service of war veterans

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): PVAO always at the service of war veterans

The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) is always at the service of war veterans.

Defense Undersecretary Ernesto G. Carolina made this assurance in a speech at the opening of the annual "Kabisig Philippine Government Expo and Trade Fair" held at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City on Monday afternoon.

"PVAO is privileged to be part of this event, where we have been zealously participating in the last couple of years," Carolina said.

He said that the existence of PVAO is best exemplified by "the wide range of services that we render to the people, particularly the veterans."

Carolina said that PVAO's philosophy is "Serbisyo sa Beterano, Serbisyo sa Bayan."

"This event exemplifies the synergy between the government and the citizenry in achieving progress and sustainable development," Carolina said.

The annual trade fair is participated in by various government agencies to inform the public about the different services that they offer to the people.

This year's theme is: "Pamahalaan at Mamamayan: Kapit-Bisig sa Kaunlaran."

Carolina is a retired lieutenant general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and former commanding general of the Southern Command, now Southern Mindanao Command or SOUTHMINCOM.

A veteran of the Mindanao War, Carolina said the trade fair gathers government agencies "to mutually benefit from the strength of one another and to collaborate, even complement and partner with one another, and network, thereby promoting a desired setup of participative governance."

Other guests during the opening ceremony were Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio B. Coloma Jr., Daniel Guillen, Kabisig chairman, and Egbert Lim, SM Megamall manager.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=896809