From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 11): Patriotism can be shown in even little ways - PMA Supt
“I hope that our commemoration today of Araw ng Kagitingan will not only be a one day celebration but will be a continuous reminder of our duty as Filipinos to serve God, our country and the people, above personal concern.”
Thus reminded outgoing Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Superintendent Lt. Gen Ireneo Espino in his message during the commemoration of “Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor)" at the Veteran’s Park along Harrison Road here,Tuesday.
In giving his gratitude and honor to Baguio veterans for their bravery in defending the country and to the representatives/families of those who gave their infinite sacrifice to give us and the future generations of Filipinos the gift of freedom, Espino also said that, "We do not need a war to show our love for our country as we can do much in our own little way, to show patriotism in what we do in our everyday life."
“Commemoration such as this also tells us what a great nation we are, capable of giving up ourselves, for our beloved country, just like what our great veterans have done. Let us not stop telling our children of this path, so that we will not fall short of loving and patriotic Filipinos,” Espino said.
“I hope that we, as a nation, continue to move forward to achieve our goals through the inspiration of our forebearers who showed us what love of country truly means,” he added.
For the PMA, Espino also assured that they are continuously making leaders that are always ready to lay down their life for freedom, not because they are training soldiers but because they believe that the first step in serving the nation and the Filipino people is by developing each cadet’s unshakeable patriotism and love of country.
During the commemoration of the country’s 71st Araw ng Kagitingan with the theme, “Ang Beterano: Sigla at Inspirasyon ng Kabataan Tungo sa Tuwid na Daan,” city officials headed Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Congressman Bernardo Vergara along with Baguio war veterans, as well as veterans association/group officials, spearheaded a short “march with heroes” and the laying of wreath at the veterans monument at the center of the park before the short but meaningful program.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=61365580003
Thursday, April 11, 2013
NPA stages 2 attacks in Camarines Norte town
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11): NPA stages 2 attacks in Camarines Norte
town
The New People’s Army (NPA) staged two successive attacks within the week in Labo town, Camarines Norte, which included the burning of mining equipment and shooting to death of an ex-rebel turned barangay tanod (village security).
Senior Supt. Moises Pagaduan, Camarines Norte provincial police director, said over the phone Thursday that suspected NPA rebels burned down equipment worth P4 million early morning Monday in the mining town ofLabo
Pagaduan said the equipment belong to Bohai Top Mining International, a mining firm owned by a Chinese national he named only as Mr. Peng, which operates mining activities in Barangay Napaod, Labo.
He said two dump trucks and a payloader were burned by around 20 NPA rebels.
Ka Greg Bañares, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front (NDF) in Bicol, said in a statement Thursday that the Chinese mining firm was penalized for alleged disregard of the environment.
Pagaduan said the NPA rebels have yet to own or disown the Tuesday killing of Jimmy Marquez, 45, married with children, who was shot dead with a .45-caliber pistol by one of three assailants.
He said Marquez, a rebel returnee, was walking home when three armed men, two with M16 rifles, waylaid him.
Pagaduan said the suspected NPA rebels fled on foot towards the mountainous part of Barangay Tigbinan of the same town.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=515399
The New People’s Army (NPA) staged two successive attacks within the week in Labo town, Camarines Norte, which included the burning of mining equipment and shooting to death of an ex-rebel turned barangay tanod (village security).
Senior Supt. Moises Pagaduan, Camarines Norte provincial police director, said over the phone Thursday that suspected NPA rebels burned down equipment worth P4 million early morning Monday in the mining town of
Pagaduan said the equipment belong to Bohai Top Mining International, a mining firm owned by a Chinese national he named only as Mr. Peng, which operates mining activities in Barangay Napaod, Labo.
He said two dump trucks and a payloader were burned by around 20 NPA rebels.
Ka Greg Bañares, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front (NDF) in Bicol, said in a statement Thursday that the Chinese mining firm was penalized for alleged disregard of the environment.
Pagaduan said the NPA rebels have yet to own or disown the Tuesday killing of Jimmy Marquez, 45, married with children, who was shot dead with a .45-caliber pistol by one of three assailants.
He said Marquez, a rebel returnee, was walking home when three armed men, two with M16 rifles, waylaid him.
Pagaduan said the suspected NPA rebels fled on foot towards the mountainous part of Barangay Tigbinan of the same town.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=515399
2 killed, 3 wounded in police-NPA clash in Bukidnon
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11): 2 killed, 3 wounded in police-NPA clash
in Bukidnon
Two communist rebels of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed while three police officers wounded in a clash Wednesday afternoon in the hinterlands of Talakag, Bukidnon.
Police Senior Supt. Orlando Biñas, director of the Bukidnon provincial police command, said on Thursday that the remains of the unidentified slain rebels were recovered at the encounter site in Barangay Saguiaran in Talakag, Bukidnon as police continue to comb the area Thursday morning.
Biñas identified the wounded policemen as Senior Insp. Alwin Baclao, PO1 John Bodiongan and PO1 Marlon Mendoza, who were all brought for treatment in a hospital inMalaybalay
City
He said that the encounter took place when a platoon of police mobile group encountered the NPA rebels in Barangay Saguiaran, 18 kilometers from the town ofTalakag
The police mobile group, together with 20 policemen from the Talakag police station, went to the area to verify reports of sightings of NPA rebels in the mountain ranges ofMt.
Kalatungan
Biñas said the rebels sensed the arrival of policemen resulting in a 30-minute gun battle.
“The police were at an advantage since they were positioned in a higher ground,” Biñas said.
Also recovered were an M16 rifle, KG-9 automatic weapon, a fragmentation grenade, and subversive documents.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=515475
Two communist rebels of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed while three police officers wounded in a clash Wednesday afternoon in the hinterlands of Talakag, Bukidnon.
Police Senior Supt. Orlando Biñas, director of the Bukidnon provincial police command, said on Thursday that the remains of the unidentified slain rebels were recovered at the encounter site in Barangay Saguiaran in Talakag, Bukidnon as police continue to comb the area Thursday morning.
Biñas identified the wounded policemen as Senior Insp. Alwin Baclao, PO1 John Bodiongan and PO1 Marlon Mendoza, who were all brought for treatment in a hospital in
He said that the encounter took place when a platoon of police mobile group encountered the NPA rebels in Barangay Saguiaran, 18 kilometers from the town of
The police mobile group, together with 20 policemen from the Talakag police station, went to the area to verify reports of sightings of NPA rebels in the mountain ranges of
Biñas said the rebels sensed the arrival of policemen resulting in a 30-minute gun battle.
“The police were at an advantage since they were positioned in a higher ground,” Biñas said.
Also recovered were an M16 rifle, KG-9 automatic weapon, a fragmentation grenade, and subversive documents.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=515475
Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion has new commander
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11): Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion has new
commander
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City -- Maj. Gen. Nestor A. Añonuevo, commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division here, announced on Thursday the new commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion based in Maramag, Bukidnon.
Lt. Col. Romualdo B. Landingan assumed the 8th IB command in a simple turnover ceremony at the Silva Hall of the 8th IB headquarters inSouth Poblacion , Maramag, Bukidnon, Thursday morning.
Prior to his new assignment, Landingan served as executive officer of the 401st Infantry Brigade based inCamp
D.O. Plaza
Landingan replaced Lt. Col. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo who completed the two-year stint as 8th IB Battalion Commander. Cuerpo will serve as assistant chief of staff for personnel at the 4th ID here.
Añonuevo congratulated the two officers for getting their new assignment and urged them to continue their good service to the organization by giving their best in their respective positions.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=515476
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City -- Maj. Gen. Nestor A. Añonuevo, commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division here, announced on Thursday the new commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion based in Maramag, Bukidnon.
Lt. Col. Romualdo B. Landingan assumed the 8th IB command in a simple turnover ceremony at the Silva Hall of the 8th IB headquarters in
Prior to his new assignment, Landingan served as executive officer of the 401st Infantry Brigade based in
Landingan replaced Lt. Col. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo who completed the two-year stint as 8th IB Battalion Commander. Cuerpo will serve as assistant chief of staff for personnel at the 4th ID here.
Añonuevo congratulated the two officers for getting their new assignment and urged them to continue their good service to the organization by giving their best in their respective positions.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=515476
China requests PHL reassurance on detained fishermen
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11): China requests PHL reassurance on
detained fishermen
China urges the Philippines
Hong Lei's remarks at a press briefing came after Philippine authorities lodged poaching charges on Wednesday against 12 Chinese fishermen whose vessel ran aground in Tubbataha Reef off the western Philippineprovince of Palawan
The Chinese government always attaches great importance to the security of its fishermen abroad, while educating and supervising them on their fishing activities, Hong noted.
The Chinese Embassy in thePhilippines
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=515566
Hong Lei's remarks at a press briefing came after Philippine authorities lodged poaching charges on Wednesday against 12 Chinese fishermen whose vessel ran aground in Tubbataha Reef off the western Philippine
The Chinese government always attaches great importance to the security of its fishermen abroad, while educating and supervising them on their fishing activities, Hong noted.
The Chinese Embassy in the
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=515566
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Philippines: Rebel Landmine Use On Rise
Posted to the Eurasia Review (Apr 9): Philippines: Rebel Landmine Use On Rise
Landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the past 10 years have killed 113 people and injured 262 others, the military said today.
“The noted increasing trend on the use of IEDs by the NPA shows that the insurgents are shifting strategies due to their dwindling numbers and lack of firearms and ammunition,” a study released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines said.
The study did not say how many of the 113 deaths were civilians and how many were government security forces.
Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan, head of the military’s Human Rights Office, called for an “end to the useless armed violence.”
Tutaan said the military has directed its tactical units to be vigilant and proactive when conducting security operations.
The report also noted a number of communist rebels surrendered during the first three months of 2013.
“Proof of their dwindling influence in communities and in their own ranks is that 77 [NPA] rebels left their lives in the mountains and returned to the democratic fold,” the report noted.
The report showed a “significant increase” in rebel surrenders, said military spokesman Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos.
He said the increase in rebel surrenders can be attributed to the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan, millitary campaign since January 2011.
The campaign aims to be “people-centered” rather than adopting a traditional military approach in an attempt to win the peace.
Military estimates place the rebel strength at about 4,000 men, from a high of more than 20,000 in the 1980s. Formal peace talks between the communists and government remain stalled.
http://www.eurasiareview.com/09042013-philippines-rebel-landmine-use-on-rise/
Landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the past 10 years have killed 113 people and injured 262 others, the military said today.
“The noted increasing trend on the use of IEDs by the NPA shows that the insurgents are shifting strategies due to their dwindling numbers and lack of firearms and ammunition,” a study released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines said.
The study did not say how many of the 113 deaths were civilians and how many were government security forces.
Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan, head of the military’s Human Rights Office, called for an “end to the useless armed violence.”
Tutaan said the military has directed its tactical units to be vigilant and proactive when conducting security operations.
The report also noted a number of communist rebels surrendered during the first three months of 2013.
“Proof of their dwindling influence in communities and in their own ranks is that 77 [NPA] rebels left their lives in the mountains and returned to the democratic fold,” the report noted.
The report showed a “significant increase” in rebel surrenders, said military spokesman Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos.
He said the increase in rebel surrenders can be attributed to the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan, millitary campaign since January 2011.
The campaign aims to be “people-centered” rather than adopting a traditional military approach in an attempt to win the peace.
Military estimates place the rebel strength at about 4,000 men, from a high of more than 20,000 in the 1980s. Formal peace talks between the communists and government remain stalled.
http://www.eurasiareview.com/09042013-philippines-rebel-landmine-use-on-rise/
Army capture abandoned NPA camp in Compostela Valley
From the Global Post (Apr 9): Army capture abandoned NPA camp in Compostela Valley
Troopers from the Army's 25th Infantry Battalion have captured an abandoned New People's Army (NPA) camp while conducting patrol operations in Montevista, Compostela Valley province Sunday.
Recovered from the rebel camp were assorted medical items, subversive documents and electric wires at Sitio Maroot, Barangay Banglasan in Montevista town.
Reports said the NPAs are using the facility as a recruitment and training camp for recruited minors.
Earlier, security forces have recovered five landmines during clearing operations at Barangay Libudon in Mabini, Compostela Valley over the weekend.
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/asianet/130409/army-capture-abandoned-npa-camp-compostela-valley
Troopers from the Army's 25th Infantry Battalion have captured an abandoned New People's Army (NPA) camp while conducting patrol operations in Montevista, Compostela Valley province Sunday.
Recovered from the rebel camp were assorted medical items, subversive documents and electric wires at Sitio Maroot, Barangay Banglasan in Montevista town.
Reports said the NPAs are using the facility as a recruitment and training camp for recruited minors.
Earlier, security forces have recovered five landmines during clearing operations at Barangay Libudon in Mabini, Compostela Valley over the weekend.
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/asianet/130409/army-capture-abandoned-npa-camp-compostela-valley
Behind the scenes of Balikatan: Small team keeps exercise moving forward
From the US Marine Corps Website (Apr 9): Behind the scenes of Balikatan: Small team keeps exercise moving forward
“Balikatan” is a Filipino expression which translates to "shoulder to shoulder" or “shouldering the load together” and epitomizes the spirit of the bilateral Philippines-U.S. military training exercise bearing the same name.
It’s safe to say that a joint team of U.S. military personnel here has taken that expression to heart, working tirelessly over the last several months to coordinate U.S. participation during the exercise, which officially began April 5.
“Every person here plays a critical role in making sure Balikatan is successful,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Sampels, logistics director and officer-in-charge of the Joint Exercise Control Support Group (JESG) coordinating U.S. participation during exercise Balikatan 2013.
U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific – acting as the U.S. executive agent and coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines – has been augmented by personnel from all branches of the military. The JESG provides direct support to these forces.
For most of March, the small team consisted of about 15 personnel. Some flew to the Philippines directly from Thailand following exercise Cobra Gold. Many worked exclusively out of local hotel conference rooms before transitioning to Camp Aguinaldo, April 4.
The group has served as the nerve center for all U.S. involvement, taking the lead on everything from drafting contracts and working with Philippine vendors to offloading gear and transporting cargo to locations throughout the Philippines.
He added that in addition to these logistics and contracting specialists, others have been playing essential roles: personnel specialists track the constant flow of U.S. service members arriving in the Philippines, force protection managers monitor the local security environment, and communication experts ensuring that everyone can talk to one another.
It’s all part of the effort to make sure the troops on the ground have what they need, he said, and the team’s seamless integration with Philippine counterparts has been a large part of his focus.
“Coordination with the (Armed Forces of Philippines) and their participation during the planning conferences has been critical,” said Sampels. “This is a bilateral event, and if we’re not joined at the hip, it’s not going to happen.”
In mid-March, Philippine and U.S. service members started humanitarian civic assistance projects throughout Zambales province. Military engineers are constructing and repairing schools and other community infrastructure, while medical personnel have been offering free medical, dental and veterinary care.
Balikatan also trains both Philippine and U.S. armed forces to provide relief and assistance in the event of natural disasters and other crises that endanger public health and safety.
Additionally, command post and field training exercises are scheduled to take place in Camp O’Donnell, Crow Valley, Subic Bay and Fort Magsaysay.
Sampels said that without support from a dedicated staff, these humanitarian events and training activities could never take place.
“The behind-the-scenes stuff is just as important as the sexy stuff going on in the field,” said Sampels. “I could not be more proud of what the folks here are doing.”
http://www.marforpac.marines.mil/News/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/919/Article/141002/behind-the-scenes-of-balikatan-small-team-keeps-exercise-moving-forward.aspx
“Balikatan” is a Filipino expression which translates to "shoulder to shoulder" or “shouldering the load together” and epitomizes the spirit of the bilateral Philippines-U.S. military training exercise bearing the same name.
It’s safe to say that a joint team of U.S. military personnel here has taken that expression to heart, working tirelessly over the last several months to coordinate U.S. participation during the exercise, which officially began April 5.
“Every person here plays a critical role in making sure Balikatan is successful,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Sampels, logistics director and officer-in-charge of the Joint Exercise Control Support Group (JESG) coordinating U.S. participation during exercise Balikatan 2013.
U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific – acting as the U.S. executive agent and coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines – has been augmented by personnel from all branches of the military. The JESG provides direct support to these forces.
For most of March, the small team consisted of about 15 personnel. Some flew to the Philippines directly from Thailand following exercise Cobra Gold. Many worked exclusively out of local hotel conference rooms before transitioning to Camp Aguinaldo, April 4.
The group has served as the nerve center for all U.S. involvement, taking the lead on everything from drafting contracts and working with Philippine vendors to offloading gear and transporting cargo to locations throughout the Philippines.
He added that in addition to these logistics and contracting specialists, others have been playing essential roles: personnel specialists track the constant flow of U.S. service members arriving in the Philippines, force protection managers monitor the local security environment, and communication experts ensuring that everyone can talk to one another.
It’s all part of the effort to make sure the troops on the ground have what they need, he said, and the team’s seamless integration with Philippine counterparts has been a large part of his focus.
“Coordination with the (Armed Forces of Philippines) and their participation during the planning conferences has been critical,” said Sampels. “This is a bilateral event, and if we’re not joined at the hip, it’s not going to happen.”
In mid-March, Philippine and U.S. service members started humanitarian civic assistance projects throughout Zambales province. Military engineers are constructing and repairing schools and other community infrastructure, while medical personnel have been offering free medical, dental and veterinary care.
Balikatan also trains both Philippine and U.S. armed forces to provide relief and assistance in the event of natural disasters and other crises that endanger public health and safety.
Additionally, command post and field training exercises are scheduled to take place in Camp O’Donnell, Crow Valley, Subic Bay and Fort Magsaysay.
Sampels said that without support from a dedicated staff, these humanitarian events and training activities could never take place.
“The behind-the-scenes stuff is just as important as the sexy stuff going on in the field,” said Sampels. “I could not be more proud of what the folks here are doing.”
http://www.marforpac.marines.mil/News/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/919/Article/141002/behind-the-scenes-of-balikatan-small-team-keeps-exercise-moving-forward.aspx
DVIDS: Balikatan 2013 stage for first intelligence, force protection information exchange
From the Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) (Apr 10): Balikatan 2013 stage for first intelligence, force protection information exchange
CAMP EMILIO AGUINALDO, Philippines – On this urban military installation, amid creaking palm trees and sweat-drenched troops, a handful of U.S military members spent a week building greater trust with their Filipino counterparts during a subject matter exchange focused on intelligence and force protection.
The exchange is one of the latest developments to help build interoperability between Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. forces during exercise Balikatan 2013, the 29th iteration of the annual bilateral training exercise, which fosters a long standing relationship with both militaries.
This is the first time an exchange of information and experience has taken place on this topic. It grew out of a need recognized during the planning phase of this year’s exercise.
“We are thankful for this opportunity to continue to grow our capabilities and to share what we know about these critical subjects,” said Philippine Army Lt. Col. Arnulfo F. Bajarin, senior officer from the AFP participating in the training.
Approximately 60 Filipino service members from across all four branches of the AFP attended the four-day training.
“I’ve been very impressed with their (the Filipino students) ability to absorb the knowledge,” said a U.S. Marine spokesman, who was instrumental in organizing the exchange. “The students are eager, and I’ve been impressed by how quickly they pick things up.”
Bajarin said the exchange proved beneficial to both Philippine and U.S. participants.
“I lectured the American forces on how we work intelligence and helped them understand our strengths and challenges in this environment,” Bajarin said. “They will take this knowledge back to their commands across the country and cascade it to their units.”
The exercise formally kicked off April 5th at a ceremony that included senior diplomats and military officers from both the Philippines and U.S. The U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Harry K. Thomas, Jr., captured the spirit of the exercise during his opening address.
“Shoulder-to-shoulder we stand together, ready to defend when necessary and assist when needed,” Thomas said.
The Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario confirmed Thomas’ sentiment with an agreement that the exercise will “breathe life and meaning to our obligations as treaty partners.”
A day earlier, U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Richard L. Simcock, U.S. deputy exercise director, affirmed the training’s importance by attending the student’s commencement ceremony.
Simcock and Bajarin know the joint training will make the AFP more capable.
“This training is extremely important in providing timely, actionable and relevant information about the movements and operations of the various threat groups we contend with,” Bajarin said.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/104908/balikatan-2013-stage-first-intelligence-force-protection-information-exchange
CAMP EMILIO AGUINALDO, Philippines – On this urban military installation, amid creaking palm trees and sweat-drenched troops, a handful of U.S military members spent a week building greater trust with their Filipino counterparts during a subject matter exchange focused on intelligence and force protection.
The exchange is one of the latest developments to help build interoperability between Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. forces during exercise Balikatan 2013, the 29th iteration of the annual bilateral training exercise, which fosters a long standing relationship with both militaries.
This is the first time an exchange of information and experience has taken place on this topic. It grew out of a need recognized during the planning phase of this year’s exercise.
“We are thankful for this opportunity to continue to grow our capabilities and to share what we know about these critical subjects,” said Philippine Army Lt. Col. Arnulfo F. Bajarin, senior officer from the AFP participating in the training.
Approximately 60 Filipino service members from across all four branches of the AFP attended the four-day training.
“I’ve been very impressed with their (the Filipino students) ability to absorb the knowledge,” said a U.S. Marine spokesman, who was instrumental in organizing the exchange. “The students are eager, and I’ve been impressed by how quickly they pick things up.”
Bajarin said the exchange proved beneficial to both Philippine and U.S. participants.
“I lectured the American forces on how we work intelligence and helped them understand our strengths and challenges in this environment,” Bajarin said. “They will take this knowledge back to their commands across the country and cascade it to their units.”
The exercise formally kicked off April 5th at a ceremony that included senior diplomats and military officers from both the Philippines and U.S. The U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Harry K. Thomas, Jr., captured the spirit of the exercise during his opening address.
“Shoulder-to-shoulder we stand together, ready to defend when necessary and assist when needed,” Thomas said.
The Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario confirmed Thomas’ sentiment with an agreement that the exercise will “breathe life and meaning to our obligations as treaty partners.”
A day earlier, U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Richard L. Simcock, U.S. deputy exercise director, affirmed the training’s importance by attending the student’s commencement ceremony.
Simcock and Bajarin know the joint training will make the AFP more capable.
“This training is extremely important in providing timely, actionable and relevant information about the movements and operations of the various threat groups we contend with,” Bajarin said.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/104908/balikatan-2013-stage-first-intelligence-force-protection-information-exchange
DVIDS: Australian Observation Team Considers Balikatan Participation
From the Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) (Apr 10): Australian Observation Team Considers Balikatan Participation
An observation group of Australian Army officers tour the Looc Elementary School construction site to gain an understanding of the types of projects Philippine and U.S. engineers are building throughout the Zambales province. The Australian government is gauging the feasibility for future Balikatan participation. The Lawin schoolhouse is one of eight engineering civic action projects (ENCAP) being performed by Combined/Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (CJCMOTF) units in support of exercise Balikatan 2013. Balikatan (BK13) is an annual Philippine-U.S. bilateral exercise. Humanitarian assistance and training activities enable the Philippine and American service members to build lasting relationships, train together and provide assistance in communities where the need is the greatest. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chris Fahey/ Released).
PHILIPPINES - An observation team from the Australian Defense Force visited the Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (JCMOTF) and Combined Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (CJCMOTF) April 6 during exercise Balikatan.
“The Australian Defense Force sent a small observer team to exercise Balikatan to look for future opportunities of involvement,” said Australian Army Lt. Col. Michael Scott, the head engineer planner of Headquarters Company, 6th Brigade. “We’re looking for opportunities to potentially integrate into future exercises.”
The team received an exercise overview briefing at the JCMOTF headquarters by the JCMOTF Operations Officer Lt. Cmdr Joe Harder who also answered more specific questions from the group.
“They are visiting exercise Balikatan 2013 to look for opportunities to participate with partner nations in the years to come,” said Harder. “The U.S. is supporting the Australian visit by giving them an overview of how the execution is being conducted and to help identify gaps and capabilities that can expand the effectiveness of the mission vice just coming and doing the same thing which would just add more redundancy to the mission.”
According to Scott, Balikatan is a great exercise to observe due to the longstanding relationship between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military.
Philippine Army Capt. Felipe Estrada agrees. “Exercise Balikatan is a combined exercise conducted yearly between the U.S. and the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” said Estrada, the officer in charge of construction at the Looc Elementary School project site. “We have learned many techniques and tactics during the exercise already, so when other countries like Australia want to be combined with the training then we would learn even more practices to deliver within the community.”
Balikatan helps maintain a high level of interoperability and enhances military-to-military relations and combined combat capabilities.
“We were able to see a lot of the projects that are out there and it’s given us some good exposure to what’s actually being done between the Philippine and American services during Balikatan this year,” said Scott. “Balikatan is a good opportunity and we’re looking forward to observing the rest of the exercise and seeing if there are any opportunities for Australian involvement in the future.”
Balikatan is an annual Philippine-U.S. bilateral exercise. Humanitarian assistance and training activities enable the Philippine and American service members to build lasting relationships, train together and provide assistance in communities where the need is the greatest.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/104911/australian-observation-team-considers-balikatan-participation
An observation group of Australian Army officers tour the Looc Elementary School construction site to gain an understanding of the types of projects Philippine and U.S. engineers are building throughout the Zambales province. The Australian government is gauging the feasibility for future Balikatan participation. The Lawin schoolhouse is one of eight engineering civic action projects (ENCAP) being performed by Combined/Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (CJCMOTF) units in support of exercise Balikatan 2013. Balikatan (BK13) is an annual Philippine-U.S. bilateral exercise. Humanitarian assistance and training activities enable the Philippine and American service members to build lasting relationships, train together and provide assistance in communities where the need is the greatest. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chris Fahey/ Released).
PHILIPPINES - An observation team from the Australian Defense Force visited the Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (JCMOTF) and Combined Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (CJCMOTF) April 6 during exercise Balikatan.
“The Australian Defense Force sent a small observer team to exercise Balikatan to look for future opportunities of involvement,” said Australian Army Lt. Col. Michael Scott, the head engineer planner of Headquarters Company, 6th Brigade. “We’re looking for opportunities to potentially integrate into future exercises.”
The team received an exercise overview briefing at the JCMOTF headquarters by the JCMOTF Operations Officer Lt. Cmdr Joe Harder who also answered more specific questions from the group.
“They are visiting exercise Balikatan 2013 to look for opportunities to participate with partner nations in the years to come,” said Harder. “The U.S. is supporting the Australian visit by giving them an overview of how the execution is being conducted and to help identify gaps and capabilities that can expand the effectiveness of the mission vice just coming and doing the same thing which would just add more redundancy to the mission.”
According to Scott, Balikatan is a great exercise to observe due to the longstanding relationship between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military.
Philippine Army Capt. Felipe Estrada agrees. “Exercise Balikatan is a combined exercise conducted yearly between the U.S. and the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” said Estrada, the officer in charge of construction at the Looc Elementary School project site. “We have learned many techniques and tactics during the exercise already, so when other countries like Australia want to be combined with the training then we would learn even more practices to deliver within the community.”
Balikatan helps maintain a high level of interoperability and enhances military-to-military relations and combined combat capabilities.
“We were able to see a lot of the projects that are out there and it’s given us some good exposure to what’s actually being done between the Philippine and American services during Balikatan this year,” said Scott. “Balikatan is a good opportunity and we’re looking forward to observing the rest of the exercise and seeing if there are any opportunities for Australian involvement in the future.”
Balikatan is an annual Philippine-U.S. bilateral exercise. Humanitarian assistance and training activities enable the Philippine and American service members to build lasting relationships, train together and provide assistance in communities where the need is the greatest.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/104911/australian-observation-team-considers-balikatan-participation
Peace pact with MILF to withstand scrutiny: Ferrer
From the Sun Star-Manila (Apr 10): Peace pact with MILF to withstand scrutiny: Ferrer
THE Philippine government assured that the comprehensive agreement it will sign with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will be based on a "solid foundation."
Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, the government's chief negotiator, said that the deal "will withstand the scrutiny of the skeptics, the misgivings of the unconvinced, the cynicism of the critical."
"Our President, this government panel, our government, are not the type who will promise the moon, the sun, and the stars, only to leave you later in the dark or to your own resources when the going gets even tougher," she said during the opening of the 37th round of formal talks on Tuesday.
She maintained that the government aims to sign the remaining annexes confidently by taking the time needed to thoroughly review them. This, she said, was the reason the 37th round of talks was reset from its original March schedule.
"I can tell you that the Cabinet members have gone out of their way to shepherd this process. Many have spent time with us seeking solutions, providing context, broadening understanding," she said.
"Our agenda remains clear: we solve the remaining issues across the three annexes, seek the creative compromises, and find the right language," Coronel-Ferrer added.
The peace panels are hammering out the remaining annexes on Wealth-sharing, Power-sharing, and Normalization. The Annex on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities was the first to be signed in February.
MILF panel chair Mohagher Iqbal, in his statement, said the MILF is fully committed to finish the process in order to establish real peace in Mindanao.
"Without appearing very simplistic, I think we are about to achieve this historic feat on signing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement with the Aquino administration," he said as he related his optimism to settle the remaining issues on the annexes.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2013/04/10/peace-pact-milf-withstand-scrutiny-ferrer-276902
THE Philippine government assured that the comprehensive agreement it will sign with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will be based on a "solid foundation."
Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, the government's chief negotiator, said that the deal "will withstand the scrutiny of the skeptics, the misgivings of the unconvinced, the cynicism of the critical."
"Our President, this government panel, our government, are not the type who will promise the moon, the sun, and the stars, only to leave you later in the dark or to your own resources when the going gets even tougher," she said during the opening of the 37th round of formal talks on Tuesday.
She maintained that the government aims to sign the remaining annexes confidently by taking the time needed to thoroughly review them. This, she said, was the reason the 37th round of talks was reset from its original March schedule.
"I can tell you that the Cabinet members have gone out of their way to shepherd this process. Many have spent time with us seeking solutions, providing context, broadening understanding," she said.
"Our agenda remains clear: we solve the remaining issues across the three annexes, seek the creative compromises, and find the right language," Coronel-Ferrer added.
The peace panels are hammering out the remaining annexes on Wealth-sharing, Power-sharing, and Normalization. The Annex on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities was the first to be signed in February.
MILF panel chair Mohagher Iqbal, in his statement, said the MILF is fully committed to finish the process in order to establish real peace in Mindanao.
"Without appearing very simplistic, I think we are about to achieve this historic feat on signing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement with the Aquino administration," he said as he related his optimism to settle the remaining issues on the annexes.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2013/04/10/peace-pact-milf-withstand-scrutiny-ferrer-276902
‘PH-US military exercises a cover to open mining activities’—church group
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 9): ‘PH-US military exercises a cover to open mining activities’—church
group
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Militant groups are up in arms against the holding of the joint US-Philippine Balikatan exercises in typhoon Pablo-affected areas, saying US troops are only using it to set foot in mine-reach areas in Mindanao in the name of humanitarian assistance.
“Balikatan 2013 will only intensify the implementation of ‘Oplan Bayanihan’ in the hinterlands of Mindanao, especially in Davao regions where American-controlled mining corporations are presently devouring mineral deposits and resources,” Philippine Independent Church Bishop Antonio Ablon, chairperson of Patriotiko Mindanao, said in a statement.
Ablon was reacting to the statement of US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr. about the so-called “strong collaboration” between the armed forces of the US and the Philippines in extending aid to typhoon Pablo survivors in December 2012.
“This is a (signal) that American forces, through the Balikatan military exercises, will again set foot here in Mindanao in the name of humanitarian relief operations,” Ablon said as militant groups led by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) trooped to Camp Panacan here, expressing their protest.
Earlier, the group led protesting Pablo survivors, who demanded their share of the relief goods distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) but which they claimed they failed to receive. The protests ended up with Pablo survivors taking matters into their own hands by taking sacks of rice kept inside a DSWD warehouse.
“Again, we raise our fists and voices to condemn the exercise that truly manifests the continued intrusion of US imperialism into the sovereignty of our country,” Ablon said as the Philippines and the United States formally commenced the 29th Balikatan military exercise on April 5. The joint military exercises will involve more than 8,000 combined Filipino and American forces.
“We demand the immediate pull-out of military troops and armaments from the Philippines,” he said.
“Just like the previous joint military exercises, today’s Balikatan is clad with sweet rhetoric of humanitarianism and assistance to communities,” he added.
“This year’s fusion of Balikatan and ‘Oplan Bayanihan’ will certainly displace more ‘Pablo’ victims, especially the Lumads, already deprived of their ancestral lands and their right to self determination,” he said.
He said foreign mining companies have been hotly eyeing Mindanao’s rich mining resources, mostly concentrated in the lumad’s ancestral lands.
He urged people to “unite” and “to oppose in all fronts the US dominance in our land.”
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/71635/ph-us-military-exercises-a-cover-to-open-mining-activities-church-group
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Militant groups are up in arms against the holding of the joint US-Philippine Balikatan exercises in typhoon Pablo-affected areas, saying US troops are only using it to set foot in mine-reach areas in Mindanao in the name of humanitarian assistance.
“Balikatan 2013 will only intensify the implementation of ‘Oplan Bayanihan’ in the hinterlands of Mindanao, especially in Davao regions where American-controlled mining corporations are presently devouring mineral deposits and resources,” Philippine Independent Church Bishop Antonio Ablon, chairperson of Patriotiko Mindanao, said in a statement.
Ablon was reacting to the statement of US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr. about the so-called “strong collaboration” between the armed forces of the US and the Philippines in extending aid to typhoon Pablo survivors in December 2012.
“This is a (signal) that American forces, through the Balikatan military exercises, will again set foot here in Mindanao in the name of humanitarian relief operations,” Ablon said as militant groups led by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) trooped to Camp Panacan here, expressing their protest.
Earlier, the group led protesting Pablo survivors, who demanded their share of the relief goods distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) but which they claimed they failed to receive. The protests ended up with Pablo survivors taking matters into their own hands by taking sacks of rice kept inside a DSWD warehouse.
“Again, we raise our fists and voices to condemn the exercise that truly manifests the continued intrusion of US imperialism into the sovereignty of our country,” Ablon said as the Philippines and the United States formally commenced the 29th Balikatan military exercise on April 5. The joint military exercises will involve more than 8,000 combined Filipino and American forces.
“We demand the immediate pull-out of military troops and armaments from the Philippines,” he said.
“Just like the previous joint military exercises, today’s Balikatan is clad with sweet rhetoric of humanitarianism and assistance to communities,” he added.
“This year’s fusion of Balikatan and ‘Oplan Bayanihan’ will certainly displace more ‘Pablo’ victims, especially the Lumads, already deprived of their ancestral lands and their right to self determination,” he said.
He said foreign mining companies have been hotly eyeing Mindanao’s rich mining resources, mostly concentrated in the lumad’s ancestral lands.
He urged people to “unite” and “to oppose in all fronts the US dominance in our land.”
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/71635/ph-us-military-exercises-a-cover-to-open-mining-activities-church-group
PMA welcomes new superintendent
From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 10): PMA welcomes new superintendent
FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City -- The premiere military school in the country is set to welcome its new superintendent on Thursday, April 11.
Vice Admiral Edgar Abogado will replace Philippine Military Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Ireneo Espino who will retire on April 16, 2013.
Espino assumed his post as PMA Superintendent on November 23, 2012 serving less than five months in the academy.
Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista will preside over the scheduled turnover and change of command ceremony on Thursday at the PMA Fort Del Pilar here
Abogado is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Mapitagan” Class of 1980 while Espino is a member of PMA “Matapat” Class of 1979.
He is the former Commander of Central Command in Visayas. Maj. Gen. Roy Deveraturda replaced Abogado in a simple turnover ceremony on April 7, 2013 at the CentCom headquarters in Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City.
Abogado is the fourth Navy officer to occupy the post as Centcom chief. CentCom is one of the AFP’s wide support commands combating terrorism and insurgency in the Visayas region.
Before his post as CentCom commander, Abogado served as PN’s chief of naval staff, deputy commander of the Philippine Fleet, and head of Assault Craft Force. He was also designated as Vice Commander of the Philippine Navy, the Commander of the Naval Forces Northern Luzon and Commander of PN Logistics Center.
He also commanded the Philippine Navy vessels BRP Gen. Mariano Alvarez (PS-38), BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37), BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS-36), BRP Bagong Silang (PG-104), BRP Bagong Lakas (PG-102), BRP Liberato Picar (PG-377), and BRP Filipino Flojo (PG-386).
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=41365437047
FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City -- The premiere military school in the country is set to welcome its new superintendent on Thursday, April 11.
Vice Admiral Edgar Abogado will replace Philippine Military Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Ireneo Espino who will retire on April 16, 2013.
Espino assumed his post as PMA Superintendent on November 23, 2012 serving less than five months in the academy.
Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista will preside over the scheduled turnover and change of command ceremony on Thursday at the PMA Fort Del Pilar here
Abogado is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Mapitagan” Class of 1980 while Espino is a member of PMA “Matapat” Class of 1979.
He is the former Commander of Central Command in Visayas. Maj. Gen. Roy Deveraturda replaced Abogado in a simple turnover ceremony on April 7, 2013 at the CentCom headquarters in Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City.
Abogado is the fourth Navy officer to occupy the post as Centcom chief. CentCom is one of the AFP’s wide support commands combating terrorism and insurgency in the Visayas region.
Before his post as CentCom commander, Abogado served as PN’s chief of naval staff, deputy commander of the Philippine Fleet, and head of Assault Craft Force. He was also designated as Vice Commander of the Philippine Navy, the Commander of the Naval Forces Northern Luzon and Commander of PN Logistics Center.
He also commanded the Philippine Navy vessels BRP Gen. Mariano Alvarez (PS-38), BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37), BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS-36), BRP Bagong Silang (PG-104), BRP Bagong Lakas (PG-102), BRP Liberato Picar (PG-377), and BRP Filipino Flojo (PG-386).
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=41365437047
Chinese officials want detained fishermen released
From ABS-CBN (Apr 10): Chinese officials want detained fishermen released
Two Chinese officials visited on Wednesday the 12 alleged poachers who were caught in the restricted waters of Tubbataha Reef.
Consul General Shen Zicheng and 3rd Secretary Li Jian of the Chinese embassy met with officials from the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to request the release of the 12 fishermen, a dzMM report said.
The WesCom, however, said it has no authority to decide on the release of the 12 alleged poachers, whose 500-gross ton vessel ran aground at the reef before midnight on Monday.
The Tubbataha Management Office (TMO) said the 12 Chinese nationals arrived in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan at 8:30 a.m. on board the Philippine Coast Guard vessel 3503.
The alleged Chinese poachers are facing charges for violating sections 19 (Unauthorized Entry), 20 (Damages to the Reefs), 26 (Destroying, Disturbing Resources), and section 27 (Poaching by Foreigners) of the Republic Act 10067 or the Tubbataha Act of 2009.
They also allegedly attempted to bribe marine park rangers with US$2,400, or roughly Php99,000. The TMO said the attempted bribery was in violation of Article 212 (corruption of public officials) of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines.
The marine park management said various agencies are working together to expedite the filing of charges against the fishers. These include: the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Western Command, Bureau of Customs, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Municipality of Cagayancillo.
The TMO said the illegal fishing charges will be the primary case against the twelve.
"The violation of Section 27 (Poaching by Foreigners) of the RA 10067 is the primary case to be filed before the close of working hours today," the TMO said.
Commodore Enrico Villanueva, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) – Palawan District Commander, earlier said that while no fish or marine life were found inside the Chinese vessel, the fishing gear inside it can already be used as evidence in the illegal fishing charges.
The TMO said the vessel was the 7th Chinese vessel caught in the restricted waters since 2002. The last incident, involving F/V Hoiwan, happened in 2006.
The latest incident in Tubbataha comes nearly three months after a United States Navy minesweeper, the USS Guardian, ran aground and damaged at least 2,345 square meters of protected reef.
The Philippines is seeking P58 million ($1.4 million) in compensation.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/04/10/13/chinese-officials-want-detained-fishermen-released
Two Chinese officials visited on Wednesday the 12 alleged poachers who were caught in the restricted waters of Tubbataha Reef.
Consul General Shen Zicheng and 3rd Secretary Li Jian of the Chinese embassy met with officials from the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to request the release of the 12 fishermen, a dzMM report said.
The WesCom, however, said it has no authority to decide on the release of the 12 alleged poachers, whose 500-gross ton vessel ran aground at the reef before midnight on Monday.
The Tubbataha Management Office (TMO) said the 12 Chinese nationals arrived in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan at 8:30 a.m. on board the Philippine Coast Guard vessel 3503.
The alleged Chinese poachers are facing charges for violating sections 19 (Unauthorized Entry), 20 (Damages to the Reefs), 26 (Destroying, Disturbing Resources), and section 27 (Poaching by Foreigners) of the Republic Act 10067 or the Tubbataha Act of 2009.
They also allegedly attempted to bribe marine park rangers with US$2,400, or roughly Php99,000. The TMO said the attempted bribery was in violation of Article 212 (corruption of public officials) of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines.
The marine park management said various agencies are working together to expedite the filing of charges against the fishers. These include: the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Western Command, Bureau of Customs, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Municipality of Cagayancillo.
The TMO said the illegal fishing charges will be the primary case against the twelve.
"The violation of Section 27 (Poaching by Foreigners) of the RA 10067 is the primary case to be filed before the close of working hours today," the TMO said.
Commodore Enrico Villanueva, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) – Palawan District Commander, earlier said that while no fish or marine life were found inside the Chinese vessel, the fishing gear inside it can already be used as evidence in the illegal fishing charges.
The TMO said the vessel was the 7th Chinese vessel caught in the restricted waters since 2002. The last incident, involving F/V Hoiwan, happened in 2006.
The latest incident in Tubbataha comes nearly three months after a United States Navy minesweeper, the USS Guardian, ran aground and damaged at least 2,345 square meters of protected reef.
The Philippines is seeking P58 million ($1.4 million) in compensation.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/04/10/13/chinese-officials-want-detained-fishermen-released
Southeast Asian militant suspected of leading attack that killed Filipino soldier
From the Washington Post (Apr 10): Southeast Asian militant suspected of leading attack that killed Filipino soldier
A Southeast Asian militant is suspected of leading an ambush that killed an army intelligence officer in the southernPhilippines
Suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen with Amin Baco, a young terror suspect believed to be from either Indonesia or Malaysia, killed one of three army intelligence officers who traveled by motorcycle to remote Ungkaya Pukan town in Basilan province Tuesday to check the reported presence of armed men near a village, army brigade commander Col. Carlito Galvez said.
Shortly after the ambush, Baco’s group fled and clashed briefly with other army troops near a river in Ungkaya Pukan before escaping into a jungle, an army report said, adding that reinforcement troops aboard a truck and van helped pursue the militants but lost sight of them.
Baco is one of several Southeast Asian terror suspects who have taken refuge over the years in the southern strongholds of local militants mainly from the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf group, passing on bomb-making and combat skills and helping plot attacks. But years of military offensives have weakened and kept the Filipino militants and their foreign allies on the run.
Baco, who uses the nom de guerre Abu Jihad, is a young militant who has been linked to the Southeast Asian militant network Jemaah Islamiyah, according to Galvez.
Philippine intelligence officials say Baco stayed for years with Abu Sayyaf fighters on southern Jolo island but fled the area after a U.S.-backed airstrike targeting foreign militants killed several extremists in a mountain encampment in February last year.
He was later monitored to have joined Abu Sayyaf fighters in nearby Basilan and on theZamboanga Peninsula
The Abu Sayyaf is notorious for deadly bomb attacks, kidnappings for ransom and beheadings and is on theU.S.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/southeast-asian-terror-suspect-accused-of-leading-attack-that-killed-filipino-soldier/2013/04/10/497710c2-a1d2-11e2-bd52-614156372695_story.html
A Southeast Asian militant is suspected of leading an ambush that killed an army intelligence officer in the southern
Suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen with Amin Baco, a young terror suspect believed to be from either Indonesia or Malaysia, killed one of three army intelligence officers who traveled by motorcycle to remote Ungkaya Pukan town in Basilan province Tuesday to check the reported presence of armed men near a village, army brigade commander Col. Carlito Galvez said.
Shortly after the ambush, Baco’s group fled and clashed briefly with other army troops near a river in Ungkaya Pukan before escaping into a jungle, an army report said, adding that reinforcement troops aboard a truck and van helped pursue the militants but lost sight of them.
Baco is one of several Southeast Asian terror suspects who have taken refuge over the years in the southern strongholds of local militants mainly from the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf group, passing on bomb-making and combat skills and helping plot attacks. But years of military offensives have weakened and kept the Filipino militants and their foreign allies on the run.
Baco, who uses the nom de guerre Abu Jihad, is a young militant who has been linked to the Southeast Asian militant network Jemaah Islamiyah, according to Galvez.
Philippine intelligence officials say Baco stayed for years with Abu Sayyaf fighters on southern Jolo island but fled the area after a U.S.-backed airstrike targeting foreign militants killed several extremists in a mountain encampment in February last year.
He was later monitored to have joined Abu Sayyaf fighters in nearby Basilan and on the
The Abu Sayyaf is notorious for deadly bomb attacks, kidnappings for ransom and beheadings and is on the
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/southeast-asian-terror-suspect-accused-of-leading-attack-that-killed-filipino-soldier/2013/04/10/497710c2-a1d2-11e2-bd52-614156372695_story.html
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