From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): 3 more rebels surrender in Agusan Del Sur
Three members of the rebel group New People's Army (NPA) have voluntarily surrendered to the military in Agusan Del Sur province.
The rebels turned over four high-powered firearms to military authorities, 4th Infantry Division public affairs office chief Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez said Friday.
Names of the rebels were withheld for security reasons.
He said one of the rebels voluntarily surrendered himself and his M-16 automatic rifle last Nov. 9, and expressed his desire to live peacefully with his family.
On Nov. 10, two more NPA members, a squad leader of Guerrilla Front 88 and a member of Guerrilla Front Committee 89, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, also voluntarily surrendered, bringing along an AR-18 rifle, a carbine and an M-1 Garand rifle, Martinez said.
The three were assured of support through the government's rebel integration program.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939068&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Moro clan war claims 2 lives in Maguindanao
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): Moro clan war claims 2 lives in Maguindanao
Clan wars involving Moro rebels left two persons dead in Maguindanao, the military here said Friday.
Colonel Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, said the clash occurred Thursday in Sitio Damabago, Barangay Barurao, Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao involving Moro families identified with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
He identified the protagonists as Commander Murato and his nephew, Commander Jaypee, both belonging to MILF 105th base command. Both sides have suffered one fatality, the Army said.
"A long standing family feud has been brewing for so decades and it erupted Thursday," Sobejana said. "It was a case of land dispute, both are claiming ownership of a vast track of lands in the village."
However, local officials said the claimants could not present legal documents legitimizing ownership of the lands.
Sobejana said the military is keeping a safe distance and did not involve themselves in recognition of an existing ceasefire agreement between the ntional government and MILF.
The Army brigade commander has appealed to the MILF leadership to take disciplinary action "because the military will come in if the safety of civilians are endangered."
Classes in public schools in the village have been temporarily suspended.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939084&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Clan wars involving Moro rebels left two persons dead in Maguindanao, the military here said Friday.
Colonel Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, said the clash occurred Thursday in Sitio Damabago, Barangay Barurao, Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao involving Moro families identified with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
He identified the protagonists as Commander Murato and his nephew, Commander Jaypee, both belonging to MILF 105th base command. Both sides have suffered one fatality, the Army said.
"A long standing family feud has been brewing for so decades and it erupted Thursday," Sobejana said. "It was a case of land dispute, both are claiming ownership of a vast track of lands in the village."
However, local officials said the claimants could not present legal documents legitimizing ownership of the lands.
Sobejana said the military is keeping a safe distance and did not involve themselves in recognition of an existing ceasefire agreement between the ntional government and MILF.
The Army brigade commander has appealed to the MILF leadership to take disciplinary action "because the military will come in if the safety of civilians are endangered."
Classes in public schools in the village have been temporarily suspended.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939084&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Tacloban declared as rebel-free city
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): Tacloban declared as rebel-free city
The Army, police and local government here officially declared this city as free from serious threats of communist rebels.
With this declaration on Friday morning, all 40 towns and three cities in Leyte province are now stable internal peace and security areas.
Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Romualdez and Vice Mayor Jerry Yaokasin welcomed the joint declaration of the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and city government.
Witnessing the declaration on Friday morning are key city officials, Army 802nd Brigade Commander Col. Francisco Mendoza, city police chief Sr. Supt. Rolando Bade, 78th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Allan Jose Taguba.
The status of stable internal peace and security is a condition where a place is no longer affected by insurgency. Under this category, presence of communist group can still be felt, but their influence is considered insignificant.
Mendoza said that the declaration will mean a greater chance for the city, which is the capital of Eastern Visayas, to invite more businessmen to invest.
“This will attract investment for the city especially among investors who have no knowledge or idea of what is the security situation here in Tacloban. We cannot expect big time investors to pour in their money here if they don’t know the security situation of the city,” Mendoza said.
There had been no recorded armed battle between military and communist group in the city, but for the province of Leyte, the last major firefight between the government troops and rebels was 10 years ago in Albuera town.
“We cannot say that they are already gone because the condition of this declaration is we are able to reduce them to the lowest formation such that they are no longer capable of threatening the security. They are still around but they are already very small and they can no more threat the security,” Mendoza added.
With the declaration the role of peace and order and security will now be handled by the local police. Romualdez, for her part, has called on city residents to commit to do their best to cooperate and assist each other in making the city a safe and better place to live in and to achieve lasting peace and order.
“We need to ensure to our investors that there is peace and order in Tacloban. For them to confidently invest in our city they need to have confidence in our peace and order,” Romualdez said.
Citing a report from the local police, Romualdez said that crime rate in the city had declined by 55 percent.
“I hope that this will continue and we need to give due credit to our law enforcement people,” the mayor added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939145&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
The Army, police and local government here officially declared this city as free from serious threats of communist rebels.
With this declaration on Friday morning, all 40 towns and three cities in Leyte province are now stable internal peace and security areas.
Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Romualdez and Vice Mayor Jerry Yaokasin welcomed the joint declaration of the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and city government.
Witnessing the declaration on Friday morning are key city officials, Army 802nd Brigade Commander Col. Francisco Mendoza, city police chief Sr. Supt. Rolando Bade, 78th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Allan Jose Taguba.
The status of stable internal peace and security is a condition where a place is no longer affected by insurgency. Under this category, presence of communist group can still be felt, but their influence is considered insignificant.
Mendoza said that the declaration will mean a greater chance for the city, which is the capital of Eastern Visayas, to invite more businessmen to invest.
“This will attract investment for the city especially among investors who have no knowledge or idea of what is the security situation here in Tacloban. We cannot expect big time investors to pour in their money here if they don’t know the security situation of the city,” Mendoza said.
There had been no recorded armed battle between military and communist group in the city, but for the province of Leyte, the last major firefight between the government troops and rebels was 10 years ago in Albuera town.
“We cannot say that they are already gone because the condition of this declaration is we are able to reduce them to the lowest formation such that they are no longer capable of threatening the security. They are still around but they are already very small and they can no more threat the security,” Mendoza added.
With the declaration the role of peace and order and security will now be handled by the local police. Romualdez, for her part, has called on city residents to commit to do their best to cooperate and assist each other in making the city a safe and better place to live in and to achieve lasting peace and order.
“We need to ensure to our investors that there is peace and order in Tacloban. For them to confidently invest in our city they need to have confidence in our peace and order,” Romualdez said.
Citing a report from the local police, Romualdez said that crime rate in the city had declined by 55 percent.
“I hope that this will continue and we need to give due credit to our law enforcement people,” the mayor added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939145&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Abu Sayyaf hijacks Vietnam-flagged vessel off Basilan
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): Abu Sayyaf hijacks Vietnam-flagged vessel off Basilan
Ten gunmen believed to be Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands have hijacked early Friday a Vietnam-flagged cargo vessel and seized six people, including five officers, off Basilan province.
Commander Jerome Cayabyab, Zamboanga Coastguard Station commander, said the incident could have taken place at dawn but was reported to them around 7 a.m. by the captain of M/V Lorcon-Ilo-ilo that provided initial assistance to the Vietnam-flagged vessel, M/V Royal 16, in distress. The M/V Lorcon (Lorenzo Container)-Ilo-ilo vessel was passing near Sibago Island, Mohammad Ajul, Basilan, when it spotted M/V Royal 16 and provided assistance.
The Lorcon-Ilo-ilo vessel transported one of the Vietnam-flagged vessel crew identified as Dham Yan Trong, an electrician, to a local hospital.
Trong was accompanied to the hospital by Lai Minh Khao, the fourth engineer. “The gunmen shot him (Trong) when he run as they were about to take him,” Cayabyab said based on the information Khao relayed to them.
Cayabyab said they have yet to establish the identities of those abducted by the gunmen that included the boat captain, chief mate, second officer, third officer, bosun (boatswain), and a seaman.
He also said that it was not immediately known as to the point of origin and destination of M/V Royal 16 including its cargo.
“We have yet to board the vessel (M/V Royal 16) to get the other details,” he added. He said they have deployed a vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel manned by coastguard personnel to escort the M/V Royal 16 to the port of this city.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939168&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Ten gunmen believed to be Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands have hijacked early Friday a Vietnam-flagged cargo vessel and seized six people, including five officers, off Basilan province.
Commander Jerome Cayabyab, Zamboanga Coastguard Station commander, said the incident could have taken place at dawn but was reported to them around 7 a.m. by the captain of M/V Lorcon-Ilo-ilo that provided initial assistance to the Vietnam-flagged vessel, M/V Royal 16, in distress. The M/V Lorcon (Lorenzo Container)-Ilo-ilo vessel was passing near Sibago Island, Mohammad Ajul, Basilan, when it spotted M/V Royal 16 and provided assistance.
The Lorcon-Ilo-ilo vessel transported one of the Vietnam-flagged vessel crew identified as Dham Yan Trong, an electrician, to a local hospital.
Trong was accompanied to the hospital by Lai Minh Khao, the fourth engineer. “The gunmen shot him (Trong) when he run as they were about to take him,” Cayabyab said based on the information Khao relayed to them.
Cayabyab said they have yet to establish the identities of those abducted by the gunmen that included the boat captain, chief mate, second officer, third officer, bosun (boatswain), and a seaman.
He also said that it was not immediately known as to the point of origin and destination of M/V Royal 16 including its cargo.
“We have yet to board the vessel (M/V Royal 16) to get the other details,” he added. He said they have deployed a vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel manned by coastguard personnel to escort the M/V Royal 16 to the port of this city.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939168&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
President Duterte asks GRP panel to raise oil palm project issue with NDF
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): President Duterte asks GRP panel to raise oil palm project issue with NDF
President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday asked the government peace panel to present the issue on oil palm production with the National Democratic Front (NDF) panel in their next peace talks in Oslo, Norway.
Fresh from his two-day visit to Malaysia, President Duterte said Malaysian traders wanted to invest in oil palm plantation in Mindanao that would require hundreds of hectares, but were wary of the rebels' activities that could disrupt business and compromise their security.
Mr. Duterte said oil palm production is one area where government can help in providing livelihood to farmers and improve the economic condition in Mindanao.
“I really do not know but I think somebody should talk to them again. Maybe this would be one project that we can ask about doon sa (there in) Oslo because while waiting for the final result, ano man ‘yan, kailangan natin na (that is, we need that), we have to improve the lives of the people,” he said in the press conference during his arrival from Malaysia Friday dawn.
The President was pushing the oil palm production project two years back but it did not push through.
“Ang tagal na nga ‘yan eh (It’s been a long time already). Problem actually, let me be very frank. “Nong una may pumasok na dito (There was an investor before). As a matter of fact, they sent their agronomist, the guy who examines the soil for its appropriate plant,” the President recalled a situation in Paquibato, a stronghold of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Davao City.
He said the Malaysians were ready at that time but after a positive finding on suitability of the soil but suddenly the NPA posted banners everywhere saying no to palm oil.
When he asked the NPA, the President said he was told that oil palm is detrimental to the water source. But, he said, “Malaysia (which has a vast oil palm plantation) has prospered. It has not lost its moisture or water.
He said he did not insist despite his assurances to the people because there was the threat. “But they (Malaysians) will try again. And again I will make sure to meet the experts of the world about water under the soil and ask us to explain why it is so. He said there is an oil palm plantation in Agusan del Sur and it has proven to be a good source of revenue and a source of livelihood for the people.
Department of Trade and Indutry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said the companies are willing to put a stake in the current administration in terms of supporting the development goals in infrastructure, agri-business.
Lopez said there’s a potential palm oil project wherein the harvest and the output will go back to Malaysia as exports and for further processing into palm oil areas in Mindanao and Palawan.
The investors are initially looking at 80,000 down the road, but Lopez said they have identified close to 1 million hectares as a possible plantation project for palm oil and natural rubber in Mindanao and Palawan.
It may be recalled that then Mayor, now President Duterte offered to open a deal on the multi-million offer of the Malaysian investors to develop an oil palm industry with members of the NPA as partners. He said it was an opportunity for everybody – the rebels and the populace of Paquibato who have longed for economic development in the area.
Paquibato has remained poor because no investor dared to put money in due to presence of rebels plus the imposition of “revolutionary taxes”.
City Agriculturist Rocelio Tabay earlier said the city has vast potential area for an oil palm plantation. According to him, there is a total of 10,000 to 20,000 hectares of idle land potential for oil palm industry.
Tabay said the city has about 60,000 hectares agricultural land fit for specific agriculture and another 130,000 hectares for non-agricultural sources.
Malaysian investors on oil palm set eyes on Sultan Kudarat, setting aside Davao. At that time, it was not only the Malaysians who were interested to develop an oil palm plantation but also Singaporeans.
The Singaporean-based firm Kol John submitted to then mayor Duterte a proposal to develop a 30,000 hectare land in Marilog District for oil palm plantation.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939182&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday asked the government peace panel to present the issue on oil palm production with the National Democratic Front (NDF) panel in their next peace talks in Oslo, Norway.
Fresh from his two-day visit to Malaysia, President Duterte said Malaysian traders wanted to invest in oil palm plantation in Mindanao that would require hundreds of hectares, but were wary of the rebels' activities that could disrupt business and compromise their security.
Mr. Duterte said oil palm production is one area where government can help in providing livelihood to farmers and improve the economic condition in Mindanao.
“I really do not know but I think somebody should talk to them again. Maybe this would be one project that we can ask about doon sa (there in) Oslo because while waiting for the final result, ano man ‘yan, kailangan natin na (that is, we need that), we have to improve the lives of the people,” he said in the press conference during his arrival from Malaysia Friday dawn.
The President was pushing the oil palm production project two years back but it did not push through.
“Ang tagal na nga ‘yan eh (It’s been a long time already). Problem actually, let me be very frank. “Nong una may pumasok na dito (There was an investor before). As a matter of fact, they sent their agronomist, the guy who examines the soil for its appropriate plant,” the President recalled a situation in Paquibato, a stronghold of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Davao City.
He said the Malaysians were ready at that time but after a positive finding on suitability of the soil but suddenly the NPA posted banners everywhere saying no to palm oil.
When he asked the NPA, the President said he was told that oil palm is detrimental to the water source. But, he said, “Malaysia (which has a vast oil palm plantation) has prospered. It has not lost its moisture or water.
He said he did not insist despite his assurances to the people because there was the threat. “But they (Malaysians) will try again. And again I will make sure to meet the experts of the world about water under the soil and ask us to explain why it is so. He said there is an oil palm plantation in Agusan del Sur and it has proven to be a good source of revenue and a source of livelihood for the people.
Department of Trade and Indutry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said the companies are willing to put a stake in the current administration in terms of supporting the development goals in infrastructure, agri-business.
Lopez said there’s a potential palm oil project wherein the harvest and the output will go back to Malaysia as exports and for further processing into palm oil areas in Mindanao and Palawan.
The investors are initially looking at 80,000 down the road, but Lopez said they have identified close to 1 million hectares as a possible plantation project for palm oil and natural rubber in Mindanao and Palawan.
It may be recalled that then Mayor, now President Duterte offered to open a deal on the multi-million offer of the Malaysian investors to develop an oil palm industry with members of the NPA as partners. He said it was an opportunity for everybody – the rebels and the populace of Paquibato who have longed for economic development in the area.
Paquibato has remained poor because no investor dared to put money in due to presence of rebels plus the imposition of “revolutionary taxes”.
City Agriculturist Rocelio Tabay earlier said the city has vast potential area for an oil palm plantation. According to him, there is a total of 10,000 to 20,000 hectares of idle land potential for oil palm industry.
Tabay said the city has about 60,000 hectares agricultural land fit for specific agriculture and another 130,000 hectares for non-agricultural sources.
Malaysian investors on oil palm set eyes on Sultan Kudarat, setting aside Davao. At that time, it was not only the Malaysians who were interested to develop an oil palm plantation but also Singaporeans.
The Singaporean-based firm Kol John submitted to then mayor Duterte a proposal to develop a 30,000 hectare land in Marilog District for oil palm plantation.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939182&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Visaya tells unit commanders to be wary of accepting financial assistance from LGUs
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): Visaya tells unit commanders to be wary of accepting financial assistance froVisaya tells unit commanders to be wary of accepting financial assistance from LGUsm LGUs
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya ordered all unit commanders to be very circumspect and wary in accepting financial assistance or pledges from local government units for their civil-military operation projects.
This was after the Senate uncovered the existence of Kerwin Espinosa's "blue book" which allegedly contains the names of individuals, including local government officials, who benefited from his illegal drugs operations and acted as his protectors.
Kerwin is the son of slain Albuera Mayor Rolanda Espinosa who was mysteriously shot and killed at the Baybay Sub-Provincial Jail last Nov. 5.
"In case there are soldiers in the list, we will have then investigated for the circumstances why their names are there," said AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo.
He added that they will determine whether such persons are actually enlisted at the AFP, find out their respective units, if they really exists, and investigate them for possible offenses.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939183&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya ordered all unit commanders to be very circumspect and wary in accepting financial assistance or pledges from local government units for their civil-military operation projects.
This was after the Senate uncovered the existence of Kerwin Espinosa's "blue book" which allegedly contains the names of individuals, including local government officials, who benefited from his illegal drugs operations and acted as his protectors.
Kerwin is the son of slain Albuera Mayor Rolanda Espinosa who was mysteriously shot and killed at the Baybay Sub-Provincial Jail last Nov. 5.
"In case there are soldiers in the list, we will have then investigated for the circumstances why their names are there," said AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo.
He added that they will determine whether such persons are actually enlisted at the AFP, find out their respective units, if they really exists, and investigate them for possible offenses.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939183&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Visaya visits soon-to-rise Drug Rehabilitation Center in Nueva Ecija
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): Visaya visits soon-to-rise Drug Rehabilitation Center in Nueva Ecija
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya visited and inspected the Drug Rehabilitation Center (DRC) which is now ongoing construction at Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija last Nov. 9.
He was welcomed by 7th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Angelito M. De Leon.
The 10-hectare DRC has a 1,200 patient capacity and is a joint project of AFP and Department of Health.
Visaya said the AFP strongly supports the anti-illegal drug campaign by the Duterte administration. The Philippine Army earlier said that it is offering the use of eight more of its military camps as possible treatment and rehabilitation centers for drug dependents and users.
These camps include Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija; Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal; Camp Alfredo Santos in Calauag, Quezon; Camp Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz; Camp Kibaritan in Kalilangan, Bukidnon; Camp Lucero in Carmen, North Cotabato; and Camp Paulino Santos in Alamada, North Cotabato.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939232&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya visited and inspected the Drug Rehabilitation Center (DRC) which is now ongoing construction at Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija last Nov. 9.
He was welcomed by 7th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Angelito M. De Leon.
The 10-hectare DRC has a 1,200 patient capacity and is a joint project of AFP and Department of Health.
Visaya said the AFP strongly supports the anti-illegal drug campaign by the Duterte administration. The Philippine Army earlier said that it is offering the use of eight more of its military camps as possible treatment and rehabilitation centers for drug dependents and users.
These camps include Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija; Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal; Camp Alfredo Santos in Calauag, Quezon; Camp Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz; Camp Kibaritan in Kalilangan, Bukidnon; Camp Lucero in Carmen, North Cotabato; and Camp Paulino Santos in Alamada, North Cotabato.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939232&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Communist rebel indicted for double murder in Isabela
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): Communist rebel indicted for double murder in Isabela
Police operatives here filed double murder charges against a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel in Isabela in connection with the killing of two village officials of Barangay Makindol in Benito Soliven, this province last month.
Probers have cited witnesses who identified Michael Eraña, alias Ka Poktong, of the Northeastern Luzon Command as one of the gunmen who shot and killed village chair Emilio Lazaro and treasurer Wilson Galapon during a drinking spree at the barangay hall last month, according to Senior Superintendent Leon Rafael, Isabela provincial police director.
Eraña was also tagged in the killing of three men in separate incidents in San Mariano town and the burning of a sugarcane plantation in the same town in 2011.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939228&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Police operatives here filed double murder charges against a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel in Isabela in connection with the killing of two village officials of Barangay Makindol in Benito Soliven, this province last month.
Probers have cited witnesses who identified Michael Eraña, alias Ka Poktong, of the Northeastern Luzon Command as one of the gunmen who shot and killed village chair Emilio Lazaro and treasurer Wilson Galapon during a drinking spree at the barangay hall last month, according to Senior Superintendent Leon Rafael, Isabela provincial police director.
Eraña was also tagged in the killing of three men in separate incidents in San Mariano town and the burning of a sugarcane plantation in the same town in 2011.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939228&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Abu Sayyaf tagged in Basilan bomb blast
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): Abu Sayyaf tagged in Basilan bomb blast
Authorities have tagged the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands as the ones behind the bomb explosion Thursday night in Isabela City, Basilan province.
Supt. Jerome Afuyog, Isabela City police chief, on Friday said the incident occurred around 10:15 p.m. Thursday in front of the warehouse of Engr. Soler Undug in Calle Bisaya, Barangay Aguada, Isabela City.
Undug is the head of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) Basilan district engineers’ office.
Afuyog said no one was hurt in the incident although the cellular phone-triggered bomb that exploded was a powerful type of explosive.
Afuyog said a store nearby has incurred minor damage.
He said they were informed that minutes before the explosion, two men riding tandem on a motorbike dropped a plastic bag after they briefly stopped in front of the warehouse and sped off.
Undug said the ASG brigands were behind the bombing since he turned down their request to employ them as guards of the road concreting projects his office is implementing in the town of Tuburan, Basilan.
Undug, as head of the Basilan district engineers’ office, oversees the implementation of all government infrastructure projects in Basilan province.
The national government and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are currently implementing road concreting projects in the different parts, to include remote and conflict-affected areas, of Basilan.
The Thursday night incident was the second time a bomb was placed in the property of Undug.
The first was on Oct. 28 where a bomb was placed at the entrance of Undug’s residential compound in Purok Yakal, Calle Posporo, Barangay San Rafael, Isabela City.
Joint police and military explosive ordnance demolition (EOD) personnel safely detonated the bomb, which was cellular phone-triggered explosive.
Two men riding a motorcycle were seen to have dropped the bomb at the gate of Undug’s residence before the explosive was discovered and detonated.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939252&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Authorities have tagged the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands as the ones behind the bomb explosion Thursday night in Isabela City, Basilan province.
Supt. Jerome Afuyog, Isabela City police chief, on Friday said the incident occurred around 10:15 p.m. Thursday in front of the warehouse of Engr. Soler Undug in Calle Bisaya, Barangay Aguada, Isabela City.
Undug is the head of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) Basilan district engineers’ office.
Afuyog said no one was hurt in the incident although the cellular phone-triggered bomb that exploded was a powerful type of explosive.
Afuyog said a store nearby has incurred minor damage.
He said they were informed that minutes before the explosion, two men riding tandem on a motorbike dropped a plastic bag after they briefly stopped in front of the warehouse and sped off.
Undug said the ASG brigands were behind the bombing since he turned down their request to employ them as guards of the road concreting projects his office is implementing in the town of Tuburan, Basilan.
Undug, as head of the Basilan district engineers’ office, oversees the implementation of all government infrastructure projects in Basilan province.
The national government and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are currently implementing road concreting projects in the different parts, to include remote and conflict-affected areas, of Basilan.
The Thursday night incident was the second time a bomb was placed in the property of Undug.
The first was on Oct. 28 where a bomb was placed at the entrance of Undug’s residential compound in Purok Yakal, Calle Posporo, Barangay San Rafael, Isabela City.
Joint police and military explosive ordnance demolition (EOD) personnel safely detonated the bomb, which was cellular phone-triggered explosive.
Two men riding a motorcycle were seen to have dropped the bomb at the gate of Undug’s residence before the explosive was discovered and detonated.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939252&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Zambo police release identities of abducted Vietnamese cargo ship crew off Basilan
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12): Zambo police release identities of abducted Vietnamese cargo ship crew off Basilan
The Zamboanga police office released on Saturday the identities of the ten Vietnamese cargo ship personnel who were taken a day earlier by heavily-armed Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands off the high seas of Basilan province.
The Vietnamese-flagged cargo vessel hijacked by the gunmen had been towed to the anchorage area of the local port for security reason.
Authorities said the vessel, M/V Royal 16, will stay in the anchorage area until such time replacement crewmen will arrive to operate the ship.
Ten suspected to be ASG bandits hijacked M/V Royal 16 on Friday and seized the ship’s captain and five others, including five officers, near Sibago Island, Mohammad Ajul, Basilan.
The ship, manned by 19 crewmen, is carrying cement and was sailing to Indonesia from Vietnam at the time of the incident.
On Saturday, the local police based on information from the Bureau of Immigration released the identities of the crewmen taken hostage by the bandits.
They included Pham Min Tuan, ship’s captain; Do Trung Hieu; Hoang Vo; Tran Khac Dung; Huang Trung Thong; and, Huang Van Hai.
Ship electrician Pham Van Trong, not Dham Yan Trong as earlier reported, was admitted at a private hospital in this city due to a gunshot wound.
Cmdr. Jerome Cayabyab, Zamboanga coastguard station chief, said the gunmen shot Trong when he ran as they were about to take him along with the other crewmen.
The ASG is long known to be behind the attacks on slow-moving foreign vessels sailing through the waters in southern Philippines.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=939548
The Zamboanga police office released on Saturday the identities of the ten Vietnamese cargo ship personnel who were taken a day earlier by heavily-armed Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands off the high seas of Basilan province.
The Vietnamese-flagged cargo vessel hijacked by the gunmen had been towed to the anchorage area of the local port for security reason.
Authorities said the vessel, M/V Royal 16, will stay in the anchorage area until such time replacement crewmen will arrive to operate the ship.
Ten suspected to be ASG bandits hijacked M/V Royal 16 on Friday and seized the ship’s captain and five others, including five officers, near Sibago Island, Mohammad Ajul, Basilan.
The ship, manned by 19 crewmen, is carrying cement and was sailing to Indonesia from Vietnam at the time of the incident.
On Saturday, the local police based on information from the Bureau of Immigration released the identities of the crewmen taken hostage by the bandits.
They included Pham Min Tuan, ship’s captain; Do Trung Hieu; Hoang Vo; Tran Khac Dung; Huang Trung Thong; and, Huang Van Hai.
Ship electrician Pham Van Trong, not Dham Yan Trong as earlier reported, was admitted at a private hospital in this city due to a gunshot wound.
Cmdr. Jerome Cayabyab, Zamboanga coastguard station chief, said the gunmen shot Trong when he ran as they were about to take him along with the other crewmen.
The ASG is long known to be behind the attacks on slow-moving foreign vessels sailing through the waters in southern Philippines.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=939548
More than sufficient troops to secure heroes' cemetery for Marcos burial, says PHL Army
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12): More than sufficient troops to secure heroes' cemetery for Marcos burial, says PHL Army
The Philippine Army has more than sufficient troops to secure the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, its spokesperson, Col. Benjamin Hao, has said.
When asked whether the Army has increased security in the heroes' cemetery in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling allowing the interment of former president Ferdinand E. Marcos at the LNMB, Hao said they have more than enough troops, though he did not cite exact figures.
Militant groups have threatened to conduct lightning protest actions at the LNMB should the former president be interred there.
As this develops, Hao said no final date has been set yet for Marcos' burial in the cemetery.
"(As the designated protocol officer), I coordinated with the Marcos family and I asked them whether they have any concern we need to address, (and for the moment), they said they have none and they are still waiting for the final coordination on the date (of the former president's burial)," he said in Filipino.
Hao earlier said the Army is ready to provide Marcos with military honors befitting his rank as former president.
"We will provide former president Marcos military honors befitting a president of our country. He will be given arrival honors by Army brigade-sized honor guards when his remains enter the LNMB," he said. "He will also be given a 21-gun salute."
The Army spokesperson said the former president's casket will be carried by pallbearers, consisting of active-duty senior sergeants and generals, to his final resting place at the cemetery.
An earlier directive said the Army is required to provide a vigil, a bugler, a drummer, a firing party, a military host, pallbearers, an escort and transportation, and arrival and departure honors.
Hao earlier said representatives of the Marcos family have begun cleaning and making initial digs at the regulation 100-sq.-meter plot former presidents are allotted in the LNMB's 5,000-sq. meter Presidential Section.
The remains of three presidents, Carlos P. Garcia, Diosdado Macapagal and Elpidio Quirino have been interred in the heroes' cemetery.
Hao said the Presidential Section still has room for 46 more.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=939425
The Philippine Army has more than sufficient troops to secure the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, its spokesperson, Col. Benjamin Hao, has said.
When asked whether the Army has increased security in the heroes' cemetery in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling allowing the interment of former president Ferdinand E. Marcos at the LNMB, Hao said they have more than enough troops, though he did not cite exact figures.
Militant groups have threatened to conduct lightning protest actions at the LNMB should the former president be interred there.
As this develops, Hao said no final date has been set yet for Marcos' burial in the cemetery.
"(As the designated protocol officer), I coordinated with the Marcos family and I asked them whether they have any concern we need to address, (and for the moment), they said they have none and they are still waiting for the final coordination on the date (of the former president's burial)," he said in Filipino.
Hao earlier said the Army is ready to provide Marcos with military honors befitting his rank as former president.
"We will provide former president Marcos military honors befitting a president of our country. He will be given arrival honors by Army brigade-sized honor guards when his remains enter the LNMB," he said. "He will also be given a 21-gun salute."
The Army spokesperson said the former president's casket will be carried by pallbearers, consisting of active-duty senior sergeants and generals, to his final resting place at the cemetery.
An earlier directive said the Army is required to provide a vigil, a bugler, a drummer, a firing party, a military host, pallbearers, an escort and transportation, and arrival and departure honors.
Hao earlier said representatives of the Marcos family have begun cleaning and making initial digs at the regulation 100-sq.-meter plot former presidents are allotted in the LNMB's 5,000-sq. meter Presidential Section.
The remains of three presidents, Carlos P. Garcia, Diosdado Macapagal and Elpidio Quirino have been interred in the heroes' cemetery.
Hao said the Presidential Section still has room for 46 more.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=939425
Cabreros named PHL Army vice commander
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12): Cabreros named PHL Army vice commander
Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Harold Cabreros, was installed as Philippine Army vice commander during a short ceremony at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Saturday.
He replaces Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, who retired after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.
Present during Cabreros' assumption ceremony was Army commander Lt. Gen. Eduardo M. Año.
Cabreros, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1984, took command of the Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division in December 2015.
He spent most of his military career in Luzon and Mindanao.
His most recent field duties include as commander of the 50th Infantry Battalion; head of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade; chief of Unified Command Staff of the Armed Forces' Northern Luzon Command; and deputy commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=939466
Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Harold Cabreros, was installed as Philippine Army vice commander during a short ceremony at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Saturday.
He replaces Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, who retired after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.
Present during Cabreros' assumption ceremony was Army commander Lt. Gen. Eduardo M. Año.
Cabreros, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1984, took command of the Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division in December 2015.
He spent most of his military career in Luzon and Mindanao.
His most recent field duties include as commander of the 50th Infantry Battalion; head of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade; chief of Unified Command Staff of the Armed Forces' Northern Luzon Command; and deputy commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=939466
Naval officer, who helped design PHL missile-firing frigates, is new PN acting head
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12): Naval officer, who helped design PHL missile-firing frigates, is new PN acting head
Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado, the naval officer who headed the technical working group which came out with the design specifications of the country's first-ever missile firing frigates, is now acting Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command.
Mercado assumed leadership of the PN after Vice Admiral Caesar Taccad, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1982, formally retired from the service Saturday, a day before his 56th birthday which is the mandatory retirement age for all military personnel.
The final design of the PN's missile-firing frigates includes a capability to conduct air-to-air warfare,anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare.
The contract was won by Hyundai Heavy Industries after it submitted a bid of USD336.9 million, or about Php 15.74 billion.
The project has a budget of Php 18 billion, with Php 2 billion allocated for the weapon systems and munitions.
Retirement and change-of-command ceremonies took place at the Sailor Heroes’ Memorial, Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City.
Outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya graced the event and handed the PN flag to Mercado who is now concurrently holding two positions as acting Navy chief and Western Command head.
“The Philippine Navy will continue to focus on the development and sustainment of Fleet and Marine forces for operations," the acting PN chief said.
Mercado has been in the active military service for 37 years now. He is a member of PMA Class of 1983.
He held various positions of major responsibility before taking the helm as the Navy chief.
Foremost of these were being the Philippine Fleet commander, Navy vice commander and Naval Staff chief.
Mercado is a well decorated military professional and a graduate of numerous military courses here and abroad.
His predecessor, Taccad capped off his military career at the top of Navy hierarchy wherein he made sure that the AFP’s naval arm would continue performing its constitutional mandate and sustain its efforts toward modernization.
Taccad's term, which started Aug. 10, 2015, was highlighted by the acquisitions of floating assets that significantly improved the PN capability, especially in the conduct of humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations, such as the Navy’s newest and biggest vessel to date, the amphibious landing dock BRP Tarlac (LD-601), as well as the recently launched second vessel of the same type in Indonesia, which is due for delivery to the Philippines next year; three additional landing craft heavies from Australia; research vessel BRP Gregorio Velasquez (AGR-702); and third Hamilton-class cutter, BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17).
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=939551
Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado, the naval officer who headed the technical working group which came out with the design specifications of the country's first-ever missile firing frigates, is now acting Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command.
Mercado assumed leadership of the PN after Vice Admiral Caesar Taccad, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1982, formally retired from the service Saturday, a day before his 56th birthday which is the mandatory retirement age for all military personnel.
The final design of the PN's missile-firing frigates includes a capability to conduct air-to-air warfare,anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare.
The contract was won by Hyundai Heavy Industries after it submitted a bid of USD336.9 million, or about Php 15.74 billion.
The project has a budget of Php 18 billion, with Php 2 billion allocated for the weapon systems and munitions.
Retirement and change-of-command ceremonies took place at the Sailor Heroes’ Memorial, Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City.
Outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya graced the event and handed the PN flag to Mercado who is now concurrently holding two positions as acting Navy chief and Western Command head.
“The Philippine Navy will continue to focus on the development and sustainment of Fleet and Marine forces for operations," the acting PN chief said.
Mercado has been in the active military service for 37 years now. He is a member of PMA Class of 1983.
He held various positions of major responsibility before taking the helm as the Navy chief.
Foremost of these were being the Philippine Fleet commander, Navy vice commander and Naval Staff chief.
Mercado is a well decorated military professional and a graduate of numerous military courses here and abroad.
His predecessor, Taccad capped off his military career at the top of Navy hierarchy wherein he made sure that the AFP’s naval arm would continue performing its constitutional mandate and sustain its efforts toward modernization.
Taccad's term, which started Aug. 10, 2015, was highlighted by the acquisitions of floating assets that significantly improved the PN capability, especially in the conduct of humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations, such as the Navy’s newest and biggest vessel to date, the amphibious landing dock BRP Tarlac (LD-601), as well as the recently launched second vessel of the same type in Indonesia, which is due for delivery to the Philippines next year; three additional landing craft heavies from Australia; research vessel BRP Gregorio Velasquez (AGR-702); and third Hamilton-class cutter, BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17).
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=939551
Visaya to soldiers: Continue helping in anti-drug campaign, shy away from drug personalities
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 13): Visaya to soldiers: Continue helping in anti-drug campaign, shy away from drug personalities
Outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya urged the military to continue helping in the ongoing anti-illegal drugs campaign.
In the same vein, he also urged all officers and enlisted personnel to stay away from illegal drugs, narco-politicians and crime syndicate leaders.
Visaya made this appeal during his recent visit to the Davao City-based Eastern Mindanao Command and Compostela Valley-headquartered 10th Infantry Division last week.
In the same visit, he also urged all military personnel to remain true to their oath and maintain the nobility of the military profession, remain professional and live by their calling.
The AFP chief, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983, is scheduled to step down on Dec. 8 after reaching the mandatory military retirement age of 56.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=939612
Outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya urged the military to continue helping in the ongoing anti-illegal drugs campaign.
In the same vein, he also urged all officers and enlisted personnel to stay away from illegal drugs, narco-politicians and crime syndicate leaders.
Visaya made this appeal during his recent visit to the Davao City-based Eastern Mindanao Command and Compostela Valley-headquartered 10th Infantry Division last week.
In the same visit, he also urged all military personnel to remain true to their oath and maintain the nobility of the military profession, remain professional and live by their calling.
The AFP chief, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983, is scheduled to step down on Dec. 8 after reaching the mandatory military retirement age of 56.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=939612
Retired Analyst: Back from the Boondocks
I just returned home from a week in the boondocks with family members. Great time was had by all. I will now resume normal blogging activity.
Best regards,
Retired Analyst
Best regards,
Retired Analyst
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