From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 21): Communist national terrorist arrested in Ilocos Sur
A most wanted notorious criminal and a communist national terrorist was arrested by joint operatives from the PNP and AFP in Quirino, Ilocos Sur reported Saturday.
The suspect identified as Robert Banasan Navarette alias ‘Ka Ebon’, who was a remnant of Kilusang Larangang Gerilya (KLG) Medina or AMPIS and listed as most wanted person in Region 1 with Department of Interior Local Government bounty amounting to P150,000.
According to the police, ‘Ka Ebon’ was arrested by virtue of arrest warrant for crimes of arson, robbery, and murder with no bail.
The arrest was linked to the recent joint combat operation conducted by 102nd Maneuver Company, RMFB1 leading unit under the command of Senior Suot. Jovencio Badua Jr., and Armed Forces of the Philippines which resulted in the voluntary surrender of Antonio Tabling alias ‘Andy’, a listed member of Platun Dos, KLG AMPIS, ICRC at Barangay. Concepcion, Cervantes, Ilocos Sur.
“The continuous apprehension of communist national terrorists in the region is an indication that the counterinsurgency efforts of the police are effective,” said Chief Supt. Romulo Sapitula, PRO1 regional director.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/07/21/communist-national-terrorist-arrested-in-ilocos-sur/
Monday, July 23, 2018
‘Rebels’ shoot Toboso man to death
From the Panay News (Jul 22): ‘Rebels’ shoot Toboso man to death
Suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) shot a man to death in Barangay Bandila, Toboso, Negros Occidental, police said.
The 52-year-old resident Egan Carbajosa died of gunshot wounds on the head and the different parts of the body, a police report showed.
Carbajosa is a former member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit. He was gunned down around 3 p.m. on Friday while sitting and talking to friends at a store owned by Allan Dada, added the police.
After shooting Carbajosa, the two suspects fled while shouting “NPA!”
Police said other suspects also broke into Carbajosa’s house and took his firearm.
Recovered from the crime scene were three empty shells of a .45-caliber gun.
It was not immediately clear if the gun used to shoot Carbajosa was his.
Police were still identifying the suspects and the motive in the shooting.
https://www.panaynews.net/rebels-shoot-toboso-man-to-death/
Suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) shot a man to death in Barangay Bandila, Toboso, Negros Occidental, police said.
The 52-year-old resident Egan Carbajosa died of gunshot wounds on the head and the different parts of the body, a police report showed.
Carbajosa is a former member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit. He was gunned down around 3 p.m. on Friday while sitting and talking to friends at a store owned by Allan Dada, added the police.
After shooting Carbajosa, the two suspects fled while shouting “NPA!”
Police said other suspects also broke into Carbajosa’s house and took his firearm.
Recovered from the crime scene were three empty shells of a .45-caliber gun.
It was not immediately clear if the gun used to shoot Carbajosa was his.
Police were still identifying the suspects and the motive in the shooting.
https://www.panaynews.net/rebels-shoot-toboso-man-to-death/
Soldiers hunt rebels in Tapaz
From the Panay News (Jul 22): Soldiers hunt rebels in Tapaz
Philippine Army soldiers are running after armed men they identified as New People’s Army (NPA) members in Tapaz, Capiz.
A firefight ensued between the armed men and troops from the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) in the mountainous area of Barangay Roosevelt, Tapaz on Saturday, the military said.
Soldiers from the battalion’s Alpha Company scoured the area after receiving a report from the locals about the presence of armed men, said Lieutenant Hazel Durutan of the 61IB.
They came across and traded gunfire with 20 rebels under the NPA’s Central Front Committee (CFC) at 1:50 p.m., Durutan told Panay News in a phone interview.
The encounter site is a rebel-infested area, according to Senior Superintendent Samuel Nacion, Capiz police director.
According to Nacion, the CFC is led by Secretary Ted Caballes and Digoy Paderes.
No casualty or injury was reported among the government troops, Durutan said.
The firefight lasted 10 minutes. The rebels fled when augmentation personnel from the 3rd Infantry Division arrived, said the military officer.
“Thanks God walang nasugatan sa mga tao natin,” Durutan said.
As of this writing “we could not confirm if there are casualties or wounded on the part of the rebels,” the officer told Panay News. “We are still conducting a hot pursuit.”/
https://www.panaynews.net/soldiers-hunt-rebels-in-tapaz/
Philippine Army soldiers are running after armed men they identified as New People’s Army (NPA) members in Tapaz, Capiz.
A firefight ensued between the armed men and troops from the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) in the mountainous area of Barangay Roosevelt, Tapaz on Saturday, the military said.
Soldiers from the battalion’s Alpha Company scoured the area after receiving a report from the locals about the presence of armed men, said Lieutenant Hazel Durutan of the 61IB.
They came across and traded gunfire with 20 rebels under the NPA’s Central Front Committee (CFC) at 1:50 p.m., Durutan told Panay News in a phone interview.
The encounter site is a rebel-infested area, according to Senior Superintendent Samuel Nacion, Capiz police director.
According to Nacion, the CFC is led by Secretary Ted Caballes and Digoy Paderes.
No casualty or injury was reported among the government troops, Durutan said.
The firefight lasted 10 minutes. The rebels fled when augmentation personnel from the 3rd Infantry Division arrived, said the military officer.
“Thanks God walang nasugatan sa mga tao natin,” Durutan said.
As of this writing “we could not confirm if there are casualties or wounded on the part of the rebels,” the officer told Panay News. “We are still conducting a hot pursuit.”/
https://www.panaynews.net/soldiers-hunt-rebels-in-tapaz/
BIFF warns of more attacks as it rejects Bangsamoro Organic Law
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 22): BIFF warns of more attacks as it rejects Bangsamoro Organic Law
Abu Misri Mama, BIFF spokesperson, is shown here carrying an assault rifle. (File photo by JEOFFREY MAITEM / Inquirer Mindanao)
The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a militant group linked to the Islamic State, warned of more attacks against government security forces as it rejected Sunday the proposed Bangsamoro Organiz Law, which would give more autonomy to Muslims in Mindanao, a promise of President Rodrigo Duterte.
The President is expected to sign the bill into law on Monday when he delivers his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) in Congress.
Abu Misri Mama, BIFF spokesman, said the bill, which would create the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), would not solve the decades-old problem but will only create more problems.
“It will not bring peace,” Mama said. “Look, until now fighting there is fighting on the ground. The law will only benefit the leaders and not the people on the ground.”
The BIFF, with hundreds of fighters who broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2008, has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. But it did not send fighters when the Maute Group laid siege to Marawi City last year.
The siege has reduced the city to rubble after five months of gun battles and airstrikes that killed 1,200 people, mostly militants.
In 2014, the MILF signed a peace deal with the government in exchange for expanded autonomy. But the BIFF had vowed to push on with its separatist fight, attracting younger, more hardline members of the MILF.
Mohagher Iqbal, chairman of the MILF peace panel, said they were very happy with the version of the Bangsamoro Organic Law that passed Congress, as it was at least 85-percent compliant with the 2014 peace deal that this group signed with the government under Aquino administration.
In addressing the problems in Mindanao, Iqbal said his group would use its P60-billion block grant annually for education, social and health services.
“I think the compliance of the law that was passed in the bicameral conference committee is 85 percent to 90 percent. But as to the final assessment, that will be the decision of the leadership of the MILF,” he said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1012821/biff-warns-of-more-attacks-as-it-rejects-bangsamoro-organic-law
Abu Misri Mama, BIFF spokesperson, is shown here carrying an assault rifle. (File photo by JEOFFREY MAITEM / Inquirer Mindanao)
The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a militant group linked to the Islamic State, warned of more attacks against government security forces as it rejected Sunday the proposed Bangsamoro Organiz Law, which would give more autonomy to Muslims in Mindanao, a promise of President Rodrigo Duterte.
The President is expected to sign the bill into law on Monday when he delivers his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) in Congress.
Abu Misri Mama, BIFF spokesman, said the bill, which would create the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), would not solve the decades-old problem but will only create more problems.
“It will not bring peace,” Mama said. “Look, until now fighting there is fighting on the ground. The law will only benefit the leaders and not the people on the ground.”
The BIFF, with hundreds of fighters who broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2008, has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. But it did not send fighters when the Maute Group laid siege to Marawi City last year.
The siege has reduced the city to rubble after five months of gun battles and airstrikes that killed 1,200 people, mostly militants.
In 2014, the MILF signed a peace deal with the government in exchange for expanded autonomy. But the BIFF had vowed to push on with its separatist fight, attracting younger, more hardline members of the MILF.
Mohagher Iqbal, chairman of the MILF peace panel, said they were very happy with the version of the Bangsamoro Organic Law that passed Congress, as it was at least 85-percent compliant with the 2014 peace deal that this group signed with the government under Aquino administration.
In addressing the problems in Mindanao, Iqbal said his group would use its P60-billion block grant annually for education, social and health services.
“I think the compliance of the law that was passed in the bicameral conference committee is 85 percent to 90 percent. But as to the final assessment, that will be the decision of the leadership of the MILF,” he said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1012821/biff-warns-of-more-attacks-as-it-rejects-bangsamoro-organic-law
NPA terrorists continue to violate Int’l humanitarian law
From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 22): NPA terrorists continue to violate Int’l humanitarian law
CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – Field unit commanders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) on Sunday disclosed that the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) allegedly continued violating the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) through continuous use of landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
(MANILA BULLETIN)
The AFP, PNP and RPOC urged human rights group and other peace loving groups including church organizations to join them in condemning the CNTs in the continuous use of prohibited weapons.
“Landmines and IEDs do not only maim and kill victims but also cause mutilation and despoliation of the human body,” claimed Maj. Gen. Ronald C. Villanueva, commanding general of the AFPs Northeastern and Northern Mindanao 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4th ID), in a statement sent to The Manila Bulletin on Sunday.
The 4th ID chief cited the recent incident where 2 government soldiers were killed and three Army soldiers were wounded when the CNTs planted landmines that went off at 4:50 p.m. on Thursday (July 19) in Bungkuan area, Barangay San Juan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.
The impact of the land mine blast ripped the body parts of the two soldiers, the military report said.
Troops under the Army’s 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade were conducting clearing operations to the discovered NPA terrorists’ encampment that can accommodate 100 members. During the clearing, 402nd Brigade was engaged in a firefight that lasted for 20 minutes against the occupants of the camp and followed by a landmine explosion that ripped the body parts of two soldiers and wounded three others, the military report also said.
Major General Villanueva extended his condolences to the bereaved families and loved ones of the two soldiers who were killed.
“I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family of our two soldiers who were victims of the inhumane scheme of warfare by the NPA terrorists through landmines,” the top area commander of the AFP in Northeastern and Northern Mindanao said.
“This barbaric incident proves that NPAs are worthy to be called as terrorists,” Maj. Gen. Villanueva added.
“We condemn this senseless act of using landmine and disrespecting International Humanitarian Law,” said Brig. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, commanding general of the 402nd Brigade.
Gen. Gacal said: “There have been incidents of NPA terrorists using landmines and IEDs in our area of responsibility. Last March 4, 2015, NPA terrorists detonated an IED targeting the troops of 58th Infantry Battalion which killed two soldiers and a 16-year old boy in Barangays Cancavan and Puyat of Carmen, Surigao del Sur. On August 10, 2017, two civilians were critically wounded upon detonation of an IED by the same group along the national highway of Brgy Pungtod, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. Just this year, May 5, 30th Infantry Battalion troops seized six IEDs in an NPA terrorist encampment in the municipality of Malimono, Surigao del Norte.”
The 402nd Brigade commander urged human rights group to look into these continuous use of these prohibited landmines and IEDs by the CTNs, which could also inflict death not only on government soldiers but also on innocent civilians.
“This inhuman act must be stopped,” stressed 4th ID Public Affairs Office chief 1st Lt. Tere Ingente.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/07/22/npa-terrorists-continue-to-violate-intl-humanitarian-law/
CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – Field unit commanders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) on Sunday disclosed that the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) allegedly continued violating the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) through continuous use of landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
(MANILA BULLETIN)
The AFP, PNP and RPOC urged human rights group and other peace loving groups including church organizations to join them in condemning the CNTs in the continuous use of prohibited weapons.
“Landmines and IEDs do not only maim and kill victims but also cause mutilation and despoliation of the human body,” claimed Maj. Gen. Ronald C. Villanueva, commanding general of the AFPs Northeastern and Northern Mindanao 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4th ID), in a statement sent to The Manila Bulletin on Sunday.
The 4th ID chief cited the recent incident where 2 government soldiers were killed and three Army soldiers were wounded when the CNTs planted landmines that went off at 4:50 p.m. on Thursday (July 19) in Bungkuan area, Barangay San Juan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.
The impact of the land mine blast ripped the body parts of the two soldiers, the military report said.
Troops under the Army’s 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade were conducting clearing operations to the discovered NPA terrorists’ encampment that can accommodate 100 members. During the clearing, 402nd Brigade was engaged in a firefight that lasted for 20 minutes against the occupants of the camp and followed by a landmine explosion that ripped the body parts of two soldiers and wounded three others, the military report also said.
Major General Villanueva extended his condolences to the bereaved families and loved ones of the two soldiers who were killed.
“I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family of our two soldiers who were victims of the inhumane scheme of warfare by the NPA terrorists through landmines,” the top area commander of the AFP in Northeastern and Northern Mindanao said.
“This barbaric incident proves that NPAs are worthy to be called as terrorists,” Maj. Gen. Villanueva added.
“We condemn this senseless act of using landmine and disrespecting International Humanitarian Law,” said Brig. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, commanding general of the 402nd Brigade.
Gen. Gacal said: “There have been incidents of NPA terrorists using landmines and IEDs in our area of responsibility. Last March 4, 2015, NPA terrorists detonated an IED targeting the troops of 58th Infantry Battalion which killed two soldiers and a 16-year old boy in Barangays Cancavan and Puyat of Carmen, Surigao del Sur. On August 10, 2017, two civilians were critically wounded upon detonation of an IED by the same group along the national highway of Brgy Pungtod, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. Just this year, May 5, 30th Infantry Battalion troops seized six IEDs in an NPA terrorist encampment in the municipality of Malimono, Surigao del Norte.”
The 402nd Brigade commander urged human rights group to look into these continuous use of these prohibited landmines and IEDs by the CTNs, which could also inflict death not only on government soldiers but also on innocent civilians.
“This inhuman act must be stopped,” stressed 4th ID Public Affairs Office chief 1st Lt. Tere Ingente.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/07/22/npa-terrorists-continue-to-violate-intl-humanitarian-law/
PH occupies nine islands in West Philippine Sea — DND
From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 23): PH occupies nine islands in West Philippine Sea — DND
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana Monday stressed that the country is still in control and in occupation of its nine islands in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) contrary to speculation that China took some of it.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (AFP PHOTO / NOEL CELIS / MANILA BULLETIN)
Lorenzana made the remark following a Social Weather Stations (SWS) Survey that showed 87 percent, or about nine of 10 adult Filipinos, believe it was important to regain control of the Chinese-held islands in the West Philippine Sea.
However, Lorenzana pointed out that what China reclaimed was several underwater reefs that are now islands.
“No, we are still in control and in occupation. China reclaimed several underwater reefs that are now islands. Scarborough or Panatag shoal was lost to the Chinese in 2012. No island belonging to us were ever lost during the time of President (Rodrigo) Duterte,” Lorenzana said.
“While Panatag is under the effective control of the Chinese, our fishermen could fish in the area,” he added.
Lorenzana reiterated that there is nothing to retake as the country did not lose any islands in the West Philippine Sea.
“Retake what? Did we lose any Islands? The Chinese never took any of our occupied Islands. They took over unoccupied reefs and turned them into Islands. Had we been wiser we could have occupied those reefs as well when we occupied the nine Islands in the 70s,” Lorenzana said.
“I will throw the question back. How do you resolve the issue with a regional power that is ready to defend its “interest” militarily? Madaling magsabi ng (It’s easy to say) “let us assert our rights and sovereignty”. Question is How?”
“But first was there sovereignty violated? We have the sovereign right to exploit the resources but the WPS is not our sovereign territory. Panatag Shoal (thanks to the arbitral ruling) is now the fishing ground not exclusively of the Filipinos but of Chinese, Vietnamese and Taiwanese as well,” he added.
Lorenzana said one cannot accuse the Chief Executive of inaction because, after his bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Filipino fishermen returned to Panatag to fish.
“We can resupply our troops on our islands without interference. An agreement was made that both parties cannot occupy new features and none has done so far in compliance with this. And there is the talk of joint development of gas and oil resources in the area. Tourism and trade have flourished especially export of agricultural products,” Lorenzana said.
Lorenzana said compare these positive developments from that of the past administration with their action going to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), an international arbitral court, a body not under the United Nations and doesn’t have an enforcement mechanism.
“China did not participate. We won but it is an empty victory: The Chinese won’t leave our EEZ and instead it continues to assert its historical rights over the areas within the nine-dash line.,” Lorenzana said.
“Additionally, it stopped buying our bananas and pineapples, Chinese tourists dwindled to near zero, and our fishermen were barred from going to Panatag to fish,” he added.
Lorenzana said it will take time before the conflict is resolved and maybe not in our lifetime.
“(Even) the Chinese said that maybe we may not be able to resolve this in our lifetime. Maybe our descendants will be wiser. Meantime, let us leverage whatever advantage we have to improve our economy and the capabilities of our AFP and help in maintaining Regional peace and stability,” he said.
Going back to the survey, Duterte said there must be something wrong with the way the survey questions were crafted considering only 9 out of 10 Filipinos agreed that
it was important to regain control of the Chinese-held islands in the West Philippine Sea.
“It should be unanimous that we all want the control and exploitation of our EEZ,” Lorenzana said.
“So there are 10 percent who disapproves of the idea that we get back control? Who are these people? Bakit ayaw nila an mabalik sa complete control natin ang WPS? If I were to make a survey I would separate the two: whether I want control of the WPS and do you approved of the government’s action. Here I would explain what the Duterte administration found when it assumes office and what is obtaining now in the WPS,” he said.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/07/23/ph-occupies-nine-islands-in-west-philippine-sea-dnd/
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana Monday stressed that the country is still in control and in occupation of its nine islands in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) contrary to speculation that China took some of it.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (AFP PHOTO / NOEL CELIS / MANILA BULLETIN)
Lorenzana made the remark following a Social Weather Stations (SWS) Survey that showed 87 percent, or about nine of 10 adult Filipinos, believe it was important to regain control of the Chinese-held islands in the West Philippine Sea.
However, Lorenzana pointed out that what China reclaimed was several underwater reefs that are now islands.
“No, we are still in control and in occupation. China reclaimed several underwater reefs that are now islands. Scarborough or Panatag shoal was lost to the Chinese in 2012. No island belonging to us were ever lost during the time of President (Rodrigo) Duterte,” Lorenzana said.
“While Panatag is under the effective control of the Chinese, our fishermen could fish in the area,” he added.
Lorenzana reiterated that there is nothing to retake as the country did not lose any islands in the West Philippine Sea.
“Retake what? Did we lose any Islands? The Chinese never took any of our occupied Islands. They took over unoccupied reefs and turned them into Islands. Had we been wiser we could have occupied those reefs as well when we occupied the nine Islands in the 70s,” Lorenzana said.
“I will throw the question back. How do you resolve the issue with a regional power that is ready to defend its “interest” militarily? Madaling magsabi ng (It’s easy to say) “let us assert our rights and sovereignty”. Question is How?”
“But first was there sovereignty violated? We have the sovereign right to exploit the resources but the WPS is not our sovereign territory. Panatag Shoal (thanks to the arbitral ruling) is now the fishing ground not exclusively of the Filipinos but of Chinese, Vietnamese and Taiwanese as well,” he added.
Lorenzana said one cannot accuse the Chief Executive of inaction because, after his bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Filipino fishermen returned to Panatag to fish.
“We can resupply our troops on our islands without interference. An agreement was made that both parties cannot occupy new features and none has done so far in compliance with this. And there is the talk of joint development of gas and oil resources in the area. Tourism and trade have flourished especially export of agricultural products,” Lorenzana said.
Lorenzana said compare these positive developments from that of the past administration with their action going to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), an international arbitral court, a body not under the United Nations and doesn’t have an enforcement mechanism.
“China did not participate. We won but it is an empty victory: The Chinese won’t leave our EEZ and instead it continues to assert its historical rights over the areas within the nine-dash line.,” Lorenzana said.
“Additionally, it stopped buying our bananas and pineapples, Chinese tourists dwindled to near zero, and our fishermen were barred from going to Panatag to fish,” he added.
Lorenzana said it will take time before the conflict is resolved and maybe not in our lifetime.
“(Even) the Chinese said that maybe we may not be able to resolve this in our lifetime. Maybe our descendants will be wiser. Meantime, let us leverage whatever advantage we have to improve our economy and the capabilities of our AFP and help in maintaining Regional peace and stability,” he said.
Going back to the survey, Duterte said there must be something wrong with the way the survey questions were crafted considering only 9 out of 10 Filipinos agreed that
it was important to regain control of the Chinese-held islands in the West Philippine Sea.
“It should be unanimous that we all want the control and exploitation of our EEZ,” Lorenzana said.
“So there are 10 percent who disapproves of the idea that we get back control? Who are these people? Bakit ayaw nila an mabalik sa complete control natin ang WPS? If I were to make a survey I would separate the two: whether I want control of the WPS and do you approved of the government’s action. Here I would explain what the Duterte administration found when it assumes office and what is obtaining now in the WPS,” he said.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/07/23/ph-occupies-nine-islands-in-west-philippine-sea-dnd/
BCDA becomes catalyst
From the Daily Tribune (Jul 23): BCDA becomes catalyst
“BCDA has allotted a record-high P8.2 billion for men and women in uniform.”
Since its establishment in 1992, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has become a major player in the development of various projects as well as providing assistance to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Mandated to transform seven former United States military bases into bustling centers for both government and private sectors under Republic Act 7227, BCDA continues to be one of the key agencies involved in the Duterte administration’s ambitious “Build, Build, Build” project.
Now that President Rodrigo Duterte spent one-third of his term, the BCDA has been a major force in helping soldiers in the Marawi City siege.
It is currently involved in the hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
Troops support
BCDA has allotted a record-high P8.2 billion for men and women in uniform, as announced at a forum last March by BCDA president and CEO Vivencio Dizon.
The amount was 20 percent of the total P40 billion received by the Armed Forces and mainly allocated for the modernization of the AFP.
BCDA also allotted P5 million for hospitalization of 52 soldiers hurt during the Marawi siege, partnering with St. Luke’s Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City and Quezon City.
The corporation also extended its outreach program, Project Shoebox, to AFP personnel sent to troops in Marawi City – which was dubbed #OgopMarawi, which translates to “Help Marawi” in the local Meranaw language. Some 2,000 boxes of personal care products were also distributed, which include shirts, toiletries, towels and even encouragement letters and napkins.
The company also honored the troops with “Sundalo Ko, Bayani Ko,” geared for the 120th Philippine Army Day, where soldiers can avail themselves of discounts in several establishments inside Bonifacio Global City (BGC) which was a former military base.
Troops were also honored in the commercial center with an exhibit called “Ang Huling Tikas Pahinga: Isang Pagpupugay para sa mga Bayani ng Marawi” in 2017 at the Bonifacio High Street. The exhibit honored the fallen armed personnel of the AFP, killed in action during the siege.
The “Alab ng Puso” sculpture was unveiled on 23 April this year honoring the soldiers as well as contributing elevating the historical significance of BGC as a former military base. The sculpture was launched at One Bonifacio High Street, which is a portrayal of a Filipino soldier with his weapon set aside and reading a letter from his family. Behind the sculpture is the lyrics of “Lupang Hinirang,” the country’s national anthem.
New gov’t center rises
BCDA mainly focused on the 94.5-square kilometer planned community known as the New Clark City (NCC) in Capas, Tarlac.
The complex was part of the Clark Special Economic Zone, spanning the municipalities of Capas and Bamban in Tarlac, as well as Mabalacat and Porac in Pampaga, along with the Angeles City.
The entity teamed up with Malaysian-based construction firm Alloy MTD for the development of the National Government Administrative Center (NGAC).
It broke ground last January 23. Phase 1A of the 200-hectare NGAC will be used for the development of backup offices for various agencies and includes a sports complex, which was set to host the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
SEA Games site
Construction began last April 25 for the sports complex, which boasts a 20,000-seater stadium and a 2,000-seater aquatic center, both built under international standards.
The P12.7-billion project is set to be completed on 15 October 2019, a month before the scheduled SEA Games.
BCDA and Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corp for Transport and Urban Development (JOIN) inked a memorandum of cooperation with Singapore’s Surbana Jurong last February 12. Surbana Jurong will assist BCDA and JOIN in drafting the development management framework, design standard and environmental guidelines in accordance with NCC’s Comprehensive Master Development Plan (CMDP).
It will also help the two entities in using public-private partnerships and give advise in the implementation of pioneer NCC developers.
Filinvest Land Inc. also entered a joint venture with BCDA in the development of the 288-hectare part of NCC for industrial use last 2016 and was set to complete in 2022.
BCDA would receive P160 million from the realty firm for the project.
Last May, the state-owned firm also opened itself for bids on NCC’s utilities, which includes waterworks and power. The contract will be awarded in September.
Roads linked
BCDA awarded the P3.125-billion access road project to V. T. Construction and China Harbour Engineering Construction Consortium which will connect NCC to Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).
The eight-lane access road will span 12.05 kilometers, with two interchanges, three bridges and lanes for pedestrians and bicycles.
The project, which commenced last April 19, will be completed in the third quarter of next year.
Another access road, which is 19.82 kilometers in length, will be constructed to connect NCC to Clark International Airport. The Phase 1 will cover 5.33 kilometers and projected to be P3.9 billion pesos.
Along with Department of Trasportation (DoTr), the company awarded the Clark International Airport expansion project to Pinoy construction firm Megawide and India’s GMR Infrastructure Limited. The 10.2-hectare terminal costed P9.36 billion and will serve 8 million people. Upon completion in 2020, the airport is expected to help decongest the Philippines’ main atrium to the world, NAIA.
Clark Airport deal set
DoTr and BCDA also opened the bidding process for the operations and maintenance of the Clark International Airport which will manage and operate the existing passenger terminal and the new terminal upon completion.
The contract will be awarded in the third quarter and projected to cost P5.6 billion.
Another project lined up is the Subic-Clark Railway, which is currently under preliminary procurement.
The project was approved by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and was targeted to be finished in November 2022 for about P50 billion. The railway was part of the Philippine National Railway (PNR) Luzon Development Framework, a modern take of the old PNR route and will connect the cities of Tuguegarao in Cagayan and San Fernando in La Union to Matnog, Sorsogon via the current PNR network.
The Luzon Bypass Infrastructure Network, which is a collaboration between BCDA, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and social media frontrunner Facebook, targets faster Internet connection.
FB will construct a submarine cable system connecting Philippines to US and Asia while the BCDA will build the 250 kilometer long cable network corridor, running from Poro Point in La Union to Baler, Aurora.
DICT will build the national backbone connecting the corridor to the rest of Luzon mainland.
Huge bandwidth up
Facebook will provide 2 terabits of bandwidth, almost equal to the bandwidths of PLDT and Globe combined. The said project is expected to roll out this year.
The Build, Build, Build team, composed of the Department of Budget and Management, Department of Finance, Department of Public Works and Highways, DoTr, NEDA and BCDA, have been continuously updating the progress of its projects in the Build Build Build portal (build.gov.ph) which was launched late in April 2017. Since May 29 this year, the website added a new feature, dubbed “Jobs, Jobs, Jobs,” catering to workers who want to have a job under the said infrastructure program.
BCDA is still set to roll out more projects in the coming years, which include developing the rest of the New Clark City and the planned ICONE Tower, an iconic building dedicated to the AFP.
http://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2018/07/23/bcda-becomes-catalyst/
“BCDA has allotted a record-high P8.2 billion for men and women in uniform.”
Since its establishment in 1992, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has become a major player in the development of various projects as well as providing assistance to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Mandated to transform seven former United States military bases into bustling centers for both government and private sectors under Republic Act 7227, BCDA continues to be one of the key agencies involved in the Duterte administration’s ambitious “Build, Build, Build” project.
Now that President Rodrigo Duterte spent one-third of his term, the BCDA has been a major force in helping soldiers in the Marawi City siege.
It is currently involved in the hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
Troops support
BCDA has allotted a record-high P8.2 billion for men and women in uniform, as announced at a forum last March by BCDA president and CEO Vivencio Dizon.
The amount was 20 percent of the total P40 billion received by the Armed Forces and mainly allocated for the modernization of the AFP.
BCDA also allotted P5 million for hospitalization of 52 soldiers hurt during the Marawi siege, partnering with St. Luke’s Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City and Quezon City.
The corporation also extended its outreach program, Project Shoebox, to AFP personnel sent to troops in Marawi City – which was dubbed #OgopMarawi, which translates to “Help Marawi” in the local Meranaw language. Some 2,000 boxes of personal care products were also distributed, which include shirts, toiletries, towels and even encouragement letters and napkins.
The company also honored the troops with “Sundalo Ko, Bayani Ko,” geared for the 120th Philippine Army Day, where soldiers can avail themselves of discounts in several establishments inside Bonifacio Global City (BGC) which was a former military base.
Troops were also honored in the commercial center with an exhibit called “Ang Huling Tikas Pahinga: Isang Pagpupugay para sa mga Bayani ng Marawi” in 2017 at the Bonifacio High Street. The exhibit honored the fallen armed personnel of the AFP, killed in action during the siege.
The “Alab ng Puso” sculpture was unveiled on 23 April this year honoring the soldiers as well as contributing elevating the historical significance of BGC as a former military base. The sculpture was launched at One Bonifacio High Street, which is a portrayal of a Filipino soldier with his weapon set aside and reading a letter from his family. Behind the sculpture is the lyrics of “Lupang Hinirang,” the country’s national anthem.
New gov’t center rises
BCDA mainly focused on the 94.5-square kilometer planned community known as the New Clark City (NCC) in Capas, Tarlac.
The complex was part of the Clark Special Economic Zone, spanning the municipalities of Capas and Bamban in Tarlac, as well as Mabalacat and Porac in Pampaga, along with the Angeles City.
The entity teamed up with Malaysian-based construction firm Alloy MTD for the development of the National Government Administrative Center (NGAC).
It broke ground last January 23. Phase 1A of the 200-hectare NGAC will be used for the development of backup offices for various agencies and includes a sports complex, which was set to host the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
SEA Games site
Construction began last April 25 for the sports complex, which boasts a 20,000-seater stadium and a 2,000-seater aquatic center, both built under international standards.
The P12.7-billion project is set to be completed on 15 October 2019, a month before the scheduled SEA Games.
BCDA and Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corp for Transport and Urban Development (JOIN) inked a memorandum of cooperation with Singapore’s Surbana Jurong last February 12. Surbana Jurong will assist BCDA and JOIN in drafting the development management framework, design standard and environmental guidelines in accordance with NCC’s Comprehensive Master Development Plan (CMDP).
It will also help the two entities in using public-private partnerships and give advise in the implementation of pioneer NCC developers.
Filinvest Land Inc. also entered a joint venture with BCDA in the development of the 288-hectare part of NCC for industrial use last 2016 and was set to complete in 2022.
BCDA would receive P160 million from the realty firm for the project.
Last May, the state-owned firm also opened itself for bids on NCC’s utilities, which includes waterworks and power. The contract will be awarded in September.
Roads linked
BCDA awarded the P3.125-billion access road project to V. T. Construction and China Harbour Engineering Construction Consortium which will connect NCC to Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).
The eight-lane access road will span 12.05 kilometers, with two interchanges, three bridges and lanes for pedestrians and bicycles.
The project, which commenced last April 19, will be completed in the third quarter of next year.
Another access road, which is 19.82 kilometers in length, will be constructed to connect NCC to Clark International Airport. The Phase 1 will cover 5.33 kilometers and projected to be P3.9 billion pesos.
Along with Department of Trasportation (DoTr), the company awarded the Clark International Airport expansion project to Pinoy construction firm Megawide and India’s GMR Infrastructure Limited. The 10.2-hectare terminal costed P9.36 billion and will serve 8 million people. Upon completion in 2020, the airport is expected to help decongest the Philippines’ main atrium to the world, NAIA.
Clark Airport deal set
DoTr and BCDA also opened the bidding process for the operations and maintenance of the Clark International Airport which will manage and operate the existing passenger terminal and the new terminal upon completion.
The contract will be awarded in the third quarter and projected to cost P5.6 billion.
Another project lined up is the Subic-Clark Railway, which is currently under preliminary procurement.
The project was approved by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and was targeted to be finished in November 2022 for about P50 billion. The railway was part of the Philippine National Railway (PNR) Luzon Development Framework, a modern take of the old PNR route and will connect the cities of Tuguegarao in Cagayan and San Fernando in La Union to Matnog, Sorsogon via the current PNR network.
The Luzon Bypass Infrastructure Network, which is a collaboration between BCDA, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and social media frontrunner Facebook, targets faster Internet connection.
FB will construct a submarine cable system connecting Philippines to US and Asia while the BCDA will build the 250 kilometer long cable network corridor, running from Poro Point in La Union to Baler, Aurora.
DICT will build the national backbone connecting the corridor to the rest of Luzon mainland.
Huge bandwidth up
Facebook will provide 2 terabits of bandwidth, almost equal to the bandwidths of PLDT and Globe combined. The said project is expected to roll out this year.
The Build, Build, Build team, composed of the Department of Budget and Management, Department of Finance, Department of Public Works and Highways, DoTr, NEDA and BCDA, have been continuously updating the progress of its projects in the Build Build Build portal (build.gov.ph) which was launched late in April 2017. Since May 29 this year, the website added a new feature, dubbed “Jobs, Jobs, Jobs,” catering to workers who want to have a job under the said infrastructure program.
BCDA is still set to roll out more projects in the coming years, which include developing the rest of the New Clark City and the planned ICONE Tower, an iconic building dedicated to the AFP.
http://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2018/07/23/bcda-becomes-catalyst/
Military: New BIFF bombers out in Central Mindanao
From Malaya Business Insight (Jul 23): Military: New BIFF bombers out in Central Mindanao
THE Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) recently completed the training of dozens of new bombers in Central Mindanao, a ranking military official disclosed yesterday.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the newly-trained fighters are behind the series of bombings in Central Mindanao, including the July 11 bombing at the Datu Paglas town public market in Maguindanao.
“Our information indicated they completed their training about two months ago and are now practicing their capability, their knowledge, in the Maguindanao area,” the source said of the new BIFF bombers.
The official said the Army’s 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao is on the lookout for more possible bombing attempts by the newly-trained BIFF bombers, which he said number to about 20 to 30.
The official said the BIFF is plotting more bombings to avenge their recently losses against the military. About 70 BIFF members have been killed in the military’s intensified campaign against the group since June 1.
“They are angry because of what happened and they also want to show the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) that they are already capable, they are already ready as an organization because they want to be recognized by ISIS,” he said.
The BIFF, along with the Maute Group and the Abu Sayyaf Group, has pledged allegiance with the ISIS a few years back. The three groups are classified by the Armed Forces as terrorist organizations.
The BIFF has about 300 to 400 members, mostly former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. It was established in 2010 by former MILF commander Ameril Umbra Kato, who died of heart attack in 2015.
http://malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/military-new-biff-bombers-out-central-mindanao
THE Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) recently completed the training of dozens of new bombers in Central Mindanao, a ranking military official disclosed yesterday.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the newly-trained fighters are behind the series of bombings in Central Mindanao, including the July 11 bombing at the Datu Paglas town public market in Maguindanao.
“Our information indicated they completed their training about two months ago and are now practicing their capability, their knowledge, in the Maguindanao area,” the source said of the new BIFF bombers.
The official said the Army’s 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao is on the lookout for more possible bombing attempts by the newly-trained BIFF bombers, which he said number to about 20 to 30.
The official said the BIFF is plotting more bombings to avenge their recently losses against the military. About 70 BIFF members have been killed in the military’s intensified campaign against the group since June 1.
“They are angry because of what happened and they also want to show the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) that they are already capable, they are already ready as an organization because they want to be recognized by ISIS,” he said.
The BIFF, along with the Maute Group and the Abu Sayyaf Group, has pledged allegiance with the ISIS a few years back. The three groups are classified by the Armed Forces as terrorist organizations.
The BIFF has about 300 to 400 members, mostly former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. It was established in 2010 by former MILF commander Ameril Umbra Kato, who died of heart attack in 2015.
http://malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/military-new-biff-bombers-out-central-mindanao
407 Army trainees hurdle basic military, jungle warfare training
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23): 407 Army trainees hurdle basic military, jungle warfare training
At least 407 army trainees hurdled their 16-week basic military and jungle warfare training to become members of the Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division (ID).
Capt. Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of the 10th ID, said on Sunday the new graduates will be deployed to different units in the Davao region, parts of North Cotabato, and Sarangani.
Of the 407 new graduates, 244 are members of Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) “Dalitan” Class 540 and 163 of “Mabangis” Class 542-2018. They received their certificates on Friday at the 10th ID Camp Sgt. Demerin in Tuburan, Mawab, Compostela Valley.
Lamosao said there are four brigades organic to the 10th ID and one under its operational control.
The new soldiers began training after passing the Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test (AFPSAT) and the routine Physical Fitness Test (PFT), neuro-psychological examination, general physical exam, board interview and final deliberation.
Major Gen. Noel Clement, 10th ID commander, said the division is committed to train and hone the potentials of the young generation of soldiers.
Clement said the training included subjects on weapons training, jungle warfare and mountaineering, military tactics-techniques-procedures, combat standard operating procedure, intelligence, civil-military operations, and lectures that emphasized on respect of human rights, international humanitarian law, rule of law, and essence of the honor code.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1042256
At least 407 army trainees hurdled their 16-week basic military and jungle warfare training to become members of the Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division (ID).
Capt. Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of the 10th ID, said on Sunday the new graduates will be deployed to different units in the Davao region, parts of North Cotabato, and Sarangani.
Of the 407 new graduates, 244 are members of Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) “Dalitan” Class 540 and 163 of “Mabangis” Class 542-2018. They received their certificates on Friday at the 10th ID Camp Sgt. Demerin in Tuburan, Mawab, Compostela Valley.
Lamosao said there are four brigades organic to the 10th ID and one under its operational control.
The new soldiers began training after passing the Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test (AFPSAT) and the routine Physical Fitness Test (PFT), neuro-psychological examination, general physical exam, board interview and final deliberation.
Major Gen. Noel Clement, 10th ID commander, said the division is committed to train and hone the potentials of the young generation of soldiers.
Clement said the training included subjects on weapons training, jungle warfare and mountaineering, military tactics-techniques-procedures, combat standard operating procedure, intelligence, civil-military operations, and lectures that emphasized on respect of human rights, international humanitarian law, rule of law, and essence of the honor code.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1042256
NPA medical officer in Mindoro surrenders
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23): NPA medical officer in Mindoro surrenders
CAMP GEN. MATEO CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – A medical officer of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to joint elements of the 76th Infantry Battalion (76IB) and the 402nd Mobile Police Company based in Occidental Mindoro on Saturday.
In a report reaching here on Sunday, Lieutenant Colonel Mario Lito I. Retirva, acting 76 IB Commanding Officer, identified the surrenderer as Ronnie I. Ferrer, alias “Jack”, 42, who joined the communist terrorist group's armed struggled against the government since he was 27 years old.
Retirva disclosed that Ferrer was a medical officer of the Platoon Falcon, formerly known as Kilusang Larangang Guerilla “Yam-ay”, Sub- Regional Military Area-4D, Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC).
He also said that Ferrer was identified as one of the fugitives known as “Batangas 9. A group composed of about 20 NPA rebels raided the Batangas Provincial City Jail that resulted in a jail break for their detained comrades and other inmates facing drug-related cases on January 6, 2006.
Following his surrender, Ferrer divulged in an interview that he was recruited at the age of 18 by a left-leaning youth organization, which forced the recruits to attend mass rallies and protests.
“Ako ay na recruit nila sa pamamagitan ng pag-pasok sa Samahan ng mga Kabataan hanggang maugnayan na ako ng mga kasamang nagsasagawa ng gawaing masa (I was recruited through the Youth League until I was involved in the members’ activities on mass actions),” Ferrer admitted.
He said his fellow members have been brainwashed to hate the government through social and political issues in the province.
The surrendered rebel also told government troops that the failure of the CPP-NPA-NDF leadership to give his medical needs and the false hope of the organization caused him to decide to abandon his armed struggle and return to a normal life.
He added he experienced starvation due to the dwindling support from the masses and continuous evasion from intensified combat operations.
Ferrer confirmed reports that the CPP-NPA-NDF in Mindoro is continuously recruiting Indigenous Peoples (IPs) because they believed that Mangyans are easier to convince and manipulate.
“Yung mga katutubo, dahil sila ang nasa liblib na lugar, sila yung pangunahing nirerekrut ng kilusan at madali silang mahikayat (the indigenous peoples who are in the remote areas are the primary target for recruitment because they can easily be convinced),” he added.
According to Retirva, the 76IB, together with the Philippine National Police (PNP) units in the area, had been working together for Ferrer’s surrender as early as May this year after the military troops received his surrender feelers.
Meanwhile, Major General Rhoderick M. Parayno, Commander of the 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division (2ID) has commended efforts of the 76IB and the PNP in Mindoro with Ferrer’s surrender, which added to the list of two other rebels who gave up to the 76IB last June 22 this year.
Parayno stressed that the continuous surrender of the NPA in the area are clear indications that "our call for the NPAs to go back to the folds of the law is being heard."
“Rest assured that the 2ID is always open for NPA members who will decide to surrender and embraced the path to peace. We will help them get the benefits due them and link them to the different government programs to facilitate their return to normal and productive lives,” he said.
Parayno also assured that immediate and livelihood cash assistance are allotted to them under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1042296
CAMP GEN. MATEO CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – A medical officer of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to joint elements of the 76th Infantry Battalion (76IB) and the 402nd Mobile Police Company based in Occidental Mindoro on Saturday.
In a report reaching here on Sunday, Lieutenant Colonel Mario Lito I. Retirva, acting 76 IB Commanding Officer, identified the surrenderer as Ronnie I. Ferrer, alias “Jack”, 42, who joined the communist terrorist group's armed struggled against the government since he was 27 years old.
Retirva disclosed that Ferrer was a medical officer of the Platoon Falcon, formerly known as Kilusang Larangang Guerilla “Yam-ay”, Sub- Regional Military Area-4D, Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC).
He also said that Ferrer was identified as one of the fugitives known as “Batangas 9. A group composed of about 20 NPA rebels raided the Batangas Provincial City Jail that resulted in a jail break for their detained comrades and other inmates facing drug-related cases on January 6, 2006.
Following his surrender, Ferrer divulged in an interview that he was recruited at the age of 18 by a left-leaning youth organization, which forced the recruits to attend mass rallies and protests.
“Ako ay na recruit nila sa pamamagitan ng pag-pasok sa Samahan ng mga Kabataan hanggang maugnayan na ako ng mga kasamang nagsasagawa ng gawaing masa (I was recruited through the Youth League until I was involved in the members’ activities on mass actions),” Ferrer admitted.
He said his fellow members have been brainwashed to hate the government through social and political issues in the province.
The surrendered rebel also told government troops that the failure of the CPP-NPA-NDF leadership to give his medical needs and the false hope of the organization caused him to decide to abandon his armed struggle and return to a normal life.
He added he experienced starvation due to the dwindling support from the masses and continuous evasion from intensified combat operations.
Ferrer confirmed reports that the CPP-NPA-NDF in Mindoro is continuously recruiting Indigenous Peoples (IPs) because they believed that Mangyans are easier to convince and manipulate.
“Yung mga katutubo, dahil sila ang nasa liblib na lugar, sila yung pangunahing nirerekrut ng kilusan at madali silang mahikayat (the indigenous peoples who are in the remote areas are the primary target for recruitment because they can easily be convinced),” he added.
According to Retirva, the 76IB, together with the Philippine National Police (PNP) units in the area, had been working together for Ferrer’s surrender as early as May this year after the military troops received his surrender feelers.
Meanwhile, Major General Rhoderick M. Parayno, Commander of the 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division (2ID) has commended efforts of the 76IB and the PNP in Mindoro with Ferrer’s surrender, which added to the list of two other rebels who gave up to the 76IB last June 22 this year.
Parayno stressed that the continuous surrender of the NPA in the area are clear indications that "our call for the NPAs to go back to the folds of the law is being heard."
“Rest assured that the 2ID is always open for NPA members who will decide to surrender and embraced the path to peace. We will help them get the benefits due them and link them to the different government programs to facilitate their return to normal and productive lives,” he said.
Parayno also assured that immediate and livelihood cash assistance are allotted to them under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1042296
NegOr Police commemorates ambush-slay of Guihulngan cops
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23): NegOr Police commemorates ambush-slay of Guihulngan cops
The Negros Oriental Police commemorated the first year anniversary of the ambush-slay of six policemen in Guihulngan City over the weekend.
On Saturday, the police held a “Bike for Peace” in honor of those who were killed in Barangay Magsaysay, Guihulngan City on July 21, 2017.
Provincial police director, Senior Supt. Raul Tacaca, said the Bike for Peace started at the public plaza of Sibulan town up to Tanjay City, where another group of bikers, mostly from the north, waited for them to continue biking all the way to Guihulngan City.
A mass was offered for the slain policemen namely, police chief Supt. Arnel Arpon, and five of his men -- SPO2 Mecasio Tabilon, SPO2 Chavic Agosto, SPO1 Jesael Ancheta, PO2 Alvin Paul Bulandres, and PO2 Alfredo Dunque.
Three other policemen were wounded in that incident -- SPO4 Jerome Delara, POC3 Jordan Balderas and PO2 Jorie Maribao.
The police chief and his men were responding to a call for help from Guihulngan City Councilor Edison dela Rita, who said he and his companions were ambushed in Barangay Magsaysay of that northern city, when waylaid.
Dela Rita's aide Michael Jambalos also died in the incident.
Guihulngan City Police chief, Supt. Alex Baquiran, disclosed over the weekend that two of the suspects in the ambush-slay had been identified.
A certain Jonathan Lacadman was arrested in Cebu, and is detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology district jail in Guihulngan, while the other suspect, identified as Toto de Asis, was killed by unknown perpetrators in Barangay Malusay also in Guihulngan last February 21, said Baquiran.
The Guihulngan chief of police further said the death of de Asis is one of 60 shooting incidents being investigated for the period July 2017 to July 2018.
Of the number, 21 shooting incidents were considered solved and cleared upon identification of suspects and cases were filed against them based on the parameters of the police.
This developed as human rights groups and non-governmental organizations trooped to the office of the city mayor recently for a dialogue as part of their fact-finding investigation.
The police chief said they were updated on the investigation.
Baquiran said most of the shooting incidents in Guihulngan City do not have witnesses, with the perpetrators usually wearing masks and bonnets, while other witnesses are also afraid to come out in the open for fear of reprisal from the suspects.
He told the human rights groups to present and show proof that most of the shooting incidents were perpetrated by government security forces as he assured them that an impartial investigation will be conducted.
Baquiran said those who asked for an audience with Guihulngan Mayor Guido Reyes were members of the groups Karapatan and Bayan Muna, and some of them were foreigners.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1042340
The Negros Oriental Police commemorated the first year anniversary of the ambush-slay of six policemen in Guihulngan City over the weekend.
On Saturday, the police held a “Bike for Peace” in honor of those who were killed in Barangay Magsaysay, Guihulngan City on July 21, 2017.
Provincial police director, Senior Supt. Raul Tacaca, said the Bike for Peace started at the public plaza of Sibulan town up to Tanjay City, where another group of bikers, mostly from the north, waited for them to continue biking all the way to Guihulngan City.
A mass was offered for the slain policemen namely, police chief Supt. Arnel Arpon, and five of his men -- SPO2 Mecasio Tabilon, SPO2 Chavic Agosto, SPO1 Jesael Ancheta, PO2 Alvin Paul Bulandres, and PO2 Alfredo Dunque.
Three other policemen were wounded in that incident -- SPO4 Jerome Delara, POC3 Jordan Balderas and PO2 Jorie Maribao.
The police chief and his men were responding to a call for help from Guihulngan City Councilor Edison dela Rita, who said he and his companions were ambushed in Barangay Magsaysay of that northern city, when waylaid.
Dela Rita's aide Michael Jambalos also died in the incident.
Guihulngan City Police chief, Supt. Alex Baquiran, disclosed over the weekend that two of the suspects in the ambush-slay had been identified.
A certain Jonathan Lacadman was arrested in Cebu, and is detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology district jail in Guihulngan, while the other suspect, identified as Toto de Asis, was killed by unknown perpetrators in Barangay Malusay also in Guihulngan last February 21, said Baquiran.
The Guihulngan chief of police further said the death of de Asis is one of 60 shooting incidents being investigated for the period July 2017 to July 2018.
Of the number, 21 shooting incidents were considered solved and cleared upon identification of suspects and cases were filed against them based on the parameters of the police.
This developed as human rights groups and non-governmental organizations trooped to the office of the city mayor recently for a dialogue as part of their fact-finding investigation.
The police chief said they were updated on the investigation.
Baquiran said most of the shooting incidents in Guihulngan City do not have witnesses, with the perpetrators usually wearing masks and bonnets, while other witnesses are also afraid to come out in the open for fear of reprisal from the suspects.
He told the human rights groups to present and show proof that most of the shooting incidents were perpetrated by government security forces as he assured them that an impartial investigation will be conducted.
Baquiran said those who asked for an audience with Guihulngan Mayor Guido Reyes were members of the groups Karapatan and Bayan Muna, and some of them were foreigners.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1042340
Protest peacefully on SONA, AFP urges militants
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23): Protest peacefully on SONA, AFP urges militants
While it respects the people's right to freedom of expression and assembly, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) called on people who will join protests in line with President Rodrigo Duterte's third State of the Nation Address (SONA) to conduct such actions in a peaceful and orderly manner.
"But if they have to pursue those rights, they should do so peaceably and with due regard to the opinion, safety, and well-being of others," AFP spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said in a message to reporters late Sunday.
He also urged protesters to be more discerning of the issues before exercising their freedom of expression and of assembly.
"We likewise entreat them to examine the motivations of individuals who or groups that draw them to the streets," Arevalo added.
This is because at the end of the day, both protesters and security forces are Filipinos whose predisposition is how to be part of the solution, not exasperation, the AFP spokesperson added.
"While security forces endeavor to ensure a peaceful environment during the SONA, our people should be alert. Be particularly vigilant of what is happening around them. Be actively involved by reporting to the AFP and the PNP (Philippine National Police) any suspicious individuals or activities they observe," the military official emphasized.
Arevalo also stressed that while security forces were ordered to exercise “maximum tolerance”, they are duty-bound to ensure that no lives are placed in serious jeopardy, he added.
Earlier, the AFP announced that it will be deploying its Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) to help the PNP secure Monday's proceedings.
JTF-NCR will deploy three infantry companies, two infantry platoons, seven civil disturbance management companies, three search-and-rescue response teams, one air defense asset team and two chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear explosives teams.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1042272
While it respects the people's right to freedom of expression and assembly, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) called on people who will join protests in line with President Rodrigo Duterte's third State of the Nation Address (SONA) to conduct such actions in a peaceful and orderly manner.
"But if they have to pursue those rights, they should do so peaceably and with due regard to the opinion, safety, and well-being of others," AFP spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said in a message to reporters late Sunday.
He also urged protesters to be more discerning of the issues before exercising their freedom of expression and of assembly.
"We likewise entreat them to examine the motivations of individuals who or groups that draw them to the streets," Arevalo added.
This is because at the end of the day, both protesters and security forces are Filipinos whose predisposition is how to be part of the solution, not exasperation, the AFP spokesperson added.
"While security forces endeavor to ensure a peaceful environment during the SONA, our people should be alert. Be particularly vigilant of what is happening around them. Be actively involved by reporting to the AFP and the PNP (Philippine National Police) any suspicious individuals or activities they observe," the military official emphasized.
Arevalo also stressed that while security forces were ordered to exercise “maximum tolerance”, they are duty-bound to ensure that no lives are placed in serious jeopardy, he added.
Earlier, the AFP announced that it will be deploying its Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) to help the PNP secure Monday's proceedings.
JTF-NCR will deploy three infantry companies, two infantry platoons, seven civil disturbance management companies, three search-and-rescue response teams, one air defense asset team and two chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear explosives teams.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1042272
Senators hopeful BOL will bring 'elusive peace' in Mindanao
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23): Senators hopeful BOL will bring 'elusive peace' in Mindanao
Senators have expressed optimism that the Organic law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), will finally end decades-long conflict in Mindanao.
“It can bring peace and stability,” Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said in a media interview after the Senate unanimously ratified the bicameral conference committee report on BOL on Monday during the opening session of the third regular session of the 17th Congress.
The House of Representatives, on the other hand, adjourned its session without ratifying the BOL.
Drilon said the creation of the Bangsamoro government is expected to spur economic development in Mindanao, since over Php50 billion from taxpayers’ money will be given to the region every year.
“I was just sad that the provision of the anti-dynasty was not included in the (BOL),” Drilon said.
For his part, Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto expressed hope that with the BOL, “we (wil) finally achieve the elusive peace in Mindanao.”
Recto said the Senate has inserted important provisions that would benefit both the Moro people and the whole country.
Both Drilon and Recto agreed that the BOL provisions, several of which came from the Senate, will hurdle the judicial review in the Supreme Court.
“Because many provisions have been included, I think it will hurdle the constitutional complaints and the Supreme Court will affirm it,” Recto said.
Drilon said he is expecting the BOL to be challenged in the SC but expressed confidence “that the constitutional issue can be tackled properly, and eventually the provisions will be declared as constitutionally compliant”.
Among the provisions adopted in the BOL bicam report include the creation of a Shari'ah High Court, and the joint powers of the Bangsamoro government and national government over the exploration, development, and use of fossil fuels and uranium in the new region.
The bicameral committee approved the 75-25 Bangsamoro and central government wealth sharing.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1042307
Senators have expressed optimism that the Organic law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), will finally end decades-long conflict in Mindanao.
“It can bring peace and stability,” Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said in a media interview after the Senate unanimously ratified the bicameral conference committee report on BOL on Monday during the opening session of the third regular session of the 17th Congress.
The House of Representatives, on the other hand, adjourned its session without ratifying the BOL.
Drilon said the creation of the Bangsamoro government is expected to spur economic development in Mindanao, since over Php50 billion from taxpayers’ money will be given to the region every year.
“I was just sad that the provision of the anti-dynasty was not included in the (BOL),” Drilon said.
For his part, Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto expressed hope that with the BOL, “we (wil) finally achieve the elusive peace in Mindanao.”
Recto said the Senate has inserted important provisions that would benefit both the Moro people and the whole country.
Both Drilon and Recto agreed that the BOL provisions, several of which came from the Senate, will hurdle the judicial review in the Supreme Court.
“Because many provisions have been included, I think it will hurdle the constitutional complaints and the Supreme Court will affirm it,” Recto said.
Drilon said he is expecting the BOL to be challenged in the SC but expressed confidence “that the constitutional issue can be tackled properly, and eventually the provisions will be declared as constitutionally compliant”.
Among the provisions adopted in the BOL bicam report include the creation of a Shari'ah High Court, and the joint powers of the Bangsamoro government and national government over the exploration, development, and use of fossil fuels and uranium in the new region.
The bicameral committee approved the 75-25 Bangsamoro and central government wealth sharing.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1042307
PRRD not guilty of inaction on WPS issue: Lorenzana
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23): PRRD not guilty of inaction on WPS issue: Lorenzana
President Rodrigo Duterte is not guilty of any inaction when it comes to asserting the country's control over territories in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday.
"One cannot accuse the President of inaction because after his bilateral (talks) with (Chinese President Xi Jinping), our fishermen returned to Panatag to fish, we can resupply our troops on our islands without interference, an agreement was made that both parties cannot occupy new features and none (of them) has done (anything) so far in compliance with this, and there is talk of joint development of gas and oil resources in the area, tourism and trade has flourished specially export of (agricultural) products," he stressed.
Lorenzana also clarified that no Philippine-occupied islands were lost during the present administration.
"Retake what? Did we lose any islands? The Chinese never took any of our occupied islands. They took over unoccupied reefs and turned them into islands. Had we been wiser we could have occupied those reefs as well when we occupied the nine islands in the 70s," the DND chief stressed in response to survey reports claiming that nine out of ten Filipinos are in favor of retaking Philippine islands seized by China in the WPS.
"How do you resolve the issue with a regional power that is ready to defend its 'interest' militarily? Madaling magsabi ng (It is easy to say) 'let us assert our rights and sovereignty'. Question is how? But first, was there sovereignty violated? We have the sovereign right to exploit the resources but the WPS is not our sovereign territory. Panatag Shoal (thanks to the arbitral ruling) is now the fishing ground not exclusively of the Filipinos but of Chinese, Vietnamese and Taiwanese as well," Lorenzana added.
The DND chief was referring to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling issued on July 12, 2016 which invalidated Beijing's claim over its "historic rights" to the WPS and pointed out that its 'Nine-Dash-Line' map has no legal basis.
"Compare these positive developments from that of the past administration: their action was to go to the PCA -an international arbitral court - a body not under the UN and doesn’t have enforcement mechanism. China did not participate. We won but it is an empty victory: the Chinese won’t leave our EEZ and instead it continues to assert its historical rights over the areas within the Nine-Dash-Line. Additionally, it stopped buying our bananas and pineapples, Chinese tourists dwindled to near zero, and our fishermen were barred from going to Panatag to fish," he pointed out.
While it will take time to resolve the issue, Lorenzana said that the Philippines should leverage whatever advantage it has to improve our economy and the capabilities of the Armed Forces and help in maintaining regional peace and stability.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1042325
President Rodrigo Duterte is not guilty of any inaction when it comes to asserting the country's control over territories in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday.
"One cannot accuse the President of inaction because after his bilateral (talks) with (Chinese President Xi Jinping), our fishermen returned to Panatag to fish, we can resupply our troops on our islands without interference, an agreement was made that both parties cannot occupy new features and none (of them) has done (anything) so far in compliance with this, and there is talk of joint development of gas and oil resources in the area, tourism and trade has flourished specially export of (agricultural) products," he stressed.
Lorenzana also clarified that no Philippine-occupied islands were lost during the present administration.
"Retake what? Did we lose any islands? The Chinese never took any of our occupied islands. They took over unoccupied reefs and turned them into islands. Had we been wiser we could have occupied those reefs as well when we occupied the nine islands in the 70s," the DND chief stressed in response to survey reports claiming that nine out of ten Filipinos are in favor of retaking Philippine islands seized by China in the WPS.
"How do you resolve the issue with a regional power that is ready to defend its 'interest' militarily? Madaling magsabi ng (It is easy to say) 'let us assert our rights and sovereignty'. Question is how? But first, was there sovereignty violated? We have the sovereign right to exploit the resources but the WPS is not our sovereign territory. Panatag Shoal (thanks to the arbitral ruling) is now the fishing ground not exclusively of the Filipinos but of Chinese, Vietnamese and Taiwanese as well," Lorenzana added.
The DND chief was referring to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling issued on July 12, 2016 which invalidated Beijing's claim over its "historic rights" to the WPS and pointed out that its 'Nine-Dash-Line' map has no legal basis.
"Compare these positive developments from that of the past administration: their action was to go to the PCA -an international arbitral court - a body not under the UN and doesn’t have enforcement mechanism. China did not participate. We won but it is an empty victory: the Chinese won’t leave our EEZ and instead it continues to assert its historical rights over the areas within the Nine-Dash-Line. Additionally, it stopped buying our bananas and pineapples, Chinese tourists dwindled to near zero, and our fishermen were barred from going to Panatag to fish," he pointed out.
While it will take time to resolve the issue, Lorenzana said that the Philippines should leverage whatever advantage it has to improve our economy and the capabilities of the Armed Forces and help in maintaining regional peace and stability.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1042325
PH will still assert interests over WPS: Duterte
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23): PH will still assert interests over WPS: Duterte
The Philippine government will not waver in defending the country's interests over the disputed West Philippine Sea (WPS) amid renewed partnership with claimant state China, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday.
During his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), Duterte initially cited Manila's "re-energized relations" with China that led to an unprecedented level of cooperation against transnational crimes.
Through this partnership, Duterte noted the discovery and dismantling of shabu laboratories in the country and the arrest of Chinese chemists linked to a drug syndicate.
Despite this, he said the country remains firm in its position over the South China Sea.
"Our improved relationship with China does not mean that we will waver in our commitment to defend our interest in the West Philippine Sea," Duterte said, adding this reflects in Manila's continued engagement with the Asian giant through multilateral and bilateral channels.
In 2017, the government launched the first bilateral consultative mechanism in South China Sea (BCM) with Beijing, where all issues concerning the contested area were discussed in a "frank, in-depth, and friendly manner."
The Philippines, together with several Southeast Asian countries, also engaged China towards the drafting of the framework of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) during its chairmanship to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2017.
These efforts paved the way for an opportunity to manage the dispute without further escalating tensions in the strategic waters, Duterte said.
"Opening lines of communication and amicably managing differences have led to positive developments that include renewed access of Filipino fishermen in the areas of dispute in the Philippines' West Philippine Sea."
In an assessment, think tank Integrated Development Studies Institute (IDSI) praised the administration's way of handling the maritime row, which it said "contributed to regional stability."
"Ongoing disagreements with China are now discussed in the highest-levels and more channels for functional cooperation have been opened and are already delivering benefits for the Filipinos including our fishermen and farmers," it said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1042373
The Philippine government will not waver in defending the country's interests over the disputed West Philippine Sea (WPS) amid renewed partnership with claimant state China, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday.
During his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), Duterte initially cited Manila's "re-energized relations" with China that led to an unprecedented level of cooperation against transnational crimes.
Through this partnership, Duterte noted the discovery and dismantling of shabu laboratories in the country and the arrest of Chinese chemists linked to a drug syndicate.
Despite this, he said the country remains firm in its position over the South China Sea.
"Our improved relationship with China does not mean that we will waver in our commitment to defend our interest in the West Philippine Sea," Duterte said, adding this reflects in Manila's continued engagement with the Asian giant through multilateral and bilateral channels.
In 2017, the government launched the first bilateral consultative mechanism in South China Sea (BCM) with Beijing, where all issues concerning the contested area were discussed in a "frank, in-depth, and friendly manner."
The Philippines, together with several Southeast Asian countries, also engaged China towards the drafting of the framework of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) during its chairmanship to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2017.
These efforts paved the way for an opportunity to manage the dispute without further escalating tensions in the strategic waters, Duterte said.
"Opening lines of communication and amicably managing differences have led to positive developments that include renewed access of Filipino fishermen in the areas of dispute in the Philippines' West Philippine Sea."
In an assessment, think tank Integrated Development Studies Institute (IDSI) praised the administration's way of handling the maritime row, which it said "contributed to regional stability."
"Ongoing disagreements with China are now discussed in the highest-levels and more channels for functional cooperation have been opened and are already delivering benefits for the Filipinos including our fishermen and farmers," it said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1042373
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