PMA cadet dies a month after start of training

From Rappler (May 2): PMA cadet dies a month after start of training

The 19-year-old cadet dies just days after being rushed to the hospital because of a bleeding ulcer  

 

DEATH. PMA cadet Erwin Christian Vergara dies due to hypovolemic shock, barely a month after he was admitted to the PMA. Photo from Facebook

A 19-year old cadet of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) died on Monday, May 1, barely a month after he was admitted at the country's premier military school.

In a phone interview on Tuesday, May 2, Colonel Shiela Marie Jardiolyn, PMA resident physician, told Rappler that cadet Erwin Christian Vergara died at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) due to "hypovolemic shock secondary to upper gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to bleeding peptic ulcer."

Jardiolyn said Vergara was first admitted to the PMA emergency unit on April 25 when he complained of dizziness, weakness and blood in his feces.

Upon knowing that Vergara's blood hemoglobin count dipped to 5.8 – below the normal count of 13 – Jardiolyn said they "immediately evacuated" Vergara to BGHMC, where he had undergone 7 blood transfusions.

Jardiolyn ruled out hazing or foul play over Vergara's death, noting that the cadet had already been "complaining of on-and-off abdominal pains for three years," according to his medical examination before entering the PMA.

 

She said the parents already arrived to inspect Vergara's remains on Monday night.

On Tuesday, May 2, his body was brought to his hometown in Alcala, Cagayan.

PMA spokesman Lieutenant Coloner Reynaldo Balido promised to further investigate Vergara's death.

 

Vergara, a former student of Cagayan State University, was among the 293 plebes who entered the PMA last April 1 after passing both the written and medical examination.

He died halfway into the so-called "Beast Barracks" summer training before they are incorporated into the academy.

The PMA cadets would have to finish their training until the end of May before they are incorporated into the academy.

But even though Vergara has not been incorporated into the PMA, his family will be given financial assistance, said Balido.

Meanwhile, his friends and relatives from Cagayan expressed to social media their grief on his passing.

They described Vergara as "friendly" and "fun to be with."

Last year, another PMA plebe died of heat stroke. Then 19-year-old Cadet John Benedict Margin from Binangonan, Rizal, died in May 2016 during the Joint Field Training Exercises at Marine Base Gregorio Lim in Ternate, Cavite.

Margin was incorporated into the academy a week before his death.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/168655-pma-cadet-dies-hypovolemic-shock-month-training-start

Duterte eyes joint exercise with China “in Mindanao, maybe in the Sulu Sea”

From MindaNews (May 2): Duterte eyes joint exercise with China “in Mindanao, maybe in the Sulu Sea”
Coming soon: joint military exercises between the Philippines and China, in Mindanao.

President Rodrigo Duterte has agreed to have joint exercises with China “here in Mindanao, maybe in the Sulu Sea.”

Duterte gave this response when asked by reporters if he was looking at joint exercises with China, after his visit to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s navy flagship-destroyer Chang Chun at the Sasa international port here on Monday afternoon.



President Rodrigo Duterte (right) speaks to officers of Chang Chun (DDG 150), a guided missile destroyer of the China People’s Liberation Army Navy on May 1, 2017. Chang Chun and two other warships of China are on a three-day goodwill visit in Davao City. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO

“Yes, I said I agree. We can have a joint exercise here in Mindanao, maybe in the Sulu Sea,” Duterte replied.

No follow-up question, however, was asked after Duterte responded to the query.

Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan II welcomed the President’s announcement. He told MindaNews in a text message on Tuesday: “Pag sinabi ni Presidente, papayag kami. Alam naman namin lahat ng gagawin ng Presidente ay makakabuti sa Mindanao” (If the President says so, we will comply. We all know that whatever the President does is for the good of Mindanao).

His father, the former Governor Abdusakur Tan, described it as a “bright idea.”

“That is a bright idea. We want the Chinese to come to Sulu.” He recalled the good relations between the Sultanate of Sulu and China and that in fact there is a Sultan of Sulu buried in China, Sultan Batara who died in 1417. “He was invited by the Emperor of Cathay. He died there and is the only foreign monarch buried in Chinese soil,” the elder Tan said.

“Very impressive”

The President was clearly impressed by what he saw inside China’s flagship destroyer.

“Very impressive. It’s clean and even the carpeting, it’s all carpeted inside and it’s like a hotel actually,” Duterte said.



President Rodrigo Duterte salutes officers of Chang Chun (DDG 150), a guided missile destroyer of the China People’s Liberation Army Navy as China’s Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua (in blue) watches. The flagship destroyer Chang Chun and two other warships of China are on a three-day goodwill visit in Davao City. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO

“I will try to make something like this … it has to be as beautiful as this. Ito carpeted, wala kang — hindi na kailangan — anti-slide ha.” He meant the floor is not slippery because it is carpeted.

“Wala kang makitang oil (You won’t see grease). It’s all carpeted after carpet. Oo. Napakaganda. (Yes. It’s so beautiful). Inside, it’s like a luxury hotel,” the President added.

Asked if the goodwill visit of China’s flagship destroyer and two other warships here is the start of a series of cooperation between the Philippines and the Chinese military, Duterte said yes. He said it is part of the “confidence-building and goodwill and to show that we are friends.”



President Rodrigo Duterte says he has agreed to oint military exercises with China “in MIndanao, maybe in the Sulu Sea.” MIndaNews photo by FERDINANDH B. CABRERA

“That’s why I welcomed them here and I was the one who asked, ‘you show me your warships,'” the President said.

A day before boarding the Chinese warship, Duterte was criticized for his Chairman’s Report on the recently-concluded ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit which allegedly toned down security concerns over China’s “reclamation activities and apparent militarization” in the South China Sea and for not mentioning the landmark UN arbitral ruling the Philippines won against China.

Duterte before the ASEAN Summit, had said he would not raise the issue of the UN arbitral ruling because “it is not an issue here…. it’s only between China and the Philippines.”

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/05/duterte-eyes-joint-exercise-with-china-in-mindanao-maybe-in-the-sulu-sea/

GRP, NDF working for consensus on truce, ‘contentious’ socioeconomic provisions — Bello

From MindaNews (May 2): GRP, NDF working for consensus on truce, ‘contentious’ socioeconomic provisions — Bello

The government and the National Democratic Front are finding ways to arrive at a consensus on a bilateral ceasefire and “contentious provisions” on the proposed Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER), Labor Secretary and GRP peace panel chair Silvestre Bello III said Monday.
In an interview at the sidelines of the 2017 National Labor Day Celebration at the People’s Park in Davao City, Bello said their respective committees exchanged drafts and held informal bilateral meetings in the country to discuss the contentious provisions as pointed out during the fourth round of talks last April 3 to 7 in the Netherlands.

“Ang report sa akin ni (The report to me by) Nani Braganza, who is chairman of the committee on CASER, mukhang magkakasundo na sila (It seems they are agreeing) and they will submit it to the panel for final approval maybe by May 27 to June 1,” Bello said in an earlier interview at the opening of the Labor Day Job Fair at the Gaisano Mall of Davao.

He said the draft CASER will be presented in the fifth round of talks in Noorwijk aan Zee, The Netherlands on May 26 to June 2, 2017.

During the April 3-6 talks in The Netherlands, the committees exchanged their respective comparative “color-coded matrices” identifying both contentious and acceptable provisions of the CASER drafts submitted by both parties.

The parties agreed on the following schedules: exchange comments on the contentious provisions of National Industrialization and Economic Development (NIED) drafts on May 2; meeting of the NIED bilateral teams on May 4; submission of reports of the bilateral teams to the reciprocal working committees and submission of GRP’s comparative color-coded matrices on Environmental Protection and Rights of the Working People and Livelihoods to the NDF on May 19; exchange of draft minutes of the fourth round of the bilateral meetings of the reciprocal working committees on May 20.

On ceasefire, Bello said, “Same with CASER, they may arrive at a consensus on the definition of terms and parameters, including, among others, the entity who will act as the “referee” between government and communist forces and the collection of taxes.”

“The President wants the collection of revolutionary taxes stopped but the other side said their forces will go hungry without the taxes,” he said.

He said it is necessary for both parties to work on development programs to address the concerns.

The GRP and NDF panels signed an agreement on Interim Joint Ceasefire, which will take effect upon the approval and signing of the ground rules. It will be effective until a permanent ceasefire agreement is forged as part of Comprehensive Agreement on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces.

The interim joint ceasefire “aims to provide a conducive environment for the GRP and NDFP negotiations, encourage the forging of a more stable and comprehensive Joint Ceasefire Agreement and provide an enabling environment for the eventual and early signing of CASER.”

The GRP and NDF panels directed their respective ceasefire committees to “discuss, formulate and finalize the guidelines and ground rules for the implementation of the agreement, including rules governing the presence of armed units and elements of both parties in local communities, the creation of buffer zones, the prohibition of hostile and provocative acts, and ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanisms.”

http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2017/05/grp-ndf-working-for-consensus-on-truce-contentious-socioeconomic-provisions-bello/

Davao police kill man, yields explosive, grenades

From the Mindanao Examiner (May 2): Davao police kill man, yields explosive, grenades

Police killed a suspected militant in a firefight before sunrise Tuesday in Davao City in southern Philippines, officials said.

Officials said an improvised explosive assembled from a 60mm mortar and several grenades and a hand gun were also recovered from the slain man in the village of Maa. The man’s companion escaped on a motorcycle.

It was not immediately known whether the man was a member of the Abu Sayyaf or the Maute jihadist group tagged as behind a deadly bombing in Davao City’s night market last year.

Senior Inspector Maria Teresita Gazpan, a police spokeswoman, appealed to the public to stay vigilant and report to authorities suspicious persons in their community.

Just recently, communist New People’s Army rebels also attacked a factory of the Lapanday Foods Corporation in Davao City that left 2 persons injured. The rebels said the raid was a punishment for alleged land grabbing by the company.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/davao-police-kill-man-yields-explosive-grenades/

Soldier, wife shot in Zamboanga City

From the Mindanao Examiner (May 2): Soldier, wife shot in Zamboanga City

Motorcycle gunmen shot and wounded a government soldier and his wife in an attack in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines, police said Tuesday.

Police said Staff Sergeant Randy Rayteran, a member of the Philippine Marines, and wife Analisa Anicu, were on their way home on a motorcycle when one of two gunmen shot them with a .45-caliber pistol in Guiwan village. The duo just came from from their store in Tumaga village when the gunman shot them. The assailants fled after the shooting.

Rayteran, although wounded, managed to drive his motorcycle to safety and sought help from civilians who brought them to the hospital. The soldier told police investigators that the attackers were both using bonnet to hide their faces.

Police were investigating the shooting. Gun attacks are not uncommon in Zamboanga where hired killers are actively operating.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/soldier-wife-shot-in-zamboanga-city/

Chinese warships impress PH officials

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 2): Chinese warships impress PH officials



DAVAO CITY --  Top defense officials were impressed with the Chinese warships which made a goodwill visit to Davao City.

“These are like U.S. warships, but newer.” Says Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana who accompanied President Rodrigo Duterte in visiting the lead ship of the three-vessel group which docked in Davao yesterday (April 30) and is set to leave tomorrow (May 2).

The Presidential party came on board the People’s Liberation Army Navy guided-missile destroyer Chung Chun who is part of PLAN’s Task Group 150. The other visiting vessels include the guided-missile frigate Jin Zhou and the replenishment ship Chao Hu.
“Walang pinagkaiba, parehong bagong technology.” (No difference, they had the same new technology) says Lorenzana comparing the vessels to American warships whom he also visited.

The defense secretary also brushed aside fears that the Chinese warships are a show of force for many Filipinos as the two countries are involved in a dispute over islands and reefs in the South China Sea.

“The visit is to foster deeper understanding between two countries and cooperation.” Lorenzana said.

Meanwhile he added that the Philippines will soon have a modern warship within the term of President Duterte.

The Philippines have placed orders to South Korea for two modern frigates as part of its modernization program.

Philippine Navy chief Vice-Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado said the visit gave them the opportunity to look at recent technologies particularly those used by other navies.

Vice-Admiral Mercado said the weapons of the Chinese warships are more state-the-art than what he have seen in the recent visit of Russian warships.

“We were able to look at their weapons. It educates us. If we are to purchase, at least we know what weapons we will acquire.” Vice Admiral Mercado said.

The Chinese destroyer and frigate are armed with anti-ship and air defense missiles complemented by sophisticated radars.

Meanwhile President Duterte noticed the interiors of the Chinese warships likening it to a hotel.

“It’s very impressive.” The President said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1541493654743/chinese-warships-impress-ph-officials

President Duterte inspects Chinese warship docked in Davao City

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 2): President Duterte inspects Chinese warship docked in Davao City

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, visited China's Navy flagship destroyer Changchun docked at Sasa Port in Davao City saying it would be the start of a greater cooperation with the Chinese military particularly against piracy.

Changchun is one of the three Chinese navy vessels that arrived in Davao City. In an interview with reporters, the President described China's warship as "very impressive" and comparable to a hotel.

"It’s clean and even the carpeting, it’s all carpeted inside and it’s like a hotel actually," he said.

Asked by the members of the press if his visit will be the start of a series of cooperation with the Chinese military, he said, "Yes, part really of the confidence building and goodwill and to show that we are friends."

He said he welcomed the Chinese navy vessels and he was the one who asked for the warships to come to the Philippines.

At the same time, the President said he agreed to a joint military exercises with China in Mindanao possibly in the Sulu Sea.

The President also discussed his phone call with United States President Donald Trump echoing the concern of other leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) about the devastating effects of war in the Korean Peninsula.

"Sinabi ko lang na we are as concerned and I supposed that you have the persuasive power, you are showing it to him. There has to be a sense somewhere," he said of his discussion with Trump.

He said the US could not scare North Korean leader Kim Jong-un with firepower and the greatest chance of getting some dialogue between America and North Korea would be through China.

The President also clarified that the Philippines is not distancing itself from the US but there was some rift before because of differing views between him, former US President Barack Obama and the US State Department.

But things have changed, he said, adding that he is already friends with the newly elected US President. "There’s a new leadership. He wants to make friends and he says that we are friends. So why do you have to pick a fight?", the President said. 

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2131493657670/president-duterte-inspects-chinese-warship-docked-in-davao-city

US turns over EOD to PNP

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 2): US turns over EOD to PNP

United States (US) Embassy regional security officer Lon Clyde Fairchild, Jr. and Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security Antiterrorism Assistance (DS/ATA) resident program manager Ronald Dizon formally turned over the post blast investigation and explosive incident countermeasure kits to Philippine National Police - Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal Canine (EOD/K9) Group during the first Anniversary of the EOD/K9 Group held at the PNP Multi-purpose Hall, Camp Crame, Quezon City on April 24, 2017.

The DS/ATA’s EOD/K9 recognizes that a well-trained EOD/K9 with an experienced handler is an excellent tool in locating explosive devices. To develop this capability in the Philippines, DS/ATA began assisting the PNP in early 2007 with the establishment of an EOD/K-9 facility for the PNP National Capital Region Police Office.

The facilities include kennels, a veterinary clinic and billeting for EOD/K9 handlers. Six bomb detector dogs were granted by DS/ATA in 2008 to the PNP EOD/K9 Group and in 2015, twenty-two additional bomb detector dogs were granted. DS/ATA trained 22 handlers who are now assigned to Mindanao and the National Capital Region.

To develop the PNP’s bomb disposal and investigation capabilities, DS/ATA provided a post blast investigation and explosive incident countermeasure training and equipment to critical areas in Mindanao; in particular to Zamboanga, Davao, General Santos, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

DS/ATA-trained bomb technicians and investigators are now able to respond quickly to bombing incidents and improvised explosive device (IED) threats, preventing the loss of lives. DS/ATA-trained and equipped EOD/K9 units also provided IED Awareness Training to PNP units, local schools, and civic groups in at-risk areas of Mindanao.

The US government has donated P19 million worth of explosive ordnance devices (EOD) and was received by PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2761493372461/us-turns-over-eod-to-pnp

Army medics, partners team up for operation tuli in Surigao

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 2): Army medics, partners team up for operation tuli in Surigao

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- Soldiers of the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB), Philippine Army who are conducting Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) in the city together with stakeholders spearheaded an “operation tuli" (circumcision) on Monday here.

The activity is in line with the annual operation tuli of the Surigao Health Specialists Incorporated and the army troopers.

A total of 155 young boys benefited the free circumcision, and free haircut was also rendered by the soldiers to civilians that catered 50 beneficiaries on the same activity.

The said activity is a convergent efforts of the 30IB with the Surigao Health Specialists Inc, City Government of Surigao, Surigao Doctors College, Riverside Parts Master Inc, Natures Spring and Surigao del Norte Medical Society.

It can be recalled that soldiers were deployed in different barangays to gather issues and concerns of the people in order to address it to concerned agencies.

One of the issues brought up by PDOP is the lack of financial capability of the parents in sending their sons to private doctors for circumcision.

Civil Military Operations Officer 2Lt. Jonel Castillo said the PDOP is a tool of the Army in helping the agencies address different concerns of the people in a community which is seldom reached by basic services. “Thus, it also strengthens our linkages and partnership with other stakeholders in order to attain a long and lasting peace in our communities,” Castillo said.

Meanwhile, 30IB Commanding Officer Col. Rico Amaro said they will continue performing such kind of civic action activities with the stakeholders. “It shows the sincerity of our soldiers in serving our fellow Surigaonons to ensure the delivery of basic services to the communities,” said Amaro.

Eastern Mindanao youths seek to strengthen Peace

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 2): Eastern Mindanao youths seek to strengthen Peace

In their desire to become an agent of peace, more than 80 youths from areas in Eastern Mindanao recently came together for the Eastern Mindanao Youth for Peace Congress 2017.

Coming from various Youth for Peace (YFP) organizations in Northern Mindanao, Southern Mindanao, Central Mindanao and Caraga Regions, they converged at the Felis Beach Resort in Davao City from April 27 to 30 to tackle discussions based on the theme, “Harmonizing Peace Initiatives for a Better and Reliable Youth for Peace Network in Eastern Mindanao”.

Youth for Peace Eastern Mindanao head organizer Kenneth E. Tagaro explained that the activity was aimed at giving a boost to efforts of sustaining cooperation and network of the youth sector with civic and government entities seeking to promote peace in Eastern Mindanao areas.

Tagaro was hopeful that the activity would eventually lead leaders of various youth organizations especially those at the grassroots level to pursue peace-building initiatives for fellow youths at the peripheral areas in their respective communities.

Some of the topics tackled during the youth congress were Community Journalism, Establishing and Managing Youth Councils, Linking Action Plan with Local Government Units (LGU) Programs and Activities and Counter Violent Extremism. Participants were expected to put their ideas together to craft a Youth for Peace (YFP) Regional Advocacy Plan and to set up the YFP Eastern Mindanao Coordinating and Monitoring Council.

They were also seen to draw up a Coordinating and Monitoring Mechanism. On top of the series of discussions, participants got involved with workshops of Peace Communication, Community Development, Organizational Development and Youth Development.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1541493714404/eastern-mindanao-youths-seek-to-strengthen-peace-

Plot to bomb Davao City foiled; suspect killed in shootout

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2): Plot to bomb Davao City foiled; suspect killed in shootout

Police authorities thwarted a plan to bomb this city after killing an alleged terrorist who possessed an improvised explosive device before dawn Tuesday along Magtuod road, Barangay Maa here.

Senior Superintendent Alexander Tagum, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director, said the suspect, whose identity is still being withheld, was killed when he tried to shoot it out with DCPO's joint intelligence and SWAT teams when flagged down at a checkpoint at around 3 a.m.

His companion, however, escaped.
Tagum said the explosive device, fashioned from a 60mm mortar shell, is similar to the one used in the Roxas night market bombing in September last year.

Senior Inspector Maria Theresita Gaspan, DCPO spokesperson, said the suspect disembarked from a motorcycle and pulled out a cal. 28 pistol when accosted by the police.

Police operatives also confiscated from the possession of the suspect a hand grenade, detonation cord and two pieces of blasting caps.

Tagum said they are tracking the companion of the suspect.

He added that they have informed other nearby provincial police offices to help track the suspect’s companion.

Gaspan noted that police authorities were placed on alert after receiving information Monday evening that a group allegedly out to bomb the city boarded a gray Toyota pickup and a black Honda XRM in the vicinity of Bangkal, this city.

This prompted the DCPO director to deploy operating teams to track down the group.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/984315

DND amenable to President Duterte's announcement of joint-naval drills with China

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2): DND amenable to President Duterte's announcement of joint-naval drills with China

The Department of National Defense (DND) is fine with President Rodrigo Duterte's announcement that he is willing to allow Philippine Navy (PN) ships to conduct naval maneuvers with their Chinese counterparts.

"The DND welcomes every opportunity to forge stronger defense ties with other countries, especially given the fact that we now face threats which necessitate responses on an international scale," DND public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong said in a message to the Philippine News Agency Tuesday.

He also added that it also is customary for various armed forces to train together to become familiar with each other.

"Having joint military exercises with other countries will benefit us since these will expose our troops to new doctrines and new technology. These will also allow us to assess how our own doctrines fare against our foreign counterparts," Andolong pointed out.

Earlier, the Chief Executive said he is amenable to having PN ships conduct naval drills with its Chinese counterparts especially in Sulu and Mindanao waters.

Duterte made this announcement after visiting the three Chinese naval ships in Sasa Wharf, Davao City Monday.

The visiting Chinese ships as the guided-missile destroyer Chang Chun (DDG-150), guided-missile frigate Jin Zhou (FFG-532) and Type 903 replenishment ship Chao Hu (890).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/984224

PHL reasserts rights over Pag-asa Island

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2): PHL reasserts rights over Pag-asa Island

The Philippines on Tuesday reasserted its sovereignty claims over the larger Kalayaan Island Group, including Pag-asa island, thus, any visit or activity in the area is legal.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Robespierre Bolivar stressed that Pag-asa Island and the larger Kalayaan Island Group are a municipality of Palawan.

“Any visit or activity we undertake there are part and parcel of our Constitutional mandate to ensure the safety, well-being, and livelihood of our citizens living in this municipality,” he said in a statement.

Bolivar was responding to the remarks of Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua who claimed that Philippine occupation or activity on the islands were illegal.

Pag-asa Island is the largest of the islands which is part of the Kalayaan Island Group (Spratlys) in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Apart from the Philippines and China, several countries including Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam have made competing claims over parts or all of West Philippine Sea.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/984370

Informants, gov't troops receive reward for operation vs ASG members in Bohol

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2): Informants, gov't troops receive reward for operation vs ASG members in Bohol

Three Bohol citizens were rewarded by the government for tipping authorities on the whereabouts of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members, resulting in the death of Joselito Melloria alias "Abu Alih" and three others.



The three civilians whose names have been withheld for security reasons, were rewarded by the Duterte administration after helping joint elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) in locating rebels who were hiding in the caves of Barangay Bacani, Clarin, Bohol.


This after President Rodrigo Duterte himself went to Bohol weeks earlier to attend a security briefing during the ASEAN Meetings there and promised reward money to those who can point to the whereabouts of ASG members trapped in the said area.



Personnel of the PNP and AFP involved in the operations were also remunerated for their efforts.

A total of PHP4 million cash reward, as promised by the President, was given through the AFP Central Command.



The tipsters turned in information to the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) and Light Reaction Company (LRC) after noticing foot trails leading to one of the caves.

Government troops attacked the caves and an encounter ensued between opposing sides, which resulted in the death of Abu Alih and the recovery of his M16 rifle with an attached M203 grenade launcher.



An ASG member was also spotted buying bread in another part of town, giving the authorities an idea on the possible entry points of the rebel group’s hideout. 



The rebels hiding in Barangay Bacani were reportedly remnants of the 11-man ASG bandits under subleader Moammar Askali alias "Abu Rami", who was killed on April 11, 2017 in Barangay Napo, Inabanga town.

Rami was responsible for the beheading of several hostages, including foreigners.



"Tip lang ang ibigay mo sa pulis pati military,” President Duterte said, following Abu Rami’s neutralization. “No questions asked. Do not even give your name. Sabihin mo lang saan sila at gobyerno na ang bahala.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/984424

PAF Attack AW-109s up for maintenance

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2): PAF Attack AW-109s up for maintenance

In line with efforts to ensure the airworthiness of all its available aircraft, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is allocating the sum of PHP31,420,483.23 for the acquisition of spares needed or the maintenance of the hydraulics, aviation, and airframe systems of its brand-new AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" attack helicopters.

The said aircraft are in the thick of the fight against lawless elements and terror groups in Mindanao, supporting the older McDonnell Douglas MG-520 "Defender" attack helicopters and Rockwell OV-10 "Bronco" light bombers in their closed-air support missions.

Pre-bid conference, in a bid bulletin posted at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System, will be on May 5, 1 p.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

Submission and opening of bids is on May 23, 9 a.m. at the same venue, PAF bids and awards chair Brig. Gen. Nicolas Parilla said.

The first two PAF attack AW-109s were commissioned on Aug. 17, 2015 while the remaining six were formally accepted for PAF service on Dec. 5 of that year.

The Philippines signed an eight-unit attack AW-109E order with AgustaWestland in 2013 for PHP3. 44 billion.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/984136