Teenage rebel killed in clash with troops in Zamboanga town (Graphic photos)

From the Mindanao Examiner (Feb 20): Teenage rebel killed in clash with troops in Zamboanga town

 

Police photo shows the body of the slain communist fighter, Jaboy Pruto, following a clash in Zamboanga del Sur’s Lakewood town




A young communist fighter was killed in a clash with government troops in the town of Lakewood in Zamboanga del Sur province in southern Philipines, police said on Monday.

It said the 16-year old casualty has been identified as Jaboy Pruto, also of Lakewood town and was a member of the New People’s Army whose group is fighting for a separate communist state in the country.

The weekend fighting erupted in the village called Gasa after soldiers from the 53rd Infantry Battalion tracked down a band of rebels.

Senior Superintendent Avelmar Renan Garambas, the town’s police chief, said the clash lasted only about 10 minutes. He said the body of the slain rebel was recovered by soldiers. “Recovered from the encounter site is one cadaver identified as Jaboy Pruto, 16-years old, and a resident of Purok 1 in Barangay Matalang,” Garambas said.

There was no immediate statement from the NPA, but police said it has ordered a tight security in the town to protect civilians from possible retaliation of rebels.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/teenage-rebel-killed-in-clash-with-troops-in-zamboanga-town/

Vietnamese cargo ship attacked off Tawi-Tawi; one killed, 6 abducted

From the Mindanao Examiner (Feb 20): Vietnamese cargo ship attacked off Tawi-Tawi; one killed, 6 abducted

Suspected Abu Sayyaf rebels hijacked a cargo ship off the southern Philippine province of Tawi-Tawi and abducted 6 Vietnamese sailors and killed one crew member before escaping to the open sea, ther military said Monday.

It said security forces also recovered the body of the slain sailor and rescued 10 other Vietnamese crewmen of MV Giang Hai and brought them to the nearest dock in Taganak Island. “Local fishermen reported Monday morning that they sighted a vessel at the vicinity of Turtle Island which appears to have been sea-jacked. Elements of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 8 proceeded to the area to respond and found the crewmen on board,” a military report said.

An interpreter interviewed the Vietnamese sailors, but details of this were not immediately available, although security forces in the area have been alerted on the abductions. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the latest hijacking, but military units suspect the Abu Sayyaf was behind the attack.

The military’s Western Mindanao Command said that one Abu Sayyaf rebel, Al Abdullah, was also killed on Sunday afternoon in a clash with soldiers on Turtle Island.

It said Abdullah was first interrogated by soldiers after armed men – believed to be Abu Sayyaf rebels – stayed in his house. After investigation, Abdullah was allowed to go home, but returned with an automatic rifle and fired upon the soldiers and a fire fight ensued until he was eventually killed.

The military said it was searching for the armed men who were later identified as Absar, Musub Baudin, and Man Baudi. All remain at large. “This is a big setback on the Abu Sayyaf group as we continue to intensify the conduct of law enforcement operations along with the police and maximize intel monitoring to pre-empt kidnappings within our joint area of operations,” said Major General Carlito Galvez, the regional military commander.

It was unknown whether Abdullah or any of the gunmen participated in the hijacking of the Vietnamese ship.

Just in January, a group of Abu Sayyaf rebels tried, but failed to hijack a Filipino cargo ship while sailing off Basilan province also in southern Philippines. The gunmen, on board two speedboats, attacked the vessel Ocean Kingdom – manned by over 2 dozen sailors – off Sibago Island while heading to Davao City to deliver its cargo.

Security forces, alerted by the attack, rushed to the area and secured the cargo boat owned by Oceanic Shipping Lines. It was the second cargo ship attacked by rebels off Basilan since last year. Abu Sayyaf fighters also hijacked a Vietnamese cargo ship and seized 6 crewmen, including its captain in a daring attack on November 11 that left one sailor wounded.

The ship, MV Royal 16, was sailing off the province when 10 gunmen on a speedboat intercepted it off Sibago Island and boarded the vessel and abducted the crewmen. Another Filipino cargo ship, MV Lorcon Iloilo, passing near Basilan rescued the wounded sailor and provided him first aid.

The Abu Sayyaf is also holding over a dozen Malaysian and Indonesian sailors in the restive region.

President Rodrigo Duterte, who visited Kuala Lumpur last year, has allowed Malaysia to enter the country’s southern border in hot pursuit of Abu Sayyaf rebels and kidnap gangs following the slew of ransom kidnappings in Sabah just near the Muslim province of Tawi-Tawi.

Manila also allowed Indonesia to do the same following the spate of Abu Sayyaf attacks on its tugboats in Sabah and Tawi-Tawi. The Philippines has joint border patrol agreements with both Malaysia and Indonesia.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/vietnamese-cargo-ship-attacked-off-tawi-tawi-one-killed-7-abducted/

3ID has 200 new soldiers

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 20): 3ID has 200 new soldiers

Some 200 new soldiers have been added to the government troops.

This after they have completed completed the six-month rigid Candidate Soldier Course and Jungle Warfare Mountain Operation Course at the Division Training School at the 3ID headquarters, Public Affair Office head Lt. Col. Ericson Rosana of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

He said that 3ID Commander Major General Jon Aying welcomed the new members of the government troopers in a graduation ceremonies held in Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan town, February 13.

Part of the ceremonies was the enlistment and entrustment of firearms of candidate soldiers Class 410 and 411-2016.

He said that Gen. Aying had emphasized to the new soldiers the true meaning of military professionalism.

The General likewise stressed that as a soldier, one must have faith in God, spotless morality, harmonious relationship with comrades and the people in the community in order that the required task will become easy, he said.

The 3ID Commander, he said, reminded them to use the firearms to win the battle of promoting peace and order in the countryside.

Rosana disclosed that the soldiers completed the six-month rigid Candidate Soldier Course and Jungle Warfare Mountain Operation Course at the Division Training School at the 3ID headquarters.

“The training that kicked off last August 1, 2016 aimed to provide the candidate soldiers with the basic knowledge and skills on soldiery, develop their character worthy to become members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and prepare them to perform their duties as riflemen of the infantry squads,” he said.

Rosana said that the new breed of soldiers will be among those who will bring peace and development in the countryside, particularly in Western and Central Visayas as well as Negros Island Region.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/991487556830/3id-has-200-new-soldiers

Mga soldado para sa kalinong kag kauswagan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 20): Mga soldado para sa kalinong kag kauswagan (Warriors for peace and development)

SYUDAD SANG ROXAS, Capiz – Nagdihon sang plano ang mga katapu sang 3rd Infantry Division sang Philippine Army para sa pagpasangkad sang mga programa para sa mga pumoluyo ilabi na sa kalinong kag katawhay kag kauswagan pang-ekonomiya.

Kaupod sang 3ID ang mga tiglawas gikan Philippine National Police, Local Government Units, ahensya sang gobyerno nasyonal kag mga non-government organizations sa Western kag Central Visayas  lakip na sa Negros Island Region.

Ginpahayag ni 3ID Public Affairs Spokesperson Lt. Col. Ericson Rosana  nga ang amo nga hilikuton ang may tuyo nga makadihon sang mga plano para sa normalisasyon sang situasyon sa Rehiyon ilabi na sa mga probinsya sang Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental kag Negros Oriental.

Tinutuyo man sini nga plano nga mangin tayuyon ang pagdala sang mga serbisyo kag kauswagan sa komunidad pinaagi sa mas estable kag hilway nga palibot para sa mga pumoluyo.

Kalakip man diri ang pagpasangkad sang kampanya para sa katawhayan, pagbulig sa iban pa nga mga katapu sang tropa sang gobyerno sa kampanaya kontra sa ilegal nga droga, terorismo kag iban pa nga mga kriminalidad.

Suno pa kay Rosana nga pinaagi sa pagbuligay sang nagkalain-lain nga mga grupo sa komunidad, mangin madinalag-on ang amo nga kampanya.

Liwat man niya nga ginpasalig nga ang ila mga progrtama ang nakasentro sa kauwagan sang pumoluyo lakip na ang ila pagrespeto sa tawhanon nga mga kinamatarong.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/991487565421/mga-soldado-para-sa-kalinong-kag-kauswagan 

Phl Marine Corps mobile recruitment still on

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 20): Phl Marine Corps mobile recruitment still on

The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) is currently accepting applicants who would like to join the prestigious institution through its mobile recruitment which started on February 13 until March 1, 2017 at the Naval Detachment in Bonuan, Dagupan City, Pangasinan.

Lieutenant Commander Rodney P. Cudal, civil military operations officer of the Naval Forces Northern Luzon, informed that applicants who passed the initial screening will undergo further process which includes the Philippines Service Aptitude Test (AFPSAT) or IQ Examination to be conducted from March 2 to 5.

The Neuro Psychiatric screening will also be held on March 6 to 10 while the physical, medical, and dental examination will be conducted from March 10 to 15.

Cudal said that they are looking for male applicants for the recruitment who must be aged 18 to 23 years old and at least 5 feet 4 inches tall.

He also emphasized that an applicant should be single with no child to support.

An applicant should have completed 72 units in college or if a high school graduate, he must have a National Certificate (NCII) from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Interested applicants must submit filled-up application forms, authenticated birth certificate from NSO, transcript of records and college diploma for college graduates, and 2x2 ID pictures with white background.

Application forms are available at the NFNL at Camp Ernesto Ogbinar in Poro Point here or can be accessed directly at the recruitment venue in Dagupan City, Cudal said.

For more inquiries, interested applicants may contact 09300624046 or 09279585840.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/311487580780/phl-marine-corps-mobile-recruitment-still-on

MILF 'frees' 50 child soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): MILF 'frees' 50 child soldiers

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) released about 50 children, who were previously engaged directly or indirectly in armed confrontations -- acting as couriers and support staff to their fathers and relatives who are members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the MILF in Mindanao -- in a symbolic turn-over ceremony Sunday (Feb. 19, 2017) with the representatives of the government, UNICEF and MILF in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

The turnover was witnessed by Presidential Peace Adviser on the Peace Process Sec. Jesus Dureza; Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command chief; Maj. Gen. Zamrose, Head of Mission of the International Monitoring Team; and some local officials of Mindanao.

The activity was facilitated by UNICEF and the MILF Vice Chairman Gadzali Jaafar along with the different Base Commanders of the BIAF.

Jaafar, who was representing MILF Chairman Al Hadj Murad Ibrahim, said that the MILF is doing this to show its sincerity in supporting the peace process and that the MILF wants the next generation to benefit from today's peace efforts.

"We need to unite for a better tomorrow because we believe that there is a better tomorrow," said Jaafar.

On behalf of the President, Dureza lauded the efforts of the MILF, saying that "the government is happy that the endeavor has finally come to reality."

He said he will talk to the other secretaries on how the government can provide support to the children in order to improve their social well-being and their communities.

According to the UNICEF country representative Lotta Sylwander, the ceremony was a historical event since the BIAF is the first and only armed group in the world that successfully turned-over children who were involved directly or indirectly in previous armed engagements.

The UNICEF which is responsible in profiling and identifying children among the BIAF members said that 60 percent of the children in their list are boys, while 40 percent are girls.

The group is actively helping countries which has internal and external conflicts, specifically looking into the welfare of the children who are commonly the victims of war.

The initial number of 50 is the first batch of children out of the 1,858 yet to be released from the statistical data of the international organization.

Galvez, who had been working closely with the MILF being the former Chairman of the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), attended and witnessed the event.

"We must work hard today in order to ensure that the future will be peaceful. We must invest in the children because they are the ones who will be responsible for a peaceful and harmonious future," Galvez said.

"The Armed Forces sees this as a welcoming development and will be very supportive in the implementation of activities intended to develop the welfare of these children," he added.

Gadzali further commended Galvez for the tremendous achievements brought about by the successful collaborations made by the AFP and the MILF then and now.

"Major General Galvez is genuinely working closely and actively in understanding the problems and finding means to be able to contribute to its long-term solution," said Jaafar.

During the turnover, certificates of disengagement were also accorded to the children indicating their-in their release from the organization.

Next batches of children are expected to be turned-over in the coming days after parents and relatives give their consent.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=965386

Militiamen in North Cotabato survive NPA ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 20): Militiamen in North Cotabato survive NPA ambush

Suspected communist guerillas ambushed Sunday afternoon militiamen on motorbike in a remote village here, that also injured a woman, police said.

In its report, the police office of Antipas, North Cotabato said Jessica Bange, 43, a resident of Barangay Malire, Antipas was sitting beside the road while a motorbike with four members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) on board was passing by.

Suddenly, a series of gunshots was heard. Bange was hit by stray bullets on her arm then on her waist.

Residents rushed her to hospital.

A report from Lt. Col. Harold Argamosa, commander of the 39th Infantry Battalion who has supervisory and administrative jurisdiction on militiamen in North Cotabato's second district, said it was a case of ambush staged by New Peoples Army (NPA).

The four militiamen who were not identified in the report escaped unhurt after a 15-minute exchange of gunfire with NPAs belonging to Guerilla Front 51.

Argamosa could not say if the communist rebels suffered casualties in the brief encounter.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=965485

Military, police ops in Sultan Kudarat suspended

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 20): Military, police ops in Sultan Kudarat suspended

Military and police operations have been suspended in parts of Sultan Kudarat province to facilitate the release of two Army soldiers who were seized by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Columbio town last February 2.

Sultan Kudarat Governor Sultan Pax Mangudadatu said he had asked police and Army units operating in Columbio town and the neighboring areas to cease their operations until after the negotiations for the release of the abducted soldiers is finished.

The governor, who also chairs the Regional Peace and Order Council of Region 12, said he had talked to one of the leaders of the NPA unit that is holding Sgt. Solaiman Calocop and Private 1st Class (Pfc) Samuel Garay, both of the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion (IB), as “prisoners of war” or POWs.

The two were on their way to their detachment aboard a motorcycle when they were stopped and forcibly taken by around 20 heavily-armed rebels from the Front 72 in Purok 7, Barangay Telafas in Columbio.

Mangudadatu said the rebels assured him that the two soldiers are alive and being treated properly.

“I told them that if they want to be friends with the people of Sultan Kudarat, they should immediately release the two soldiers,” he said.

The NPA’s Valentin Palamine Regional Operations Command-Far South Mindanao earlier confirmed that it had been holding Sgt. Calocop and Pfc. Garay as POWs.

Last week, the rebels released recorded videos of the abducted soldiers as “proof of life.”

The two acknowledged that they were being treated well by their captors, but at the same time called for help from President Rodrigo Duterte, and urged the suspension of military operations in areas under the 39IB.

On Sunday, the Communist Party of the Philippines said it had ordered the NPA to release its six POWs, including Calocop and Garay, as it sought for the resumption of the stalled peace negotiations with the government.

Mangudadatu said the NPA rebels holding the two soldiers had not given any demand for their release.

“Besides, the government could not give in to any demand if there will be any,” he said.

But the governor said they are open to discuss “anything” with the rebels once the soldiers are released.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=965517

Troops kill ASG spotter in Tawi-Tawi

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 20): Troops kill ASG spotter in Tawi-Tawi

Government troops killed an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) spotter in a law enforcement operation on Sunday afternoon in Tawi-Tawi.

Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, identified the slain ASG spotter as Al Abdullah.

Galvez said Abdullah was killed in a firefight shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday in the waters of Great Bakungan, Turtle Islands municipality.

The Turtle Islands municipality is located at the south-western tip of the country, at the edge of the international treaty limits separating the Philippines and Malaysia.

Galvez said the troops conducted maritime security patrol off the waters of Bakungan, Turtle Islands, after they received reports on the presence of kidnap-for-ransom-group (KFRG) members in the area.

Galvez said Abdullah, who was invited for questioning, has admitted that he owns the house where the suspected KFRG members stayed and identified them as Musub Baudin, Man Baudi and a certain Absar.

He said Abdullah asked permission to go home and was allowed by the troops.

However, he said Abdullah returned armed with an M-16 Armalite rifle and opened fire, thus, the firefight that resulted to his death.

Recovered from his possession was an M-16 Armalite rifle with several rounds of ammunition.

Galvez said the death of Abdullah is a big setback to the ASG “as we continue to intensify the conduct of law enforcement operations along with police and maximize intelligence monitoring to pre-empt kidnappings within our joint area of operations.”

“Then again, it is proven that the direct involvement of the communities would put up pressure on the ASGs and constrict their movements. This will further help stop the group from creating havoc in the province,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=965630

Troops check reported abduction of 6 Vietnamese off Tawi-Tawi

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 20): Troops check reported abduction of 6 Vietnamese off Tawi-Tawi

The military is checking the veracity that six Vietnamese crew of an international vessel were seized by gunmen in the high seas of Tawi-Tawi.

Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, disclosed that initial information indicated the six Vietnamese were among the crewmen of a vessel sighted by fishermen in the vicinity of the Turtle Islands municipality in the province of Tawi-Tawi.

The Turtle Islands municipality is located at the south-western tip of the country, at the edge of the international treaty limits separating the Philippines and Malaysia.

Petinglay said elements of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-8 (MBLT-8), upon receipt of report proceeded to Turtle Islands and found 10 crewmen aboard the vessel, which appeared to have been hijacked.

Petinglay said the fishermen spotted the vessel around 8 a.m. Monday, February 20, near the Turtle Islands town.

“Currently, the ship is escorted to the nearest dock in order to have the crew, who seems to be Vietnamese, interviewed by an interpreter,” she said.

She said according to initial information, the troops gathered that six Vietnamese were abducted but they cannot still confirm due to communication gap.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=965673

Church leaders welcome CPP’s inclination toward bilateral truce with GRP

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 20): Church leaders welcome CPP’s inclination toward bilateral truce with GRP

Church leaders on Monday welcomed the pronouncement of the Communist Party of the Philippines to discuss the forging of bilateral ceasefire agreement with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP).

In a statement released Monday, Bishop Felixberto Calang, main covenor and co-chair of the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP), an organization of various religious denominations in Mindanao, said that the pronouncement was the most positive development in the midst of the gloom surrounding the peace talks.

“If the bilateral ceasefire agreement happens, it will restore the timetable of the talks and allow the February and April negotiations to push in the Netherlands and in Oslo, Norway,” Calang said.

He said that a restored timetable would mean an “anticipation” of the unveiling of a draft Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms later this year, a blueprint for socioeconomic transformation that the Filipino people have long struggled for.

Calang said that the resumption of the peace talks could alleviate the series of unfortunate events such as the GRP termination of the JASIG and the subsequent declaration of an all-out war by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The unfortunate events quickly overshadowed the successful outcome of the third round of talks in Rome, Italy and the promising prospects of more substantive bilateral agreements being signed in future rounds, he said.

Calang said that the “tried-and-failed” formula of an all-out war did not only dash hopes for the continuity of the talks, but have led to the displacement of rural communities hit by aerial bombardments in the hinterlands.

According to Calang, along with the CPP’s pronouncement for a bilateral ceasefire, the CPP also ordered the New People’s Army (NPA), the CPP’s military arm, to release all members of the AFP and PNP under its custody.

He said that in the light of the CPP’s pronouncement, the PEPP, once again, voluntarily offers itself as the “Third Party Facilitator” as part of its commitment to attain lasting peace since the peace negotiation started in 2010.

Calang said that the PEPP would undertake the formation of the Crisis and Peace Bridging Committees as part of the facilitation and is optimistic that President Duterte’s peace panel continues to be hopeful that the peace negotiations would be back on track.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=965668

Show sincerity in release of captive security personnel, AFP tells rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 20): Show sincerity in release of captive security personnel, AFP tells rebels

Show first your sincerity and then we'll talk.

This was the reaction of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Monday when asked about the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) announcement regarding the release of six troopers and security personnel whom the New People's Army (NPA) abducted late January and early this month.

"The NPA should prove and substantiate their announcements with clear and sincere actions, not propaganda," he added.

To be released are Pfc. Edwin Salan whom the NPAs abducted in Alegria, Surigao Del Norte last Jan. 29; Sgt. Solaiman Calucop, Pfc. Samuel Garay, who were snatched in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat last Feb. 2; PO2 Jerome Natividad who was bagged in Talakag, Bukidnon last Feb. 9; and militiamen Rene Doller and Carl Mark, who were both abducted in Lupon, Davao Oriental last Feb. 14.

"Hence, they should release the soldiers they have abducted immediately without any condition. Doing so would lessen the seriousness of their continuing crimes and add to any goodwill they wish to convey," Padilla stressed.

The CPP earlier said the release of the six "prisoners of war is their positive gesture to continue peace negotiations with the government."

They added the government can cooperate by withdrawing all its troops and in and around the areas where the captives will be released.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=965574

AFP welcomes NPA decision to free abducted security forces

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 20): AFP welcomes NPA decision to free abducted security forces
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday said that it will afford every opportunity to ensure the safe release of the six security troopers whom the New People's Army (NPA) abducted during a series of incidents late January and early this month.

"The AFP welcomes the decision of the NPA to release the security forces they abducted, we will afford every opportunity to ensure the safe release of these abducted soldiers and other members of security forces," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said.

This includes relocating military units from areas on the dates these personnel will be released, he added.

"However our security forces should be released as an act of goodwill and not as leverage to constrain the government to go back to the negotiating table, the abduction of the six security forces who were not engaged in combat operations is not the cause of the lifting of the unilateral ceasefire of the government or the termination of the peace negotiation," Arevalo pointed out.

To be released are Pfc. Edwin Salan whom the NPAs abducted in Alegria, Surigao Del Norte last Jan. 29; Sgt. Solaiman Calucop, Pfc. Samuel Garay, who were snatched in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat last Feb. 2; PO2 Jerome Natividad who was bagged in Talakag, Bukidnon last Feb. 9 and militiamen Rene Doller and Carl Mark, who were both abducted in Lupon, Davao Oriental last Feb. 14.

"It is the brutal killing of the three soldiers, (who were found) riddled with at least 24 bullet wounds in Bukidnon, the burning of public conveyances and farm implements, the extortion by NPA among other atrocious criminal activities that caused the collapse of the talks," he added.

But if the NPA will come out with a formal announcement saying that they will stop their extortion and other destructive activities, this might demonstrate their sincerity and show their desire to go back to the negotiating table, Arevalo stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=965667

Pursuit ops against suspected pirates in Viet ship attack ongoing

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 20): Pursuit ops against suspected pirates in Viet ship attack ongoing

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) units are now tracking down the suspected pirates who attacked a Vietnamese-flagged cargo vessel off Tawi-Tawi, killing one of the crewmembers and abducting six others last Sunday.

AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo in a briefing Monday identified the Vietnamese ship as the M/V Giang Hai 05, which was attacked at about 8:25 p.m. last Sunday, some 17 nautical miles off Pearl Bank, Tawi-Tawi.

The suspected pirates shot dead one of the crewmembers and abducted six others before making their escape, leaving 10 others behind.

Philippine authorities learned of the incident after fishermen spotted the ship drifting off nearby Turtle Island along with the remaining 10 crewmen.

Arevalo said this prompted Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi commander Brig. Gen. Custodio Parcon,Jr., to deploy the 48th Marine Company to secure the drifting vessel.

They were aided by elements of the Philippine National Police, Coast Guard and Littoral Observatory Station Taganak.

Security forces recovered 12 empty shells of a 5.56mm automatic rifle aboard the ship.

Arevalo said they still had no information on the identities of the suspected pirates nor whether the Abu Sayyaf terrorists had a hand in this incident.
He added that an investigation is now underway to determine this fact.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=965661

Duterte condoles with families of deceased soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 20): Duterte condoles with families of deceased soldiers

President Rodrigo Duterte personally extended his condolences and sympathies to the families of several soldiers who died recently.

Duterte on Monday midnight, February 20, first visited the wake of Army Major Jerico Mangalus at the Villamor Air Base (VAB) Mortuary in Pasay City.

Mangalus, 38, died due to multiple gunshot wounds he sustained in an ambush staged by the Maute terrorist group on February 16 in Marawi City.

The intelligence officer received a posthumous award from the President and Commander-in-Chief, who also extended financial assistance to the family of Mangalus as well as educational scholarship for his children.

The President also paid his last respects to three other soldiers whose remains lie in state at VAB.

He visited the wakes of former Navy officer Libert Chavez, who died of old age; Retired Air Force Msgt. Leonardo Fernando, who also died of old age; and Retired Air Force Col. Oscar Ibarra, who was killed by New People's Army rebels in Ifugao.

From VAB, the President proceeded to the wake of Col. Orlando Suarez at the Libingan ng mga Bayani Mortuary in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Suarez, who served as the Assistant Defense and Armed Forces Attaché at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., died at age 50 on February 11 after suffering from a stroke while on an official trip to Honolulu, Hawaii.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=965523