From Malaya Business Insight (Apr 17): Dela Vega is OIC of Wesmincon
AN Army general leading the fight against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters has taken over as the officer in charge of the Zamboanga City-based AFP’s Western Mindanao Command, vice incoming AFP chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez.
Sixth Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega took over as the OIC of the Wesmincom last Thursday.
Galvez takes over from retiring AFP chief Rey Leonardo Guerrero tomorrow. Guerrero reached the retirement age of 56 last December 17 but his term was extended by President Duterte.
“General Galvez has been out since April 12 so there has to be a general OIC in the absence of the incumbent...This is pending the designation of a permanent (Wesmincom) commander,” said 6th ID spokesman Capt. Arvin Encinas.
Encinas said Dela Vega, a classmate of Galvez at the Philippine Military Academy class 1985, is the OIC of Wesmincom, the largest unified area command of the AFP, in concurrent capacity as commander of the Maguindanao-based 6th ID.
Dela Vega assumed command as 6th ID chief in January last year and had supervised the continuing military campaign against the BIFF, which the military classifies as a terrorist organization.
The BIFF is composed of about 300 members, mostly former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which signed a peace accord with government in 2014. The BIFF has pledged allegiance with the Islamic State a few years ago.
The 6th ID is one of the Army divisions under the operational control of Wesmincom. The other is the 1st Infantry Division, under Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo of the PMA class 1986, based in Zamboanga del Sur.
Military sources said Dela Vega and Murillo are said to be top contenders to become the full-time Wesmincom commander. Dela Vega is senior in rank.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/dela-vega-oic-wesmincon
Monday, April 16, 2018
NPA a threat to barangay, SK polls, says military
From Malaya Business Insight (Apr 16): NPA a threat to barangay, SK polls, says military
THE Armed Forces yesterday said it sees the New People’s Army as a threat to the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, particularly in Eastern Mindanao where the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines has a strong presence.
Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, commander of the AFP’s Eastern Mindanao Command based in Davao City, said the NPA is expected to stage violent activities to “influence” results of the elections scheduled for May 14, aside from the usual collection of “permit to campaign” and “permit to win” fees from candidates.
“They are a threat, especially in the far-flung areas. We all know that they want to establish (power), especially in the far areas so they will try to influence,” Madrigal said.
Military estimates place the NPA strength at about 3,700 men throughout the country as of end 2017. About half of them are operating in Eastern Mindanao.
The Eastmincom has jurisdiction over the Davao and Caraga regions and parts of the Northern Mindanao and Soccsksargen regions.
Records from the Commission on Elections show there are 5,690 barangays in the Northern Mindanao, Davao, and Soccsksargen regions, out of the total 42,036 barangays in the country, based on the record of the interior department as of December 2017.
The election period began on April 14 with the start of the filing of candidacies.
Madrigal said NPA rebels may endorse the candidacy of those who are members of their so-called “organized masses.”
“They will try to influence who will win,” he said.
On the collection of permit to campaign and permit to win fees, Madrigal said it is an “opportunity” for the communists to earn.
Maj. Ezra Balagtey, Eastmincom spokesman, said Eastmincom officials are coordinating with the PNP to ensure peaceful and orderly elections.
“We already had meetings to come up with joint military and police security plan,” said Balagtey.
“The NPA wants to influence the elections. Also, we see them resorting to their permit-to-campaign and permit-to-win scheme for their fund-raising activity. That’s why military operations in the barangays are very crucial,” he added.
Balagtey also said government forces will remain aggressive in the conduct of focused military operations. He said intelligence operations will also be sustained to monitor “critical areas” where the rebels may resort to election-related extortion.
AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin said the military can be deputized by the Commission on Elections to establish checkpoints to contain any threat.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/npa-threat-barangay-sk-polls-says-military
THE Armed Forces yesterday said it sees the New People’s Army as a threat to the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, particularly in Eastern Mindanao where the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines has a strong presence.
Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, commander of the AFP’s Eastern Mindanao Command based in Davao City, said the NPA is expected to stage violent activities to “influence” results of the elections scheduled for May 14, aside from the usual collection of “permit to campaign” and “permit to win” fees from candidates.
“They are a threat, especially in the far-flung areas. We all know that they want to establish (power), especially in the far areas so they will try to influence,” Madrigal said.
Military estimates place the NPA strength at about 3,700 men throughout the country as of end 2017. About half of them are operating in Eastern Mindanao.
The Eastmincom has jurisdiction over the Davao and Caraga regions and parts of the Northern Mindanao and Soccsksargen regions.
Records from the Commission on Elections show there are 5,690 barangays in the Northern Mindanao, Davao, and Soccsksargen regions, out of the total 42,036 barangays in the country, based on the record of the interior department as of December 2017.
The election period began on April 14 with the start of the filing of candidacies.
Madrigal said NPA rebels may endorse the candidacy of those who are members of their so-called “organized masses.”
“They will try to influence who will win,” he said.
On the collection of permit to campaign and permit to win fees, Madrigal said it is an “opportunity” for the communists to earn.
Maj. Ezra Balagtey, Eastmincom spokesman, said Eastmincom officials are coordinating with the PNP to ensure peaceful and orderly elections.
“We already had meetings to come up with joint military and police security plan,” said Balagtey.
“The NPA wants to influence the elections. Also, we see them resorting to their permit-to-campaign and permit-to-win scheme for their fund-raising activity. That’s why military operations in the barangays are very crucial,” he added.
Balagtey also said government forces will remain aggressive in the conduct of focused military operations. He said intelligence operations will also be sustained to monitor “critical areas” where the rebels may resort to election-related extortion.
AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin said the military can be deputized by the Commission on Elections to establish checkpoints to contain any threat.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/npa-threat-barangay-sk-polls-says-military
Bureau of Immigration detains Australian missionary nun
From Rappler (Apr 16): Bureau of Immigration detains Australian missionary nun
Detained Sister Patricia Fox, 71, is a missionary with the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion, and has worked in the Philippines for 27 years, says CBCP News
Detained Sister Patricia Fox, 71, is a missionary with the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion, and has worked in the Philippines for 27 years, says CBCP News
DETAINED NUN. The Bureau of Immigration detains missionary nun Sister Patricia Fox on April 16, 2018, says CBCP News. Photo courtesy of CBCP News
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday, April 16, detained 71-year-old Australian nun Sister Patricia Fox, said the news service of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
CBCP News said Fox is a missionary with the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion, and has worked in the Philippines for 27 years.
"I've been in and out of the country several times but I've never been questioned. The immigration bureau has not said anything on what to do with my missionary visa," said Fox, as quoted by CBCP News.
Sought for confirmation, BI spokesperson Antonette Mangrobang said their bureau apprehended a certain "Patricia Cox." Rappler clarified if she meant "Fox," as CBCP News reported. Mangrobang replied it is "Cox."
The nun who belongs to the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion in the Philippines is Sister Patricia Fox, not Cox, according to the Catholic Directory on the Claretian Publications website.
CBCP News said Fox is a missionary with the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion, and has worked in the Philippines for 27 years.
"I've been in and out of the country several times but I've never been questioned. The immigration bureau has not said anything on what to do with my missionary visa," said Fox, as quoted by CBCP News.
Sought for confirmation, BI spokesperson Antonette Mangrobang said their bureau apprehended a certain "Patricia Cox." Rappler clarified if she meant "Fox," as CBCP News reported. Mangrobang replied it is "Cox."
The nun who belongs to the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion in the Philippines is Sister Patricia Fox, not Cox, according to the Catholic Directory on the Claretian Publications website.
"We confirm the apprehension of Patricia Cox pursuant to a Mission Order issued by Commissioner Jaime Morente. We await completion of the investigation before we issue our official statement. Thank you," said Mangrobang in a text message on Monday evening.
Mangrobang said the nun was apprehended at around 2 pm on Monday.
Fox said 6 BI officials arrested her at their mission house in Quezon City at around 2:15 pm on Monday, CBCP News reported. She is now detained at the BI intelligence division in Intramuros, Manila.
Fox recently joined an international fact-finding and solidarity mission in Mindanao, said CBCP News. Her work involves helping farmers and indigenous peoples.
CBCP News also said Fox had been detained in 2013 "for joining protests in Hacienda Luisita, but was released without charges."
Mangrobang said the nun was apprehended at around 2 pm on Monday.
Fox said 6 BI officials arrested her at their mission house in Quezon City at around 2:15 pm on Monday, CBCP News reported. She is now detained at the BI intelligence division in Intramuros, Manila.
Fox recently joined an international fact-finding and solidarity mission in Mindanao, said CBCP News. Her work involves helping farmers and indigenous peoples.
CBCP News also said Fox had been detained in 2013 "for joining protests in Hacienda Luisita, but was released without charges."
This comes after the Philippine government on Sunday, April 15, blocked an official of the Party of European Socialists from entering the Philippines. A slip issued by the BI showed that the EU political party official, Giacomo Filibeck, was part of a "black list order."
Akbayan Representative Tom Villarin slammed the Duterte administration for Filibeck's "shameful" deportation, saying that it shows "how paranoid this government is in keeping the rest of the world blind from the damage President Duterte has done to our country."
Akbayan Representative Tom Villarin slammed the Duterte administration for Filibeck's "shameful" deportation, saying that it shows "how paranoid this government is in keeping the rest of the world blind from the damage President Duterte has done to our country."
Retired general convicted again, gets 216 years for tax fraud
From Rappler (Apr 16): Retired general convicted again, gets 216 years for tax fraud
Jose Ramiscal Jr is found to have falsified documents for the sale of General Santos City properties in order to pay lower taxes
Jose Ramiscal Jr is found to have falsified documents for the sale of General Santos City properties in order to pay lower taxes
GUILTY. The Sandiganbayan hands down another guilty verdict for retired army general Jose Ramiscal Jr over the repeated misuse of military retirement funds. File photo by Darren Langit/Rappler
Retired army general Jose Ramiscal Jr was again convicted of corruption, as the Sandiganbayan sentenced him to 216 years in prison for 24 counts of graft and falsification of documents.
Also convicted of the same charges and with the same sentence is lawyer Nilo Flaviano.
"This Court has found conspiracy among accused Ramiscal, accused Pabalan, and accused Flaviano in falsifying the unilateral Deeds of Absolute Sale for the purpose of causing undue injury to the government in the amount of unpaid taxes, and thus finds no basis in accused Flaviano's assertion that such conspiracy has not been duly proven by the Prosecution," reads the decision of the Sandiganbayan 7th Division promulgated last Friday, April 13.
Wilfredo Pabalan was the project director, but he had died before the decision was rendered. The Sandiganbayan did not pronounce judgment for him on account of his death.
The crime
Ramiscal was the president of the now defunct Armed Forces of the Philippines-Retirement and Separation Benefits System (AFP-RSBS). In 1997, he bought 12 lots in General Santos City which were supposed to be developed for a housing project and a marina complex.
"This Court has found conspiracy among accused Ramiscal, accused Pabalan, and accused Flaviano in falsifying the unilateral Deeds of Absolute Sale for the purpose of causing undue injury to the government in the amount of unpaid taxes, and thus finds no basis in accused Flaviano's assertion that such conspiracy has not been duly proven by the Prosecution," reads the decision of the Sandiganbayan 7th Division promulgated last Friday, April 13.
Wilfredo Pabalan was the project director, but he had died before the decision was rendered. The Sandiganbayan did not pronounce judgment for him on account of his death.
The crime
Ramiscal was the president of the now defunct Armed Forces of the Philippines-Retirement and Separation Benefits System (AFP-RSBS). In 1997, he bought 12 lots in General Santos City which were supposed to be developed for a housing project and a marina complex.
The lots were sold to the AFP-RSBS by members of the Guaybar family, represented by Flaviano.
The charges state that Ramiscal and Flaviano falsified a deed of sale showing a lower amount in order to pay lower capital gains tax and documentary stamp tax.
For example, one of the 12 lots was sold at P10,500 per square meter or a total of P10.489 million. However, Ramiscal and Flaviano falsified a deed of sale that states it was sold for only P3,000 per square meter or a total of P2.997 million. For that transaction, the government lost P292,207 due to the underpayment of taxes.
All in all, P3.506 million in taxes were not paid to the government.
Ramiscal argued that the Sandiganbayan has no jurisdiction over him because he is already retired, and therefore acting in a private capacity as AFP-RSBS president.
But citing a Supreme Court (SC) ruling, the Sandiganbayan said the AFP-RSBS has "public character and operations," and that public funds were used to buy the lands.
The actual sellers, the Guaybar family, were acquitted because the court said their lawyer Flaviano was the one liable.
"Since it was his signatures which all appeared in the bilateral and unilateral deeds of sale, as far as Lots X-1 and X-5 are concerned, the responsibility began and ended with him alone. Criminal liability did not extend to the vendors," said the Sandiganbayan.
The ruling was penned by division chairperson Associate Justice Maria Theresa Dolores Gomez-Estoesta and concurred with by Associate Justice Zaldy Trespeses and Associate Justice Bayani Jacinto.
Ramiscal has now been convicted of corruption twice, both stemming from misuse of the retirement funds he handled as head of the AFP-RSBS.
The charges state that Ramiscal and Flaviano falsified a deed of sale showing a lower amount in order to pay lower capital gains tax and documentary stamp tax.
For example, one of the 12 lots was sold at P10,500 per square meter or a total of P10.489 million. However, Ramiscal and Flaviano falsified a deed of sale that states it was sold for only P3,000 per square meter or a total of P2.997 million. For that transaction, the government lost P292,207 due to the underpayment of taxes.
All in all, P3.506 million in taxes were not paid to the government.
Ramiscal argued that the Sandiganbayan has no jurisdiction over him because he is already retired, and therefore acting in a private capacity as AFP-RSBS president.
But citing a Supreme Court (SC) ruling, the Sandiganbayan said the AFP-RSBS has "public character and operations," and that public funds were used to buy the lands.
The actual sellers, the Guaybar family, were acquitted because the court said their lawyer Flaviano was the one liable.
"Since it was his signatures which all appeared in the bilateral and unilateral deeds of sale, as far as Lots X-1 and X-5 are concerned, the responsibility began and ended with him alone. Criminal liability did not extend to the vendors," said the Sandiganbayan.
The ruling was penned by division chairperson Associate Justice Maria Theresa Dolores Gomez-Estoesta and concurred with by Associate Justice Zaldy Trespeses and Associate Justice Bayani Jacinto.
Ramiscal has now been convicted of corruption twice, both stemming from misuse of the retirement funds he handled as head of the AFP-RSBS.
Army: NPA rebel population in DavOr continues to plunge
From the Mindanao Times (Apr 15): Army: NPA rebel population in DavOr continues to plunge
The number of the New People’s Army in Davao Oriental dropped significantly from February 2017 up to March of 2018.
According to Lt. Col. Jacob Thaddeus Obligado, commander of the 67th Infantry Battalion, they monitored only 93 communist guerrillas operating in the area this year compared to the 299 last year.
“We have reduced them by 80 percent we could not have done that without the relationship of the governor and mayor, and the help of Barangay and municipal officials,” he said, adding that the role of the peace volunteers is instrumental in protecting the indigenous communities in the province.
On Saturday, around 150 peace volunteers graduated from the four-day training and seminar during the ceremony conducted at Sitio Batiano, Barangay Salingkumot, Caraga, Davao Oriental on Saturday.
He said they’ve proven the effectiveness of the program since there were zero atrocities committed by the NPA in the area since July of last year.
“Unlike other provinces and municipalities, the pride of the Mandaya is (evident),” he said. “Unlike other tribes, they are fighting against communism and terrorism.”
The peace volunteers came from NPA-affected areas, and the military doesn’t provide them with firearms. Instead, they will defer to the customary laws of the Lumad political structure. In this case, the protection of the ancestral domains will still be led by the baganis (warriors).
“The baganis are the defenders of the ancestral domain,” he explained.
He said the peace volunteers have their own indigenous weapons which are used only within their ancestral domain area.
“They have spears, and weapons to defend themselves against the animals, intruders. These are being used for hunting to source out their food, ” he added.
He said tribal communities should never be afraid of the NPA because the rebels are just a small band of armed men. One positive step is the fact that residents are coming forward to become peace volunteers and secure the ancestral domain. They will also serve as ambassadors to raise awareness on the need to protect and nurture the natural resources.
Tribal chief Kalig-onan said the peace and development volunteers will help establish order and security in the community.
In total, Obligado said around 700 peace development volunteers already graduated in the first district of Davao Oriental from Manay to Caraga, Baganga, Cateel, Boston, and Lingig in Surigao del Sur except in Tarragona.
The five-day training of the volunteers is divided into modules. Among these are modules in livelihood, government in action (government agencies), people empowerment (first responders when emergency), plan-making and deployment, and good citizenship.
http://mindanaotimes.net/army-npa-rebel-population-in-davor-continues-to-plunge/
The number of the New People’s Army in Davao Oriental dropped significantly from February 2017 up to March of 2018.
According to Lt. Col. Jacob Thaddeus Obligado, commander of the 67th Infantry Battalion, they monitored only 93 communist guerrillas operating in the area this year compared to the 299 last year.
“We have reduced them by 80 percent we could not have done that without the relationship of the governor and mayor, and the help of Barangay and municipal officials,” he said, adding that the role of the peace volunteers is instrumental in protecting the indigenous communities in the province.
On Saturday, around 150 peace volunteers graduated from the four-day training and seminar during the ceremony conducted at Sitio Batiano, Barangay Salingkumot, Caraga, Davao Oriental on Saturday.
He said they’ve proven the effectiveness of the program since there were zero atrocities committed by the NPA in the area since July of last year.
“Unlike other provinces and municipalities, the pride of the Mandaya is (evident),” he said. “Unlike other tribes, they are fighting against communism and terrorism.”
The peace volunteers came from NPA-affected areas, and the military doesn’t provide them with firearms. Instead, they will defer to the customary laws of the Lumad political structure. In this case, the protection of the ancestral domains will still be led by the baganis (warriors).
“The baganis are the defenders of the ancestral domain,” he explained.
He said the peace volunteers have their own indigenous weapons which are used only within their ancestral domain area.
“They have spears, and weapons to defend themselves against the animals, intruders. These are being used for hunting to source out their food, ” he added.
He said tribal communities should never be afraid of the NPA because the rebels are just a small band of armed men. One positive step is the fact that residents are coming forward to become peace volunteers and secure the ancestral domain. They will also serve as ambassadors to raise awareness on the need to protect and nurture the natural resources.
Tribal chief Kalig-onan said the peace and development volunteers will help establish order and security in the community.
In total, Obligado said around 700 peace development volunteers already graduated in the first district of Davao Oriental from Manay to Caraga, Baganga, Cateel, Boston, and Lingig in Surigao del Sur except in Tarragona.
The five-day training of the volunteers is divided into modules. Among these are modules in livelihood, government in action (government agencies), people empowerment (first responders when emergency), plan-making and deployment, and good citizenship.
http://mindanaotimes.net/army-npa-rebel-population-in-davor-continues-to-plunge/
Army says 2 hinterland towns in North Cotabato ‘problematic’ but..
From MindaNews (Apr 14): Army says 2 hinterland towns in North Cotabato ‘problematic’ but..
Two hinterland towns in North Cotabato are considered by the Philippine Army as “problematic” or “very challenging” in terms of terrain and support that communist guerillas get from the communities, a military spokesperson said.
1st Lieutenant Prolen Bonacua, spokesperson of the Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion, identified these “problematic areas” as Arakan and Magpet towns.
Bonacua admitted the rebels operating in these areas enjoy the support of the communities, including some barangay officials.
He said the NPA raises fund through “extortion activities” traders, even government officials, allegedly through its “extortion activities.”
“But this won’t stop us from pursuing our intention to rid these areas of these communist guerillas. We will pursue, and even intensify, military offensives against these groups,” he said.
He said they are gaining headway in that the NPA is “no longer that strong, unlike before” because “many of their members have surrendered.
The towns of Arakan, Magpet, President Roxas, and the city of Kidapawan, are under the 19th IB of the 901st Brigade, which was deployed to the province early last month.
The 19th IB was previously assigned in the provinces of Samar and Leyte in the Visayas
A week ago, soldiers from the 19th IB, on board two military vehicles, were ambushed in a remote village in Magpet, after they responded to persistent reports that NPA guerrillas were sighted in the area.
The soldiers, however, were able to fight back and succeeded in driving their attackers away, reports said.
No soldier was wounded.
A week ago, at least 29 NPA rebels from different areas in Magpet, led by a certain Felix Sicao, surrendered to authorities, he said.
Based on the Army’s intelligence reports, there are at least two NPA fronts operating in North Cotabato: Front 53 which covers the hinterlands of Arakan Valley Development Complex and parts of Bukidnon province, and Front 51 which covers Makilala, North Cotabato and other parts of Davao del Sur.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/04/army-says-2-hinterland-towns-north-cotabato-problematic/
Two hinterland towns in North Cotabato are considered by the Philippine Army as “problematic” or “very challenging” in terms of terrain and support that communist guerillas get from the communities, a military spokesperson said.
1st Lieutenant Prolen Bonacua, spokesperson of the Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion, identified these “problematic areas” as Arakan and Magpet towns.
Bonacua admitted the rebels operating in these areas enjoy the support of the communities, including some barangay officials.
He said the NPA raises fund through “extortion activities” traders, even government officials, allegedly through its “extortion activities.”
“But this won’t stop us from pursuing our intention to rid these areas of these communist guerillas. We will pursue, and even intensify, military offensives against these groups,” he said.
He said they are gaining headway in that the NPA is “no longer that strong, unlike before” because “many of their members have surrendered.
The towns of Arakan, Magpet, President Roxas, and the city of Kidapawan, are under the 19th IB of the 901st Brigade, which was deployed to the province early last month.
The 19th IB was previously assigned in the provinces of Samar and Leyte in the Visayas
A week ago, soldiers from the 19th IB, on board two military vehicles, were ambushed in a remote village in Magpet, after they responded to persistent reports that NPA guerrillas were sighted in the area.
The soldiers, however, were able to fight back and succeeded in driving their attackers away, reports said.
No soldier was wounded.
A week ago, at least 29 NPA rebels from different areas in Magpet, led by a certain Felix Sicao, surrendered to authorities, he said.
Based on the Army’s intelligence reports, there are at least two NPA fronts operating in North Cotabato: Front 53 which covers the hinterlands of Arakan Valley Development Complex and parts of Bukidnon province, and Front 51 which covers Makilala, North Cotabato and other parts of Davao del Sur.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/04/army-says-2-hinterland-towns-north-cotabato-problematic/
Presidential daughter says no to peace talks with communists
From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 14): Presidential daughter says no to peace talks with communists
Presidential daughter and mayor of Davao City, Sara Carpio, has appealed Friday to his father, Rodrigo Duterte, not to reopen stalled peace talks with communist insurgents, blamed for many attacks in her hometown, and branding the rebel group as terrorist.
Duterte, who previously trashed the peace talks with rebels following deadly attacks in the restive region in the past, has revived negotiations in an effort to put an end to bloodshed to the world’s longest-running insurgency. The New People’s Army (NPA), armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been waging decades of bloody separatist war, and previously demanded a coalition government from Duterte who flatly rejected this.
A screenshot from Davao City Government Facebook page.
“Respectfully, I am asking President Rodrigo Duterte to reconsider his decision to reopen the negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. I believe the insurgency problem can only be ended peacefully if the NDFP and the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, are sincere, honest, and committed to working toward the direction of peace and reciprocate the gesture offered by the government. But there are no indications at all that they are willing to negotiate for a peaceful resolution of the conflict,” Carpio said.
Rebel forces had recently raided Davao City and torched heavy equipment used in government infrastructure projects in three areas there. And also launched a spate of daring and deadly raids and even challenged Duterte to stop them.
“History will also tell us that the communist movement is not to be trusted as they have consistently shown us their deep-seated proclivity to sow hate, violence and extremism, destruction, and senseless killings. These are groups motivated by the desire to overthrow the government and rule the nation. For them, peace is not an option. And that’s because they are terrorists,” Carpio said.
She said the government should not negotiate with terrorists or deal tough with the rebels and cited the murders of innocent civilians, including a baby, in attacks perpetrated by the NPA.
“We maintain our position that we are not supposed to negotiate with terrorists, but deal with them the way we should — tough, strong, high intensity, and one that gathers all sectors to completely crush their influence in communities where they are present.”
“Let us not forget Larry Buenafe, the fish vendor who died because the NPA detonated a landmine in Mandug last year. Let us not forget Larry’s two very young children now growing without a father — and the many other orphaned children of other hapless, mostly poor civilians. Let us not forget the orphaned children of our brave soldiers and police officers killed by the NPAs in the name of a rusty ideology and deranged revolution. And how could we possibly forget Malysha Machorao who died after an NPA ambush in Bukidnon last year. She was only 4-months-old,” she said.
Carpio said the latest rebel attacks in Davao City stalled infrastructure projects that should have benefitted poor communities there.
“We should put a stop into the insanity of these terrorists — or more children will be orphaned, more civilians will be killed, more soldiers will die, and many more facilities and equipment will be burned, setting back development by a hundred years.”
“If talks are revived, we are almost certain that the NPAs will continue to terrorize government forces and civilians. They will discharge offensives and unabated destruction, while recruitment of minors, farmers, lumads, workers, and students would continue courtesy of its legal fronts,” she said.
Carpio said the country will move forward if the government is able to eliminate the rebels and end their senseless rebellion. “Just like a battered lover, there is a time to finally say no to pain and suffering. No to peace talks,” she said. “While I trust the wisdom of the President and his intention to end the insurgency problem peacefully, I believe pursuing peace talks with the NDFP, CPP and NPA is counterproductive and plainly useless.”
“We should stop rewarding these terrorists with our attention, resources, and time. Suspending the peace talks would not only mean ending the delusion of these terrorists, but would also allow the realization of long-delayed growth and the development of our countryside villages. It also means giving justice to the victims of these terrorists,” she said.
There were no immediate reactions from either Duterte or the NDFP on Carpio’s statement.
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2018/04/presidential-daughter-says-no-to-peace.html
Presidential daughter and mayor of Davao City, Sara Carpio, has appealed Friday to his father, Rodrigo Duterte, not to reopen stalled peace talks with communist insurgents, blamed for many attacks in her hometown, and branding the rebel group as terrorist.
Duterte, who previously trashed the peace talks with rebels following deadly attacks in the restive region in the past, has revived negotiations in an effort to put an end to bloodshed to the world’s longest-running insurgency. The New People’s Army (NPA), armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been waging decades of bloody separatist war, and previously demanded a coalition government from Duterte who flatly rejected this.
A screenshot from Davao City Government Facebook page.
“Respectfully, I am asking President Rodrigo Duterte to reconsider his decision to reopen the negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. I believe the insurgency problem can only be ended peacefully if the NDFP and the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, are sincere, honest, and committed to working toward the direction of peace and reciprocate the gesture offered by the government. But there are no indications at all that they are willing to negotiate for a peaceful resolution of the conflict,” Carpio said.
Rebel forces had recently raided Davao City and torched heavy equipment used in government infrastructure projects in three areas there. And also launched a spate of daring and deadly raids and even challenged Duterte to stop them.
“History will also tell us that the communist movement is not to be trusted as they have consistently shown us their deep-seated proclivity to sow hate, violence and extremism, destruction, and senseless killings. These are groups motivated by the desire to overthrow the government and rule the nation. For them, peace is not an option. And that’s because they are terrorists,” Carpio said.
She said the government should not negotiate with terrorists or deal tough with the rebels and cited the murders of innocent civilians, including a baby, in attacks perpetrated by the NPA.
“We maintain our position that we are not supposed to negotiate with terrorists, but deal with them the way we should — tough, strong, high intensity, and one that gathers all sectors to completely crush their influence in communities where they are present.”
“Let us not forget Larry Buenafe, the fish vendor who died because the NPA detonated a landmine in Mandug last year. Let us not forget Larry’s two very young children now growing without a father — and the many other orphaned children of other hapless, mostly poor civilians. Let us not forget the orphaned children of our brave soldiers and police officers killed by the NPAs in the name of a rusty ideology and deranged revolution. And how could we possibly forget Malysha Machorao who died after an NPA ambush in Bukidnon last year. She was only 4-months-old,” she said.
Carpio said the latest rebel attacks in Davao City stalled infrastructure projects that should have benefitted poor communities there.
“We should put a stop into the insanity of these terrorists — or more children will be orphaned, more civilians will be killed, more soldiers will die, and many more facilities and equipment will be burned, setting back development by a hundred years.”
“If talks are revived, we are almost certain that the NPAs will continue to terrorize government forces and civilians. They will discharge offensives and unabated destruction, while recruitment of minors, farmers, lumads, workers, and students would continue courtesy of its legal fronts,” she said.
Carpio said the country will move forward if the government is able to eliminate the rebels and end their senseless rebellion. “Just like a battered lover, there is a time to finally say no to pain and suffering. No to peace talks,” she said. “While I trust the wisdom of the President and his intention to end the insurgency problem peacefully, I believe pursuing peace talks with the NDFP, CPP and NPA is counterproductive and plainly useless.”
“We should stop rewarding these terrorists with our attention, resources, and time. Suspending the peace talks would not only mean ending the delusion of these terrorists, but would also allow the realization of long-delayed growth and the development of our countryside villages. It also means giving justice to the victims of these terrorists,” she said.
There were no immediate reactions from either Duterte or the NDFP on Carpio’s statement.
Troops capture wounded NPA amazon in Bukidnon province
From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 16): Troops capture wounded NPA amazon in Bukidnon province
Government troops captured a female communist rebel wounded in a clash in Bukidnon province in southern Philippines, officials said Monday.
Officials said the 22-year Susan Guaynon is also 5-months pregnant and was immediately brought to hospital by soldiers. She was among dozens of New People’s Army rebels who fought soldiers in the village of Kalabugao in the town of Impasugong over the weekend.
Her companions managed to escape after fighting soldiers from the 8th Infantry Division. Troops also recovered two AK-47 assault rifles, one AR-18 automatic rifle, one Carbine rifle, one M4 automatic rifle, and one air gun, including 30 backpacks containing subversive documents and personal belongings.
Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, of the 8th Infantry Battalion, said they will inform Guaynon’s family about her capture and condition. He said there was no report of casualties from their side.
The NPA has been fighting for a separate state in the country.
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2018/04/troops-capture-wounded-npa-amazon-in.html
Government troops captured a female communist rebel wounded in a clash in Bukidnon province in southern Philippines, officials said Monday.
Officials said the 22-year Susan Guaynon is also 5-months pregnant and was immediately brought to hospital by soldiers. She was among dozens of New People’s Army rebels who fought soldiers in the village of Kalabugao in the town of Impasugong over the weekend.
Her companions managed to escape after fighting soldiers from the 8th Infantry Division. Troops also recovered two AK-47 assault rifles, one AR-18 automatic rifle, one Carbine rifle, one M4 automatic rifle, and one air gun, including 30 backpacks containing subversive documents and personal belongings.
Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, of the 8th Infantry Battalion, said they will inform Guaynon’s family about her capture and condition. He said there was no report of casualties from their side.
The NPA has been fighting for a separate state in the country.
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2018/04/troops-capture-wounded-npa-amazon-in.html
Arson, grave threats filed vs NPA over equipment burning
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 16): Arson, grave threats filed vs NPA over equipment burning
Police authorities filed arson and grave threat charges against a New People's Army (NPA) commander, four of its members and other members who torched 10 heavy equipment in three hinterland barangays in the city on Black Saturday.
City Police Office Director Sr. Supt. Alexander Tagum said charges were filed against Ka Roy (Kumander Bungot), Ka Larry, Alias Omer Pagatpat, Alias Samuel Rojas, et. al. for the burning of heavy equipment on April 12.
Tagum said charges of grave threat were filed in relation to the April 14 burning against alias Ka Roy (kumander Bungot), Alias Potot Entera, Alias Samuel Rojas, Alias Ka Larry, Alias Omel Pagatpat thru regular filing.
Meanwhile, police filed an arson charge against seven alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who torched one backhoe at sitio Banualay, Barangay Palma Gil around on April 3.
Last week, Chief Insp .Milgrace Driz, spokesperson of Police Regional Office (PRO) 1I, said that the arson case was filed against Joe Almendras, Dalagis Balite, Enting Mansumiat, Lugib Tausan, Enting Tumbasay, Rommel Tausan and Laro Manlologpis, all residents of Talaingod, Davao del Norte for the burning of heavy equipment in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.
Driz said the charges were filed before the Provincial Prosecution Office in Tagum City duly signed by Christy Theresa Bernadette Dureza, Associate Attorney II.
“We are looking into this, the policemen always go to the area where the incident happened to conduct further investigation,” she said.
On Black Saturday, suspected NPA members burned 10 heavy equipment in the three barangays in Buhangin and Paquibato districts.
Another backhoe was torched by seven armed men at sitio Banualay, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte around on April 3.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio condemned the attacks, which she described as “downright cowardly acts”
The construction of roads in Barangay Callawa in Buhangin, Barangay Fatima in Paquibato, and Barangay Dalagdag in Calinan are now stalled because of the attacks, she said.
“The road projects could make the delivery of other basic services to the people faster — including health, education, agricultural development and livelihood,” the mayor said.
“The said projects could change the lives of the people for the better,” she added.
“The fresh atrocities revealed that the terrorist group only truly intends for people to continue living in a condition of poverty, which they could use as a capital in their propaganda against the government and to justify their presence in the communities where their influence and significance are waning,” the city mayor said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1032018
Police authorities filed arson and grave threat charges against a New People's Army (NPA) commander, four of its members and other members who torched 10 heavy equipment in three hinterland barangays in the city on Black Saturday.
City Police Office Director Sr. Supt. Alexander Tagum said charges were filed against Ka Roy (Kumander Bungot), Ka Larry, Alias Omer Pagatpat, Alias Samuel Rojas, et. al. for the burning of heavy equipment on April 12.
Tagum said charges of grave threat were filed in relation to the April 14 burning against alias Ka Roy (kumander Bungot), Alias Potot Entera, Alias Samuel Rojas, Alias Ka Larry, Alias Omel Pagatpat thru regular filing.
Meanwhile, police filed an arson charge against seven alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who torched one backhoe at sitio Banualay, Barangay Palma Gil around on April 3.
Last week, Chief Insp .Milgrace Driz, spokesperson of Police Regional Office (PRO) 1I, said that the arson case was filed against Joe Almendras, Dalagis Balite, Enting Mansumiat, Lugib Tausan, Enting Tumbasay, Rommel Tausan and Laro Manlologpis, all residents of Talaingod, Davao del Norte for the burning of heavy equipment in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.
Driz said the charges were filed before the Provincial Prosecution Office in Tagum City duly signed by Christy Theresa Bernadette Dureza, Associate Attorney II.
“We are looking into this, the policemen always go to the area where the incident happened to conduct further investigation,” she said.
On Black Saturday, suspected NPA members burned 10 heavy equipment in the three barangays in Buhangin and Paquibato districts.
Another backhoe was torched by seven armed men at sitio Banualay, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte around on April 3.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio condemned the attacks, which she described as “downright cowardly acts”
The construction of roads in Barangay Callawa in Buhangin, Barangay Fatima in Paquibato, and Barangay Dalagdag in Calinan are now stalled because of the attacks, she said.
“The road projects could make the delivery of other basic services to the people faster — including health, education, agricultural development and livelihood,” the mayor said.
“The said projects could change the lives of the people for the better,” she added.
“The fresh atrocities revealed that the terrorist group only truly intends for people to continue living in a condition of poverty, which they could use as a capital in their propaganda against the government and to justify their presence in the communities where their influence and significance are waning,” the city mayor said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1032018
67 rebel returnees in Masbate avail of local integration program
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 16): 67 rebel returnees in Masbate avail of local integration program
At least 67 former rebels in Masbate are now undergoing clearances for the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the national government after they surrendered to military authorities.
Col. Greg Almerol, commander of 903rd Infantry Brigade, said the rebel returnees coming from the different towns of Masbate province will receive support under the CLIP program, as well as aid from the different line agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
"I am very thankful of the pledges of support given by our partner agencies,” he said during Tsokolate at Pandesal forum over the weekend.
Almerol said the former rebels surrendered to authorities especially to the members of the 903rd Brigade of the Philippine Army assigned in Masbate province from December of 2017 to March 2018.
Nine of the former rebels were from Claveria town, 21 from Aroroy, 16 from Balud, 14 from Monreal, two each from San Pascual and Mobo, one each from the towns of Milagros and San Jacinto, and one surrenderer also in Masbate City.
Some rebel returnees said their worst situations and sufferings in the former organization caused their surrender.
A former rebel said they decided to surrender because the leadership of their former organization did not give them the promised salary.
"Our family was only given PHP2,000 per month," he said.
Under the CLIP program, the former rebels will be given the assistance they need from the government in order to get their normal lives back as law abiding citizens.
The National Housing Authority pledged to support their housing needs; while JCI, Team Albay Youth Organization (TAYO) and other agencies would provide food assistance.
Bicol PNP spokesperson Senior Insp. Ma. Luisa Calubaquib said the PRO-5 is now collecting any material support from every division and office inside Camp Gen. Simeon Ola intended for the former rebels.
Meanwhile, Almerol said they were overwhelmed with the recent numbers of rebels surrendering in different towns of Masbate.
He noted over 100 communist members are also willing to surrender and avail the 'Balik-loob' program of the government.
The 903rd IB is now under the process of preparing the mass surrender of a whole community allegedly infested by the New People’s Army in an undisclosed town in Masbate province, he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1032041
At least 67 former rebels in Masbate are now undergoing clearances for the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the national government after they surrendered to military authorities.
Col. Greg Almerol, commander of 903rd Infantry Brigade, said the rebel returnees coming from the different towns of Masbate province will receive support under the CLIP program, as well as aid from the different line agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
"I am very thankful of the pledges of support given by our partner agencies,” he said during Tsokolate at Pandesal forum over the weekend.
Almerol said the former rebels surrendered to authorities especially to the members of the 903rd Brigade of the Philippine Army assigned in Masbate province from December of 2017 to March 2018.
Nine of the former rebels were from Claveria town, 21 from Aroroy, 16 from Balud, 14 from Monreal, two each from San Pascual and Mobo, one each from the towns of Milagros and San Jacinto, and one surrenderer also in Masbate City.
Some rebel returnees said their worst situations and sufferings in the former organization caused their surrender.
A former rebel said they decided to surrender because the leadership of their former organization did not give them the promised salary.
"Our family was only given PHP2,000 per month," he said.
Under the CLIP program, the former rebels will be given the assistance they need from the government in order to get their normal lives back as law abiding citizens.
The National Housing Authority pledged to support their housing needs; while JCI, Team Albay Youth Organization (TAYO) and other agencies would provide food assistance.
Bicol PNP spokesperson Senior Insp. Ma. Luisa Calubaquib said the PRO-5 is now collecting any material support from every division and office inside Camp Gen. Simeon Ola intended for the former rebels.
Meanwhile, Almerol said they were overwhelmed with the recent numbers of rebels surrendering in different towns of Masbate.
He noted over 100 communist members are also willing to surrender and avail the 'Balik-loob' program of the government.
The 903rd IB is now under the process of preparing the mass surrender of a whole community allegedly infested by the New People’s Army in an undisclosed town in Masbate province, he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1032041
Public help sought to prevent roadside bombings in North Cotabato
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 16): Public help sought to prevent roadside bombings in North Cotabato
Military authorities in North Cotabato appealed on Monday to the public to immediately report any suspicious objects they found on bridges and other infrastructures to avoid getting hurt.
The appeal was aired by Lt. Colonel Angelo Lutera, commander of the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion, following the discovery of a powerful improvised explosive device over the weekend on a bridge linking North Cotabato and Maguindanao.
The improvised bomb fashioned from a 60 mm mortar explosive with a mobile phone as trigger mechanism was found by motorists atop the Ugalingan Bridge in Barangay Ugalingan here at around 6 a.m. on Saturday.
Lutera said the IED could be intended for military vehicles passing by the area, but it could also harm non-combatants because it was planted on a bridge linking Midsayap to neighboring Datu Piang town in Maguindanao.
Lutera, citing intelligence reports, said that the the IED could have been planted by ISIS -linked terrorists who are the subject of massive military operations in Maguindanao.
He said the best anyone can do is to report to the nearest local police or military installation any suspicious object left unattended on a road or a bridge.
Lutera also appealed to the public to help authorities prevent similar attempt in the future by providing information to police or Army in the area.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1032124
Military authorities in North Cotabato appealed on Monday to the public to immediately report any suspicious objects they found on bridges and other infrastructures to avoid getting hurt.
The appeal was aired by Lt. Colonel Angelo Lutera, commander of the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion, following the discovery of a powerful improvised explosive device over the weekend on a bridge linking North Cotabato and Maguindanao.
The improvised bomb fashioned from a 60 mm mortar explosive with a mobile phone as trigger mechanism was found by motorists atop the Ugalingan Bridge in Barangay Ugalingan here at around 6 a.m. on Saturday.
Lutera said the IED could be intended for military vehicles passing by the area, but it could also harm non-combatants because it was planted on a bridge linking Midsayap to neighboring Datu Piang town in Maguindanao.
Lutera, citing intelligence reports, said that the the IED could have been planted by ISIS -linked terrorists who are the subject of massive military operations in Maguindanao.
He said the best anyone can do is to report to the nearest local police or military installation any suspicious object left unattended on a road or a bridge.
Lutera also appealed to the public to help authorities prevent similar attempt in the future by providing information to police or Army in the area.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1032124
Defense chief vows return of troops to Samar this year
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 14): Defense chief vows return of troops to Samar this year
RETURN OF TROOPS. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana promises Leyte Governor Dominico Petilla (right) and Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan (left) to send back troops deployed in Mindanao to Eastern Visayas. Photo taken during the Regional Peace and Order Council meeting in Villaconzoilo village, Jaro, Leyte on Friday. (April 13, 2018). (Photo by Philippine Army)
JARO, Leyte -- Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has assured the return to Eastern Visayas within the year of four army battalions deployed to Mindanao against rebel and terror groups, in a bid to intensify the campaign against insurgency in the region.
Lorenzana told reporters on Friday that the process of bringing the troops back to their old assignments will start in six months.
“Give us little more time as we are forming 10 new battalions through the ongoing recruitment of about 5,000 new soldiers. We will assign them in areas where we have operations so we don’t have to pull out troops from different regions,” Lorenzana said.
The defense chief was in town to attend the second-quarter Eastern Visayas Regional Peace and Order Council meeting held in the upland village of Villaconzoilo.
Some 60 percent of government troops are in Mindanao to help fight Abu Sayyaf bandits, communist rebels, and members of the Maute terror group in Marawi City, said Lorenzana.
As early as 2008, the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, Samar sent the 46th Infantry Battalion (IB), 34th IB, 63rd IB from the Samar provinces and 19th IB from Leyte to Mindanao.
“We will prioritize the return of the 46th Infantry Battalion since they have been in Mindanao since 2008,” Lorenzana said.
The battalion has been in Pantukan, Compostela Valley for nearly 10 years now to help top violence perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA).
The latest troops deployed were the 63rd IB in Marawi City. Other assignments are Midsayap, North Cotabato (34th IB) and Talayan, Maguindanao (19th IB).
Earlier, the governors of the Samar provinces asked the national government to consider sending back soldiers to the region to deter efforts of the NPA to regain its lost strongholds.
At least three cities and 24 towns have confirmed fresh NPA activities.
There are 404 active NPA members in Eastern Visayas equipped with 576 firearms in four provinces, based on reports of the military.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031945
RETURN OF TROOPS. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana promises Leyte Governor Dominico Petilla (right) and Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan (left) to send back troops deployed in Mindanao to Eastern Visayas. Photo taken during the Regional Peace and Order Council meeting in Villaconzoilo village, Jaro, Leyte on Friday. (April 13, 2018). (Photo by Philippine Army)
JARO, Leyte -- Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has assured the return to Eastern Visayas within the year of four army battalions deployed to Mindanao against rebel and terror groups, in a bid to intensify the campaign against insurgency in the region.
Lorenzana told reporters on Friday that the process of bringing the troops back to their old assignments will start in six months.
“Give us little more time as we are forming 10 new battalions through the ongoing recruitment of about 5,000 new soldiers. We will assign them in areas where we have operations so we don’t have to pull out troops from different regions,” Lorenzana said.
The defense chief was in town to attend the second-quarter Eastern Visayas Regional Peace and Order Council meeting held in the upland village of Villaconzoilo.
Some 60 percent of government troops are in Mindanao to help fight Abu Sayyaf bandits, communist rebels, and members of the Maute terror group in Marawi City, said Lorenzana.
As early as 2008, the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, Samar sent the 46th Infantry Battalion (IB), 34th IB, 63rd IB from the Samar provinces and 19th IB from Leyte to Mindanao.
“We will prioritize the return of the 46th Infantry Battalion since they have been in Mindanao since 2008,” Lorenzana said.
The battalion has been in Pantukan, Compostela Valley for nearly 10 years now to help top violence perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA).
The latest troops deployed were the 63rd IB in Marawi City. Other assignments are Midsayap, North Cotabato (34th IB) and Talayan, Maguindanao (19th IB).
Earlier, the governors of the Samar provinces asked the national government to consider sending back soldiers to the region to deter efforts of the NPA to regain its lost strongholds.
At least three cities and 24 towns have confirmed fresh NPA activities.
There are 404 active NPA members in Eastern Visayas equipped with 576 firearms in four provinces, based on reports of the military.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031945
Army, cops uproot marijuana plants in Sultan Kudarat town
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 14): Army, cops uproot marijuana plants in Sultan Kudarat town
MARIJUANA HAUL. Government troops haul off for proper documentation uprooted marijuana plants from a hidden plantation they raided in upland sitio Alyong, Barangay Datalbiao in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, on Friday (April 13). (Photo by Columbio police office)
COLUMBIO, Sultan Kudarat -- Government troops uprooted Friday more than 3,300 marijuana plants in a remote and mountainous village here, police said Saturday.
Senior Insp. Jethro Dave Doligas, the Columbio Police chief, led government troops - who included soldiers from the Army’s 27th and 39th Infantry Battalions - in raiding the marijuana plantation in Sitio Alyong in Barangay Datalbiao.
Doligas said the raid was launched after residents alerted the police on the existence of the plantation expected to be harvested by planters in the next three days.
He said part of the marijuana plants were burned on site with Barangay Chair Bai Naila Mamalinta acting as witness.
More than 300 other plants were brought to the police for documentation and sampling.
The police admitted that the plantation owner and workers were not around during the law enforcement operation.
Doligas lauded the local officials of Columbio, headed by Mayor Amir Musali, for the support they extended to government troops.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031950
MARIJUANA HAUL. Government troops haul off for proper documentation uprooted marijuana plants from a hidden plantation they raided in upland sitio Alyong, Barangay Datalbiao in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, on Friday (April 13). (Photo by Columbio police office)
COLUMBIO, Sultan Kudarat -- Government troops uprooted Friday more than 3,300 marijuana plants in a remote and mountainous village here, police said Saturday.
Senior Insp. Jethro Dave Doligas, the Columbio Police chief, led government troops - who included soldiers from the Army’s 27th and 39th Infantry Battalions - in raiding the marijuana plantation in Sitio Alyong in Barangay Datalbiao.
Doligas said the raid was launched after residents alerted the police on the existence of the plantation expected to be harvested by planters in the next three days.
He said part of the marijuana plants were burned on site with Barangay Chair Bai Naila Mamalinta acting as witness.
More than 300 other plants were brought to the police for documentation and sampling.
The police admitted that the plantation owner and workers were not around during the law enforcement operation.
Doligas lauded the local officials of Columbio, headed by Mayor Amir Musali, for the support they extended to government troops.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031950
5 BIFF men arrested in Maguindanao
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 14): 5 BIFF men arrested in Maguindanao
ARRESTED. Two of five suspected Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters are handcuffed following a raid at their safehouse in Barangay Tual, Datu Paglat, Maguindanao on Friday (April 13). Three firearms were also seized from the suspects. (Photo by 33rd IB)
PRESIDENT QUIRINO, Sultan Kudarat -- Government forces raided a marshland village in Maguindanao at dawn Friday, arresting five members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and seizing three firearms from them.
Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion (IB) commander, said joint military and police elements, backed by armored personnel carriers, carried out the 4 a.m. raid in neighboring Barangay Tual, Datu Paglat, Maguindanao, to arrest Sindatok Dilna, a sub-leader of the BIFF faction under Commander Gani Saligan.
Troops from the police’s Special Action Force and Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, reinforced by armored vehicles and artillery weaponry from the 7th Field Artillery Battalion, swooped down on the village of Tual and caught five suspects by surprise.
Dilna, the principal target of the operation, was not among the arrested suspects.
“They (suspects) did not resist arrest upon seeing that they were overwhelmed by our forces,” Cabunoc said, noting that village officials witnessed the law enforcement operation.
Recovered from Dilna’s safehouse were one M16 rifle and two .45-caliber pistols. The suspects were brought to 33rd IB headquarters for further questioning.
Cabunoc said the secluded sections of the 220,000-hectare Liguasan Marsh at the border of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat have become hiding places for terrorists and political armed groups.
“We have been alerted by the intrusion of alleged members of ISIS-inspired jihadists who mixed with the local population, especially with the political armed groups in the area,” he said.
“We will not allow them to dominate a particular terrain in my area of operation in order to protect the gains of our past security operations here,” he added.
Cabunoc said the Army is working closely with local authorities in convincing people to hand over loose firearms in support of President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s order to collect illegal weapons that proliferate in Mindanao.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031954
ARRESTED. Two of five suspected Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters are handcuffed following a raid at their safehouse in Barangay Tual, Datu Paglat, Maguindanao on Friday (April 13). Three firearms were also seized from the suspects. (Photo by 33rd IB)
PRESIDENT QUIRINO, Sultan Kudarat -- Government forces raided a marshland village in Maguindanao at dawn Friday, arresting five members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and seizing three firearms from them.
Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion (IB) commander, said joint military and police elements, backed by armored personnel carriers, carried out the 4 a.m. raid in neighboring Barangay Tual, Datu Paglat, Maguindanao, to arrest Sindatok Dilna, a sub-leader of the BIFF faction under Commander Gani Saligan.
Troops from the police’s Special Action Force and Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, reinforced by armored vehicles and artillery weaponry from the 7th Field Artillery Battalion, swooped down on the village of Tual and caught five suspects by surprise.
Dilna, the principal target of the operation, was not among the arrested suspects.
“They (suspects) did not resist arrest upon seeing that they were overwhelmed by our forces,” Cabunoc said, noting that village officials witnessed the law enforcement operation.
Recovered from Dilna’s safehouse were one M16 rifle and two .45-caliber pistols. The suspects were brought to 33rd IB headquarters for further questioning.
Cabunoc said the secluded sections of the 220,000-hectare Liguasan Marsh at the border of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat have become hiding places for terrorists and political armed groups.
“We have been alerted by the intrusion of alleged members of ISIS-inspired jihadists who mixed with the local population, especially with the political armed groups in the area,” he said.
“We will not allow them to dominate a particular terrain in my area of operation in order to protect the gains of our past security operations here,” he added.
Cabunoc said the Army is working closely with local authorities in convincing people to hand over loose firearms in support of President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s order to collect illegal weapons that proliferate in Mindanao.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031954
168 new lieutenants join Army units nationwide
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 14): 168 new lieutenants join Army units nationwide
Some 168 new second lieutenants were formally deployed to various units nationwide, the Philippine Army (PA) announced Friday.
The new officers came from Officer Candidate Course "Gahiusa" Class 48-2017 and Officer Preparatory Course "Lakanlawig" Class 67-2016, Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva said.
"For several months, their training was focused on improving their individual war fighting competency, understanding Rule of Law and Human Rights protocols and improving their leadership ability through the Basic Officer Leader Course," he added.
Villanueva said the deployment of the new lieutenants will help answer the increasing demand for platoon leaders in the field.
"Further, it will improve the readiness condition of the ground forces particularly the Infantry Divisions. Presently, the Philippine Army is geared on enhancing its force structure by establishing additional 10 Infantry Battalions, one Ranger Battalion and an Engineer Combat Battalion," the PA spokesperson stressed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031944
Some 168 new second lieutenants were formally deployed to various units nationwide, the Philippine Army (PA) announced Friday.
The new officers came from Officer Candidate Course "Gahiusa" Class 48-2017 and Officer Preparatory Course "Lakanlawig" Class 67-2016, Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva said.
"For several months, their training was focused on improving their individual war fighting competency, understanding Rule of Law and Human Rights protocols and improving their leadership ability through the Basic Officer Leader Course," he added.
Villanueva said the deployment of the new lieutenants will help answer the increasing demand for platoon leaders in the field.
"Further, it will improve the readiness condition of the ground forces particularly the Infantry Divisions. Presently, the Philippine Army is geared on enhancing its force structure by establishing additional 10 Infantry Battalions, one Ranger Battalion and an Engineer Combat Battalion," the PA spokesperson stressed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031944
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