Lorenzana vows to purchase more upgraded armored tanks for Army

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 21): Lorenzana vows to purchase more upgraded armored tanks for Army

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana vowed Tuesday to support the acquisition of more upgraded armored tanks for the Philippine Army.

After the close inspection of the M113A2 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), Lorenzana emphasized that he will concentrate on the allotment of additional budget for the purchase of more APCs.

“We will get more of these [armored vehicles]. Hopefully, we can allocate funds from the government,” he stressed.

Lorenzana noted that they can save bullets because of the concentrated shots of APCs.

Aside from this, he intends to bring President Rodrigo Duterte to personally scrutinize the upgraded armored vehicles.

“I’m sure he [President Duterte] will be delighted to see these [APCs],” Lorenzana added.

Currently, there are four upgraded armored tanks in the Mechanized Infantry Division that will eventually be assigned in Sulu.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3341474398273/lorenzana-vows-to-purchase-more-upgraded-armored-tanks-for-army

Relief ops in Basilan, Sulu continue

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 21): Relief ops in Basilan, Sulu continue

Development (DSWD)- Field Office  (FO)  IX is currently repacking additional family food packs for the families  displaced by the ongoing military operations against the Abu Sayyaf (ASG). The FO targets 25,000 food packs for ready augmentation to affected local government units (LGUs) in Basilan and Sulu Provinces.

The FO currently maintains 18,182 food packs as well as other food items such as canned goods, coffee and sardines. It also stockpiles non-food items like clothing, blankets, soaps, slippers, among others.

Earlier, 5,000 food packs have been sent to Sulu while 6,000 packs have been provided as resource augmentation to the three affected municipalities in Basilan.

As of September 19, a total of 3,423 families with 18,783 persons from the municipalities of Albarka, Tipi-tipo, Ungkaya  Pukan in Basilan were affected.  It was also reported  that 1,729 family heads with 6,218 dependents from the four municipalities of Sumisip, Tuburan, Hadji Mohammad Ajul, and Akbar have pre-emptively evacuated. They are still with their relatives and continue to be provided with relief assistance.

On the other hand, a total of 4,546 families or 23,920 persons from 44 barangays in Patikul, Maimbung, Indanan, Parang and Panamao in Sulu have been affected by the military operations in the province.

People’s Day

Over the weekend,   the Provincial Government of Basilan initiated a “People’s Day” at Barangay Baguindan,Tipo-Tipo to encourage the affected families of the village to return to their houses as the area, as well as Brgy. Silangkum,  have been declared safe by  authorities.  As of this reporting, the  DSWD Disaster Team in Isabela City, Basilan reported that there have been no military clash/incidents for the past weeks within the Tipo-tipo area.

Also during the People’ Day,   the provincial government distributed  food packs to some 1,400 families and conducted feeding program for children.

A non-government organization, through the DSWD-FO ARMM, distributed school supplies such as notebooks, pencils, and crayons to school children.  A medical mission was also conducted by the Department of Health.

“Kami po sa DSWD ay nagpapasalamat sa  ibang mga ahensya at NGO na tumutulong sa mga kababayan nating naiipit sa kaguluhan sa Sulu at Basilan. Sana ay mas marami pang organisasyong tumulong upang mapabuti ang  kalagayan ng mga Internally Displaced Persons (IDP). Malayo pa ang ating lalakbayin tungo sa kapayapaan sapagkat ang tunay na kalaban natin dito ay ang kahirapan na nagmumula sa kawalan ng lupa ng magsasaka at kawalan ng pambansang industriyalisasyon na maglilingkod sa interes ng mga manggagawa at buong sambayanan (We at the DSWD thank other agencies and NGOs who are helping our countrymen caught in the armed conflict in Sulu and Basilan. We hope that more organizations will help to improve the  situation of the IDPs. We still have a long way to go to attain peace since our real enemy is the poverty caused by landlessness of the farmers and the absence of national industrialization that will serve the needs of the workers and of the entire people),”  DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo stated. (DSWD)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2131474387953/relief-ops-in-basilan-sulu-continue

Army, MILF leaders vow to continue ceasefire agreement

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): Army, MILF leaders vow to continue ceasefire agreement
 

Military and Moro rebel leaders agreed to continue religiously observing the ceasefire agreement between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Major Gen. Carlito Galvez, newly installed commander of the 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao and a known peace advocate, stepped inside the main camp of the MILF in Barangay Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao as a gesture of peace with MILF leaders.

Since 2007, there has been no major skirmishes involving the military and the MILF in most parts of Mindanao where the rebel movement operates.

Galvez met with Al Mansoor Gambar, leader of the MILF's military arm - the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) Tuesday morning and reiterated both sides' commitment to continue harmonious relationship.

Both Galvez and Gambar vowed to continue cooperation and joint operations against lawless elements and illegal drug personalities.

Gambar told reporters with Galvez at the helm of the 6th Infantry Kampilan Division, peace is surely in the air.

"His assumption to 6th ID was a clear indication of government's determination to have peace in the island," Gambar said.

Galvez, on the other hand, stressed the need to continue cooperation and respect for the agreement.

"Peace is attained not through violence and through the barrel of guns but through diplomacy, cooperation and coordination," Galvez said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=924693

Manhunt on for ambushers of police team in Lanao del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): Manhunt on for ambushers of police team in Lanao del Sur
 

Authorities are hot on the trail of a group of armed men who ambushed and killed a cop and injured four others, including the town police chief, along a secluded section of the highway in Sitio Timbuangan, Barangay Manganding, Picong, Lanao del Sur on Tuesday.

Capt. Arvin Encinas, Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesman, identified the lone fatality as PO1 Rodin Mala of the Picong police force, while those wounded as P/Insp. Rudy Babsingit, Picong police chief; PO3 Saidamen Rashid Kalal; and militiamen Sultan Hualik, and Sanguyan Halig.

The 6ID based in Maguindanao includes Picong, Lanao del Sur, in its area of jurisdiction.

Encinas said reports reaching them indicated that the victims were onboard a vehicle around 2:15 p.m. Tuesday when waylaid by armed members of the Binon clan in apparent retaliation to the recent arrest of a relative involved in the illegal drug trade.

The ambushers withdrew to a forested section of the highway after the incident.

Recovered from the ambush site were empty shells of M-14 assault rifle, among others.

Encinas said Army troopers who responded to the incident brought the wounded to a local hospital.

Pursuit operations are ongoing, he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=924707

Agusan del Sur LGU, Army to open rehab center for drug dependents

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): Agusan del Sur LGU, Army to open rehab center for drug dependents

The local government of Agusan del Sur and the Philippine Army camp of the said province will jointly operate a drug residential treatment and rehabilitation center (RTRC) right inside the camp compound of the 401st Army Brigade.

The move was in response to the call of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to utilize military camps as drug rehabilitation centers for drug surrenderers.

The drug residential treatment and rehabilitation center facility located at a three-hectare site right at the heart of the compound of the said army camp is set to be opened on Thursday afternoon, said the Army 401st Brigade commander Col. Cristobal Zaragoza in a media interview.

The RTRC which finishing touches is underway, was among the facilities inspected by 4ID “Diamond” Division Commander MGen. Benjamin R. Madrigal during his recent visit to the area.

”This facility is constructed and will be operated by the provincial local government of this province headed by Gov. Adolph Edward G. Plaza to serve those drug-dependents or victims who surrendered in line with the president’s campaign against illegal drugs dubbed as the ‘double barrel’ program” Zaragoza said. The military official added that the facility which can accommodate at least 60 clients may be the first of such kind in the country.

Under this joint venture, the Philippine Army provided the site and will take charge of the security aspect, while the provincial government will take charge of the operational aspects of the said facility, according to Zaragoza.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=924711

President Duterte visits 9th Infantry Division soldiers in Camarines Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): President Duterte visits 9th Infantry Division soldiers in Camarines Sur

President Rodrigo R. Duterte arrived here Wednesday afternoon and proceeded to Camp Elias Angeles, headquarters of the 9th Infantry Division (ID) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Barangay San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur, to visit the troops.

Maj. Gen. Manolito P. Orense, commander of the 9th ID, also known as the Spear Division, gave a situation briefing to the President when he arrived at the Officers’ Club at around 3:30 p.m. or four and a half hours later than his scheduled arrival of 11 a.m.

At around 4:30 p.m. when the President started his speech before the soldiers in Bicol, he initially dwelt on the “encompassing” illegal drug problem, which he said, has come to destroy the nation.

He said the drug menace will “destroy your children and the next generation.”

But the President said “the technicality of the law makes it hard for me to deal with the problem on illegal drugs.”

He added: “What is very disturbing about this country now, ang droga kasi within the government na ang away.” (the fight against illegal drugs has reached the ranks of the government)

The President made passing remarks on how the United States became interested in Mindanao.

“Naging interesado ang mga Amerikano sa Mindanao kasi walang typhoon (The Americans became interested in Mindanao because there is no typhoon). But they could not get workers to work for them,” he said.

President Duterte gave assurance to the soldiers that “there will be an inclusive government with the left but there will not be a coalition government.”

With regards to the problem with the Abu Sayyaf Group or ASG, the President said, “I do not want to talk with the Abu Sayyaf Group.”

He told the Bicol soldiers to “make the most of this time to come up with doctrines on how to deal with terrorism.”

Before the end of his speech at around 5 p.m., the President gave three Glock 30 and four magazines to the soldiers which he said were for use in encounters with the terrorists.

“Para sa engkuwentro sa mga terorista,” he said.

The President has been going around military camps in the country in previous weeks with a promise to the soldiers that they will be given what is due them while soliciting support for his programs.

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar earlier said President Duterte has to visit the military camps just like the previous Presidents to boost the soldiers’ morale and to personally interact with them on the government’s programs lined up for the AFP.

In past weeks, government troops from Bicol under the 9th ID have been sent to help fight the ASG in Mindanao.

On September 3, the 49th Infantry Battalion of the 9th ID was sent to augment the troops of the Western Mindanao Command. Soldiers from the 65th IB, also from the 9th ID, were earlier deployed to the same area.

The President's visit here in Camp Elias Angeles was his third visit to military camps across the country in a span of four days. On Tuesday, September 20, the President took the time to visit and talk to the Agila troops of the Philippine Army at Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr. in Mawab, Compostela province.

Earlier, on Sunday, Sept. 18, the President visited the 5th Infantry Division (ID), at Camp Melchor F. Dela Cruz in Isabela.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=925032

Troops rescue abducted businesswoman in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): Troops rescue abducted businesswoman in Sulu

Government forces have safely rescued a businesswoman who was seized by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands in Sirawai town in the nearby province of Zamboanga del Norte on Monday.

Ayub Pia, acting Sirawai municipal administrator, told the Philippines News Agency by phone that Martina Lim Yee, 69 (not Christina as earlier reported), was rescued early Wednesday in the coast of Indanan, Sulu.

“The son-in-law was able to talk to her (Martina) through phone,” Pia said.

“The troops from the 35th Infantry Battalion, Joint Task Force Sulu, rescued kidnap victim Martina Yee in Sulu this morning,” Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesperson said in a text message.

The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands, were forced to abandon Yee, since she was weak and is hampering their movements as troops were hot on their trail.

Yee, who owns and manages a hardware, was seized by seven ASG brigands around 3:40 p.m. Monday in the coastal Barangay Poblacion, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

Yee was at her hardware store when the seven ASG brigands barged in and abducted her.

They dragged Yee to a waiting double engine motorized banca and sped towards the direction of Barangay Pugus, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

From there, she was transported to Indanan, Sulu where the troops rescued her.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=924786

Army general honors soldiers for preventing bombings in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): Army general honors soldiers for preventing bombings in Maguindanao

Military officials on Wednesday honored soldiers for the successful recovery of high explosives, assorted rifles and machine gun following a brief encounter with outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao over the weekend.

 

Major General Carlito Galvez, 6th Infantry Division commander lauded operating troops of the 57th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Colonel Jose Ambrosio and 601st Brigade Commander Colonel Cirilito Sobejana for preventing what could be bombings in Maguindanao or nearby places.

Sobejana told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Wednesday that elements of 57th IB have received a tip from concerned citizens about the presence of heavily armed men in a remote sub-village of Barangay Kauran, Ampatuan.

Following intelligence verification, Rustia formed a team to verify the report Saturday afternoon. As government troops entered the village at past 4 p.m. they were fired at by armed men later identified to be members of the BIFF.

A brief encounter occurred until the armed men fled deep into the forest, leaving behind a cache of firearms and explosives, some were unearth by operating troops.

“They could be behind the bombings in Maguindanao against the military,” Sobejana said of the group in possession of mortars that included 60 mm, 81 mm mortars and six 105 howitzers.

“Our investigation continues,” Sobejana said as he lauded citizens for alerting the military on the presence of armed men in their communities. “We need people like them,” he added.

About two hours after the Barangay Kauran, Ampatuan brief encounter, elements of the 1st Mechanized Brigade deactivated three improvised explosive devices left at the entrance to Hill 166 military camp in Barangay Meta, Datu Unsay, Maguindanao.

“Obviously, it was meant for the military because it was planted at the road leading to an Army base,” Sobejana said. “Lucky enough, civilians reported their discovery to the military and prevented explosions that could harm commuters,” he added.

In ceremonies held at 601st brigade headquarters, Galvez lauded the operating troops for the feat, saying it was expected of them as government military authorities. He also commended the civilians and the intelligence operatives for timely and prompt action.

“You all deserved commendations, another job well done,” Galvez told 601st brigade operating troops for the successful ant-terrorist operation.

“Can you imagine if these explosives were used by these lawless elements, not only against the military but civilians as well,” he said, pointing to recovered war materials at the 601st brigade headquarters.

Sobejana said the seized high explosives were similar to IEDs set off by BIFF in Maguindanao in recent years.

Recognizing the feat, Galvez awarded Bronze Cross Medals to Colonel Sobejana, Lt. Col. Rustia, Capt. Nasrula Sema, 1Lt. Redentor Dimayug, Private First Class Mario de Emoy.

Also awarded with Military Merit Medal were 1Lt. Jano Cyrill Reyes, 2Lt. Guillermo Pablo, 2Lt. Reynaldo Maglasang and PFC Ryant Abella.

Galvez also awarded Military Merit Medal with bronze Spearhead Device to 2Lt. Cenar Malana, Staff Sgt. Renante Bolivar, Corporals Alger Alipuyo and Archie Dema-ala and PFC Adrian Ganancial.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=924812

Rescued businesswoman reunites with family in Zamboanga City

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): Rescued businesswoman reunites with family in Zamboanga City

Martina Yee, the abducted businesswoman the troops rescued early Wednesday in the province of Sulu, has reunited with her family in this city.

Yee was airlifted by a military helicopter from Camp Bautista in Jolo, Sulu, hours after her rescue and arrived in this camp around 3 p.m. Wednesday.

She was met by her family members and top military officials of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) upon arrival.

From the helipad, Yee, clad in black pants, orange and white striped t-shirt and blue jacket with hood, was taken to Camp Navarro General Hospital (CNGH) for another medical check-up although she had undergone check-up earlier in Camp Bautista.

Yee and her family are expected to return anytime to Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte. They refused to be interviewed by the media.

Yee, who owns and manages a hardware, was seized by seven gunmen around 3:40 p.m. Monday (Sept. 19) in the coastal Barangay Poblacion, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

Joint Task Force Sulu troops rescued Yee around 7 a.m. Wednesday in Barangay Kajatian, Indanan, Sulu.

Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., Westmincom spokesperson, said the rescue of Yee was a result of continuous intelligence build-up immediately after receiving information of the group’s plan to hand over the victim to Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

Tan said the troops of the Army’s 501st Infantry Brigade manning the Palakaya (locally-made boat in Sulu) were alerted of the presence of six armed men with the kidnapped victim upon docking at the pier in Barangay Kajatian, Indanan.

He said the kidnappers hastily left and abandoned Yee for fear of being caught by the pursuing government troops.

“Military troops continue to conduct pursuit operations as of this moment,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=924938

PAF in the market for S-211 MFD spares

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): PAF in the market for S-211 MFD spares

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has allocated the sum of PHP7,329,000 for the procurement of spares needed for the repair and installation of multi-function display (MFD) of one of its of three SIAI-Marchetti S-211 jet trainers.

An MFD is a small screen (CRT or LCD) in by multiple soft keys (configurable buttons) that can be used to display information to the user in numerous configurable ways.

MFDs originated in aviation, first in military aircraft, and later were adopted by commercial aircraft, general aviation, and automotive use.

Pre-bid conference is slated for Sept. 28, 9:00 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

While submission and opening of bids of is on Oct. 11, 9:00 a.m. at the same venue.

The S-211 is one of the PAF's two jet-powered aircraft after the Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50PH "Fighting Eagle".

It is primarily used for air-to-ground and surveillance missions.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=924785

Close cooperation between military, police results in successful recovery of 60-year-old ASG captive

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): Close cooperation between military, police results in successful recovery of 60-year-old ASG captive

Close cooperation between the military and police resulted in the successful recovery of 60-year-old Martina Lynn Yee from the clutches of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu Wednesday.

This was reported by Joint Task Force Sulu spokesperson Col. Rodrigo Gregorio in a statement to the Philippines News Agency on Wednesday.

Yee, a resident of Sirawai, Zamboanga Del Norte and gas station owner, was abducted 3:00 p.m. Monday.

Gregorio said the victim was recovered in a pier in Tanjung, Barangay Kajatian, Indanan, Sulu.

"The successful rescue operation was a result of continuous collaboration with different units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police with the help of civilian populace from Sirawai to Sibuco and Zamboanga City to Sulu who informed and alerted troops on the presence of armed men," he added.

A strike-and-rescue operation was done by troops of 35th Infantry Battalion which made the terrorists scamper, resulting in the rescue of the victim.

Several victims have been rescued and released following the order of President Rodrigo Duterte to intensify rescue efforts to recover the remaining hostages.

"The successful rescue is a template of enhanced collaboration of all govt agencies concerned with the help of local residents," Joint Task Force Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega said.

"We hope to see more collaboration from different stakeholders in the coming days to destroy the ASG and rescue the remaining hostages," he added.

Yee is now undergoing medical check-up and debriefing at the Camp Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=924819

Catbalogan-based 8th ID vows to ensure success of peace process

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): Catbalogan-based 8th ID vows to ensure success of peace process

As the entire country celebrates National Peace Consciousness Month, the Catbalogan-based 8th Infantry Division announced that it will do everything in its power to ensure that the peace process proves successful.

This was stressed by 8th Infantry Division chief-of-staff Col. Divino Rey C. Pabayo, Jr., during flag-raising ceremonies Monday.

“The administration of President (Rodrigo) Duterte has already walked the extra mile to achieve peace. His intention to permanently end the armed conflicts requires the support and participation of the stakeholders," he added.

Proclamation No. 675 declares the month of September of each year as National Peace Consciousness Month. This year’s theme, “Tayo ang Pagbabago, Tayo ang Kapayapaan! ”, centers on “us”- tayo realizing our roles in pushing for change and peace.

"Now is our time to own the process our ownership of the peace process begets durable peace agreements. Working for peace is always a joint effort between our government and our people. Our peace and development roadmap directs us to a shared peace and prosperity," Pabayo added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=924851

PHL ,Russian officials meet to explore military-technical cooperation

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): PHL ,Russian officials meet to explore military-technical cooperation

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday said officials from the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) briefed the Philippine Embassy in Moscow on the different aspects of possible Philippines-Russia military cooperation, including the acquisition of Russian military equipment and technology.

The FSMTC is a federal agency directly under the Office of the President of the Russian Federation responsible for control and oversight in the field of military-technical cooperation between the Russian Federation and foreign countries.

The DFA statement said those who briefed the embassy officials were Sergey I. Buganov, Chief of the First Department on Military and Technical Cooperation with Foreign States, and Valery A. Orel, Chief of the Section on Military-Technical Technical Cooperation with Countries of the Asia-Pacific Region. Philippine Ambassador to Russia, Carlos D. Sorreta, and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Luningning Camoying, the Political Officer of the Embassy.

“We welcomed the briefing, which was quite revealing, particularly as to the extent that Russia is able to interact with a large number of countries in this field and the different mechanisms that are employed, including in terms of the acquisition and transfer of Russian military equipment,” Ambassador Sorreta said.

“This is all part of our job to explore opportunities that could contribute to our government’s efforts to modernize our defense capabilities,” he added.

During the briefing, also taken up were the issues of training, after-sales service and maintenance, transfer of technology, investment in domestic military production and servicing, and different modes of financing.

Russia sells military equipment and military-related equipment to a host of nations, from highly developed countries like the United States to developing nations like India, Malaysia, Thailand and Viet Nam.

The Pentagon announced earlier this year that the U.S. will buy up to 18 more Russian-built RD-180 engines to power rockets carrying U.S. military satellites into space over the next six years.

The briefing followed the recent visit to Moscow of a Department of National Defense Delegation led by Undersecretary for Finance and Materiel, Raymundo De Vera Elefante, which met with top Russian defense officials, including officials of the FSMTC.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=924868

PHL peace negotiator says sincerity is why ceasefire between govt and communist party is working

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): PHL peace negotiator says sincerity is why ceasefire between govt and communist party is working

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III has credited the sincerity of the Philippine government and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)as the reason why the ceasefire between the two parties appears to be holding.

“It is indicative of the sincerity of both parties in the (peace) process which augurs well for peace,” Bello, the government's chief negotiator, said of the lull in fighting.

With no encounter to breach the ceasefire, the peace negotiator is optimistic that a bilateral agreement would be reached and put in place when the second round of peace negotiations resumes on Oct. 4-10 in Oslo, Norway.

The talks were originally slated for Oct. 8-12, but both parties agreed to move the date.

It can be recalled that President Rodrigo Duterte restored a unilateral and indefinite ceasefire on the eve of the formal resumption of the peace talks with the CPP, the New People's Army and the National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) on Aug. 21 to create a favorable condition for the negotiations.

This resulted in the NDF extending indefinitely its seven-day (Aug. 21-27) goodwill ceasefire. The move was lauded as “historic and unprecedented", having been inspired by the release of 22 detained NDF consultants, the most number of prisoners released by the government to date.

In the 30-year history of government peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA-NDF, the talks have been disrupted for at least 15 times.

The breakdown in the talks was mainly due to two issues: the release of detained NDF consultants and declaration of ceasefire.

With both issues addressed, the formal resumption of peace talks on Aug. 22-28 in Oslo was made possible.

Ceasefire was one of agenda items taken up by both panels during the Oslo talks.

Both parties agreed to submit drafts for the formal bilateral ceasefire agreement when negotiations resume first week of October.

“Hopefully, this will ripen to a bilateral and permanent ceasefire and finally the end of hostilities,” Bello said.

In close to 50 years of guerrilla war launched by the NDF, through its armed wing the NPA, more than 150,000 people have been killed in armed clashes and violent incidents.

The Philippine military said the NPA has been reduced to less than 4,000 armed regulars scattered all over the Philippine archipelago.

But in Oslo, NDF panel chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni claimed they have 10,000 armed regulars operating in more than 120 guerrilla fronts that cover more than 72 provinces.

The formal talks between the government and the CPP-NPA-NDF are entering the more substantive phase of the peace negotiations, with both parties submitting outlines and drafts on social and economic reforms and political and constitutional reforms in the next round.

Both parties will also take up a proposed amnesty proclamation for all listed detained NDF members.

The cessation of hostilities and disposition of forces will also be tackled simultaneously during the talks.

The parties earlier agreed to accelerate the peace process with the government peace panel expressing confidence that a final peace agreement will be signed within a year.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=924856

PSG member implicated in NBP probe already ‘confined to barracks’ -- official

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): PSG member implicated in NBP probe already ‘confined to barracks’ -- official
 

A member of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) who was implicated during Tuesday’s House probe into the proliferation of illegal drugs inside the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) is already 'confined to barracks,’ the PSG spokesperson said Wednesday during a press briefing in Malacañang.

Lt. Col. Michael T. Aquino, the PSG deputy chief of staff for Civil Military Operations, said Sgt. Jonel Sanchez has been placed under investigation since Sunday, a day before the House investigation started.

Sanchez, a member of the Philippine Air Force before being assigned to the PSG, was detailed to then Justice Secretary Leila de Lima during the past administration.

“Upon hearing his implication on the House inquiry regarding his association with Senator De Lima, the command immediately conducted investigation proceedings. To ensure his safety, the PSG has placed Sgt. Sanchez confined to barracks for the investigation,” Aquino said.

Convicted robber Herbert Colanggo has tagged Sanchez as De Lima’s security aide and bagman.

Colangco said that De Lima received drug money coming from the NBP through Sanchez.

Before being confined to barracks, Sanchez was temporarily assigned to the security detail of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea pending his return to the Air Force.

“The command has requested for Sanchez’ reassignment to his mother unit. However, he is still securing his pertinent papers in the PSG for his new assignment when our investigation began,” the PSG official said.

Aquino said that Sanchez will remain under the custody of the PSG until the investigation is finished.

He likewise assured that they will produce Sanchez at the House inquiry should lawmakers require his testimony.

“In unison with our people’s clamor for truth and justice, we requested for his full cooperation during the investigation,” Aquino said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=924922