Casualties from Isulan bombing now at 18 (See photos inside)

From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 3, 2019): Casualties from Isulan bombing now at 18 (See photos inside)

Security officials said the casualties in Wednesday’s bombing outside a restaurant in downtown Isulan in the southern Philippine province of Sultan Kudarat have risen to 18 from six earlier reported by authorities.

“The casualties in the blast are now pegged as 18,” said Maj. Arvin Encinas, a spokesman for the 6th Infantry Division.

He said soldiers and policemen recovered from the blast site broken parts of a 9 volt battery and fragments of a cell phone, believed used to detonate the bomb, and concrete nails, including pieces of plastic container which were all part of the improvised explosive that went off outside the Carlito’s Chicken.

“We are still investigating who was behind this dastardly act. We also tightened security in the town to help local police force guard Isulan,” he told the Mindanao Examiner regional newspaper.

Photos released by the 6th Infantry Division to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner show police investigators searching for the remains of an improvised explosive device that went off April 3, 2019 outside the Carlito’s Chicken in Isulan town in Sultan Kudarat province in southern Philippines.

Town Mayor Marites Pallasigue said the blast occurred in front of the restaurant along the highway. She said the attack came as a surprise and that they had no intelligence report of an imminent attack or terror threats in Isulan. “Wala kahit ano, walang threat, wala lahat, walang intell report kahit na ano sa amin,” she said, adding, her town is generally peaceful, although an ISIS bombing in August 28 last year killed two people and left at least three dozen others wounded.

“Generally, our place is peaceful. I don’t know what happened or why this is happening to our place now,” she said.

Former presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza, in his Facebook account, said 2 children were killed in the powerful explosion. “Two kids already confirmed dead! Gov. Pax Mangudadatu just informed me. He is now rushing from GenSan to the site,” he wrote.

But Encinas said there were no reports of Dureza’s claim. “No, we have no report about it,” he said.

A video posted on Facebook showed civilians running and screaming as black smoke billowed in front of the restaurant. The clip, recorded from a cell phone by another civilian, can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/jomayma.santiago.1/videos/340377610166510/?t=99.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack, but the previous motorcycle bombing was claimed by ISIS, according to SITE Intelligence.

The blast coincided with the town’s 61st founding anniversary and occurred while the whole region is under martial rule. The motorcycle was parked along the highway near several shops in Kalawag village when it exploded around 8.30 p.m. and two other improvised explosives were recovered not far from the area.

At least 35 people wounded in the blast were rushed to hospitals. And an adult and child died from the bombing.

The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters or BIFF whose leaders have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, also claimed responsibility for last year’s attack in the town. The BIFF, whose members were mostly former Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters, is one of several pro-ISIS militant groups fighting for the establishment of a caliphate on Mindanao.

Security forces have been fighting militant groups in the southern region the past years. The blast occurred following President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to the armed forces to crush terrorism.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/casualties-from-isulan-bombing-now-at-18/

MID reassures robust units, civil-military engagements vs insurgency

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 3, 2019): MID reassures robust units, civil-military engagements vs insurgency

Newly-installed Army Mechanized Infantry Division Commander Major General Robert Dauz reassures robust infantry unit and civil-military engagements to combat terrorism and insurgency. (Cherie Joyce V. Flores/PIA 3)

CAMP O’DONNELL, Capas, Tarlac -- Army Mechanized Infantry Division (MID) reassured robust units and civil-military engagements in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

In his speech during the Change of Command Ceremony, newly-installed Commander Major General Robert Dauz highlighted the mark of excellence of MID and the importance of right mix of triad operations in serving the people and securing the land.

“As I assume the responsibility and leadership of MID, our perspective is to have an infantry that is well-meaning-serious army with robust infantry units to perform its core purpose,” he stressed.

“With this, combined with the contribution of every member of the organization or through inclusive approach, we will build and bring the MID to greater heights,” Dauz furthered.

Based on Executive Order No. 70 series of 2018, the whole-of-nation approach is institutionalized as a government policy for the attainment of inclusive and sustainable peace.

“We will employ strong foundations of approaches and these should be a combination of combat, civil-military and information operations,” Dauz said.

The Division also intends to maximize the professional expertise of the members of the Multi-sectoral Advisory Board to further attain the Army Transformation Roadmap.

“As we embark to write the next chapter of our history, let us not lose sight of our responsibilities as citizens of our country and as armors with a core purpose of serving the people and securing the land,” Dauz emphasized.

“Let us keep the spirit of winning burning in our hearts and minds. Let us fight to win the peace fight under the rule of law,” he furthered.

Dauz is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maringal” Class of 1988.

He served as the Commander of various units such as Commandant of The Armor School, 5th Light Armor Battalion that was subsequently reclassified as the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Security and Escort Battalion, 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade and Joint Task Force “Talakudong” in Maguindanao.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1020530

Peace rally calls on NPA members to go mainstream

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 3, 2019): Peace rally calls on NPA members to go mainstream



DAVAO DEL NORTE —Hundreds pitched support for national government’s thrust to end insurgency in a peace rally held on March 29 at the Rotary Park in Tagum City.

Raising calls for members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to seek government support, participants to the rally were former rebels who returned to the fold of the law. Also joining the peace gathering were members of indigenous peoples (IP) communities, people’s organizations, socio-civic organizations while others were from local government units.

Army reservists, personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and people from the academe joined the peace rally “held in pursuit of peace in the provinces of Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley Province.”

Civil Military Operations (CMO), Captain Alan B. Apara of the 1001st Infantry Brigade in an interview said that part of their calls hoisted in placards were “work as one government for peace”, “good governance is the key to counter insurgency”, and “encourage NPA to go back to mainstream”.

The core of their calls was “peace” and that they were urging for NPA members to leave their underground movement while assuring them that President Rodrigo Duterte would help them live a normal way of life.

The peace rally in Tagum City was held simultaneously with the same event in Davao City where a candle-lighting event was an add-on feature of the call for peace.

Provincial government of Davao Oriental organized a Public Service Day that coincided with the March for Peace that took off from the Baywalk in the City of Mati to the Provincial Capitol Covered.

Among those that joined the Peace march rally in Davao Oriental were peace volunteers, peace advocates, women and youth groups, local and national line agencies aside from personnel of the military and the police.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1020485

7 hurt in Sultan Kudarat restaurant blast

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3, 2019): 7 hurt in Sultan Kudarat restaurant blast

Google map of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat

ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat – A suspected improvised explosive device left in front of a roadside restaurant here injured at least seven persons, including the restaurant’s security guard, on Wednesday afternoon.

Citing initial information, Lt. Col. Aldrin Gonzales, speaking for Regional Police Office 12 (Soccsksargen), said the blast occurred in front of Carlito’s Restaurant at past 3:30 p.m.
Gonzales said military and police bomb disposal experts are still in the area conducting a post-blast investigation.

“We have still to receive an official report of the blast incident from our investigators on the field,” he said in a phone interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Sketchy reports said six of the victims were rushed to the Sultan Kudarat provincial hospital, while one was taken to a private hospital.

Police recovered cut nails in the blast site.

The explosion occurred near the site of one of two blasts that hit the town last year.

Separate blasts rocked this town on August 28 and September 2 last year, leaving five persons dead and 45 others injured.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066402

Southern Iloilo upland tourist spots 'back to normal': Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3, 2019): Southern Iloilo upland tourist spots 'back to normal': Army

ENJOY THE MOUNTAINS. Tourists can now enjoy mountainous attractions in southern Iloilo such as the Tinagong Dagat in Barangay Ongyod in Miagao after the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday (April 2, 2019) lifted its previous advisory for tourists to avoid the mountain areas for them not to be caught in crossfires. Authorities anticipate that local tourists will make time to enjoy the mountains of Iloilo especially with the celebration of the Holy Week in the third week of April. (Photo courtesy of JB Ralutit)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said tourists can now enjoy normal activities in mountainous tourist spots of southern Iloilo.

Lt. Col. Sisenando Magbalot, commander of the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB), said the Army lifted its advisory for tourists to avoid mountainous spots in the towns of Igbaras, Miagao, and San Joaquin in Iloilo province on April 2.

The Army on March 27 advised tourists to avoid going to tourist attractions in the mountains as part of its preventive measures for the 50th founding anniversary of the New People’s Army (NPA) on March 29.

Magbalot anticipated that the rebels will mark their celebrations with atrocities and harassment of AFP detachments.

The AFP aimed to protect tourists being caught in crossfires as series of clashes occurred in Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo on March 17; Barangay Osorio-2 in San Remegio, Antique on March 19; Sitio Igburay, Barangay Lacay Doldol, Igbaras, Iloilo on March 20; and the latest encounter on Sitio Burak, Barangay Alimodias, Miagao, Iloilo on March 24.

“But now we are done with our operations in these areas and we can now encourage tourists to do their normal activities in the mountain tourist spots. We are now doing security operations, not the pursuit operations that we did previously,” Magbalot said in an interview on Tuesday.

He anticipates that local tourists will make time to enjoy the mountains of Iloilo especially with the celebration of the Holy Week in the third week of April.

“We understand that tourists will take their leave and enjoy outdoor activities and we assure that we will secure them,” he added.

Magbalot said that his previous reminder to tourists was discussed among the concerned local government units. He said he will coordinate with the municipal mayors that the reminder has been lifted.

Magbalot also noted that municipal mayors in the mentioned local government units had been supportive of government troops.

These areas include Kabugsokan Falls in Barangay Dalije and Tinagong Dagat in Barangay Ongyod in Miag-ao; and Mt. Opao and Mt. Napulak in Igbaras attract tourists during Holy Week, Miagao Municipal Mayor Macario Napulan said in previous interviews.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066364

NegOr joint police-military ops within operational standards: Centcom

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3, 2019): NegOr joint police-military ops within operational standards: Centcom



The Central Command (Centcom) on Wednesday said the joint police and military operations conducted in different localities in the first district of Negros Oriental that resulted in the death of 14 people were within the operational standards in implementing lawful orders of the court.

Lt. Gen. Noel Clement, Centcom commander, said that simultaneous service of 36 search warrants issued by executive judges of Regional Trial Courts in Cebu and Negros Oriental was part of legitimate anti-communist and law enforcement operations.

The warrants were issued for alleged violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act of 2013.

“The operations were implemented as part of the security standards in our efforts to maintain peace and order especially that the elections are nearing,” Clement said in a statement.

He added that the simultaneous implementation of 36 search warrants resulted in the arrest of 16 personalities who were subjects of the court order and the recovery of 53 assorted firearms and explosives broken down as follows: eight rifle grenades, two grenades, nine .45-caliber pistols; 25 .38-caliber revolvers; one .357-caliber revolver; four shotguns, and four homemade rifle/pistols.

Meanwhile, six of the subjects of the warrant were able to elude arrest.

Clement expressed confidence that the human rights body probing the incident will exercise objectivity.

“We appeal to the sense of fairness of the CHR to exercise integrity of their mandate of conducting investigation, that such should be based always on solid evidence and objective factual bases, rather than on pre-judgment and pre-conclusion that can only muddle the issues rather than attaining truth and objectivity," he said.

It can be recalled that a day-long joint military and police operations against the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Oriental on Saturday, March 29, resulted in the death of 14 and capture of 16 of the group's alleged members.

Reportedly, those who were killed engaged the authorities in a shootout as the latter served the search warrants. Eight of the fatalities were from Canlaon City, four from Manjuyod, and two from Santa Catalina, all in Negros Oriental.

The operation was called “Oplan Sauron 2.0,” an internal security operation plan against personalities connected to the Communist Party of the Philippines, NPA, National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in the first congressional district of Negros Oriental and a follow-up to the December 27 to 29, 2018 operation dubbed as “Oplan Sauron,” the report said.

The joint operations covered Ayungon, Canlaon City, Guihulngan City, Mabinay, Manjuyod, Siaton, Santa Catalina, Tanjay City, and Vallehermoso towns in the said province.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066416

2 NPA rebels abandon unit, yield to troops in Sarangani

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3, 2019): 2 NPA rebels abandon unit, yield to troops in Sarangani

Frustrated with their “uncertain cause,” two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) fled from their unit in Sarangani province over the weekend and surrendered to government troops.

Lt. Col. Jones Otida, commanding officer of the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion (27IB), said Wednesday the rebels surrendered in the outskirts of Kiamba town, Sarangani while reportedly “on the run” early Sunday.

Otida said their troops were in the area as part of the continuing focused military operations against the NPA.

“They grabbed the chance to escape from their group and then surrendered to our pursuing troops,” he said.

Otida identified the returnees as aliases Ban-Ban and Toto, who were reportedly under the NPA’s Front 73 operating in Sarangani and South Cotabato provinces.

Ban-ban had been an NPA member for nine years and alias Toto was with the group for four years, the military official said.

The two surrendered three high-powered firearms composed of one AK-47 and two M-16 Armalite rifles, assorted bullets, camouflage uniforms, handheld radio and several subversive documents, he said.

“They were tired and felt hopeless with their situation in the mountains as they were always on the run. So they decided to just come down,” Otida said.

The Army official said the two also expressed frustration about the NPA's failure to provide them the promised benefits when they joined the organization.

Otida said the 27IB will endorse the inclusion of the returnees into the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program so they can avail of livelihood and other support assistance from various government agencies.

The surrenderers are also eligible to receive financial remuneration for the surrendered firearms, as well as security to protect them against possible retaliation from their former comrades.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066353

MILF to remain neutral in 2019 polls

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3, 2019): MILF to remain neutral in 2019 polls

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao interim chief minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim (in white polo) in one of his sorties in Maguindanao. (Photo courtesy of Bangsamoro Media Group)

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will remain neutral in the 2019 national and local elections but would allow its members to vote according to their conscience.

“The MILF, as an organization, will remain neutral, but will not stop its members from voting,” Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) said in a radio interview here Wednesday.

The chief minister explained that the MILF is already a partner of the government but its organizational policy remains.

“Such policy prohibits the organization from issuing statements in support or against a particular candidate in the local and national positions,” he said.

The MILF is also not campaigning for or against any political party but will not prevent its members from joining the elections.

Ebrahim, also the chair of MILF central committee, said the MILF will soon issue guidelines on how to choose leaders and the qualifications they must possess.

The chief minister said the MILF will let its members choose their candidates for national and local positions, adding the organization may only provide guidelines on how to choose the right leaders running for office.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066361

AFP to provide area security during campaign season

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3, 2019): AFP to provide area security during campaign season

With the campaign for local polls now in full swing, military troops are instructed to provide area security to prevent any threats against these activities.

"In the advent of the start of the local campaign period, the Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., has reiterated his instructions to AFP field units to always anticipate the security needs of the candidates by providing area security," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato told the Philippine News Agency when asked on how the military plans to secure the countryside during the campaign season.

The campaign period for local election formally started last March 29 and will last for some six weeks.

While fulfilling this duty, the AFP official reminded troops to remain non-partisan.

"And while doing this mandated task, they must maintain to be non-partisan and to make sure voters will enjoy the freedom to vote for their chosen candidate without fear or intimidation," Detoyato added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066341

‘Balikatan', other exercises to continue: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3, 2019): ‘Balikatan', other exercises to continue: AFP

(PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue conducting the "Balikatan" and other exercises in line with its goal to further professionalize the ranks of Filipino military personnel.

In a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Wednesday, Col. Noel Detoyato, AFP public affairs office chief, said negative comments are to be expected from the ranks of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) as military exercises will result in the enhancement of the fighting skills of Filipino troops.

"Rebels will always be against the 'Balikatan" or any other trainings and exercises, whether unilateral, bilateral or joint and combined because they are afraid that war fighting will improve and they would not be able to cope (with it)," he added.

This year's "Balikatan" will run from April 1 to 12. Participating troops will conduct counter-terrorism training, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations training, aviation operations, bilateral planning, subject matter expert exchanges, and humanitarian and civic assistance projects throughout Luzon.

Some 4,000 Filipino, 3,500 American, and 50 Australian troops have been deployed to participate in these exercises.

"Just like any adversaries, they are afraid that their opponent will improve in skill, equipment and capability because it will spell defeat for their armed struggle. Notwithstanding, the AFP will always conduct these exercises and trainings because we believe that it is only through these activities that the AFP can be assured to improve the services that we deliver to the Filipinos," Detoyato said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066344

AFP naval, air units regularly patrol Pag-asa Island: spox

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3, 2019): AFP naval, air units regularly patrol Pag-asa Island: spox

Naval and air units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are regularly conducting "maritime domain awareness" patrols off Pag-asa Island, its spokesperson said.

"Ang Navy vessel po natin doon ay hindi naman po siya stationary because alam naman po ninyo, we respond to different missions. But what we can assure you, regularly meron po tayong barko ng Navy diyan at ang mga barko rin pong iyan ang ginagamit natin sa ating daily mission and operations diyan sa iba pa nating walong mga features and islands and islet na binabantayan ng inyong Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas, partikular ng inyong Navy, diyan po sa West Philippine Sea (Our Navy vessel there is not stationary because, as you know, we respond to different missions. But what we can assure you is regularly we have Navy ships there and those are what we use in our daily mission and operations there and in eight other features and islands and islet that are being guarded by your Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly your Navy, in the West Philippine Sea)," AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in an interview with DZMM Tuesday.

The military official was responding to a question on whether the Navy has deployed assets to the area following reports claiming that hundreds of Chinese vessels of various types were swarming Pag-asa Island.

Arevalo also bared that these naval patrols are augmented by Air Force aircraft.

He clarified that the military has yet to receive reports of Filipino fishermen being harassed or subjected to any act of aggression by these Chinese vessels.

"Wala naman pong pagha-harass, wala naman pong ganoong report. And as a matter of fact, ine-encourage po natin, una, ang ating mga mangingisda na i-ulat po sa atin kung sila ay nakararanas ng ganitong klaseng harassment o kung anuman iyong kanilang nakita na paglabag sa kanilang karapatan, kumbaga. At ikalawa po, ay ginagawa po nating encouragement pa rin sa kanila ang ituloy nila ang kanilang ginagawang pangingisda diyan, dahil wala naman nga pong harassment na nauulat sa atin. We encourage them to continue with their daily fishing diyan, sapagkat iyon naman po ang kanilang kabuhayan at ikinabubuhay (There is no harassment. There is no such report. And as a matter of fact, we encourage, first, our fishermen to report to us if they experience this kind of harassment or whatever they see as a violation of their rights. Second, we encourage them to continue their fishing activities because no report of harassment has reached us. We encourage them to continue with their daily fishing there, because that is their livelihood)," Arevalo said.

He noted that while there are confirmed sightings of Chinese ships in the area, the number is not as high as the more than 600 reported.

"Ang malinaw po diyan ay parang nagkaroon ng double counting. Kasi for one quarter - January, plus February plus March, equals one quarter ay 627. Pero actually, some of the vessels come in and go out. Kaya ang binilang po natin iyong ‘bow number,’ iyong numero doon sa bow at iyon pong — meaning, sa harapan ng barko at ang total po noon (the front of the ships and the total) is around 275 (for one quarter) (What is clear is there has been double counting. Because for one quarter -- January, plus February, plus March, equal one quarter -- is 627. But actually, some of the vessels come in and go out. What we counted is the ‘bow number’, the number in the bow, the front of the ships, and the total is around 275 (for one quarter)," Arevalo said, adding that on the average, this translates to more than 80 ships per month.

It is also likely that these vessels are observing ongoing improvement works on Pag-asa Island, such as the beaching ramp and repairs to the runway, he pointed out.

"At ang atin pong obserbasyon ay nandoon sila upang magpakita ng kanilang presensiya. At the same time, meron po kasi tayong proyektong ginagawa diyan sa Pag-asa Island, naibabalita n’yo naman po iyan sa maraming pagkakataon, at ang atin pong tingin dito ay kasama iyon sa kanilang minamanmanan (Our observation is that they are there to show presence. At the same time, we have a project there on Pag-asa Island. That has been reported several times, and the way we see it is, that is part of what they are watching closely)," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066354

Participating PH troops told to learn everything in 'Balikatan 2019'

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3, 2019): Participating PH troops told to learn everything in 'Balikatan 2019'



Filipino troops, participating in this year's "Balikatan" exercises, have been urged to learn everything they can from their foreign counterparts.

"In the same note, I also like to address the Filipino soldiers who shall be participating in 'Balikatan' 35-2019. I urge you to maximize and make the most out of this experience and opportunity to acquire knowledge and to apply the learnings into concrete outputs so that we could better perform our duties in serving our people and protecting our state," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., said on Monday.

Some 4,000 Filipino and 3,500 American troops are taking part in the exercises that began April 1 and winds up on April 12.

The exercise also includes the participation of 50 members of the Australian Defence Force for humanitarian and civic assistance projects and special operations forces training.

In the two-week maneuvers, participating troops will conduct counter-terrorism training, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations training, aviation operations, bilateral planning, subject matter expert exchanges, and humanitarian and civic assistance projects throughout Luzon.

Philippine military assets expected to participate in the maneuvers are the landing dock platform BRP Tarlac (LD-601), the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), and FA-50 light-fighter trainers.

"All of us understand how threats on security constantly evolve, including the non-traditional security challenges at present. As we have this year's 'Balikatan', we will shoulder the load together to prepare for these scenarios and should a crisis or national disaster occur in the future, we will be ready," Madrigal said.

Meanwhile, seven nations have deployed military personnel to act as observers.

"This year, seven countries are sending their respective delegations. We have Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and the United Kingdom," the AFP chief added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066338

Bishop Florencio installed as new military bishop

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3, 2019): Bishop Florencio installed as new military bishop



Bishop Oscar Jaime Florencio on Wednesday was officially installed as the 7th Military Ordinariate of the Philippines.

Catholic Church officials, including Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, attended the ceremony held at the St. Ignatius de Loyola Cathedral, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Florencio believed that his appointment is important as it will help boost the morale of the chaplains.

“This is very significant because it can boost the morale of the chaplains that they have a bishop and a shepherd,” he said in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas.

“It is significant also because during this Lenten season, it is the renewal of vows of the chaplains on their commitments and they will have to renew that with their new bishop,” he added.

Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia was the main presider of the rites while Tagle was the homilist.

Last month, Florencio was named as the Military Ordinariate of the country and will lead Catholics who are serving in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine National Police.

According to Catholic Hierarchy data, the military diocese is composed of over 120 priests assigned in 65 parishes all over the country.

He finished his Doctorate in Sacred Theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066418

Don't be fooled by leftist propaganda on NegOr ops, PNP tells public

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3, 2019): Don't be fooled by leftist propaganda on NegOr ops, PNP tells public



The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday urged the public not to be swayed by remarks of communist rebels condemning the search warrant operations which resulted in the death of 14 suspects in Negros Oriental, which it tagged as "leftist propaganda".

“Let us not be fooled by leftist propaganda and fake news of a purported massacre. All deaths did not happen in one place but were the result of implementation of separate Search warrants that went awry when the subjects of the search operations put-up armed resistance,” said PNP chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde, in a statement.

He also cried foul over allegations that the operation was a massacre.

"We do not want to unduly condemn our personnel for doing their job well of implementing lawful orders of the Court. We appeal to the public to be circumspect in making hasty conclusions and passing judgment on the police," Albayalde said.

Albayalde also shrugged off claims that the 12 others who were arrested were planted with evidence, stressing that such claim is "a common and flimsy alibi".

The country's top cop also lashed out at various leftist lawmakers who called for his resignation over the incident.

“Lahat naman pinagre-resign ng mga yan! (They want everybody to resign). The Filipino people are sick and tired of their lies,” Albayalde said in a text message sent to reporters when sought for a comment.

On Tuesday, Albayalde ordered the relief of four police officials in the province of Negros Oriental from their posts to give way to the investigation on the operations.

Relieved from their posts were Col. Raul Tacaca, Negros Oriental provincial police director; Lt. Colonel Patricio Degay, Canlaon City police chief; Lt. Kevin Roy Mamaradlo, Manjuyod municipal police chief; and Capt. Michael Rubia, Sta. Catalina police chief.

The relieved officers will be assigned at the Police Holding and Accounting Unit (PHAU) in Camp Crame.

The PNP chief, however, clarified that the order is not a punitive measure against the police officials.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066387

PH, China convene amid protests vs. Chinese presence in Pag-asa

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3, 2019): PH, China convene amid protests vs. Chinese presence in Pag-asa



Ranking officials of the Philippine and Chinese governments convened in Manila Tuesday to discuss the disputed South China Sea amid the country’s protests against Chinese presence near Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday said Manila raised its concern over “specific issues” and “developments” in the region before its Chinese counterparts.

“In a frank yet cordial and constructive manner, both sides raised specific issues and recent developments and actions in the South China Sea, which have raised concerns to either side, and proposed ways to address them in a cooperative manner,” it said in a statement.

“Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate and to continue to find ways forward to strengthen mutual trust and confidence,” it added.

At the same time, the two nations acknowledged that the issues in the South China Sea “are not the sum total of the Philippines-China relations and should not exclude mutually beneficial cooperation in other fields.”

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. earlier confirmed that the country served a "salvo of diplomatic notes" to China over the reported presence of more than a hundred Chinese vessels near the Philippine-occupied Pag-asa Island.

China, however, has yet to respond, Undersecretary Ernesto Abella told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

"The DFA confirms that the Philippines has sent a diplomatic note through the Chinese embassy in Manila. The DFA awaits a response," Abella said in a text message.

During the meeting, both sides committed to address the disputes in the area by "peaceful means, without resorting to the threat or use of force" and in accordance with international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the department said in the statement.

Beijing and Manila, it said, also had a “productive exchange of views” on ways to enhance maritime cooperation in the region, including on maritime search and rescue, maritime safety, marine environmental protection/marine scientific research, and fisheries.

Meanwhile, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the freedom of navigation in and over-flight above the South China Sea.

Among the subjects discussed during the fourth meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea was the oil and gas development in the disputed strategic waters.

“Without prejudice to their respective positions on sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, both sides exchanged views on oil and gas development,” the DFA said.

Whether there is any development on this talk, the agency has yet to issue a comment.

Last year, the two nations crafted the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation on Oil and Gas Development between Manila and Beijing.

The meeting, which concluded on Wednesday, was considered “fruitful and productive” by both sides, according to the DFA.

Its fifth meeting will be held in China in the second half of 2019, with the exact date and place to be determined and mutually agreed upon through diplomatic channels.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066428