DWDD: UPGRADING | 2ID Groundbreaking of the various infrastructure projects

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 30): UPGRADING | 2ID Groundbreaking of the various infrastructure projects
CAMP GEN MATEO CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – The 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division holds the groundbreaking ceremony of the concrete road network project inside Camp Capinpin, Tanay Rizal on April 24, 2018.

Congressman Isidro S Rodriguez Jr. of Rizal Province and Engineer Adilbert B Rosete together with Brigadier General Glorivine Dida AFP, Assistant Division Commander, 2ID led the ceremony.


 






















The 51 million pesos concreting of road network is implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Rizal II District Engineering Office.

Meanwhile, the 2nd Army Station Hospital (2ASH) is also being upgraded from Infirmary level to Level 1 hospital. The Level 1 hospital has surgical and maternity facilities, isolation room, dental clinics, secondary clinical laboratory, surgery room, blood station, first level X-ray and pharmacy.

Major General Rhoderick M Parayno AFP, Commander, 2ID said that the hospital will not only benefit the soldiers of 2ID but this will also help the civilians in the province to access the quality medical service.

The 10 million pesos Phase-1 hospital upgrade project is under the Health Facility Enhancement Program (HFEP) of the Department of Health (DOH) in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The Phase- 1 project will be completed next month.

 
 


 

MGen Parayno, Commander, 2ID also led the blessing of the newly renovated Officer quarter and one (1) unit dump truck issued by the Philippine Army.

The facilities and amenities upgrade inside Camp Capinpin is part of the program of the Command to give priority to the morale and welfare of the troops and civilian employees working in 2ID. 2DPAO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/30/upgrading-2id-groundbreaking-of-the-various-infrastructure-projects/

After 18 years, Tagum soldier killed in Erap's all-out war gets hero's burial

From Rappler (Apr 30): After 18 years, Tagum soldier killed in Erap's all-out war gets hero's burial

Technical Sergeant Claudio Forrosuelo died fighting the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Maguindanao in 2000

HERO. The remains of valour awardee Technical Sergeant Claudio Forrosuelo are exhumed from Tagum City in April 2018, and will be brought to Taguig City for interment at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Photo from the Facebook account of Joemar Rey Escaro Yanga, the late soldier’s nephew

 Almost two decades after his death, Sergeant Claudio Forrosuelo will be given a hero’s burial, having died during President Joseph Estrada’s all-out war in Mindanao in 2000.

Forrosuelo's remains were exhumed on Monday, April 30, in Tagum City, according to Major Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command. They will be transferred to the Libingan ng Mga Bayani at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.

Forrosuelo was a member of the 8th Scout Ranger Company and was deployed in Matanog, Maguindanao, "during the height of hostilities in the area,” the spokesman said.

On May 3, 2000, Forrosuelo was killed in a tactical assault against some 500 rebels belonging to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the same province, according to a Philippine Information Agency report.

He was conferred with the Medal of Valor in 2001. (FAST FACTS: List of Medal of Valor awardees and their privileges)

His daughter, 2nd Lieutenant Precious Jewel Forrosuelo, followed his footsteps and joined the army in 2014 after graduating from the Philippine Military Academy's "Siklab Diwa" class.

The younger Forrosuelo is also part of the First Scount Ranger Regiment, a special unit by the military specializing in anti-guerilla warfare, and the same unit to which her father belonged.

Balagtey said the soldier was not immediately given a hero's burial because of his family's decision to bury his remains first in Carmen, Cotabato.

"It was then moved to Tagum City, until they decided that they wanted it moved to the LNMB (Libingan ng Mga Bayani)," he told Rappler.

At the time of Forrosuelo death, the Philippine government waged war against the MILF, which killed hundreds of civilians, apart from soldiers and rebels.

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/201457-claudio-forrosuelo-soldier-killed-erap-milf-war-mindanao-hero-burial

Military task force on standby for May 1 rallies

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): Military task force on standby for May 1 rallies

The military's Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) announced that two platoons are on stand-by to assist in ensuring security during the country's observance of Labor Day on Tuesday.

This was disclosed by JTF-NCR head Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado in an interview late Sunday.

He added that the JTF-NCR has yet to receive any request for assistance from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) for securing Labor Day activities.

These two platoons are being supported by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal-K 9 team and another team from the military's Emergency Medical Recon.

A platoon is composed of 24 to 28 officers and enlisted men while a team consists of four personnel.

Also, Arrojado said that they are still to monitor any security threats for the annual observance.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1033634

PNP warns rally organizers of infiltrators

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): PNP warns rally organizers of infiltrators

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday cautioned groups holding Labor Day rallies to ensure that their ranks will not be infiltrated by members of violent terror groups such as the Rajah Solaiman Movement (RSM).

This comes after the arrest of two alleged Islamic radicals last week and who were presented to newsmen by the PNP Monday.

PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde presented the two, namely Jimuel Velasco Dizon, alias Amir; and Eddie Boy Alejo Bermejo alias Abdullah, both of whom are Balik Islam converts and former RSM members.

They were arrested in separate operations in Cabuyao and Sta. Rosa City, Laguna and were identified as members of the Suyuful Khilafa Fil Luzon.

Albayalde said no definite plan for an attack was recovered from the suspects who yielded four handguns, ammunition, grenades, a laptop, and an ISIS flag.

Two search warrants, signed by San Pablo City Regional Trial Court Branch 32 Judge Agripino Morga, were served on the two men on Block 31, Lot 114 Joshua St., Phase 5, Mabuhay Subdivision, Barangay Mamatid, Cabuyao City, Laguna and on Block 17, Lot 18, Celina Homes 5 Subdivision, Barangay Tagapo, Sta. Rosa City, also in Laguna early Thursday.

At present, Albayalde said there seems to be no specific threat from the RSM, whose members had been trained and financed by both the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah terror groups.

"As of this time, we are not getting any information but we have also our intelligence personnel to monitor that," Albayalde said.

"In these kinds of activities, especially where people converge, we advise their ranks that they should be careful, remain vigilant, avoid being infiltrated. Remember, there are times that rallies like that are infiltrated by provocateurs who take advantage of the situation and result in an armed encounter between them and the police," Albayalde said.

"In their ranks they should know who are insiders. They should cleanse their ranks and identify people because there are other groups that could probably take advantage of this, not only local terrorist groups but also their allies,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1033653

AFP backs PRRD decision not to lift CPP-NPA terror tag

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): AFP backs PRRD decision not to lift CPP-NPA terror tag

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday said it strongly supports President Rodrigo Duterte's pronouncements that he is not yet lifting his proclamation tagging the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) as a terrorist organization.

"The AFP supports the President's statement that the NPA terrorist tag should remain for now as they have continued with their acts of terrorism such as arson, attacks on civilians and extortion," AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin said in a statement.

Datuin said what is more aggravating is that these attacks took place despite the government's call for peace and unity as priority agenda with the expected resumption of the peace talks.

Duterte signed the proclamation in December last year, tagging the CPP-NPA as a terror group, based on Republic Act No. 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.

Despite the proclamation, Duterte said he would still give the CPP-NPA a small "window" to talk peace by inviting CPP founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison to return to the Philippines.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1033639

PNP confirms abduction of 2 female cops in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): PNP confirms abduction of 2 female cops in Sulu

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is constantly monitoring developments on the abduction of two female police officers in Patikul, Sulu.

During Monday's press briefing, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde said they have yet to receive a comprehensive report on the incident.

Police Officer 2 Benierose Alvarez, Police Officer 1 Dinah Gumahad, along with two civilians, Jakosalem Ahamad Blas and Faizal Ahidji, were on board a tricycle outside Camp Bautista near the Jolo Airport on Sunday when they were intercepted by armed men.

Alvarez is detailed with the PNP-Crime Laboratory.

"Ang alam natin is yung isa taga (PNP) Crime Lab, tapos yung isa, kaibigan niya (What we know is one of the victims is from the PNP Crime Lab and the other one is her friend). Galing sila sa kampo ng AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) at nung pauwi at around 11 a.m yesterday (Sunday), doon sila in-abduct (They came from the AFP camp and they were abducted when around 11 a.m. yesterday when they were on the way home). As of now, wala pang (there is no) communication whatsoever, hindi pa sila ma-contact at wala pang kumokontak doon sa ating tropa sa lugar (they cannot be contacted and no contacts have been made with our troops in the area)," Albayalde said of the incident.

"As of this (morning), wala pa (no updates yet). The operations are still being conducted by our AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) doon sa area together with our regional mobile group," Albayalde said.

In recent months, local armed groups have started going after soft targets instead of high profile individuals. These soft targets are mostly skilled workers whose families are willing to pay ransom for their safe release.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1033649

Albayalde flies to Koronadal to inspect security after weekend blast

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): Albayalde flies to Koronadal to inspect security after weekend blast

Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde flew to Koronadal City in South Cotabato on Monday to personally inspect the security situation following the explosion near a church and the discovery of bombs in the city over the weekend.

"We are looking into the involvement of a certain group because apparently, these groups, they have their territorial jurisdictions also but we cannot divulge this group as yet," Albayalde said in a press briefing before leaving for Koronadal City.

Albayalde said the injuries sustained by the victims are very minor but a final report on the details of the incident is still being awaited.

"As of this time, what we know is that the two victims who were wounded sustained minor injuries. Apparently, nails and powder were used in making the explosive," Albayalde said in Filipino.

He confirmed that one of the recovered unexploded bomb was destroyed by bomb experts.

The PNP Explosives and Ordnance Department (EOD) have also conducted safety procedure using bomb sniffing dogs, the PNP chief added.

An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) reportedly exploded near the St. Anthony Parish Cathedral on Sunday injuring two. Subsequently, other IEDs were discovered in the commercial district but were defused.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1033642

Military searching for 2 abducted policewomen in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (May 1): Military searching for 2 abducted policewomen in Sulu

The military has deployed three battalions in the search for two female police officers reportedly abducted by armed men in Patikul town, Sulu last Sunday.

Joint Task Force Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said it is likely that the two victims and their captors are still in Patikul.

"Hindi naman lalabas sa Patikul 'yun eh, as we speak meron akong tatlong battalion naghahalughog ngayon for the immediate recovery of the victims [They won't get out of Patikul and as we speak, we have three battalions looking for them]," he said Monday.

Earlier, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is constantly monitoring developments on the abduction of Police Officer 2 Benierose Alvarez, Police Officer 1 Dinah Gumahad, along with two civilians, Jakosalem Ahamad Blas and Faizal Ahidji, who were on board a tricycle outside Camp Bautista near the Jolo Airport on Sunday when they were intercepted by armed men.

Alvarez is detailed with the PNP-Crime Laboratory.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1033756

Manhunt on vs. 'extremist' suspects behind Koronadal blast

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): Manhunt on vs. 'extremist' suspects behind Koronadal blast

Authorities have launched a manhunt against several personalities with alleged links to "extremist groups," in connection with the bomb explosion beside a Catholic church and the recovery of another improvised explosive here on Sunday.

City Mayor Peter Miguel said Monday investigators have already identified a group of suspects behind the 12:05 p.m. bomb blast at near the side entrance gate of the Christ the King Cathedral along Rizal Street that left two persons slightly injured.

Miguel said the group was also responsible for the foiled attack about two hours later at the 747 convenience store along General Santos Drive.

"The situation is quite clearer now and our investigators are pursuing some leads. Based on the initial findings, it was linked to extremists," he said in an interview over radio station dxKR here.

Miguel did not identify the group, noting that he will leave it to the police and military to do their work.

But he said investigators have already established the identities of at least "five members of the group," which is reportedly based outside the city.

In a press conference, Chief Supt. Marcelo Morales, Region 12 police director, said they are pursuing at least two possible motives in line with the attack.

Morales said it could be a diversionary move of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) due to the continuing intensive military operations in their territories in Maguindanao province.

The official said they are also looking at the incident as a possible retaliation for the series of law enforcement operations launched by the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office that netted several members of local terror groups.

Morales said investigators are currently determining the "signature" of the bomb used in the attack and the recovered explosive.

He said that based on the materials recovered by the South Cotabato police's explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) unit, the bomb was made of firecracker powder mixed with small nails and a mobile phone as triggering device.

The bomb that exploded was planted inside a bag left at a parked tricycle near the church's side entrance; while the second was found inside a plastic bag left at the garbage bin of the convenience store.

The recovered bomb was detonated by EOD personnel.

In both instances, police said witnesses have tagged an unidentified woman as the carrier of the explosive.

The South Cotabato police is currently reviewing footages of security cameras installed near the blast site and the convenience store for other possible leads.

Morales said they have placed the city and other key areas in Region 12 on full alert to avert similar attacks.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1033631

Kid red fighter surrenders

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): Kid red fighter surrenders

A 16-year old child, who had been recruited into the communist insurgency under the Leonardo Pacsi Command, surrendered in Mountain Province on Saturday, the Public Affairs Office (PAO) of the military's 5th Infantry Division reported on Monday.



YOUNG SURRENDERER. Sixteen-year-old 'Ka Trese’ shares a light moment with female members of the Philippine Army while recuperating at the Bontoc General Hospital in Mountain Province, where she was rushed by government troops after passing out upon her surrender on Saturday (April 28, 2018). (Photo by 5ID DPAO)

PAO chief Captain Jeffrey Somera, said “Ka Trese” (not her real name) from Bontoc, Mountain Province, surrendered to the 77th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army and the Mountain Province Police Provincial Office (PPO) in Barangay Poblacion, Bontoc, Mountain Province around midnight on April 28.

He said the minor joined the NPA when she was 14 years old after she was recruited into the New People's Army by a certain “Commander Jushua” in Paracelis town.

According to the army troops on the ground, Ka Trese appeared to be confused and very tired when she was spotted by soldiers and police in Bontoc town.

Ka Trese then collapsed and was rushed to the Bontoc General Hospital by the soldiers and the police. When she woke up, she initially revealed to the soldiers that she was a red fighter, who ran away from her group.

The minor told government troops she had decided to surrender because she was tired and physically abused by her comrades.

Ka Trese turned over to the soldiers four cellphones, subversive documents, three ammunitions for M16 rifle, a notebook, and some money.

Major General Perfecto Rimando Jr., the commander of the 5th Infantry Division, condemned the leftist organization for what he called their inhumane deeds.

“The expose of Ka Trese cemented the true nature of the (Communist New People's Army Terrorist) organization. It’s hard to imagine that someone as young as Ka Trese was being recruited, and the saddest part was the abuse on her person by her comrades, whom she considered as her brothers,” Rimando said.

"We condemned in the strongest terms the exploitation and abuse of minors under the hands of the CNTs. It is a clear violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect of Human Rights and International Law on the right of children to protection, especially against physical and mental abuse,” he stressed.

“With this situation, I urge the youth to be discerning and avoid being affiliated with the organizations known connected with the Communist New People’s Army (NPA)," he warned. "They physically, psychologically, and sexually abused their female recruits. Maybe, those amazons or female red fighters who went into lie-low were also abused, but just kept to themselves the trauma and their sad experiences because of fear and shame.”

“We also encourage the parents and guardians to watch their children," Somera added, and if possible, know the company their children are keeping.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1033671

2 Army troopers killed, 2 more hurt in separate attacks

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): 2 Army troopers killed, 2 more hurt in separate attacks

Two soldiers were killed and two others were injured in separate ambuscades here and in Sultan Kudarat province blamed by authorities to ISIS-linked elements.

At 5:30 a.m. Monday, gunmen believed to be members of the ISIS-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), ambushed and killed Army Corporal Nelson Pamalian of the 5th Special Forces Battalion based in this city.

Pamalian and Private First Class Richard Bendanillo, also of the Army's Special Forces, were onboard a motorbike on their way to their detachment in Barangay Kalanganan when fired upon by riding-in-tandem gunmen.

“Witnesses said they were tailing the victims from the city’s public market and opened fire from behind when they reached an isolated road in Barangay Kalanganan,” said Senior Supt. Rolly Octavio, city police director.

The 5th Army Special Forces is currently helping local authorities secure several tributaries crisscrossing the city that are being used by lawless elements as entry and exit points.

Bendanillo, who sustained gunshot wounds in various parts of his body, is undergoing medication at a government hospital here.

Octavio said investigators are still confirming intelligence reports that the suspects belonged to a BIFF hit squad.

“The BIFF is among the possible suspects,” Octavio told reporters. “We are still investigating.”

On Sunday night, another soldier, Corporal Ruel Dordas of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion (IB) was killed after he and companion, Sgt. Julhaib Ajijul, was fired at while on their way back to their detachment. The duo had just completed a peacekeeping mission in a remote village of Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat.

Dordas died on the spot while Ajijul sustained injuries and brought by responding colleagues to a hospital in Tacurong City.

“I strongly condemn this dastardly act against our soldiers. We will strive hard to bring the suspects to the folds of the law,” Lt. Colonel Harold Cabunoc, 33rd IB commander, said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1033715

Sultan Kudarat placed on alert after Koronadal bomb attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): Sultan Kudarat placed on alert after Koronadal bomb attack

Authorities have been placed on alert following Sunday's bombing in nearby Koronadal City that hurt two civilians.

Senior Supt. James Gulmatico, the Sultan Kudarat police provincial director, has directed all municipal police chiefs to intensify police visibility in public places, establish more police checkpoints, and work with the Philippine Army.

“We are on alert,” Supt. Gulmatico said in a radio interview, following Sunday’s explosion at past 12 noon of an improvised bomb inside a parked pedicab beside the Catholic Church in Koronadal City.

Another bomb was deactivated in front of a convenience store along GenSan Drive. A suspected improvised explosive device that turned out to be spare parts for motorcycle was also detonated by bomb experts near a mall.

Sultan Kudarat is adjacent to Maguindanao where the suspected bombers operate. Chief Supt. Marcelo Morales, police director for Region 12, has earlier tagged the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) as behind the Koronadal bombing, as part of its diversionary tactic due to massive losses from military and police operations.

Morales said police and military intelligence agents have identified areas - where the BIFF have plotted to conduct diversionary operations outside Maguindanao. These areas include Tacurong City, Korondal City, Kidapawan City, Gen. Santos City. Among the reported targets are public markets, bus terminals and malls.

Morales has appealed to the public to remain vigilant as authorities expect more similar attacks in the future. “We need your cooperation, please immediately report suspicious persons and unattended boxes to the local police,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1033644

1 dead, 2 hurt in fresh fighting between military, NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): 1 dead, 2 hurt in fresh fighting between military, NPA


Photo courtesy of 10th Infantry Division

Fresh fighting between the government security forces and the New People’s Army (NPA) in a remote area in Asuncion town, Davao del Norte, has claimed the life of a soldier and wounded two others on Sunday afternoon.

Capt. Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of the Army's 10th Infantry Division, was unable to disclose the names of the army casualties because their respective families have not been informed yet.

The encounter ensued after the 46th Infantry Battalion responded to information about the presence of armed men in the area, prompting the Army unit to conduct an operation. The encounter lasted about an hour.

Lamosao said the troops were able to recover eight high-powered firearms and one unexploded Improvised Explosive Device (IED) from the NPA rebels.

He said the armed men were the same rebels fleeing from another encounter with the 60th Infantry Battalion along the boundaries of Laak, Compostela Valley province and Asuncion, Davao del Norte.

Lt. Col Gilbert Ombos, commander of the 60th IB, said that while military operations are ongoing in areas threatened by the NPA, the Army remains open for NPA members who want to surrender.

“War has no victors, only victims. Winning without fighting is still the best option. The government is willing and ready to accept and help them (NPA members) return to their normal lives,” Col. Ombos said in a press statement.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1033718

Sayyaf gunmen seize 2 lady cops, 2 others in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): Sayyaf gunmen seize 2 lady cops, 2 others in Sulu

Troops have been deployed to track down and rescue four people, including two policewomen, seized by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in the province of Sulu, a top military official said Monday.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, identified the victims as PO3 Benierose Alvarez, PO1 Dinah Gumahad, Jakosalem Blas, and Faizal Ahidji.

Alvarez and Gumahad are both assigned with the Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9).

Sobejana said the victims were aboard a tricycle driven by Blas when they were seized around 12:40 p.m. Sunday in Barangay Liang, Patikul, Sulu.

Sobejana said the victims came from the headquarters of the 45th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Buhanginan when flagged down by 11 Abu Sayyaf bandits led by Mujir Yada.

The military identified Yada as one of the sub-leaders of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) based in the province of Sulu.

Sobejana said Yada’s group forcibly brought the victims towards south of the place where they were flagged down.

“Rescue efforts are on progress,” he added.

He advised the public to take precautions, especially in isolated areas, “to preclude untoward incident to happen.”

He also urged the public to report to them through fastest means any sighting of lawless elements so that appropriate action can be taken.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1033672

PH, SoKor vow closer military ties

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): PH, SoKor vow closer military ties



MILITARY TIES. Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana (left) shakes hands with his South Korean counterpart, Defense Minister Song Young-moo, in Song's office in Seoul on Monday (April 30, 2018). (Photo by Yonhap)

Filipino Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana came to Korea to attend the steel cutting ceremony for two frigates that the Philippines has ordered.

Defense Minister Song Young-moo briefed Lorenzana on the outcome of the inter-Korean summit talks last week.

He requested Manila's support for Seoul's efforts to achieve the denuclearization of the peninsula and bring lasting peace through an improvement in inter-Korean relations, the Korean ministry said.

Lorenzana welcomed the accomplishments from the summit and expressed the Philippines' backing for South Korea's initiative, it added.

They also pledged continued efforts to promote partnerships in arms development.

Last year, South Korea signed a contract to build two 2,600-ton frigates for the Philippine Navy.

South Korea earlier sold a dozen FA-50 light attack aircraft, based on the T-50 advanced trainer jet, to the Philippines.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1033669