Aquino joins Army in honoring contributions of army personnel and civilian stakeholders

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22): Aquino joins Army in honoring contributions of army personnel and civilian stakeholders

President Beningo S. Aquino III joined the top brass of the Philippine Army in honoring the contributions of its personnel and civilian stakeholders.

The President was speaking during the commemoration of the PA’s 116th Founding Anniversary celebration at its headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Friday.

The President, joined by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista and Army Commanding General Lt, Gen. Noel Coballes, handed out medals and plaques of merit and appreciation to 14 individuals for their contribution towards achieving the Philippine Army’s vision of becoming a world-class army that is a source of national pride by 2028.

This years awardees are: Colonel Yerson Depayo – Distinguished Service Star; LtCol Isidro Purisima – Outstanding Achievement Medal; 2ndLt Frederick Dela Torre – Gold Cross Medal; 1stLt Marvin Liel Gammad – Bronze Cross Medal; Cadet Col. Monica Orbe – PA-ROTC Unit Female Cadet of the Year; Cdt. Captain Gabriel Orosco – PA-ROTC Male Cadet of the Year;

Major Miguel Maamo II – PA Model Reservist of the Year; Staff Sergeant James Guina-ob – PA Enlisted Personnel of the Year; William Tello, Jr. – CAFGU Active Auxiliary of the Year; Albert Job – PA Model Civilian Employee of the Year; Maria Lourdes Rosero – PA Model Civilian Supervisor of the Year;

Undersecretary Lesley Jean Cordero of the Presidential Communications Operations Office – for her invaluable services rendered to the Philippine Army as a partner and consultant; Province of Davao Oriental – for invaluable contribution to the PA in the pursuit of peace, socio-economic and other development activities geared towards improving the quality of life of the people of Davao Oriental; and Il-Seop Lee, Vice President, Special Vehicle Export, KIA Motors – for the prompt delivery of six units five ton trucks, 60 units of field ambulances and 100 units of 1-1/4 ton trucks as part of the PA Capability Upgrade Program.

The President also paid tribute to a special member of the Philippine Army: Technical Sergeant Tranquilino Olarte Cabiling who, at 112 years of age, is the oldest living army trooper on record.

He was born on July 6, 1900 and began his military service on Aug 3, 1922 as part of the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE).

In his speech, the President thanked the awardees for their achievements and contributions towards helping improve the Philippine Army to be at par with other armed forces.

“Kasabay ng pwagpapasalamat ko sa inyong hanay sa mahusay na pagganap sa inyong mga tungkulin, babatiin ko na rin po ang mga pinarangalan ngayong hapon --- ang mga sundalong nagpakita ng kagitingan; ang mga reservist, sibilyan, at kawani ng gobyernong nakibalikat sa pagsusulong ng kapayapaan sa mga komunidad; ang mga LGU at pribadong institusyon na nakilahok sa agenda ng seguridad at pag-unlad sa kani-kanilang sariling mga paraan. Sa labing-apat po nating awardee, na hindi ko na po iisa-isahin dahil baka naman ho gabihin na tayo dito: Isang taos-pusong pasasalamat,” the President said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=509893

Photos: Commemoration of the 116th Philippine Army Anniversary

Posted to the Facebook page of the Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas (Philippine Army) (Mar 22): Photos: Commemoration of the 116th Philippine Army Anniversary

 




Wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, Libingan ng mga Bayani





Commemorating the Tejeros Convention



Wreath laying ceremony at the Casa Hacienda in Rosario, Cavite

 http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.448107785263743.1073741826.208474745893716&type=1#!/photo.php?fbid=448107815263740&set=a.448107785263743.1073741826.208474745893716&type=3&theater

Army awards outstanding personnel

Posted to the Facebook page of the  Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas (Philippine Army) (Mar 22): Army awards outstanding personnel

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The Philippine Army recognized the excellent contributions of Army personnel and civilian stakeholders during the 116th Philippine Army Anniversary celebration held at the Headquarters Philippine Army at 2 p.m. today, March 22.

The awardees include soldiers, enlisted personnel, reservists, civilian employees, and civilian entities.

This year’s celebration was graced by no less than His Excellency President Benigno S Aquino III and was attended by dignitaries both from the government, the civilian sector, the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Colonel Yerson E Depayso led this year’s pool of awardees. He earned the Distinguished Service Star for his effective leadership instrumental to the implementation of programs and services in his area of responsibility, as Commanding Officer of the 501st Infantry Brigade.

For extraordinary and distinguished achievement as Chairman of the Technical Working Group of the 4th Infantry Division in conceptualizing and publishing the Community Organizing for Peace and Development (COPD) Handbook, Lt Col Isidro L Purisima was presented with the Outstanding Achievement Medal.

The third highest combat award, the Gold Cross Medal, on the other hand, was awarded to 2Lt Frederick O Dela Torre for gallantry in action during an encounter against six members of Guerilla Unit 2, South Quezon-Bondoc Peninsula that resulted in the killing of four NPA rebels and the recovery of various firearms and ammunition.

1Lt Marvin Liel L Gammad was conferred with Bronze Cross Medal for risking his life during the search, rescue and retrieval operations in the Municipality of New Bataan, Compostela Valley Province in the aftermath of typhoon Pablo on December 4, 2012. The Search, Rescue and Retrieval Team of the 10th Infantry Division rescued 1,809 affected residents.

Meanwhile, the Army also recognized the exceptional performance of model ROTC cadets and Reservists. Among the model ROTC Cadets of the year are Cadette Col Monica T Obre and Cadet Capt Gabriel Paulo C Orosco.

Major Miguel L Maamo II of the 1st Southern Leyte Ready Reserve Battalion was adjudged as the Philippine Army Model Reservist of the Year, while SSgt James B Guina-ob was hailed as the Enlisted Personnel of the Year.

From the lines of the CAFGU Active Auxiliary, CAA William B Tello Jr. was named the CAA of the year.

Mr. Albert A Job of the 9th Infantry Division was hailed as the Model Civilian Employee of the year, while Ms Maria Lourdes B Rosero was recognized as Model Civilian Supervisor of the Year

Civilian partners for peace and development were also recognized by the Command.

Honorable Lesley Jeanne Y Cordero, Undersecretary, Presidential Communications Operations Office, also received a Command Plaque in recognition of her invaluable services as a partner and consultant during the production and launching of the Sarah Geronimo “Bayanihan” Music Video, conceptualization of peace messages, airing of radio plays featuring the lives of former rebels, and production of the “Bayanihan” radio plugs/information commercials.

The Local Government Unit of the Province of Davao was also recognized for its invaluable contribution to the Philippine Army in the pursuit of peace, socio-economic and other development activities that are geared towards improving the quality of life of the people in the different municipalities of Davao Oriental.

A Special Award was also given to Mr. II-Seop Lee, Vice President, Special Vehicle Export, KIA Motors for the prompt delivery of 5-ton trucks, field ambulances and 1 ¼ ton trucks as part of the Philippine Army Capability Upgrade Program.

In its 116th year, the Army’s endless quest for excellence continues as they perform their mandates of serving the people and securing the land.

http://www.facebook.com/notes/hukbong-katihan-ng-pilipinas/army-awards-outstanding-personnel/448150215259500

3CMOBn new commanding officer formally takes over

From the 3rd Civil Military Operations Battalion (CMOB) Blog (Mar 20): 3CMOBn new commanding officer formally takes over

Lt Colonel Patrick E. Cinco of Davao City has been designated as the new commander of the 3rd Civil Military Operations Battalion based in Escalante City, Negros Occidental effective Tuesday.

Called to active duty as a junior officer on January 13 1992, Cinco obtained a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Mindanao.

He then pursued a masters degree in Public Administration at the University of the Southern Philippines.

Cinco succeeded Major Antonio Tumnog who is projected to occupy a position in the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army at Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz.

Cinco spent his career in Luzon as a company grade officer at the 71st Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army from 1993 – 1999 before becoming a student officer at the Training and Doctrine Command, Philippine Army last 1998.

He was re-assigned to various field grade positions in Mindanao from 1999 to 2010 before being re-assigned to the Civil Relations Service (CRS), Armed Forces of the Philippines as its Assistant of the Chief of Staff for Logistics, C4 last 2011.

Prior to his present designation, he was the Brigade Executive Officer of the 303rd (Brown Eagle) Brigade, 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, Philippine Army based in Barangay Minoyan, Murcia, Negros Occidental.

“The designation of Ltc. Cinco to his position will sustain the gains this unit has achieved. I am confident that his leadership will continue to usher changes in this command as we pursue to reform initiatives in connection with our Army Transformation Roadmap,” said 3ID commander Major Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr.

I know that we have our dedicated and devoted stakeholders to work and collaborate with. It is the synergy of all the efforts that will lead us towards the realization of our objectives in winning the peace,” he added.

In his assumption speech, Cinco stressed to the officers and men of 3CMOBn to remain committed and steadfast on accomplishing the unit’s objective.

As new challenges and new beginnings await the new commanding officer, he further assured the stakeholders concerned of his full support in providing the best leadership, direction, motivation and example in continuing the efforts of winning the peace in Escalante City.

http://jezzanepomoceno.wordpress.com/2013/03/20/3cmobn-new-commanding-officer-formally-takes-over/

Palace asked: Why is US taking charge of Tubbataha probe?

From InterAksyon (Mar 22): Palace asked: Why is US taking charge of Tubbataha probe?

A private fact-finding mission asked President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday why the US government has taken charge of the investigation on the January 17 grounding of USS Guardian in the Tubbataha Reef and that Philippine authorities were left out of the investigation.

"This is very, very unfair. How come the Philippine authorities are left behind the investigation and that the investigation will be solely dispatched to Washington D.C.?” said Fernando Hicap, of Anakpawis party-list, one of the main organizers of the 15-man Sovereignty and Environmental Mission that was initiated last week.

“Please allow us to set the record straight. The US government should be the subject of investigation and the political object of criminal cases which the Philippine state should file against officials (and) crew members of the American minesweeper and the US government," said Hicap.

The Anakpawis party-list leader issued the sharp response to the statement issued by the US government on Thursday announcing they would invite officials of the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard to participate in the US-led probe on the grounding of the warship USS Guardian in the UNESCO declared World Heritage site.

Lt. Col. Jason Chamness, deputy chief of the Joint US Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG), said Philippine officials would be invited to the JUSMAG headquarters in Japan.

He said the American investigators would bring Philippine officials to Japan and brief them on the status of the investigation undertaken by US authorities on the Tubbataha incident.

"We will not accept the results of the US-led probe on Tubbataha. That Washington probe is a triple platinum insult to the national sentiment and collective intelligence of the Filipino people. The US orchestrated probe on Tubbataha is a sham," added Hicap.

For his part, Pamalakaya vice chairperson Salvador France insisted that an independent investigation should be undertaken asserting that the US has no legal, moral and political right to carry out an honest-to-goodness and objective investigation of the January 17 environmental chaos in Palawan.

"The US lead role in the investigation has no moral, legal and political basis and it is bereft of any objectivity. We will not subscribe to any Washington fabricated report on Tubbataha that would eventually exonerate imperial America from its crimes against the people and the environment," said France.

The March 11-14 mission in Tubbataha is composed of Pamalakaya, Anakpawis, Earth Island Institute, Sentro Para Sa Tunay na Repormang Agraryo (Sentra), International Fisherfolk and fishWorkers Coalition (IFWC), Fisheries Marine and Environmental Research Institute (FMERI) and Palawan chapters of Katribu partylist, College Editors Guild of the Philippines and Anakbayan.

The third-party group had recommended the filing of criminal and other appropriate charges against officials and 79 crew members of USS Guardian and officials of the Aquino administration regarding the environmental disaster.

The mission argued that President Aquino and the Government of the Philippines failed to assert Philippine sovereignty and were reduced into lame duck entities.

They said President Aquino could have charged those responsible for the disaster according to domestic laws but he never exercised this decisive sovereign right to claim justice.
Lawyer Jobert Pahilga of Sentra said aside from violating the constitutional provision
on the right of the Filipino people to healthy and balance ecology with the destruction of the 130,000 hectare marine reef park network, the grounding of USS Guardian was a clear violation of an international law and that the Tubbataha incident fell under Internationally Wrongful Act that compels that US government to pay for damages and ensure the full-realization of the rehabilitation of Tubbataha Reef park.

"The Aquino administration should have prevented the release and grand escape of USS Guardian officials and crew members and instead, detain them in any regular jail in the country, while waiting the US government to finish the retrieval of the USS Guardian and pay in full amount the damage and just compensation determined and assessed by independent bodies. The President is not inclined to pursue justice and sovereignty," said Pahilga.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/57697/palace-asked-why-is-us-taking-charge-of-tubbataha-probe

3 U.S. vessels to arrive in the Philippines for routine port calls

From InterAksyon (Mar 22): 3 U.S. vessels to arrive in the Philippines for routine port calls

Three United States Navy vessels will arrive in the Philippines on Friday for "routine port calls," the U.S. Embassy in Manila announced. 

Docking in Subic is the submarine USS Ohio, in Manila, the destroyer USS Decatur and in Cebu, the submarine tender USS Frank Cable. The three will undergo "routine maintenance, replenishment of supplies, rest and recreation and community assistance and outreach activities," the U.S. embassy said. 

USS Decatur (DDG 73) is a 505-foot long destroyer named after Commodore Stephen Decatur, a U.S. naval hero during the U.S.-Britain war of 1812. The Arleigh-Burke class destroyer was commissioned in 1998 with over 300 crew and soldiers, several of whom were Filipinos.

Meanwhile, the USS Frank Cable (AS 40) has a crew of about 1,500 and serves as the 7th Fleet's mobile repair and support platform. USS Frank already visited Subic last year and will dock in Cebu this time.

The USS Ohio (SSGN 726) is the lead ship of the Ohio-class submarines of the U.S. This 560-foot long submarine will dock in Subic and has a crew of about 150 officers and sailors. It is the fourth vessel to bear the name of the U.S. state.

The visit of the three ships will "highlight the strong historic, community and military relations" between the U.S. and the Philippines, according to the embassy.

The visit comes amid the continuing efforts to salvage U.S. Navy minesweeper USS Guardian, which ran aground on Tubbataha Reef in Sulu Sea on January 17.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas said investigation on the cause of the grounding remains ongoing. He, however, declined to disclose any updates at this time. He reiterated U.S. apology over the incident.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/57699/3-u-s--vessels-to-arrive-in-the-philippines-for-routine-port-calls

Palace sees no intrusion

From the Manila Standard Today (Mar 22): Palace sees no intrusion

Despite Chinese ship’s entry in Kalayaan isle

Malacanang confirmed on Thursday that a Chinese ship entered Philippine territory early this week, but denied that it was an “intrusion” into the country’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone.

Military sources said on Wednesday that the ship, which was “large” and “bearing Chinese markings” as described by fishermen, was seen dumping construction materials in one of the islets in the Kalayaan Island Group near Palawan.

The KIG is part of the Spratlys, one of three major islands being contested by China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam Brunei and Taiwan.

Valte, however, said that the ship was not a landing ship tank but a fishing vessel, as confirmed by the National Defense Department.

“The Department of National Defense has verified the report and the alleged landing type vessel supposedly unloading plywood is actually a fishing vessel with ‘paways’ or smaller boats,” she said.

But when asked to reconcile her admission that there was indeed a Chinese fishing vessel in the area, while saying that its presence could not be considered as an “intrusion,” Valte instead said the Palace was only adopting the statement of the Foreign Affairs Department, which claimed that the fishing vessel did not “intrude” into Philippine territory.

Foreign Affairs, however, apparently had a different view about the incident compared to its position on the Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal.

Chinese fishermen had “intruded” and were caught poaching in the Shoal in April, sparking a standoff when Chinese maritime officials prevented Philippine authorities from arresting the Chinese fishermen. The DFA had protested the Chinese action, and the recent moves by Beijing, including the establishment of Sansha City in June to ‘administer’ the activities in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

To date, the Chinese continues to “intrude” into the shoal, as at least three Chinese maritime vessels had remained in the area, apparently to prevent local fishermen from fishing I the area.

Manila Standard later tried to contact Chinese embassy spokesperson Zhang Hua but she could not be reached for comment.

On Wednesday, military sources, quoting local fishermen who saw the ship, described the vessel as “large” and bearing “Chinese markings.”

“These intrusions were monitored during the night and these vessels believed to be Chinese were unloading construction materials on the island that we owned because it is part of the KIG,” said the source.

The Western Command based in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan has already sent reconnaissance planes and patrol ships to check on the report that a Chinese landing tank ship unloaded materials soomewhere in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), according to Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo, the designated spokesman for security concerns in the West Philippine Sea and special disposition of forces of the Philippine Navy.

“We are validating that information. Navy aircrafts and ships under the operation control of the Naval Forces West continue sovereignty patrol missions in its AOR (area of responsibility, including KIG,” Arevalo said.

Maj. Oliver Banaria, commander of the 6 Civil Relations Group of the Armed Forces’ Civil Relations Service (CRS), also confirmed the course of action being undertaken by Westcom.

Banaria, however, neither confirmed nor denied the report about the intrusion.

“Sorry, I cannot confirm anything until we got feedback from the teams that were sent to verify the report,” he said.

The report about the new intrusion of Chinese ships in the KIG during nighttime early this week and the alleged dumping of construction materials in one of the KIG islets was “very much similar” to what the Chinese did in the Mischief Reef, which is located very near Spratlys.

“The Chinese operate at night, brought their construction materials to the Mischief Reef by dropping them inside the lagoon until we woke up one day that the Chinese had already established underwater the foundations of the structures that we saw at present on that part of the sea that we originally owned,” a senior officer from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said.

The KIG is composed of seven islets and two reefs is a municipality of Palawan which is currently under the leadership of Mayor Eugenio Bito-onon. It is located in the WPS where the Spratly Islands (South China Sea) is found.

China had rejected international arbitration to address the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea, prompting Manila to file a case before the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas tribunal.

Beijing, however, rejected Manila’s move and insisted that China has indisputable sovereignty over the entire waters and formations southeast of China encompassed by its nine-dash line claim.

China’s refusal to participate in the proceedings, however, will not derail the arbitration, and the tribunal can still proceed with an ex-parte trial and make a binding decision, according to arbitration rules.

The KIG is composed of seven islets and two reefs is a municipality of Palawan which is currently under the leadership of Mayor Eugenio Bito-onon. It is located in the WPS where the Spratly Islands (South China Sea) is found.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/03/22/palace-sees-no-intrusion/

US assures PHL of defense assistance

From the Business Mirror (Mar 21): US assures PHL of defense assistance

UNITED States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. said the US is committed to continue defense-related assistance to the Philippines despite spending cuts that would be implemented by Washington starting this year.

 

“We don’t know where sequestration is going to take us; we have to leave that to the President [Barack Obama] and Congress to work out, but there has been no effect, current effect on our operations throughout our embassy as of this date,”

 

Thomas said after a “boodle fight” with reporters on Thursday. Sequestration is a procedure in US law that puts a high cap on how much the government can spend on federal programs such as education and defense.

 

In its official web site, US Department of Defense officials on March 20 expressed apprehensions over the consequences of the sequestration on American troops and military readiness.

 

“Under the 2011 Budget Control Act, the Defense department was required to cut $487 billion from its budget,” the US DOD said, quoting Frank Kendall, undersecretary of Defense for acquisitions, technology and logistics.

 

However, Thomas cited as example his experience in 1995 when there were deep cuts in US spending.

 

“When I was a middle-level officer in India, we had the government shut down, but we survived it. So we’ll survive this also.”

 

Thomas reiterated that the Philippines would continue receiving support from the United States.

 

“I’m sure you know that in the last 11 years, the Philippines has been the largest recipient of US military aid in Southeast Asia, and that continues.”

 

Thomas cited as example the Coast Guard cutter that would be delivered to the Philippines “in a couple of months.”

 

He also emphasized US support in disaster relief and need for humanitarian missions.

 

“We are in the ring of fire and you have to be the first responders. Clearly, the United States will always come in if needed.” Thomas said that it’s his concern on how the US can help forward the current Philippine government’s defense policy.

 

“That’s another sign of our support. So what we do is ask [your government officials] what they want, what they are trying to do, how can we partner with them, how can we get other allies in the region to partner with the Philippines.

 

Thomas also said that the US would continue sending military assets here.

 

“We just had the Blue Ridge here and we have another ship coming in this weekend. It’s [visits] not been affected by sequestration so we’ll have to see where we go.”

 

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/top-news/11014-us-assures-phl-of-defense-assistance

Kidnapped Australian freed in Basilan: reports

Posted to ABS-CBN (Mar 21): Kidnapped Australian freed in Basilan: reports

 An Australian man kidnapped in Zamboanga Sibugay last December was freed by his captors Thursday afternoon, initial reports from the military said.

The Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) said in a press statement that Warren Rodwell was released in Basilan.

Rodwell, 53, was snatched from his residence in Ipil town last December 5.

As of posting, he was being brought to Wesmincom headquarters, according to a dzMM report by ABS-CBN Zamboanga's Jewel Reyes.

The military did not give further details on Rodwell's release, including answering questions on whether ransom was paid for his freedom.

Wesmincom later had apparent second thoughts in confirming Rodwell's release.

Wesmincom spokesman Col. Rodrigo Gregorio, who issued the earlier press release, said they are "hopeful" that Rodwell has been released by his kidnappers.

Local officials are mum on the issue.

Moro rebels earlier joined the hunt for the kidnapped Australian.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) formed a tracking unit to help authorities recover Rodwell, rebel spokesman Vol Al-Haq said.

He said the MILF was checking unverified reports that Rodwell was in the hands of the smaller Al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group in their southern island territory of Basilan.

Rodwell, who is married to a Filipina, had been living in Ipil for 8 months prior to his abduction.
Authorities imposed a news blackout on the search, although various sources had said his abductors likely took him across to Basilan, a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf.

Local press, citing police sources, have reported that Rodwell's abductors sent his wife photographs to prove he was alive and demanded an initial ransom of P1 million.

The Abu Sayyaf is a small band of Islamic militants which was formed with seed money from Al-Qaeda in the 1990s.

It has carried out numerous kidnappings for ransom, often targeting foreigners and Christians and a spate of high profile bombings over the past two decades.

It is not included in the peace talks between Manila and the 12,000-strong MILF, which had agreed to help government forces go after criminal gangs and terrorists in areas where it operates.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/03/21/13/kidnapped-australian-freed-basilan-reports

Malaysia kills 2 more Sulu army members in Sabah clashes

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Mar 21): Malaysia kills 2 more Sulu army members in Sabah clashes

A purported wanted poster - which shows Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III and his brother Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram - in Malaysia.

 

Malaysian security forces killed two followers of the Sultanate of Sulu and captured a female member in separate clashes in Sabah’s Lahad Datu town.

 

Malaysian authorities said one of its soldiers was also wounded in the fighting that erupted Wednesday in the village called Tanjung Batu where security forces are pursuing the sultan’s men.

 

The identities of those slain in the fighting since hostilities began this month remain unknown, although Malaysia initially said that one of those killed was General Musa Abdulla, of the Royal Sulu Army.

It said there were two clashes in the village – one at 11.30 a.m. and the other at around 2 p.m. – and the operations are still going on in an effort to flush about 50 remaining followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram.

 

The ailing 74-year old self-proclaimed sultan sent about 200 followers - headed by his brother Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram - on February to Sabah to exert their claim and historical rights over the island, which is also being claimed by Malaysia.

More than 60 of the sultan’s men had been killed and over 300 Filipinos arrested on suspicion they were supporting or aiding the group of Raja Muda Agbimuddin.

 

Malaysia has put Sultan Jamalul and his brother on its wanted list and branded them as terrorists for intruding into Sabah and killing and decapitating 10 policemen and soldiers in separate clashes on the island.

 

It is also investigating reports that somebody was financing Sultan Jamalul to destabilize Sabah ahead of elections this year.

The Philippines, which is also holding its midterm polls in May, has began a probe into the same reports and pointed to political opposition and former Muslim rebels, opposed to the peace talks being brokered by Malaysia, as behind the destabilization efforts aimed at derailing the government negotiations with the country’s largest Muslim rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

There were also reports that several Malaysians allegedly met with Sultan Jamalul prior to the Sabah intrusion, but it was not immediately known whether the meeting had anything to do with the destabilization or not.

Sultan Jamalul has recently bared an assassination plot by a Malaysian group to kill him and other personalities tied to the Sultanate of Sulu for a still unknown reason, but President Aquino’s spokesman Edwin Lacierda branded the report as “tall tales.”

“This is getting ridiculous and every day they are coming out with tall tales. People should stop listening to tall tales,” Lacierda said, adding Philippine authorities have no reports about the slay plot.

 

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/03/malaysia-kills-2-more-sulu-army-members.html

Sayyafs free Malaysian fish merchant after 17 months in captivity

From the Mindanao Examiner Blog site (Mar 21): Sayyafs free Malaysian fish merchant after 17 months in captivity

Suspected Abu Sayyaf militants have freed a Malaysian fish merchant they seized 17 months ago in Tawi-Tawi province in the southern Philippines, reports said on Thursday.

The 48-year old Pang Choon Pong, a native of Sandakan in Sabah Island, has returned to his family, the Malaysia’s online newspaper The Star said.

Malaysian officials negotiated for Pang’s safe release in Sulu province where he was taken following his kidnapping in October 5, 2011 in Tawi-Tawi province.

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the release was secured through careful and tireless negotiations with the kidnappers. “We empathise with the family and the trauma they must have gone through. As such we decided to intervene and assist in securing Pang's release,” he said.

The report quoted the Chief Minister as saying that the family should thank Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for his concern over the plight of Pang and his family.

“As you can see the leaders of the day are those who listen and reach out to the people regardless of race and religious background,” he said.

Following his release, Pang was flown to Kuala Lumpur before heading to Kota Kinabalu on Thursday, where he reunited with his family members at the Chief Minister's official Seri Gaya residence.

“I am very thankful to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, our Chief Minister and all the leaders who helped reunite me with my family,” Pang said, adding “I have been away for so long and am just happy to see my family.”

The report said among those who welcomed Pang at Seri Gaya were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yee Moh Chai, Industrial Development Minister Datuk Raymond Tan and Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister's Department, Datuk Edward Khoo, as well as Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce President, Datuk Michael Lui.

Pang was seized by five gunmen in the village of Larap on Sitangkai Island. The Philippine military also linked Pang’s Filipino trading partner to the kidnapping.

Senior Superintendent Antonio Freyra, the Sulu police chief, said the Abu Sayyaf is still holding a Japanese treasure hunter, Toshio Ito, 66, since 2010 and was last reported to have been helping the rebel group in cooking food for them and freely moves around.

He said aside from the Japanese, the Abu Sayyaf is also holding Jordanian journalist Baker Atyani, 43, who went to Sulu province along with two Filipino assistants in June 2012 to secretly film the Abu Sayyaf for a documentary on Al Arabiya News Channel. The Filipinos were both freed this year.

Prior to his detention, Atyani has had previously travelled to the province in secrecy to interview terrorist leaders, the Philippine military said.

The military has previously said it would arrest Atyani for espionage should he be released by the Abu Sayyaf. Atyani had also clandestinely interviewed Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden before the 9/11 attacks in the United States.

Freyra said two European wildlife photographers Ewold Horn, 52, from Holland; and Lorenzo Vinciguerre, 47, from Switzerland, kidnapped in February 2012 in Tawi-Tawi province had been brought to Sulu. Police in Tawi-Tawi said the duo was allegedly seized by members of the Moro National Liberation Front.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/03/sayyafs-free-malaysian-fish-merchant.html

6 AFP troops killed, 4 firearms seized in a series of armed encounters

Posted to the CPP Website (Mar 18): 6 AFP troops killed, 4 firearms seized in a series of armed encounters

Allan Juanito
NPA-Northcentral Mindanao Region
March 18, 2013
The New People’s Army – North Central Mindanao Region meets the forthcoming celebration of the NPA’s 44th Anniversary this March 29 with a series of military actions killing 16 reactionary troops and seizing four firearms.

Afternoon of March 13 – an NPA unit put up a checkpoint in Brgy. Bonbon, Butuan City and disarmed PNP officials SPO1 Walter Suralta and PO3 Romulo Lagarde. A 9mm pistol was confiscated from the police officers.

The operating unit then ambushed the reinforcements sent by the 58th IB PA and the PNP Regional Mobile Group. Three soldiers and five policemen of the responding troops were killed. One other policeman was wounded. The operating NPA unit withdrew to safety without a single casualty.

March 14 – another NPA unit confiscated a shotgun and a .22 caliber rifle from a henchman of the barangay chairman of Cahayagan, Carmen, Agusan del Norte.

March15, 6:00 am – an NPA unit seized the firearm of NBI agent Cesar Labitad in Sitio Mahayahay, Brgy. Lunotan, Gingoog City. A .38 caliber revolver and assorted ammunition were confiscated from his ex-CAFGU henchman, Toto Torion. Many complaints were raised by the local residents against Torion for indiscriminate firing and gun-toting using Labitad’s gun.

March 15, 3:00 pm – an NPA unit encountered troops of the 58th IB in Sitio Minlangit, Rojales, Carmen, Agusan del Norte. Five soldiers were killed in the heat of the firefight. The next morning, the mercenary troops forced the motorists plying the route to transport decomposing corpses in their motorcycles. There are no casualties on the NPA side, except for 20 military uniforms, an explosive device and eight bags containing personal belongings left behind.

March 17, 8:00 am – an NPA unit harassed operating troops of the 58th IB in Sitio Alicapawan, Manoligao, Carmen, Agusan del Norte. Three were killed among the reactionary troops. The NPA unit suffered no casualties.

This series of military actions of the NPA in North Central Mindanao is our response to the national call to intensify the people’s war and advance to the strategic stalemate stage.
http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2013/03/6-afp-troops-killed-4-firearms-seized.html

NPA raid in Sinolon, a big slap on AFP

Posted to the CPP Website (Mar 21): NPA raid in Sinolon, a big slap on AFP

Ka Efren
Spokesperson
NDFP Far South Mindanao Chapter

The most recent tactical offensive launched by the Red fighters under the Junito Banda Command of NPA Guerrilla Front 73 against PNP troops in Brgy. Sinolon of T’boli town, South Cotabato is an additional proof of the inexorable resurgence of the revolutionary armed struggle in the province. This newest successful raid of NPA Red fighters against a fully armed squad of the T’boli PNP lambasted the propaganda offensives of the 27th IB and 1002nd Brigade of the Philippine Army that the province of South Cotabato is “free” from their so-called communist-insurgents. This also proves the futility of Noynoy Aquino regime’s Oplan Bayanihan.

The NPA Red fighters of South Cotabato has proven once more of its daringness and ingenuity of employing guerrilla tactics amidst sustained combat, intelligence and civil-military operations of the Task-Force 73 of the 1002nd Brigade in the towns of T’boli, Lake Sebu, Banga, and Surala. The guerrilla fighters surprisingly attacked PNP troops stationed at Brgy. Sinolon – a lowland barangay of T’boli bordering Surala town – while Task Force 73 is conducting massive combat operations in the hinterlands of South Cotabato, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat provinces. The tactical offensive was successfully launched by the NPA in the said area based on its ever widening and deepening revolutionary mass base.

Under Noynoy Aquino’s deceitful, ruthless and anti-people military campaign, dubbed as Oplan Bayanihan, 1002nd Brigade of Philippine Army created Task Force 73 mid last year. This was after AFP troops under 27th IB suffered several casualties in the three consecutive encounters with Red fighters in the towns of T’boli and Surala in the months of June and July last year, and the torching of Materiani boom sprayer truck of Sumifru in May of the same year. Task Force 73 is composed of some troops from 27th IB, 73rd IB, PNP South Cotabato and CAFGUs.

AFP’s Task Force 73 is backed and financed by the big foreign and local agribusiness plantations and mining companies operating in the area. It is tasked mainly to protect the Dole Philippines, Sumifru and San Miguel Energy Corporation (SMEC), terrorize the local populace and prevent the continuing resurgence of the revolutionary mass movement in the area under the pretense of their so-called peace and development outreach program.

Dole Philippines and Sumifru monopolize vast lands in the municipalities of Banga, Surala, T’boli, Tupi, Tampakan, Tantangan and Polomolok as pineapple and banana plantations. Moreover, Danding Cojuangco’s SMEC is pushing away the T’boli natives and the peasant settlers out of their land in Brgy Ned, Lake Sebu for the operations of its coal mining. These three corporations are notorious of grabbing the lands of the peasant masses in the province, and in some other places, using both deception and coercion thru the reactionary state apparatuses including the AFP and PNP.

The NPA’s tactical offensive against a squad of PNP in Brgy Sinolon was carried out as punitive action for the relentless subservience of the latter, as a mercenary armed force, to the vicious and greedy foreign and local big businesses. The said military action of NPA also serves as caution to some local bureaucrat-capitalists, especially Congresswoman Daisy Avance Fuentes, for their active and direct participation in the implementation of the devious and anti-people counter-insurgency program Oplan Bayanihan. Miss Avance – Fuentes, a rabid counterrevolutionary, facilitated the rapid expansion of Dole Philippines and Sumifru in the towns of Banga, Surala, T’boli and Lake Sebu 12 years ago. At the expense of the local populace especially the peasant masses, the then governor in collaboration with the 27th IB and 1002nd Brigade, unleashed the vicious Oplan Purple Heart, a local version of the Oplan Bantay Laya under the US-GMA regime just to ensure the multinational agribusiness corporations to take root in the said municipalities. Now, running again for governor, Miss Avance – Fuentes is singing again the same song of deception, as if she’s pro-poor and pro-masses in her public appearance and pronouncements, but in real sense a militarist, conspiratorial, monstrous and greedy.

However, the NPA in South Cotabato vows to continue carrying its tasks of defending the peasant masses and other poor people of the province against the continuing intrusion and landgrabbing of big local ang multinational agri-corporations and mining companies and as well as against the onslaught of Oplan Bayanihan. By intensifying its tactical offensives against AFP, PNP, paramilitary troops, foreign and big local agribusiness plantations and mining companies and their private armed goons, the NPA in South Cotabato is rendering justice to the dispossessed peasants and other aggrieved people of the province. Thus, paving the way for the attainment of the peoples demand for genuine national freedom and democracy.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130321_npa-raid-in-sinolon-a-big-slap-on-afp-s

1 more Sulu gunman killed in clash with Malaysian forces

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 21): 1 more Sulu gunman killed in clash with Malaysian forces
A Sulu gunman was killed and a Malaysian soldier was wounded in a clash between Malaysian security forces with remnants of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III’s so-called “royal army” in Tanjung Batu on Wednesday, Sabah Police Commissioner Hamza Taib reported Thursday.

Hamza told a Sabah-based radio station, monitored via shortwave radio here, that the soldier sustained only minor injuries on the left wrist and was recuperating at a hospital.

He said that the body of the unidentified “terrorist” had been removed from the scene of the clash, along with the cadaver of another Sulu gunman, which was discovered earlier.

According to the radio station Malaysian Armed Forces Chief Gen. Zulkifeli Mohamad Zin, told a news conference in Felda Sabahat that the latest casualty on the “terrorist’s” side brought to 63 the number of Sulu gunmen slain since Operasi Daulat (sovereignty) was launched on March 5.

Zulkifeli also announced the arrest of a woman, estimated to be in her 40s, following the Tanjung Batu clash.

“A total of 108 persons are now being detained under the Security Offenses and Special Measures Act (Sosma),” he said.

Hamza said so far, 30 bodies of slain Sulu gunmen have been recovered and 29 of them will be temporarily buried because of the failure of the Philippine government to claim them.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/69809/1-more-sulu-gunman-killed-in-clash-with-malaysian-forces

Malaysian held by Abu Sayyaf for almost 2 years back in Sabah

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 21): Malaysian held by Abu Sayyaf for almost 2 years back in Sabah

Chinese Malaysian Pang Choon Pong returned home to Kota Kinabalu on Thursday and was reunited with his family, five days following his release by Abu Sayyaf gunmen who held him for nearly two years in Jolo, Sulu, a Sabah-based radio station reported.

Pang, 48, was flown into Malaysia from the Philippines by Malaysian authorities who accompanied him home on Thursday after some debriefing in Kuala Lumpur, the radio station said.

Pang is engaged in the fish breeding business and was visiting Sitangkai in Tawi-tawi with a Filipino business partner when he was abducted by Abu Sayyaf gunmen on Oct. 5, 2011. It turned out that the Filipino business partner, whose identity was not disclosed, had a hand in the kidnapping, the station said. Pang was transferred to Sulu, where he was held for the next 17 months.

The radio station quoted Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman as saying Pang’s freedom was brought about by a series of negotiations with the Abu Sayyaf. But Musa was mum on whether money changed hands, the station added.

Pang said he was thankful to Malaysian officials led by Prime Minister Najib Razak and Musa for their efforts to secure his liberty.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/69815/malaysian-held-by-abu-sayyaf-for-almost-2-years-back-in-sabah