From the Daily Guardian (Mar 20, 2019): Army, rebels clash for third time in four days
The Philippine Army’s relentless offensive operations have propelled New People’s Army (NPA) combatants to go on the run.
In a span of four days, three armed encounters occurred between the Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion and the New People’s Army (NPA) in Southern Panay.
The latest clash happened early morning of March 20, 2019 at Sitio Igburay, Barangay Indaluyon, Igbaras, Iloilo.
Lieutenant Colonel Sisenando Magbalot Jr., 61st IB commander, said his troops conducted strike operation after receiving reports of the presence of around 10 NPA members in the area.
https://thedailyguardian.net/breaking-news/army-rebels-clash-for-third-time-in-four-days/
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
PH, US troops construct medical facility in Moncada
From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 20, 2019): PH, US troops construct medical facility in Moncada
MONCADA, Tarlac -- Filipino and American troops are currently constructing a one-storey medical facility at barangay San Pedro, Mocanda town.
Army 51st Engineering Brigade Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Fernando Balona said the project is part of this year’s Balikatan.
“Every year different activities are lined up which include counter terrorism, maritime security and engineering civic assistance activities and projects,” Balona said.
The facility will also cater to the basic health services of barangay San Pedro and nearby areas.
“The relationship that has been proven in every edition of Balikatan between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and United States Armed Forces manifests the commitment of both countries to continue on working towards the betterment of the communities,” Balona emphasized.
Army 51st Engineering Brigade Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Fernando Balona said the project is part of this year’s Balikatan.
“Every year different activities are lined up which include counter terrorism, maritime security and engineering civic assistance activities and projects,” Balona said.
The facility will also cater to the basic health services of barangay San Pedro and nearby areas.
“The relationship that has been proven in every edition of Balikatan between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and United States Armed Forces manifests the commitment of both countries to continue on working towards the betterment of the communities,” Balona emphasized.
Groundbreaking ceremony of the one-storey medical facility being constructed by Filipino and American troops at barangay San Pedro in Mocanda, Tarlac. The project is part of this year’s Balikatan. (Cherie Joyce V. Flores/PIA 3)
On the part of the United States, Army Reserves Civil Affairs Team Chief Captain David Larsen said they will continue the shared mission of Balikatan in bringing development in the community.
“The plan for the facility, the foundation and the posts are going up and it is wonderful to see the great and smooth progress of the project as we go around,” he added.
“Once we’re finished here, we’re going to work on other buildings with the additional supplies that we have on hand such as a Daycare Center that needs to be fixed up according to the local officials,” Larsen emphasized.
Other features of the facility will be provided by Department of Health and municipal government. It will be completed by April 10. (CLJD/CJFV-PIA 3)
On the part of the United States, Army Reserves Civil Affairs Team Chief Captain David Larsen said they will continue the shared mission of Balikatan in bringing development in the community.
“The plan for the facility, the foundation and the posts are going up and it is wonderful to see the great and smooth progress of the project as we go around,” he added.
“Once we’re finished here, we’re going to work on other buildings with the additional supplies that we have on hand such as a Daycare Center that needs to be fixed up according to the local officials,” Larsen emphasized.
Other features of the facility will be provided by Department of Health and municipal government. It will be completed by April 10. (CLJD/CJFV-PIA 3)
United States Army Reserves Civil Affairs Team Chief Captain David Larsen said they will continue the shared mission of Balikatan in bringing development in the community. (Cherie Joyce V. Flores/PIA 3)
BARMM is for everyone: Galvez told Bangsamoro communities in Metro Manila
From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 20, 2019): BARMM is for everyone: Galvez told Bangsamoro communities in Metro Manila
Presidential Adviser on Peace, Unity and Reconciliation Carlito Galvez Jr. (center) with other speakers and participants to the 4th National Peace Forum held on Wednesday at the AFP GHQ, Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. (Photo courtesy of OPAPP)
The beauty of the newly-established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) lies in its principle of inclusiveness and goal of serving the best interests of the Moro people regardless of where they are residing in the country.
This was emphasized by Presidential Adviser on Peace, Unity and Reconciliation Carlito Galvez Jr. during the 4th National Peace Forum held at the General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Quezon City on Wednesday.
“Napakaganda po ng provisions ng Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. It is not only for those residing in the five core territories, but for all Moros residing anywhere in the country,” Galvez said in his keynote address.
“BARMM is a concrete indication that we can work together, regardless of tribe or religion, and achieve results. This is the power of convergence. Despite our differences, we are bound by our common vision for our people and peoples’ welfare,” he added.
According to the peace adviser, one of the most effective ways of addressing the rise of radical extremism and the prevailing culture of violence in the country is to educate the people, particularly the youth, women, orphans and the vulnerable sectors on these issues.
He also underscored the need for all stakeholders to come together and work hand in hand to ensure the success of the new political entity which replaced the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
“While opportunities abound in the Bangsamoro, these will not materialize without the contribution of everyone. There is a lot we can do from our end regardless of our stature in life. All of us can make a difference,” he said.
Galvez called on everyone to “contribute their time, knowledge and skills in this concerted undertaking”.
“We must seize this opportunity to help our Moro brothers and sisters achieve their longtime dream and aspirations,” he said.
Around 300 participants composed of ulamas, interfaith representatives, women, youth, and representatives of Rotary Club Districts attended the event.
They were led by Rotary Club officials to include Liza Elorde, Yussuf Candidato Macalangcom, and PSUPT Ibra Moxir.
The forum aimed to, among others, promote sustainable peace initiatives not only in the country but throughout the world by creating local and international partnerships among peace stakeholders.
The event was organized by the Rotary Club of Manila, in partnership with the Imam Council of the Philippines and Salam Advocates of the Philippines Foundation.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1019998
Presidential Adviser on Peace, Unity and Reconciliation Carlito Galvez Jr. (center) with other speakers and participants to the 4th National Peace Forum held on Wednesday at the AFP GHQ, Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. (Photo courtesy of OPAPP)
The beauty of the newly-established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) lies in its principle of inclusiveness and goal of serving the best interests of the Moro people regardless of where they are residing in the country.
This was emphasized by Presidential Adviser on Peace, Unity and Reconciliation Carlito Galvez Jr. during the 4th National Peace Forum held at the General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Quezon City on Wednesday.
“Napakaganda po ng provisions ng Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. It is not only for those residing in the five core territories, but for all Moros residing anywhere in the country,” Galvez said in his keynote address.
“BARMM is a concrete indication that we can work together, regardless of tribe or religion, and achieve results. This is the power of convergence. Despite our differences, we are bound by our common vision for our people and peoples’ welfare,” he added.
According to the peace adviser, one of the most effective ways of addressing the rise of radical extremism and the prevailing culture of violence in the country is to educate the people, particularly the youth, women, orphans and the vulnerable sectors on these issues.
He also underscored the need for all stakeholders to come together and work hand in hand to ensure the success of the new political entity which replaced the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
“While opportunities abound in the Bangsamoro, these will not materialize without the contribution of everyone. There is a lot we can do from our end regardless of our stature in life. All of us can make a difference,” he said.
Galvez called on everyone to “contribute their time, knowledge and skills in this concerted undertaking”.
“We must seize this opportunity to help our Moro brothers and sisters achieve their longtime dream and aspirations,” he said.
Around 300 participants composed of ulamas, interfaith representatives, women, youth, and representatives of Rotary Club Districts attended the event.
They were led by Rotary Club officials to include Liza Elorde, Yussuf Candidato Macalangcom, and PSUPT Ibra Moxir.
The forum aimed to, among others, promote sustainable peace initiatives not only in the country but throughout the world by creating local and international partnerships among peace stakeholders.
The event was organized by the Rotary Club of Manila, in partnership with the Imam Council of the Philippines and Salam Advocates of the Philippines Foundation.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1019998
RPBDFA: Roadmap to peace for northern Mindanao
From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 20, 2019): RPBDFA: Roadmap to peace for northern Mindanao
The Regional Peacebuilding and Development Framework and Agenda (RPBDFA) for northern Mindanao was formally launched in Cagayan de Oro City on March 13.
Arnel M. Agabe of the Department of the Interior and the Local Government (DILG) for northern Mindanao says RPOC-10 embarked on Kalabugao Plains – Peace and Development Convergence Program (KP-PDCP) in 2013 to facilitate the attainment of lasting peace through socio-economic and environment for the indigenous peoples in the Kalabugao Plains. In a bid to do better for the entire region, the RPBDFA was started in 2015 with the assistance of GIZ and CUREXO. (Rodolfo D. Mendoza/PIA10)
Director Arnel M. Agabe of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for Region 10 said the RPBDFA would serve as a guide to be proactive in addressing peace and development issues, especially in Northern Mindanao.
This is a vital reference to unify understanding, synchronize efforts, and consolidate resources in the planning and in the implementation not only in conflict-affected communities.
The continuing demand for peace and development in Region 10 necessitates the writing of the book, RPBDFA of northern Mindanao.
The book contains what most people in Mindanao already know about their peace and development situation.
The persistence of this situation despite multiple programs to address it points to the need for more creative peace-building and development programs.
Capitol University Dance Troupe performed an interpretative dance on the identified major conflicts and recommended solutions as well as the historical and social context that sustain it as presented in the book during the launching ceremony.
In a peace and conflict analysis conducted, it revealed access and control of resources, in particular, land is a major driver of conflict which result in poverty and insurgency and its spillover effect to neighboring high urbanized cities — urban migration, unemployment, vulnerability to crimes, illegal drugs, and terrorism.
The publication of the book disseminates the experiences and ideas of respondents — farmers, fishers and laborers, politicians and government workers, indigenous peoples and migrant-settlers, women and youth on how peace and development should be pursued in the region.
Noting many of problems are caused by the breakdown of citizenship, Usec. Marivel C. Sacendoncillo for local government emphasized in her keynote message that peace is an entitlement of the people and it is likewise a responsibility of the people.
Hence, peacebuilding has to be anchored on responsible citizenship. “Change has to start with us,” she said.
“Solutions to conflict will come from realization that we are connected. People are interconnected with environment and that whole ecosystem is interconnected,” Sacendoncillo said.
The undersecretary further said issues will not only affect local governments but also local communities, and the solutions are not solely among local governments but also with communities.
She also noted the need to push forward and look at transformational peace — a peaceful environment that transforms communities, transforms lives from what we have now into something better.
“The embodiment of what is life has been clearly defined through ‘Ambisyon 2040’ which pass through study, consultation, dialogue with society,” Sacendoncillo revealed.
For his part, Asec. Manuel B. Felix for peace and order welcomed the support for all the efforts, dedication, and commitment to mainstreaming conflict sensitivity, culture recognition, gender responsiveness and child friendliness in the peacebuilding and development process of northern Mindanao.
Citing the answers in attaining peace are in people, Felix urged the people to be law-abiding.
Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC-10 ) Chairperson and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno says RPBDFA is not perfect but is certainly a good step in the right direction. “It is their entitlement for the government to serve them,” Moreno emphasized. (Rodolfo D. Mendoza/PIA)
“The beauty of bringing development to the countryside is you know that it is needed and you know that it will have its optimal results. Giving the people in the mountains the opportunity to live a life that those in the highways have long enjoyed is beyond compare (such as switching or energization, inaugurating schoolbuildings, putting up a health or child development center),” said Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC-10) Chairperson and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno.
Moreno recalled a convergence experience of the government in Lantad, in which he said Lantad symbolizes neglect “that the government has been guilty of.”
It was abandoned, and he said that is why the NPA made it its first headquarters in Mindanao.
“With Lantad, peace is attainable through development,” Moreno said.
The mayor also said it is their entitlement the government to serve them but the commitment to serve should be wholeheartedly.
Moreno, meanwhile, said the RPBDFA is not perfect but is certainly a good step in the right direction.
This project is a joint undertaking of the The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), DILG, and RPOC-10 in coordination with Capitol University Research and Extension (CUREXO).
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1019933
The Regional Peacebuilding and Development Framework and Agenda (RPBDFA) for northern Mindanao was formally launched in Cagayan de Oro City on March 13.
Arnel M. Agabe of the Department of the Interior and the Local Government (DILG) for northern Mindanao says RPOC-10 embarked on Kalabugao Plains – Peace and Development Convergence Program (KP-PDCP) in 2013 to facilitate the attainment of lasting peace through socio-economic and environment for the indigenous peoples in the Kalabugao Plains. In a bid to do better for the entire region, the RPBDFA was started in 2015 with the assistance of GIZ and CUREXO. (Rodolfo D. Mendoza/PIA10)
Director Arnel M. Agabe of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for Region 10 said the RPBDFA would serve as a guide to be proactive in addressing peace and development issues, especially in Northern Mindanao.
This is a vital reference to unify understanding, synchronize efforts, and consolidate resources in the planning and in the implementation not only in conflict-affected communities.
The continuing demand for peace and development in Region 10 necessitates the writing of the book, RPBDFA of northern Mindanao.
The book contains what most people in Mindanao already know about their peace and development situation.
The persistence of this situation despite multiple programs to address it points to the need for more creative peace-building and development programs.
Capitol University Dance Troupe performed an interpretative dance on the identified major conflicts and recommended solutions as well as the historical and social context that sustain it as presented in the book during the launching ceremony.
In a peace and conflict analysis conducted, it revealed access and control of resources, in particular, land is a major driver of conflict which result in poverty and insurgency and its spillover effect to neighboring high urbanized cities — urban migration, unemployment, vulnerability to crimes, illegal drugs, and terrorism.
The publication of the book disseminates the experiences and ideas of respondents — farmers, fishers and laborers, politicians and government workers, indigenous peoples and migrant-settlers, women and youth on how peace and development should be pursued in the region.
Noting many of problems are caused by the breakdown of citizenship, Usec. Marivel C. Sacendoncillo for local government emphasized in her keynote message that peace is an entitlement of the people and it is likewise a responsibility of the people.
Hence, peacebuilding has to be anchored on responsible citizenship. “Change has to start with us,” she said.
“Solutions to conflict will come from realization that we are connected. People are interconnected with environment and that whole ecosystem is interconnected,” Sacendoncillo said.
The undersecretary further said issues will not only affect local governments but also local communities, and the solutions are not solely among local governments but also with communities.
She also noted the need to push forward and look at transformational peace — a peaceful environment that transforms communities, transforms lives from what we have now into something better.
“The embodiment of what is life has been clearly defined through ‘Ambisyon 2040’ which pass through study, consultation, dialogue with society,” Sacendoncillo revealed.
For his part, Asec. Manuel B. Felix for peace and order welcomed the support for all the efforts, dedication, and commitment to mainstreaming conflict sensitivity, culture recognition, gender responsiveness and child friendliness in the peacebuilding and development process of northern Mindanao.
Citing the answers in attaining peace are in people, Felix urged the people to be law-abiding.
Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC-10 ) Chairperson and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno says RPBDFA is not perfect but is certainly a good step in the right direction. “It is their entitlement for the government to serve them,” Moreno emphasized. (Rodolfo D. Mendoza/PIA)
“The beauty of bringing development to the countryside is you know that it is needed and you know that it will have its optimal results. Giving the people in the mountains the opportunity to live a life that those in the highways have long enjoyed is beyond compare (such as switching or energization, inaugurating schoolbuildings, putting up a health or child development center),” said Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC-10) Chairperson and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno.
Moreno recalled a convergence experience of the government in Lantad, in which he said Lantad symbolizes neglect “that the government has been guilty of.”
It was abandoned, and he said that is why the NPA made it its first headquarters in Mindanao.
“With Lantad, peace is attainable through development,” Moreno said.
The mayor also said it is their entitlement the government to serve them but the commitment to serve should be wholeheartedly.
Moreno, meanwhile, said the RPBDFA is not perfect but is certainly a good step in the right direction.
This project is a joint undertaking of the The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), DILG, and RPOC-10 in coordination with Capitol University Research and Extension (CUREXO).
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1019933
Maguindanao provincial gov't extends health services to IDPs
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 20, 2019): Maguindanao provincial gov't extends health services to IDPs
Farouk Romancap, Shariff Aguak municipal social welfare officer on Monday (March 19) led the distribution of relief goods to internally displaced persons from Shariff Saydona Mustapha town who took refuge in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao. (Photo by MSWD-Maguindanao)
KIDAPAWAN CITY – The provincial health office of Maguindanao has taken one step ahead to ensure civilians displaced by the ongoing skirmishes between government forces and armed men in Maguindanao are spared from common diseases.
Dr. Tahir Sulaik, Maguindanao health chief, said that internally displaced persons (IDPs) now cramped in various evacuation sites are vulnerable to air and water-borne diseases.
IPHO reports showed that some of the IDPs have already been suffering from cough, colds, and skin rashes while some of the adults have become hypertensive.
“The IPHO health providers have been attending to the health needs of affected families,” Sulaik said on Monday.
Close to 30,000 individuals have been displaced from at least seven towns of Maguindanao as the military continued its surgical and focused military operations against the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
The affected towns include Shariff Saydona, Mamasapano, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Datu Piang, and Shariff Aguak.
Military air and ground offensives against the BIFF began last March 11 after the terror group initiated attacks on off-duty Army troopers in Maguindanao and Cotabato City.
At least four soldiers were killed while another was wounded in the series of attacks that the BIFF claimed to have carried out. A military update, meanwhile, placed the BIFF casualties at 20 where 17 of whom were identified.
Farouk Romancap, Shariff Aguak social welfare officer, said Emma Ali, provincial social welfare officer, has led the distribution of food packs to IDPs who took refuge in the town.
“They are from nearby municipalities and we extend aid to all regardless of their places of origin,” Romancap said.
Also on Monday, the Maguindanao Peoples Medical Team, led by Lynette Estandarte, distributed medicine and food packs to the displaced families as ordered by Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu.
Estandarte said more relief operations are scheduled in the days ahead as long as the IDPs are still in evacuation centers.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064963
KIDAPAWAN CITY – The provincial health office of Maguindanao has taken one step ahead to ensure civilians displaced by the ongoing skirmishes between government forces and armed men in Maguindanao are spared from common diseases.
Dr. Tahir Sulaik, Maguindanao health chief, said that internally displaced persons (IDPs) now cramped in various evacuation sites are vulnerable to air and water-borne diseases.
IPHO reports showed that some of the IDPs have already been suffering from cough, colds, and skin rashes while some of the adults have become hypertensive.
“The IPHO health providers have been attending to the health needs of affected families,” Sulaik said on Monday.
Close to 30,000 individuals have been displaced from at least seven towns of Maguindanao as the military continued its surgical and focused military operations against the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
The affected towns include Shariff Saydona, Mamasapano, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Datu Piang, and Shariff Aguak.
Military air and ground offensives against the BIFF began last March 11 after the terror group initiated attacks on off-duty Army troopers in Maguindanao and Cotabato City.
At least four soldiers were killed while another was wounded in the series of attacks that the BIFF claimed to have carried out. A military update, meanwhile, placed the BIFF casualties at 20 where 17 of whom were identified.
Farouk Romancap, Shariff Aguak social welfare officer, said Emma Ali, provincial social welfare officer, has led the distribution of food packs to IDPs who took refuge in the town.
“They are from nearby municipalities and we extend aid to all regardless of their places of origin,” Romancap said.
Also on Monday, the Maguindanao Peoples Medical Team, led by Lynette Estandarte, distributed medicine and food packs to the displaced families as ordered by Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu.
Estandarte said more relief operations are scheduled in the days ahead as long as the IDPs are still in evacuation centers.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064963
ASG sub-leader, follower killed in Sulu clash
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 20, 2019): ASG sub-leader, follower killed in Sulu clash
Two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits, including the last remaining leader involved in the Sipadan kidnapping, were killed in a clash in the hinterlands of Sulu, military officials said Wednesday.
Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo Jr., Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the firefight broke out around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday in Barangay Upper Binuang, Talipao, Sulu.
Pabayo said the firefight ensued after government troops belonging to the Army’s 2nd Special Forces Battalion responded to reports of the ASG bandits' presence in Barangay Upper Binuang.
Pabayo said the firefight lasted for about 10 minutes and resulted in the death of ASG sub-leader Angah Ajid and another ASG follower, who was not immediately identified.
Ajid was the only remaining ASG leader involved in the kidnapping of 21 people, including 10 Europeans, on April 23, 2000 from the dive resort island of Sipadan, Sabah, Malaysia, the Army official said.
The ASG herded the hostages to the hinterlands of Sulu and were released in batches following payment of huge amount of ransom.
Pabayo said the troops also recovered an M-14 rifle, an M-16 Armalite rifle with an M-203 grenade launcher attached to it, and several rounds of ammunition.
The series of clashes in Sulu was the result of the growing support of the civilians to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), he added.
“The people of Sulu are tired of the atrocities committed by the Abu Sayyaf in their communities. Your Joint Task Force Sulu will remain steadfast in fulfilling its mandate of bringing lasting peace in this part of our country,” Pabayo said.
Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the troops are "relentlessly" pursuing the ASG bandits to constrict their movement and “leaving them in despair.”
“As community support amassed, military mounts its offensives to pressure and to defeat Abu Sayyaf militants in the area,” Pabayo said.
He added: “We also attribute our accomplishments to the Suluanons who are one with us in working for peace in the province (of Sulu)."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065073
Two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits, including the last remaining leader involved in the Sipadan kidnapping, were killed in a clash in the hinterlands of Sulu, military officials said Wednesday.
Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo Jr., Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the firefight broke out around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday in Barangay Upper Binuang, Talipao, Sulu.
Pabayo said the firefight ensued after government troops belonging to the Army’s 2nd Special Forces Battalion responded to reports of the ASG bandits' presence in Barangay Upper Binuang.
Pabayo said the firefight lasted for about 10 minutes and resulted in the death of ASG sub-leader Angah Ajid and another ASG follower, who was not immediately identified.
Ajid was the only remaining ASG leader involved in the kidnapping of 21 people, including 10 Europeans, on April 23, 2000 from the dive resort island of Sipadan, Sabah, Malaysia, the Army official said.
The ASG herded the hostages to the hinterlands of Sulu and were released in batches following payment of huge amount of ransom.
Pabayo said the troops also recovered an M-14 rifle, an M-16 Armalite rifle with an M-203 grenade launcher attached to it, and several rounds of ammunition.
The series of clashes in Sulu was the result of the growing support of the civilians to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), he added.
“The people of Sulu are tired of the atrocities committed by the Abu Sayyaf in their communities. Your Joint Task Force Sulu will remain steadfast in fulfilling its mandate of bringing lasting peace in this part of our country,” Pabayo said.
Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the troops are "relentlessly" pursuing the ASG bandits to constrict their movement and “leaving them in despair.”
“As community support amassed, military mounts its offensives to pressure and to defeat Abu Sayyaf militants in the area,” Pabayo said.
He added: “We also attribute our accomplishments to the Suluanons who are one with us in working for peace in the province (of Sulu)."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065073
Hundreds of Novo Ecijanos benefit from Army's outreach program
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 20, 2019): Hundreds of Novo Ecijanos benefit from Army's outreach program
BALER, Aurora -- The Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion (91IB) on Tuesday conducted a community outreach program, benefitting some 450 residents, mostly indigents and children in Barangay Labi, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija.
Sinagtala commanding officer Lt. Col. Jose Mari F. Torrenueva II on Wednesday said that the activity was made possible through the collaboration with the local government unit (LGU) of Bongabon, Fort Magsaysay Army Station Hospital, 7th Infantry Division Dental Dispensary, and the 7th Civil-Military Operations (7CMO) Battalion.
Under the activity themed "Tulong at Magkaisa para sa Kaunlaran at Kapayapaan", some 152 residents availed of free medical checkups, 62 availed of dental services, 36 children were given free haircut and 200 others were beneficiaries of a feeding program.
Part of the program was a theater art play of the 7CMO Battalion aimed at raising awareness about the terrorist acts being perpetuated by the communist terrorists.
Torrenueva assured the townsfolk that the 91IB will continue to implement the community outreach program, especially in areas where the presence of rebels is being monitored to protect the people and prevent the terrorists from exploiting the populace as conduits in their logistics and recruitment.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065129
BALER, Aurora -- The Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion (91IB) on Tuesday conducted a community outreach program, benefitting some 450 residents, mostly indigents and children in Barangay Labi, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija.
Sinagtala commanding officer Lt. Col. Jose Mari F. Torrenueva II on Wednesday said that the activity was made possible through the collaboration with the local government unit (LGU) of Bongabon, Fort Magsaysay Army Station Hospital, 7th Infantry Division Dental Dispensary, and the 7th Civil-Military Operations (7CMO) Battalion.
Under the activity themed "Tulong at Magkaisa para sa Kaunlaran at Kapayapaan", some 152 residents availed of free medical checkups, 62 availed of dental services, 36 children were given free haircut and 200 others were beneficiaries of a feeding program.
Part of the program was a theater art play of the 7CMO Battalion aimed at raising awareness about the terrorist acts being perpetuated by the communist terrorists.
Torrenueva assured the townsfolk that the 91IB will continue to implement the community outreach program, especially in areas where the presence of rebels is being monitored to protect the people and prevent the terrorists from exploiting the populace as conduits in their logistics and recruitment.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065129
More clashes seen as NPA anniversary nears: Army
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 20, 2019): More clashes seen as NPA anniversary nears: Army
The military will conduct more operations as more encounters are to be expected as the 50th founding anniversary of the New People’s Army will be on March 29, says Lt. Col. Sisenado Magbalot Jr. (right), commanding officer of the Philippine Army 61st Infantry Battalion on Wednesday (March 20, 2019). (File photo)
ILOILO CITY -- At least three armed encounters between government troops and members of the New People’s Army (NPA) took place in Iloilo and Antique provinces in just a span of four days.
The series of clashes occurred in Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo on Sunday; Barangay Osorio-2 in San Remegio, Antique on Tuesday; and in Sitio Igburay, Barangay Lacay Doldol, Igbaras, Iloilo on Wednesday.
Lt. Col. Sisenado Magbalot Jr., commanding officer of 61IB, said government troops will not let the rebel group celebrate its 50th founding anniversary on March 29.
“We continue our combat operations especially that they are nearing their golden anniversary. We will not let them celebrate that occasion,” Magbalot said in an interview on Wednesday.
The 61IB troops on early Wednesday morning clashed with more or less 10 members of a rebel group in Sitio Igburay, Barangay Lacay Doldol, Igbaras.
“We received information on the location of these rebels and conducted strike operations,” he said.
The clash between government troops and rebels believed to be members of the Sibat Platoon, South Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay lasted for 15 minutes.
Magbalot said one soldier from the 61IB sustained a slight injury on his right cheek but he is now in stable condition.
“But for the enemies, we are very sure that we left some of them wounded. Our men reported they saw blood at the encounter site,” he said.
The 61IB troops recovered one Claymore mine, seven backpacks, two detonators for improvised bombs, two Baofeng radios, two cellular phones, two handcuffs, two magazines for M16, and 14 7.62-mm live ammunition.
Magbalot said the recent encounter is attributed to deployment of additional soldiers in the area following the first encounter in Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras on Sunday.
“We are continuously tracking their location. We deployed additional forces and even our K9 units in the area after the encounter on Sunday,” he said.
The first encounter on Sunday led to the capture of three NPA rebels -- Ramon “Toto” Elamparo, 48; Roberto “Nono” Elbao, 50; and Ruperto “Bebot” Elamparo, 50.
“They are considered the force multipliers of the NPA,” he said.
The arrest of the three will not necessarily lead the soldiers in capturing more rebel group members but Magbalot emphasized that “what’s important is we now know their other schemes”.
This, as the government troops also recovered nine anti-personnel mines from Ruperto’s house.
“Aside from deceiving ordinary members in joining community farmers’ organization, we found out that they also use houses of civilians in hiding the bombs,” he said.
Citing the statement of the captured rebel members, Magbalot said they plan to use the bombs to attack government forces.
Meanwhile, the 61IB troopers also fought with more or less 15 NPA rebels in a separate encounter in Barangay Osorio-2, San Remegio, Antique on Tuesday.
Soldiers were patrolling the area when they encountered the rebels, Magbalot said.
Recovered from the Antique clash were 200-meter electric wire, 37 empty shells of 5.56mm cartridges, three empty shells of 7.62mm cartridges, and four empty shells of 12-gauge shotgun.
“As of now, we do not know how they are going to celebrate the 50 years of killings of civilians, extortion and other terroristic activities but they definitely want to show that they still have the force,” he said.
Magbalot said the government troops are also preparing for focus operations in Central Panay and added that they “will inflict more casualty” on the NPA rebels.
He added that more encounters between the government troops and rebels are expected as the NPA anniversary draws near.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065159
The military will conduct more operations as more encounters are to be expected as the 50th founding anniversary of the New People’s Army will be on March 29, says Lt. Col. Sisenado Magbalot Jr. (right), commanding officer of the Philippine Army 61st Infantry Battalion on Wednesday (March 20, 2019). (File photo)
ILOILO CITY -- At least three armed encounters between government troops and members of the New People’s Army (NPA) took place in Iloilo and Antique provinces in just a span of four days.
The series of clashes occurred in Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo on Sunday; Barangay Osorio-2 in San Remegio, Antique on Tuesday; and in Sitio Igburay, Barangay Lacay Doldol, Igbaras, Iloilo on Wednesday.
Lt. Col. Sisenado Magbalot Jr., commanding officer of 61IB, said government troops will not let the rebel group celebrate its 50th founding anniversary on March 29.
“We continue our combat operations especially that they are nearing their golden anniversary. We will not let them celebrate that occasion,” Magbalot said in an interview on Wednesday.
The 61IB troops on early Wednesday morning clashed with more or less 10 members of a rebel group in Sitio Igburay, Barangay Lacay Doldol, Igbaras.
“We received information on the location of these rebels and conducted strike operations,” he said.
The clash between government troops and rebels believed to be members of the Sibat Platoon, South Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay lasted for 15 minutes.
Magbalot said one soldier from the 61IB sustained a slight injury on his right cheek but he is now in stable condition.
“But for the enemies, we are very sure that we left some of them wounded. Our men reported they saw blood at the encounter site,” he said.
The 61IB troops recovered one Claymore mine, seven backpacks, two detonators for improvised bombs, two Baofeng radios, two cellular phones, two handcuffs, two magazines for M16, and 14 7.62-mm live ammunition.
Magbalot said the recent encounter is attributed to deployment of additional soldiers in the area following the first encounter in Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras on Sunday.
“We are continuously tracking their location. We deployed additional forces and even our K9 units in the area after the encounter on Sunday,” he said.
The first encounter on Sunday led to the capture of three NPA rebels -- Ramon “Toto” Elamparo, 48; Roberto “Nono” Elbao, 50; and Ruperto “Bebot” Elamparo, 50.
“They are considered the force multipliers of the NPA,” he said.
The arrest of the three will not necessarily lead the soldiers in capturing more rebel group members but Magbalot emphasized that “what’s important is we now know their other schemes”.
This, as the government troops also recovered nine anti-personnel mines from Ruperto’s house.
“Aside from deceiving ordinary members in joining community farmers’ organization, we found out that they also use houses of civilians in hiding the bombs,” he said.
Citing the statement of the captured rebel members, Magbalot said they plan to use the bombs to attack government forces.
Meanwhile, the 61IB troopers also fought with more or less 15 NPA rebels in a separate encounter in Barangay Osorio-2, San Remegio, Antique on Tuesday.
Soldiers were patrolling the area when they encountered the rebels, Magbalot said.
Recovered from the Antique clash were 200-meter electric wire, 37 empty shells of 5.56mm cartridges, three empty shells of 7.62mm cartridges, and four empty shells of 12-gauge shotgun.
“As of now, we do not know how they are going to celebrate the 50 years of killings of civilians, extortion and other terroristic activities but they definitely want to show that they still have the force,” he said.
Magbalot said the government troops are also preparing for focus operations in Central Panay and added that they “will inflict more casualty” on the NPA rebels.
He added that more encounters between the government troops and rebels are expected as the NPA anniversary draws near.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065159
6K displaced families in Maguindanao get aid
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 20, 2019): 6K displaced families in Maguindanao get aid
Displaced families in Maguindanao listen as a soldier explains the mechanics of a relief distribution in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of BARRM-HEART)
COTABATO CITY -- The Ministry of Social Services of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOSS-ARMM) intensified Wednesday its humanitarian mission in seven towns of Maguindanao where some 6,595 families have been displaced by the ongoing skirmishes between military forces and the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
“It (relief operation) will go on full swing today (Wednesday) amid drizzles in Maguindanao area due to a low-pressure area affecting the province,” said Myrna Jocelyn Henry, information officer of the BARMM Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (HEART).
The BARMM-HEART is a confluence of various regional agencies, which includes MOSS-BARMM, tasked to provide coordinated actions to limit the impact of disasters in the region.
On Monday, the BARMM HEART, together with the Maguindanao People’s Medical Team, served evacuees at the town of Shariff Aguak where the bulk of the displaced families are staying at several evacuation centers.
Other affected towns are Mamasapano, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Datu Piang, and Shariff Saydona Mustapha.
On Tuesday, at least 812 families from the towns of Datu Unsay, Datu Salibo, and Datu Saudi Ampatuan received food packs containing six kilos of rice, canned goods and packs of coffee during a relief operation.
“The relief operation is continuing and intensified to attend to the needs of the displaced people,” Henry said.
Henry noted that most the evacuees were from Datu Shariff Saydona Mustapha and many of them fled to the towns of Datu Salibo and Datu Saudi Ampatuan as well as in Shariff Aguak to escape the raging conflict.
The focused military operations against the BIFF began on March 11 after the terror group-initiated attacks on both Army installations and state troopers in the province.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065096
COTABATO CITY -- The Ministry of Social Services of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOSS-ARMM) intensified Wednesday its humanitarian mission in seven towns of Maguindanao where some 6,595 families have been displaced by the ongoing skirmishes between military forces and the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
“It (relief operation) will go on full swing today (Wednesday) amid drizzles in Maguindanao area due to a low-pressure area affecting the province,” said Myrna Jocelyn Henry, information officer of the BARMM Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (HEART).
The BARMM-HEART is a confluence of various regional agencies, which includes MOSS-BARMM, tasked to provide coordinated actions to limit the impact of disasters in the region.
On Monday, the BARMM HEART, together with the Maguindanao People’s Medical Team, served evacuees at the town of Shariff Aguak where the bulk of the displaced families are staying at several evacuation centers.
Other affected towns are Mamasapano, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Datu Piang, and Shariff Saydona Mustapha.
On Tuesday, at least 812 families from the towns of Datu Unsay, Datu Salibo, and Datu Saudi Ampatuan received food packs containing six kilos of rice, canned goods and packs of coffee during a relief operation.
“The relief operation is continuing and intensified to attend to the needs of the displaced people,” Henry said.
Henry noted that most the evacuees were from Datu Shariff Saydona Mustapha and many of them fled to the towns of Datu Salibo and Datu Saudi Ampatuan as well as in Shariff Aguak to escape the raging conflict.
The focused military operations against the BIFF began on March 11 after the terror group-initiated attacks on both Army installations and state troopers in the province.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065096
Guns, ammo recovered after NPA-Army skirmish in Kalinga
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 20, 2019): Guns, ammo recovered after NPA-Army skirmish in Kalinga
CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Isabela -- A platoon of Army soldiers recovered high-powered guns and explosives after a 30-minute skirmish with some 20 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on the mountains of Barangay Buaya in Balbalan, Kalinga around 4:50 a.m. on Wednesday, the military said.
Recovered were an M-16 Armalite rifle, two fragmentation grenades, 150 pieces of assorted bullets, personal belongings and anti-government documents.
Colonel Henry Doyaoen, 503rd Infantry Brigade commander, told the Philippine News Agency that 50th Infantry Battalion soldiers and Citizens Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) volunteers were conducting foot patrol after receiving a tip from villagers on communist guerillas' presence somewhere between the Buaya and Mabaca villages, when they encountered the rebels belonging to the Alejo Cawilan Command operating in the Cordillera region.
An unknown number of NPA members were believed hurt in the clash as bloodstains were seen at their withdrawal route.
A pursuit operation against the rebels is ongoing as of this writing.
The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by both the United States and European Union.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065124
CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Isabela -- A platoon of Army soldiers recovered high-powered guns and explosives after a 30-minute skirmish with some 20 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on the mountains of Barangay Buaya in Balbalan, Kalinga around 4:50 a.m. on Wednesday, the military said.
Recovered were an M-16 Armalite rifle, two fragmentation grenades, 150 pieces of assorted bullets, personal belongings and anti-government documents.
Colonel Henry Doyaoen, 503rd Infantry Brigade commander, told the Philippine News Agency that 50th Infantry Battalion soldiers and Citizens Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) volunteers were conducting foot patrol after receiving a tip from villagers on communist guerillas' presence somewhere between the Buaya and Mabaca villages, when they encountered the rebels belonging to the Alejo Cawilan Command operating in the Cordillera region.
An unknown number of NPA members were believed hurt in the clash as bloodstains were seen at their withdrawal route.
A pursuit operation against the rebels is ongoing as of this writing.
The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by both the United States and European Union.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065124
Troops overrun ASG lair in Basilan
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 20, 2019): Troops overrun ASG lair in Basilan
An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandit was killed while an ASG lair was overrun by troops following two separate gunfights in Basilan province, military officials said Wednesday.
Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the first firefight that broke out around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday in Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan resulted in the death of ASG bandit Adam Asarakil, one of the followers of Basilan-based ASG leader Furudji Indama.
Besana said the troops were on security operation when they clashed with the group of Indama. He said Indama’s group fled and was pursued by the troops.
He said the ASG lair was overrun when another firefight ensued around 8:35 a.m. between the pursuing troops and fleeing ASG bandits a few hundred meters away from the site of the first clash.
The fallen ASG lair has two makeshift houses that can accommodate 15 persons, the Army official said, adding that troops recovered an M-16 Armalite rifle from the hideout.
Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, commander of Westmincom, said: "Ground troops are determined to hunt militants and penetrate enemy lairs, taking prudent actions to neutralize terrorists in Basilan."
Dela Vega said tactical offensives will continue "to crush terrorists and maintain internal security in the province of Basilan".
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065138
An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandit was killed while an ASG lair was overrun by troops following two separate gunfights in Basilan province, military officials said Wednesday.
Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the first firefight that broke out around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday in Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan resulted in the death of ASG bandit Adam Asarakil, one of the followers of Basilan-based ASG leader Furudji Indama.
Besana said the troops were on security operation when they clashed with the group of Indama. He said Indama’s group fled and was pursued by the troops.
He said the ASG lair was overrun when another firefight ensued around 8:35 a.m. between the pursuing troops and fleeing ASG bandits a few hundred meters away from the site of the first clash.
The fallen ASG lair has two makeshift houses that can accommodate 15 persons, the Army official said, adding that troops recovered an M-16 Armalite rifle from the hideout.
Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, commander of Westmincom, said: "Ground troops are determined to hunt militants and penetrate enemy lairs, taking prudent actions to neutralize terrorists in Basilan."
Dela Vega said tactical offensives will continue "to crush terrorists and maintain internal security in the province of Basilan".
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065138
Gov't forces allay fear over poll hotspot tag for Mindanao
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 20, 2019): Gov't forces allay fear over poll hotspot tag for Mindanao
Lt Col. Ezara Balagtey, spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command, and Police Major Jason Baria, allay fears on the Comelec's declaration of Mindanao as election hotspot under Category Red during the AFP-PNP press briefing on Wednesday in Davao Cityl. (PNA photo by Lilian Mellejor)
DAVAO CITY – The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) and the Police Regional Office-11 (PRO-11) on Wednesday said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) declaration of Mindanao as election hotspot should not alarm the public.
Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, Eastmincom spokesperson, noted that Mindanao remains under martial law where tighter security measures are in place.
“He said people should even feel more secure. This is still in line with the declaration of martial law,” Balagtey said during Wednesday’s AFP-PNP press briefing at the Royal Mandaya Hotel here.
Balagtey said that Eastmincom has yet to receive the Comelec guidelines relating to Mindanao's designation as an election hotspot.
Police Major Jason Baria, PRO-11 spokesperson, said placing Mindanao under Category Red may have been based on the government's thorough assessment.
Baria said PRO-11 has already designated specific areas under the Comelec's election watchlist to guide them in deploying personnel.
Baria said that security forces and the local Comelec officials are also closely coordinating through the Joint Security Committee on matters relating to security.
On Tuesday, the Comelec has declared the entire Mindanao under Category Red for the May 2019 midterm election.
This means that places under Category Red have records of politically-motivated violent incidents that may occur during the elections due to the intense political rivalry and have serious armed threats posed by organized threat groups such as the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), the Bangsamoro Independent Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), and others.
In the PRO-11 EWAS list, Baria said there are 823 barangays in Davao Region placed under Category Green; 233 under Category Yellow; 86 under Category Orange, and 13 under Category Red.
The 13 areas under Category Red are all in the province of Davao del Sur, which also has the most areas under Category Orange.
Areas under Category Yellow are: 132 in Davao del Sur; 37 in Davao del Norte; 18 in Davao Oriental; and seven in Davao Occidental.
The election watch list areas are classified under four categories: Areas placed under Category 1 are those that have records of politically-motivated violent incidents that may occur during the elections due to the intense political rivalry;
Areas under Category 2 have serious armed threats posed by organized threat groups like the CPP-NPA, BIFF, and the ASG.
Areas falling under Category 3 are areas where the threats under category 1 and 2 are present, while Category 4 are areas affected by political rivalry that could motivate people to engage in violence, violence may be facilitated by the employment of private armed groups, loose firearms fall into the hands of unqualified individuals, serious armed threats by the CPP-NPA, BIFF, ASG and other armed groups;
Areas under Category 4 are placed under the immediate and direct control and supervision of Comelec.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065146
Lt Col. Ezara Balagtey, spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command, and Police Major Jason Baria, allay fears on the Comelec's declaration of Mindanao as election hotspot under Category Red during the AFP-PNP press briefing on Wednesday in Davao Cityl. (PNA photo by Lilian Mellejor)
DAVAO CITY – The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) and the Police Regional Office-11 (PRO-11) on Wednesday said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) declaration of Mindanao as election hotspot should not alarm the public.
Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, Eastmincom spokesperson, noted that Mindanao remains under martial law where tighter security measures are in place.
“He said people should even feel more secure. This is still in line with the declaration of martial law,” Balagtey said during Wednesday’s AFP-PNP press briefing at the Royal Mandaya Hotel here.
Balagtey said that Eastmincom has yet to receive the Comelec guidelines relating to Mindanao's designation as an election hotspot.
Police Major Jason Baria, PRO-11 spokesperson, said placing Mindanao under Category Red may have been based on the government's thorough assessment.
Baria said PRO-11 has already designated specific areas under the Comelec's election watchlist to guide them in deploying personnel.
Baria said that security forces and the local Comelec officials are also closely coordinating through the Joint Security Committee on matters relating to security.
On Tuesday, the Comelec has declared the entire Mindanao under Category Red for the May 2019 midterm election.
This means that places under Category Red have records of politically-motivated violent incidents that may occur during the elections due to the intense political rivalry and have serious armed threats posed by organized threat groups such as the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), the Bangsamoro Independent Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), and others.
In the PRO-11 EWAS list, Baria said there are 823 barangays in Davao Region placed under Category Green; 233 under Category Yellow; 86 under Category Orange, and 13 under Category Red.
The 13 areas under Category Red are all in the province of Davao del Sur, which also has the most areas under Category Orange.
Areas under Category Yellow are: 132 in Davao del Sur; 37 in Davao del Norte; 18 in Davao Oriental; and seven in Davao Occidental.
The election watch list areas are classified under four categories: Areas placed under Category 1 are those that have records of politically-motivated violent incidents that may occur during the elections due to the intense political rivalry;
Areas under Category 2 have serious armed threats posed by organized threat groups like the CPP-NPA, BIFF, and the ASG.
Areas falling under Category 3 are areas where the threats under category 1 and 2 are present, while Category 4 are areas affected by political rivalry that could motivate people to engage in violence, violence may be facilitated by the employment of private armed groups, loose firearms fall into the hands of unqualified individuals, serious armed threats by the CPP-NPA, BIFF, ASG and other armed groups;
Areas under Category 4 are placed under the immediate and direct control and supervision of Comelec.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065146
CA junks Trillanes plea to stop trial on rebellion raps
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 20, 2019): CA junks Trillanes plea to stop trial on rebellion raps
The trial of opposition senator Antonio Trillanes IV before a Makati Court will proceed as the Court of Appeals (CA) turned down his plea to stop his indictment for rebellion.
In a resolution dated March 18, the CA's Ninth Division through Associate Justice Apolinario D. Bruselas Jr. denied the application for a temporary restraining order (TRO) filed by Trillanes’ counsel.
"We may not temporarily restrain or preliminarily enjoin the prosecution of the criminal action for rebellion at this stage because to do so would be to grant the principal prayer for certiorari without the benefit of hearing," the CA ruled.
Associate Justices Myra V. Garcia Fernandez and Geraldine Fiel Macarang concurred with the decision.
The CA also gave the Department of Justice 10 days to comment on the resolution and five days for Trillanes to reply to such comment.
Meanwhile, the Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 150 reset Trillanes' hearing from March 20 to May 27.
In an order dated March 18, Judge Elmo Alameda granted the request of Trillanes' counsel Reynaldo Robles to defer the hearing, citing that he has a previous commitment to appear in another trial.
Robles also serves as defense counsel of former Bureau of Corrections chief Franklin Bucayu, one of detained Senator Leila de Lima's co-accused on drug charges filed before the Muntinlupa RTC Branch 256.
In September last year, Alameda issued a warrant of arrest against Trillanes for rebellion over his involvement in the 2007 Oakwood mutiny.
The reinstatement of charges came after President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation 572 which declared the former Navy Lt. Senior Grade’s amnesty as void ab initio (from the beginning).
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065065
The trial of opposition senator Antonio Trillanes IV before a Makati Court will proceed as the Court of Appeals (CA) turned down his plea to stop his indictment for rebellion.
In a resolution dated March 18, the CA's Ninth Division through Associate Justice Apolinario D. Bruselas Jr. denied the application for a temporary restraining order (TRO) filed by Trillanes’ counsel.
"We may not temporarily restrain or preliminarily enjoin the prosecution of the criminal action for rebellion at this stage because to do so would be to grant the principal prayer for certiorari without the benefit of hearing," the CA ruled.
Associate Justices Myra V. Garcia Fernandez and Geraldine Fiel Macarang concurred with the decision.
The CA also gave the Department of Justice 10 days to comment on the resolution and five days for Trillanes to reply to such comment.
Meanwhile, the Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 150 reset Trillanes' hearing from March 20 to May 27.
In an order dated March 18, Judge Elmo Alameda granted the request of Trillanes' counsel Reynaldo Robles to defer the hearing, citing that he has a previous commitment to appear in another trial.
Robles also serves as defense counsel of former Bureau of Corrections chief Franklin Bucayu, one of detained Senator Leila de Lima's co-accused on drug charges filed before the Muntinlupa RTC Branch 256.
In September last year, Alameda issued a warrant of arrest against Trillanes for rebellion over his involvement in the 2007 Oakwood mutiny.
The reinstatement of charges came after President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation 572 which declared the former Navy Lt. Senior Grade’s amnesty as void ab initio (from the beginning).
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065065
Mission to curb armed groups in Mindanao ongoing
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 20, 2019): Mission to curb armed groups in Mindanao ongoing
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will just continue its mission of suppressing armed groups in Mindanao to ensure the peaceful conduct of mid-term elections in May.
AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato made the remark Wednesday when asked on what security adjustments the military will make following the declaration of the entire island as an election hotspot by the Commission of Elections (Comelec).
"We will just continue our current mission that is, run after armed groups in Jolo, Basilan, Central Mindanao and parts of Surigao and Davao to ensure that the election will push through peacefully and voters can cast their votes and express themselves," he said in a message to the Philippine News Agency.
Also, Detoyato said all AFP units in Mindanao are maintaining established checkpoints to protect growth areas in tandem with mobile checkpoints to catch violators who are evading checkpoints off guard.
"The Unified Commands and Joint Task Forces in Mindanao have the prerogative to relocate, detach and attach units to address the ever changing security situation especially during the intense campaign period. The AFP units in Mindanao, while accomplishing their counter-insurgency mission and anti-terrorism operations will also take the cue from Comelec when it is an election related administrative movement or security operation," he stressed.
In line with this, Detoyato said AFP units implementing the martial law are still gaining headway with the cooperation of the local government officials in the surrender and confiscation of loose firearms.
"We are also taking this opportunity to thank the Mindanawans for the overwhelming support to our martial law implementers and the cooperation they extend in the checkpoints. The (AFP) Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, expresses his profound thanks to all the AFP units in Mindanao for the excellent accomplishments in the past few days against the different enemies of the state and to the (Mindanaoans) who are all out in support to the government’s local peace efforts," he added.
Aside from Mindanao, the poll body also declared the entire province of Abra and the towns of Jones in Isabela and Lope de Vega in Northern Samar as areas of grave concern.
The decision to declare the four areas as election hotspots was based on cases of poll-related violence in the past two electoral exercises, as well other threats from insurgent groups.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065062
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will just continue its mission of suppressing armed groups in Mindanao to ensure the peaceful conduct of mid-term elections in May.
AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato made the remark Wednesday when asked on what security adjustments the military will make following the declaration of the entire island as an election hotspot by the Commission of Elections (Comelec).
"We will just continue our current mission that is, run after armed groups in Jolo, Basilan, Central Mindanao and parts of Surigao and Davao to ensure that the election will push through peacefully and voters can cast their votes and express themselves," he said in a message to the Philippine News Agency.
Also, Detoyato said all AFP units in Mindanao are maintaining established checkpoints to protect growth areas in tandem with mobile checkpoints to catch violators who are evading checkpoints off guard.
"The Unified Commands and Joint Task Forces in Mindanao have the prerogative to relocate, detach and attach units to address the ever changing security situation especially during the intense campaign period. The AFP units in Mindanao, while accomplishing their counter-insurgency mission and anti-terrorism operations will also take the cue from Comelec when it is an election related administrative movement or security operation," he stressed.
In line with this, Detoyato said AFP units implementing the martial law are still gaining headway with the cooperation of the local government officials in the surrender and confiscation of loose firearms.
"We are also taking this opportunity to thank the Mindanawans for the overwhelming support to our martial law implementers and the cooperation they extend in the checkpoints. The (AFP) Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, expresses his profound thanks to all the AFP units in Mindanao for the excellent accomplishments in the past few days against the different enemies of the state and to the (Mindanaoans) who are all out in support to the government’s local peace efforts," he added.
Aside from Mindanao, the poll body also declared the entire province of Abra and the towns of Jones in Isabela and Lope de Vega in Northern Samar as areas of grave concern.
The decision to declare the four areas as election hotspots was based on cases of poll-related violence in the past two electoral exercises, as well other threats from insurgent groups.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065062
Navy conducts maritime activity with USS Blue Ridge
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 20, 2019): Navy conducts maritime activity with USS Blue Ridge
The visit of 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) to the country concluded with a maritime cooperative activity or "PASSEX" with BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16) off Mariveles, Bataan Tuesday afternoon.
"This maritime cooperative activity concluded the visit of the USS Blue Ridge in the country, which was highlighted by its port visit in Manila and the conduct of the annual PN-US 7th Fleet Staff to Staff Talks. The latter activity provided a venue to discuss matters of mutual concern focusing on interoperability between the two navies and regional security issues," Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Captain Jonathan Zata said.
In a statement Wednesday, Zata said the maneuvers were conducted around 1 p.m. PASSEX is short for "passing exercise" which is a series of drills done to ensure synchonization of communication and cooperation between two participating navies.
The American ship arrived in the Philippines last March 13.
The events highlights the PN's ability to perform its distinct role, in terms of naval diplomacy, by engaging with other navies in the region in order to further strengthen, not only its ties, but also enhance its capabilities in performing its missions in a combined environment.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065063
The visit of 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) to the country concluded with a maritime cooperative activity or "PASSEX" with BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16) off Mariveles, Bataan Tuesday afternoon.
"This maritime cooperative activity concluded the visit of the USS Blue Ridge in the country, which was highlighted by its port visit in Manila and the conduct of the annual PN-US 7th Fleet Staff to Staff Talks. The latter activity provided a venue to discuss matters of mutual concern focusing on interoperability between the two navies and regional security issues," Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Captain Jonathan Zata said.
In a statement Wednesday, Zata said the maneuvers were conducted around 1 p.m. PASSEX is short for "passing exercise" which is a series of drills done to ensure synchonization of communication and cooperation between two participating navies.
The American ship arrived in the Philippines last March 13.
The events highlights the PN's ability to perform its distinct role, in terms of naval diplomacy, by engaging with other navies in the region in order to further strengthen, not only its ties, but also enhance its capabilities in performing its missions in a combined environment.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065063
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