From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 12): Armed Forces Chief visits WESTMINCOM
The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista, recently visited the headquarters of the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) to meet with military commanders and assess the progress of the Internal Peace and Security Operations (IPSO) efforts in this part of the country.
Western Mindanao Command provided Gen. Bautista an information briefing about the current peace and security efforts of the command to include its actions taken in response to the Sabah crisis.
Col. Rodrigo T Gregorio, WESMINCOM Public Information Officer, disclosed that these efforts of the military include deterring and preventing reinforcements in Sabah.
He said the WESMINCOM would pursue to suppress and diffuse the tension through extensive collaboration with the different stakeholders, and to extend help to those displaced Filipinos in Sabah in the form of transportation, rescue and health services.
On the same occasion, Gen. Bautista underscored the important role of the command in the forthcoming May 13, 2013 midterm elections and encouraged the subordinate commanders to constantly engage with the different stakeholders, government and nongovernment agencies, civil society organizations and other people’s organization to ensure the conduct of peaceful, orderly and credible elections.
He further encouraged all AFP units to consult COMELEC officials for any clarification on the guidelines, and maximize the use of “established mechanism” like the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Centers (JPSCC) for a peaceful balloting.
He later expressed his satisfaction with the command’s performance especially in its handling and management of the recent Sabah crisis in both internal security and humanitarian efforts and commended all the members of WESTMINCOM for a job well done.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Western Mindanao Command is major participant in Bayani Challenge 2013
From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 12): Western Mindanao Command is major participant in Bayani Challenge 2013
The Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) was a major participant in this year’s Gawad Kalinga's Bayani Challenge 2013 which was held on March 23-27, 2013.
The AFP units on the ground have directly participated in the planning and execution in five sites within the command’s jurisdictional area,namely, Miatan, Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte; Tigbanuang, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay; Tulungatung, Zamboanga City; Poblacion, Sapad, Lanao del Norte; and Pamucalin, Lantawan, Basilan.
The Bayani Challenge is an annual national event organized by the Gawad Kalinga aimed at showcasing the Filipinos’ Bayanihan spirit and love for Country through volunteerism and cooperation.
This project started in 2006 in Ginsaugon, St. Bernard, Southern Leyte in response to a huge landslide there at that time. This continued on to symbolize that the Filipino people when needed is united to help others.
In a statement, Col. Rodrigo T Gregorio, WESMINCOM Public Information Officer said the event was considered high priority, as no less than the WESMINCOM commander, Lt.Gen. Rey C Ardo, who personally and closely supervised and monitored the activity to ensure its success and sustainability.
The major activities included the building and repair of houses, refurbishing of classrooms, tree-planting and coastal cleanup, health missions, and fun activities for children.
Gregorio said the event had showcased the participation of several stakeholders such as the LGUs of the concerned areas, line government agencies, non-government organizations and civil society organizations, benefactors of the project and youth volunteers.
The military’s 104th “Sultan” Brigade in Basilan together with the army’s Special Forces spearheaded the continued work during weekends to complete the 30 houses for the poor beneficiaries in the area.
A number of volunteers from various sectors and organizations in Basilan visited the Pamucalin GK village in Lantawan and helped in the construction.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1421365672876
The Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) was a major participant in this year’s Gawad Kalinga's Bayani Challenge 2013 which was held on March 23-27, 2013.
The AFP units on the ground have directly participated in the planning and execution in five sites within the command’s jurisdictional area,namely, Miatan, Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte; Tigbanuang, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay; Tulungatung, Zamboanga City; Poblacion, Sapad, Lanao del Norte; and Pamucalin, Lantawan, Basilan.
The Bayani Challenge is an annual national event organized by the Gawad Kalinga aimed at showcasing the Filipinos’ Bayanihan spirit and love for Country through volunteerism and cooperation.
This project started in 2006 in Ginsaugon, St. Bernard, Southern Leyte in response to a huge landslide there at that time. This continued on to symbolize that the Filipino people when needed is united to help others.
In a statement, Col. Rodrigo T Gregorio, WESMINCOM Public Information Officer said the event was considered high priority, as no less than the WESMINCOM commander, Lt.Gen. Rey C Ardo, who personally and closely supervised and monitored the activity to ensure its success and sustainability.
The major activities included the building and repair of houses, refurbishing of classrooms, tree-planting and coastal cleanup, health missions, and fun activities for children.
Gregorio said the event had showcased the participation of several stakeholders such as the LGUs of the concerned areas, line government agencies, non-government organizations and civil society organizations, benefactors of the project and youth volunteers.
The military’s 104th “Sultan” Brigade in Basilan together with the army’s Special Forces spearheaded the continued work during weekends to complete the 30 houses for the poor beneficiaries in the area.
A number of volunteers from various sectors and organizations in Basilan visited the Pamucalin GK village in Lantawan and helped in the construction.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1421365672876
Soldiers are bridges of good governance – Rosal
From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 12): Soldiers are bridges of good governance – Rosal
Former Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal said the military is being falsely accused by militant groups of engaging in “urban militarization” in Legaspi City.
He said the soldiers are conducting community outreach and education programs in seven barangays in Legaspi City.
“Give them (soliders) a chance,” Rosal said. “They deserve to be given a chance to prove themselves different from what others think they are.”
Rosal insisted that the presence of the Army in villages in Legazpi City is permitted by the local government because the Philippine Army partners with the city government to implement projects that cater to the needs of poor residents.
“They serve as our bridges or links to the people because they alert us on the needs of our constituents. We come to know of the people’s complaints and wishes because they work closely with them as beneficiaries of community outreach,” he said.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771365572993
Former Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal said the military is being falsely accused by militant groups of engaging in “urban militarization” in Legaspi City.
He said the soldiers are conducting community outreach and education programs in seven barangays in Legaspi City.
“Give them (soliders) a chance,” Rosal said. “They deserve to be given a chance to prove themselves different from what others think they are.”
Rosal insisted that the presence of the Army in villages in Legazpi City is permitted by the local government because the Philippine Army partners with the city government to implement projects that cater to the needs of poor residents.
“They serve as our bridges or links to the people because they alert us on the needs of our constituents. We come to know of the people’s complaints and wishes because they work closely with them as beneficiaries of community outreach,” he said.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771365572993
Army says candidates pay permit to campaign fees in Eastern Visayas
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12): Army says candidates pay permit to
campaign fees in Eastern Visayas
An official of the Philippine Army has confirmed that some local candidates inEastern Visayas have started to pay their
permit to campaign (PTC) fees in order to have access to areas controlled by
the New People’s Army (NPA).
Capt. Gene R. Orense, spokesperson of the 8th Infanty Battalion based inCatbalogan City
in Samar , said the Eastern Visayas Regional
Party Committee (EVRPC) and its armed group, the NPA, are currently
intensifying their extortion activities by way of collecting initial amount for
PTC from local candidates.
“Down payments ranging from P50,000 to P100,000 have been paid by some local candidates,” Capt. Orense said.
Orense however refused to identify the
candidates but most of them were from Samar and Eastern
Samar , where some areas remain to be under the influence of the
NPA.
“We are making an appeal to all local candidates for the May 2013 elections to refuse any offer of PTC and PTW fees by the NPAs. Instead let us work together through the spirit of ‘bayanihan’ in ensuring a secured and fair election,”Orense
Communist rebels reportedly are cashing in on the 2013 elections by imposing PTC and PTW fees of up to P5 million on political candidates.
Orense
Based on NPA documents recovered by military troops, the NPA inEastern Visayas is collecting PTC/PTW fees ranging from
P50,000 to P5 million.
A candidate for congressman is asked P500,000; while governor and vice-governor are supposed to pay P5 million and P500,000, respectively.
A board member and a mayoralty aspirant is asked P100,000; vice-mayor, P75,000; and councilor, P50,000.
Orense
“In the said document, it disclosed that during the previous local elections, the NPA was able to collect PTC and PTW fees coming from the local candidates in the region,”Orense
In a recent operation, the military recovered documents which revealed that the extortion scheme by the NPA shall be implemented in three levels.
“The leadership of local communist movement and their armed group focuses in the conduct of discreet local communist movement and their armed group focuses in the conduct of discreet discussions with politicians on the political line, supporting the legal left organizations and direct benefits to their sympathizers,”Orense
The second and third levels include the discussing cooperation in the platform ticket, campaign, vote watch, finances and resources for the campaign; and the sympathizers, engaging the negotiations with the politicians regarding the direct benefits they will receive once they pay the so-called permit to campaign and win fees.
Meanwhile, the National Democratic Front (NDF) inEastern
Visayas said there is no such thing as “PTC and PTW fees.”
Rebel priest Santiago Salas, spokesperson of the NDF, said the malicious imputation against the revolutionary organization is part of the Army’s counter-revolutionary propaganda.
“The 8th ID seeks to divert attention away from the fact that the reactionary elections are undemocratic and are used along with state violence to keep the oppressive and exploitative system,” Salas said in a press statement.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=515898
An official of the Philippine Army has confirmed that some local candidates in
Capt. Gene R. Orense, spokesperson of the 8th Infanty Battalion based in
“Down payments ranging from P50,000 to P100,000 have been paid by some local candidates,” Capt. Orense said.
“We are making an appeal to all local candidates for the May 2013 elections to refuse any offer of PTC and PTW fees by the NPAs. Instead let us work together through the spirit of ‘bayanihan’ in ensuring a secured and fair election,”
Communist rebels reportedly are cashing in on the 2013 elections by imposing PTC and PTW fees of up to P5 million on political candidates.
Based on NPA documents recovered by military troops, the NPA in
A candidate for congressman is asked P500,000; while governor and vice-governor are supposed to pay P5 million and P500,000, respectively.
A board member and a mayoralty aspirant is asked P100,000; vice-mayor, P75,000; and councilor, P50,000.
“In the said document, it disclosed that during the previous local elections, the NPA was able to collect PTC and PTW fees coming from the local candidates in the region,”
In a recent operation, the military recovered documents which revealed that the extortion scheme by the NPA shall be implemented in three levels.
“The leadership of local communist movement and their armed group focuses in the conduct of discreet local communist movement and their armed group focuses in the conduct of discreet discussions with politicians on the political line, supporting the legal left organizations and direct benefits to their sympathizers,”
The second and third levels include the discussing cooperation in the platform ticket, campaign, vote watch, finances and resources for the campaign; and the sympathizers, engaging the negotiations with the politicians regarding the direct benefits they will receive once they pay the so-called permit to campaign and win fees.
Meanwhile, the National Democratic Front (NDF) in
Rebel priest Santiago Salas, spokesperson of the NDF, said the malicious imputation against the revolutionary organization is part of the Army’s counter-revolutionary propaganda.
“The 8th ID seeks to divert attention away from the fact that the reactionary elections are undemocratic and are used along with state violence to keep the oppressive and exploitative system,” Salas said in a press statement.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=515898
SC orders AFP to give location of soldiers named in Edita Burgos' evidence
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12): SC orders AFP to give location of
soldiers named in Edita Burgos' evidence
The Supreme Court Friday ordered Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista to disclose to the Court the location of the soldiers involved in the abduction of activist Jonas Burgos based on the new evidence submitted by his mother, Edita.
"The Court directed the incumbent Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines Lt. Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista to submit to the Court a confidential report on the present location and/or whereabouts of these military personnel [listed in the after apprehension report dated April 30, 2007] and ensure that these military personnel can be located and served with the processes that this Court may serve, if any," the SC Friday said.
The After Apprehension Report was part of the sealed document submitted by Jonas' mother, Edita to the SC as among the new evidence they obtained that proves the involvement of the military in the disappearance of her son on April 28, 2007.
Aside from the after apprehension report, the other new evidence include psycho-social processing report and autobiography of Jonas Burgos, all of which are confidential reports of a military official.
"The newly-discovered evidence will prove that the officers and enlisted personnel of the particular unit of the 7th Infantry Division and the 56th Infantry Brigade are responsible for the enforced disappearance of Jonas Burgos; that these units captured and interrogated him and based on the same evidence, could probably continue to detain him or God forbid, had disposed of him in the manner that only they could explain," Mrs. Burgos said in her petition filed before the SC on April 1, 2013.
Mrs. Burgos filed the petition before the SC asking it to order another hearing of her missing son's case based on the new evidence that they have discovered.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=515819
The Supreme Court Friday ordered Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista to disclose to the Court the location of the soldiers involved in the abduction of activist Jonas Burgos based on the new evidence submitted by his mother, Edita.
"The Court directed the incumbent Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines Lt. Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista to submit to the Court a confidential report on the present location and/or whereabouts of these military personnel [listed in the after apprehension report dated April 30, 2007] and ensure that these military personnel can be located and served with the processes that this Court may serve, if any," the SC Friday said.
The After Apprehension Report was part of the sealed document submitted by Jonas' mother, Edita to the SC as among the new evidence they obtained that proves the involvement of the military in the disappearance of her son on April 28, 2007.
Aside from the after apprehension report, the other new evidence include psycho-social processing report and autobiography of Jonas Burgos, all of which are confidential reports of a military official.
"The newly-discovered evidence will prove that the officers and enlisted personnel of the particular unit of the 7th Infantry Division and the 56th Infantry Brigade are responsible for the enforced disappearance of Jonas Burgos; that these units captured and interrogated him and based on the same evidence, could probably continue to detain him or God forbid, had disposed of him in the manner that only they could explain," Mrs. Burgos said in her petition filed before the SC on April 1, 2013.
Mrs. Burgos filed the petition before the SC asking it to order another hearing of her missing son's case based on the new evidence that they have discovered.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=515819
DND says military to comply with SC order on Burgos case
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12): DND says military to comply with SC order on Burgos case
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin Friday said the Armed Forces will comply with the Supreme Court order the military must disclose the location of the soldiers involved in the abduction of activist Jonas Burgos.
"AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista has already given his word that they will cooperate. The DND will also cooperate and make sure that the people or personnel needed in the investigation will come out," he added.
The DND chief also clarified the military and the defense establishment are not hiding these individuals.
"We will cooperate fully with our legal system," he added.
"The Court directed the incumbent Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines Lt. Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista, to submit to the Court a confidential report on the present location and/or whereabouts of these military personnel [listed in the after apprehension report dated April 30, 2007] and ensure that these military personnel can be located and served with the processes that this Court may serve, if any," the SC on Friday said.
The after apprehension report was part of the sealed document submitted by Jonas' mother, Edita, to the SC as among the new evidence they obtained that proves the involvement of the military in the disappearance of her son on April 28, 2007.
Aside from the after apprehension report, the other new evidence include psycho-social processing report and autobiography of Jonas Burgos, all of which are confidential reports of a military official.
"The newly-discovered evidence will prove that the officers and enlisted personnel of the particular unit of the 7th Infantry Division and the 56th Infantry Brigade are responsible for the enforced disappearance of Jonas Burgos; that these units captured and interrogated him and based on the same evidence, could probably continue to detain him or God forbid, had disposed of him in the manner that only they could explain," Mrs. Burgos said in her petition filed before the SC on April 1, 2013.
Mrs. Burgos filed the petition before the SC asking it to order another hearing of her missing son's case based on the new evidence that they have discovered.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=515831
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin Friday said the Armed Forces will comply with the Supreme Court order the military must disclose the location of the soldiers involved in the abduction of activist Jonas Burgos.
"AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista has already given his word that they will cooperate. The DND will also cooperate and make sure that the people or personnel needed in the investigation will come out," he added.
The DND chief also clarified the military and the defense establishment are not hiding these individuals.
"We will cooperate fully with our legal system," he added.
"The Court directed the incumbent Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines Lt. Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista, to submit to the Court a confidential report on the present location and/or whereabouts of these military personnel [listed in the after apprehension report dated April 30, 2007] and ensure that these military personnel can be located and served with the processes that this Court may serve, if any," the SC on Friday said.
The after apprehension report was part of the sealed document submitted by Jonas' mother, Edita, to the SC as among the new evidence they obtained that proves the involvement of the military in the disappearance of her son on April 28, 2007.
Aside from the after apprehension report, the other new evidence include psycho-social processing report and autobiography of Jonas Burgos, all of which are confidential reports of a military official.
"The newly-discovered evidence will prove that the officers and enlisted personnel of the particular unit of the 7th Infantry Division and the 56th Infantry Brigade are responsible for the enforced disappearance of Jonas Burgos; that these units captured and interrogated him and based on the same evidence, could probably continue to detain him or God forbid, had disposed of him in the manner that only they could explain," Mrs. Burgos said in her petition filed before the SC on April 1, 2013.
Mrs. Burgos filed the petition before the SC asking it to order another hearing of her missing son's case based on the new evidence that they have discovered.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=515831
Thursday, April 11, 2013
WikiLeaks: Moro Islamic Liberation Front had underestimated Aquino
From GMA News (Apr 11): WikiLeaks: Moro Islamic Liberation Front had underestimated Aquino
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which would later praise President Aquino's leadership on the peace process, had doubted his ability to "understand the complexities" of the Mindanao conflict as he was nearing victory in the 2010 elections, according to a confidential US embassy cable to Washington DC in February 2010.
The cable, written by US Charge d'Affaires Leslie Bassett, was one of some two million confidential communications by US diplomats made accessible by a new WikiLeaks search engine for state department archives.
MILF leaders lamented that none of the presidential candidates in 2010 appeared to take the peace process seriously, but only then-Senator Aquino was singled out for criticism by name.
"(The peace process) is too complicated for Senator Aquino to understand," MILF peace panel member Michael Mastura was quoted by the embassy cable as saying at a meeting between a US diplomat and the MILF in February 2010.
Mohagher Iqbal, MILF Peace Panel Chairman, was also at the meeting, which took place in Mastura's house in Cotabato City during the final months of the national political campaign when then-frontrunner Noynoy Aquino was being attacked by his critics as a mentally unstable intellectual lightweight.
Just months after Aquino's victory, Iqbal would begin engaging in secret peace negotiations initiated by Aquino, culminating in the Bangsamoro peace pact. The "framework agreement," signed in Malacanang in October 2012, is considered one of the crowning glories of the first half of Aquino's six-year term.
Interviewed by blogger Raissa Robles in 2011, Iqbal had confirmed that the 2010 meeting between the MILF and the US Embassy had taken place. Steve Rood, the country representative for the Asia Foundation in the Philippines who was listed in the cable as among those at the meeting, also confirmed in a text message on Thursday that the meeting occurred.
"Listen to how we feel"
The cable, based on notes taken by US embassy political officer Michael Pignatello who was the lone US diplomat at the meeting, recounted how the MILF representatives pleaded for greater US involvement in the peace process, complaining of a lack of commitment from the government of then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The cable narrated: "'Listen to how we feel,' Iqbal implored. 'The Filipinos are the rulers,' he continued, 'and we (Moros) are slaves. It is a lopsided relationship.'
"Because the U.S. erred in including Mindanao in Philippine territory when providing the Philippines with its independence, the U.S. 'owed' the Moros its assistance."
The cable described the MILF leaders as "very unhappy" with the Arroyo administration and its "policy reversals," criticizing its chief negotiator Rafael Seguis for not listening, "since he appeared to be texting on his phone during negotiations."
The embassy cable quoted Mastura as making a threat to "Balkanize" Mindanao if it lost patience with the peace process, referring to the ethnic conflict in the Balkan states in Europe in the 1990s that resulted in violence.
"Please do not allow us to do that," Mastura reportedly told his American visitors. He also mentioned that the MILF was being urged by unnamed forces to assassinate then-executive secretary Eduardo Ermita and North Cotabato Vice Governor Manuel Pinol, both identified as having "made a career out of opposing peace in Mindanao."
"Moot and academic"
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, meanwhile, refused to comment on the contents of the cable.
“As a matter of policy, we don't comment on supposed internal communications of foreign governments,” Valte said in a text message.
Palace communications chief Ricky Carandang added that they they don't comment on “purported cable leaks.”
“Look how the negotiations are going right now,” he noted, referring to the progress in the peace talks.
For a Moro affairs scholar, Mastura's statements are now “moot and academic” since the MILF and the Philippine government have both reported productive talks.
“It's a totally different ballgame now,” Datu Jamal Ashley Yahya Abbas said in a text message.
UP Institute for Islamic Studies Dean Julkipli Wadi agreed, saying there is “nothing controversial” about Mastura's statements.
“There's nothing controversial about it as GPH and MILF peace panels were still on opposite sides of the fence at the time,” Wadi said.
The US embassy cable also reported the "atmospherics" at the dinner meeting, describing the host Mastura couple as liberal Muslims and Mrs. Mastura as an outspoken woman who does not wear a headscarf, countering impressions of the MILF as Islamic conservatives.
Nevertheless, the cable concluded with a cautious tone: "We have no basis to believe that the MILF would prove more capable than its predecessors of governing well."
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/303392/news/nation/wikileaks-moro-islamic-liberation-front-had-underestimated-aquino
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which would later praise President Aquino's leadership on the peace process, had doubted his ability to "understand the complexities" of the Mindanao conflict as he was nearing victory in the 2010 elections, according to a confidential US embassy cable to Washington DC in February 2010.
The cable, written by US Charge d'Affaires Leslie Bassett, was one of some two million confidential communications by US diplomats made accessible by a new WikiLeaks search engine for state department archives.
MILF leaders lamented that none of the presidential candidates in 2010 appeared to take the peace process seriously, but only then-Senator Aquino was singled out for criticism by name.
"(The peace process) is too complicated for Senator Aquino to understand," MILF peace panel member Michael Mastura was quoted by the embassy cable as saying at a meeting between a US diplomat and the MILF in February 2010.
Mohagher Iqbal, MILF Peace Panel Chairman, was also at the meeting, which took place in Mastura's house in Cotabato City during the final months of the national political campaign when then-frontrunner Noynoy Aquino was being attacked by his critics as a mentally unstable intellectual lightweight.
Just months after Aquino's victory, Iqbal would begin engaging in secret peace negotiations initiated by Aquino, culminating in the Bangsamoro peace pact. The "framework agreement," signed in Malacanang in October 2012, is considered one of the crowning glories of the first half of Aquino's six-year term.
Interviewed by blogger Raissa Robles in 2011, Iqbal had confirmed that the 2010 meeting between the MILF and the US Embassy had taken place. Steve Rood, the country representative for the Asia Foundation in the Philippines who was listed in the cable as among those at the meeting, also confirmed in a text message on Thursday that the meeting occurred.
"Listen to how we feel"
The cable, based on notes taken by US embassy political officer Michael Pignatello who was the lone US diplomat at the meeting, recounted how the MILF representatives pleaded for greater US involvement in the peace process, complaining of a lack of commitment from the government of then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The cable narrated: "'Listen to how we feel,' Iqbal implored. 'The Filipinos are the rulers,' he continued, 'and we (Moros) are slaves. It is a lopsided relationship.'
"Because the U.S. erred in including Mindanao in Philippine territory when providing the Philippines with its independence, the U.S. 'owed' the Moros its assistance."
The cable described the MILF leaders as "very unhappy" with the Arroyo administration and its "policy reversals," criticizing its chief negotiator Rafael Seguis for not listening, "since he appeared to be texting on his phone during negotiations."
The embassy cable quoted Mastura as making a threat to "Balkanize" Mindanao if it lost patience with the peace process, referring to the ethnic conflict in the Balkan states in Europe in the 1990s that resulted in violence.
"Please do not allow us to do that," Mastura reportedly told his American visitors. He also mentioned that the MILF was being urged by unnamed forces to assassinate then-executive secretary Eduardo Ermita and North Cotabato Vice Governor Manuel Pinol, both identified as having "made a career out of opposing peace in Mindanao."
"Moot and academic"
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, meanwhile, refused to comment on the contents of the cable.
“As a matter of policy, we don't comment on supposed internal communications of foreign governments,” Valte said in a text message.
Palace communications chief Ricky Carandang added that they they don't comment on “purported cable leaks.”
“Look how the negotiations are going right now,” he noted, referring to the progress in the peace talks.
For a Moro affairs scholar, Mastura's statements are now “moot and academic” since the MILF and the Philippine government have both reported productive talks.
“It's a totally different ballgame now,” Datu Jamal Ashley Yahya Abbas said in a text message.
UP Institute for Islamic Studies Dean Julkipli Wadi agreed, saying there is “nothing controversial” about Mastura's statements.
“There's nothing controversial about it as GPH and MILF peace panels were still on opposite sides of the fence at the time,” Wadi said.
The US embassy cable also reported the "atmospherics" at the dinner meeting, describing the host Mastura couple as liberal Muslims and Mrs. Mastura as an outspoken woman who does not wear a headscarf, countering impressions of the MILF as Islamic conservatives.
Nevertheless, the cable concluded with a cautious tone: "We have no basis to believe that the MILF would prove more capable than its predecessors of governing well."
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/303392/news/nation/wikileaks-moro-islamic-liberation-front-had-underestimated-aquino
DVIDS: Philippine, US firefighters train ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ on rescue equipment
From the Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) (Apr 10): Philippine, US firefighters train ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ on rescue equipment
U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew D. Bell explains the use of the P-40 power pusher ram to Filipino firefighters April 8 at Clark Field, Philippines. Marine firefighters demonstrated the capabilities of their rescue equipment to Filipino firefighters to better prepare both militaries for potential accidents. The training was part of exercise Balikatan 2013, an annual bilateral training evolution aimed at ensuring interoperability of the Philippine and U.S. militaries during planning, contingency and humanitarian assistance operations.
CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines - Firefighters from both the Philippine Air Force and U.S. Marines trained ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ April 8 on rescue equipment at Clark Field, Philippines, as part of exercise Balikatan 2013.
The training began with aircraft rescue firefighter Marines demonstrating the capabilities and uses of the K-12 rescue saw and power hawk, or “jaws of life,” and allowed followed with their Filipino counterparts getting hands on training with the equipment.
BK13 is an annual bilateral training evolution aimed at ensuring interoperability of the Philippine and U.S. militaries during planning, contingency and humanitarian assistance operations.
“As firefighters, we have to be ready to do what is needed of us at all times,” said PAF Technical Sgt. Arthuro Sumilhig, a firefighter with the 600th Air Base Wing, 1st Air Division. “That is why every opportunity we have to train is an important one. It was great to get hands on with the gear the Marines use.”
While no real emergency was taking place, the firefighters trained together by making cuts with the rescue saw and power hawk into old barrel drums.
The importance of being proficient with these tools is unmatched as they may be the only thing standing between you and another person’s life, according to U.S. Marine Sgt. Harry M. Nieves, an aircraft rescue firefighter with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
“Being able to come out to the Philippines and work together with their firefighters and display our capabilities is a great opportunity,” said Nieves. “It doesn’t matter where you are or what military you are in, firefighters are always training to get better.”
The benefits both parties get out of the training holds a lasting memory as firefighters stay constantly prepared for their next emergency, according to U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Stephen R. Kiser, an aircraft rescue firefighter with the squadron. Both the Marine firefighters and their Filipino counterparts act as first responders to their respective aircraft and need to be ready to respond to any crisis with the tools available.
“Everything we do has a purpose,” said Kiser. “While today we were only cutting into a barrel, tomorrow that barrel could be the door of an aircraft. In this job you never know what you might be getting into.”
Throughout the exercise, Philippine and U.S. firefighters will continue bilateral training in order to ultimately better themselves and be at the ready to respond to any emergency.
Other units participating in Balikatan will conduct training in multiple locations throughout central Luzon to include humanitarian civic assistance, ground military training operations and a command post exercise based on natural disaster response.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/104978/philippine-us-firefighters-train-shoulder-shoulder-rescue-equipment
U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew D. Bell explains the use of the P-40 power pusher ram to Filipino firefighters April 8 at Clark Field, Philippines. Marine firefighters demonstrated the capabilities of their rescue equipment to Filipino firefighters to better prepare both militaries for potential accidents. The training was part of exercise Balikatan 2013, an annual bilateral training evolution aimed at ensuring interoperability of the Philippine and U.S. militaries during planning, contingency and humanitarian assistance operations.
CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines - Firefighters from both the Philippine Air Force and U.S. Marines trained ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ April 8 on rescue equipment at Clark Field, Philippines, as part of exercise Balikatan 2013.
The training began with aircraft rescue firefighter Marines demonstrating the capabilities and uses of the K-12 rescue saw and power hawk, or “jaws of life,” and allowed followed with their Filipino counterparts getting hands on training with the equipment.
BK13 is an annual bilateral training evolution aimed at ensuring interoperability of the Philippine and U.S. militaries during planning, contingency and humanitarian assistance operations.
“As firefighters, we have to be ready to do what is needed of us at all times,” said PAF Technical Sgt. Arthuro Sumilhig, a firefighter with the 600th Air Base Wing, 1st Air Division. “That is why every opportunity we have to train is an important one. It was great to get hands on with the gear the Marines use.”
While no real emergency was taking place, the firefighters trained together by making cuts with the rescue saw and power hawk into old barrel drums.
The importance of being proficient with these tools is unmatched as they may be the only thing standing between you and another person’s life, according to U.S. Marine Sgt. Harry M. Nieves, an aircraft rescue firefighter with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
“Being able to come out to the Philippines and work together with their firefighters and display our capabilities is a great opportunity,” said Nieves. “It doesn’t matter where you are or what military you are in, firefighters are always training to get better.”
The benefits both parties get out of the training holds a lasting memory as firefighters stay constantly prepared for their next emergency, according to U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Stephen R. Kiser, an aircraft rescue firefighter with the squadron. Both the Marine firefighters and their Filipino counterparts act as first responders to their respective aircraft and need to be ready to respond to any crisis with the tools available.
“Everything we do has a purpose,” said Kiser. “While today we were only cutting into a barrel, tomorrow that barrel could be the door of an aircraft. In this job you never know what you might be getting into.”
Throughout the exercise, Philippine and U.S. firefighters will continue bilateral training in order to ultimately better themselves and be at the ready to respond to any emergency.
Other units participating in Balikatan will conduct training in multiple locations throughout central Luzon to include humanitarian civic assistance, ground military training operations and a command post exercise based on natural disaster response.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/104978/philippine-us-firefighters-train-shoulder-shoulder-rescue-equipment
DVIDS: Barangay Residents Help Combined Philippine-U.S. Army Team Stay Ahead of Schedule
From the Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) (Apr 11): Barangay Residents Help Combined Philippine-U.S. Army Team Stay Ahead of Schedule
Barangay residents Adrian Chavez, left, and Francis Empeno, wire bamboo support rails to the existing footbridge in Tapuac. A combined team of Philippine and U.S. Army Engineers are building a new footbridge to improve the community. Thanks to consistent help from Tapuac volunteers, the team is ahead of schedule. The project is one of seven engineering civic action projects (ENCAP) being performed by Combined/Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (CJCMOTF) units in support of exercise Balikatan 2013. 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chris Fahey.)
TAPUAC BARANGAY, Philipines - Thanks to volunteer effort by the Tapuac Barangay’s residents, the combined team of Philippine and U.S. Army engineers building a new footbridge for the community are ahead of schedule.
Since the construction on the footbridge broke ground March 21, the barangay has come together to provide a pool of skilled volunteers to help with construction.
“I remember on the first day we poured concrete, they had about 15 local civilians out here with us,” said crew leader U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Williams. “They are very skilled at pretty much every aspect of construction and will fill any capacity needed. They’ve helped us become way ahead of schedule, turning four day jobs into two.”
Williams said the benefits of the volunteers are two-fold.
“The footbridge is for the community, so for them to help and understand that this was a team effort by all of us, not just the military, really adds to the camaraderie,” he said. “Also, if down the road any repairs need to be made, then they are already familiar and have a great deal of confidence.”
Knowing that other barangay residents know how to make these repairs provides assurance to Marie and Marian Alfers – sisters who live close to the new footbridge along with 13 others in her household. Her father, a farmer, and nearly all of her siblings will rely on the footbridge to go to school, transport crops and see family members on the opposite side.
Synonymous with community, barangay holds a deeper more personal meaning. For the Alfers sisters, it also stands for trust.
“It’s easier for us to trust the construction when we see our barangay elders out helping,” said Marie through an interpreter. “We believe the footbridge would be strong either way but seeing our barangay out there is still reassuring.”
Volunteering to help the combined team at no extra cost to the government is what Tapuac Barangay Captain Rafael Elamparo calls his duty. His barangay is one of the largest in the province and has more than 100 farmers who live on the far side of the footbridge – cut off from most of the barangay.
Before the existing footbridge was strung up, they would have to walk and transport crops several kilometers out of the way. The new bridge will save time, energy and help ensure farmers don’t lose crops during transit.
“Try to imagine what it is like during the typhoon season,” said Elamparo. “It’s extremely dangerous. I have 365 families who live in this barangay. This is their home, so of course they feel a responsibility to help, but we also want to help. We are thankful for Balikatan and the help it’s bringing us. When we help, we get to show our respect and learn about our new neighbors.”
The Tapuac footbridge was one of seven engineering civic action projects (ENCAP) being performed by Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (JCMOTF) units in support of exercise Balikatan 2013.
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/104993/barangay-residents-help-combined-philippine-us-army-team-stay-ahead-schedule
Barangay residents Adrian Chavez, left, and Francis Empeno, wire bamboo support rails to the existing footbridge in Tapuac. A combined team of Philippine and U.S. Army Engineers are building a new footbridge to improve the community. Thanks to consistent help from Tapuac volunteers, the team is ahead of schedule. The project is one of seven engineering civic action projects (ENCAP) being performed by Combined/Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (CJCMOTF) units in support of exercise Balikatan 2013. 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chris Fahey.)
TAPUAC BARANGAY, Philipines - Thanks to volunteer effort by the Tapuac Barangay’s residents, the combined team of Philippine and U.S. Army engineers building a new footbridge for the community are ahead of schedule.
Since the construction on the footbridge broke ground March 21, the barangay has come together to provide a pool of skilled volunteers to help with construction.
“I remember on the first day we poured concrete, they had about 15 local civilians out here with us,” said crew leader U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Williams. “They are very skilled at pretty much every aspect of construction and will fill any capacity needed. They’ve helped us become way ahead of schedule, turning four day jobs into two.”
Williams said the benefits of the volunteers are two-fold.
“The footbridge is for the community, so for them to help and understand that this was a team effort by all of us, not just the military, really adds to the camaraderie,” he said. “Also, if down the road any repairs need to be made, then they are already familiar and have a great deal of confidence.”
Knowing that other barangay residents know how to make these repairs provides assurance to Marie and Marian Alfers – sisters who live close to the new footbridge along with 13 others in her household. Her father, a farmer, and nearly all of her siblings will rely on the footbridge to go to school, transport crops and see family members on the opposite side.
Synonymous with community, barangay holds a deeper more personal meaning. For the Alfers sisters, it also stands for trust.
“It’s easier for us to trust the construction when we see our barangay elders out helping,” said Marie through an interpreter. “We believe the footbridge would be strong either way but seeing our barangay out there is still reassuring.”
Volunteering to help the combined team at no extra cost to the government is what Tapuac Barangay Captain Rafael Elamparo calls his duty. His barangay is one of the largest in the province and has more than 100 farmers who live on the far side of the footbridge – cut off from most of the barangay.
Before the existing footbridge was strung up, they would have to walk and transport crops several kilometers out of the way. The new bridge will save time, energy and help ensure farmers don’t lose crops during transit.
“Try to imagine what it is like during the typhoon season,” said Elamparo. “It’s extremely dangerous. I have 365 families who live in this barangay. This is their home, so of course they feel a responsibility to help, but we also want to help. We are thankful for Balikatan and the help it’s bringing us. When we help, we get to show our respect and learn about our new neighbors.”
The Tapuac footbridge was one of seven engineering civic action projects (ENCAP) being performed by Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (JCMOTF) units in support of exercise Balikatan 2013.
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/104993/barangay-residents-help-combined-philippine-us-army-team-stay-ahead-schedule
Palace exec: Grounded US, Chinese ships are apple and orange
From GMA News (Apr 11): Palace exec: Grounded US, Chinese ships are apple and orange
Malacañang on Thursday urged the public to quit comparing the two separate grounding incidents of a United States minesweeper and a Chinese fishing vessel in the Tubbataha Reef, saying the two are “completely different."
“I think it’s unfair [to compare.] They are not apples to apples. One is a military ship of an allied country who is here with our permission, involved in our mutual defense; the other is a private fishing vessel, which was here without permission, which was here for commercial reasons,” Presidential Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang said at a briefing.
“Clearly, the different natures of these two vessels would necessitate different responses. And I don’t think anyone would argue that you treat one the same way as the other, since they’re completely different circumstances,” he added.
Shortly before midnight Monday, a Chinese fishermen's vessel ran aground in Tubbataha Reef, three months after a similar incident involving the US Navy minesweeper USS Guardian.
The US vessel was finally extracted two weeks ago and four of its crew members were relieved of their duties for failure to follow standard US Navy navigational procedures. The Philippine government, however, has yet to press charges against the ship's sailors.
Meanwhile, the Tubbataha Management Office lodged poaching charges against 12 Chinese fishermen Wednesday afternoon.
However, Carandang reiterated that the government is not playing favorites, as there is an ongoing investigation regarding the USS Guardian’s grounding.
“We have an investigation that is proceeding with the Americans, and there are certain laws and practices that we have to abide by,” Carandang said, although he noted that the government does not believe the American vessel meant to cause damage.
“The goal [of the investigation] is to find out what happened [and] to seek some sort of reparations for the damages that admittedly were incurred. Nobody believes that this was done on purpose so our idea is if something happens then, there are certain processes in place that would ensure or that would provide for the resolution or the reparation in the event of this incident,” Carandang said.
The Philippines may charge the United States 58 million pesos ($1.4 million) in compensation for damage caused by the USS Guardian to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/303403/news/nation/palace-exec-grounded-us-chinese-ships-are-apple-and-orange
Malacañang on Thursday urged the public to quit comparing the two separate grounding incidents of a United States minesweeper and a Chinese fishing vessel in the Tubbataha Reef, saying the two are “completely different."
“I think it’s unfair [to compare.] They are not apples to apples. One is a military ship of an allied country who is here with our permission, involved in our mutual defense; the other is a private fishing vessel, which was here without permission, which was here for commercial reasons,” Presidential Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang said at a briefing.
“Clearly, the different natures of these two vessels would necessitate different responses. And I don’t think anyone would argue that you treat one the same way as the other, since they’re completely different circumstances,” he added.
Shortly before midnight Monday, a Chinese fishermen's vessel ran aground in Tubbataha Reef, three months after a similar incident involving the US Navy minesweeper USS Guardian.
The US vessel was finally extracted two weeks ago and four of its crew members were relieved of their duties for failure to follow standard US Navy navigational procedures. The Philippine government, however, has yet to press charges against the ship's sailors.
Meanwhile, the Tubbataha Management Office lodged poaching charges against 12 Chinese fishermen Wednesday afternoon.
However, Carandang reiterated that the government is not playing favorites, as there is an ongoing investigation regarding the USS Guardian’s grounding.
“We have an investigation that is proceeding with the Americans, and there are certain laws and practices that we have to abide by,” Carandang said, although he noted that the government does not believe the American vessel meant to cause damage.
“The goal [of the investigation] is to find out what happened [and] to seek some sort of reparations for the damages that admittedly were incurred. Nobody believes that this was done on purpose so our idea is if something happens then, there are certain processes in place that would ensure or that would provide for the resolution or the reparation in the event of this incident,” Carandang said.
The Philippines may charge the United States 58 million pesos ($1.4 million) in compensation for damage caused by the USS Guardian to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/303403/news/nation/palace-exec-grounded-us-chinese-ships-are-apple-and-orange
No special treatment in Tubbataha incidents - Palace
From ABS-CBN (Apr 11): No special treatment in Tubbataha incidents - Palace
Malacanang said on Thursday it is not treating Americans, whose Navy ship ran aground in Tubbataha Reef, with kid gloves compared to Chinese fishers whose boat met the same fate recently.
"First of all, those are two separate incidents. They're not apples to apples," Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang told reporters.
"One is a military ship from an allied country [which] is here with our permission, involved in our mutual defense. The other is a private fishing vessel, which was here without permission, which was here for commercial reasons."
"Clearly, the different natures of these vessels would necessitate different responses," he added.
Carandang said that an investigation is ongoing into the grounding of the USS Guardian, which was removed from the reef after three months.
The Chinese fishers, meanwhile, will face charges for poaching, among others.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/11/13/no-special-treatment-tubbataha-incidents-palace
Malacanang said on Thursday it is not treating Americans, whose Navy ship ran aground in Tubbataha Reef, with kid gloves compared to Chinese fishers whose boat met the same fate recently.
"First of all, those are two separate incidents. They're not apples to apples," Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang told reporters.
"One is a military ship from an allied country [which] is here with our permission, involved in our mutual defense. The other is a private fishing vessel, which was here without permission, which was here for commercial reasons."
"Clearly, the different natures of these vessels would necessitate different responses," he added.
Carandang said that an investigation is ongoing into the grounding of the USS Guardian, which was removed from the reef after three months.
The Chinese fishers, meanwhile, will face charges for poaching, among others.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/11/13/no-special-treatment-tubbataha-incidents-palace
Army beefs up security at jail holding top rebels
From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 11): Army beefs up security
at jail holding top rebels
The 303 rd Infantry Brigade has beefed up the forces of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology to secure the Negros Occidental District Jail in Barangay Tabunan,Bago
City
While they have not received any report on attempts to rescue detained rebel leader Reniel Cellon and his wife, Mary Jane Magquilat, so far, Aying said they are not taking chances.
He added, however, that, actually that is the usual plan for inmates with non-bailable cases, as their lawyers have also recommended.
Aying said they have deployed soldiers in the vicinity of the Provincial Jail since the first day Cellon was committed there.
Cellon, Magquilat and four other suspected rebels, are facing charges for violation of the Comelec gun ban before the Kabankalan Regional Trial Court, after the recovery of firearms and explosives from them, and from the vehicle they were riding, when they were intercepted at a checkpoint in Ilog last week.
This is on top of the murder and frustrated murder charges Cellon and Magquilat are facing, police records show.
Senior Supt. Celestino Guara, caretaker of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, confirmed yesterday that they have received reports on plans of the New People's Army to rescue Cellon, who is the commander of the NPA Southwest Front Sentro De Grabidad platoon.
Guara also said they have dispatched policemen to the Provincial Jail in Bago City.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/April/11/topstory8.htm
The 303 rd Infantry Brigade has beefed up the forces of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology to secure the Negros Occidental District Jail in Barangay Tabunan,
While they have not received any report on attempts to rescue detained rebel leader Reniel Cellon and his wife, Mary Jane Magquilat, so far, Aying said they are not taking chances.
He added, however, that, actually that is the usual plan for inmates with non-bailable cases, as their lawyers have also recommended.
Aying said they have deployed soldiers in the vicinity of the Provincial Jail since the first day Cellon was committed there.
Cellon, Magquilat and four other suspected rebels, are facing charges for violation of the Comelec gun ban before the Kabankalan Regional Trial Court, after the recovery of firearms and explosives from them, and from the vehicle they were riding, when they were intercepted at a checkpoint in Ilog last week.
This is on top of the murder and frustrated murder charges Cellon and Magquilat are facing, police records show.
Senior Supt. Celestino Guara, caretaker of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, confirmed yesterday that they have received reports on plans of the New People's Army to rescue Cellon, who is the commander of the NPA Southwest Front Sentro De Grabidad platoon.
Guara also said they have dispatched policemen to the Provincial Jail in Bago City.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/April/11/topstory8.htm
Paduano: RPA transformation underway
From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Apr 10): Paduano: RPA transformation underway
STEPHEN Paduano alias “Carapali Lualhati,” former National Chair of the Revolutionary Proletarian Armg-Alex Bongcayao Brigade (RPA- ABB), revealed the ongoing transformation conference held by his former comrades.
Paduano has already resigned from the RPA-ABB after he decided to join in the political system of the country. He is now the number one nominee of 136 Abang Lingkod Party-list group.
The transformation conference will also result to the election of the new set of officers while the former rebel group is in transition from being an armed group into an unarmed group, he said.
The transformation of the RPA-ABB into a social political group is headed by its chair Veronica Tabara of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas (RPMP).
Paduano said that he was one of the speakers in Tuesday's conference of his former comrades.
The transformation he said is part of the final agreement between the government peace panel and the RPA-ABB.
Paduano said that some of the difficulties encountered by his former comrades is their safety because they find it hard to adjust from being armed to being unarmed, although they will be put in Peace and Development Communities.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/local-news/2013/04/10/paduano-rpa-transformation-underway-276864
STEPHEN Paduano alias “Carapali Lualhati,” former National Chair of the Revolutionary Proletarian Armg-Alex Bongcayao Brigade (RPA- ABB), revealed the ongoing transformation conference held by his former comrades.
Paduano has already resigned from the RPA-ABB after he decided to join in the political system of the country. He is now the number one nominee of 136 Abang Lingkod Party-list group.
The transformation conference will also result to the election of the new set of officers while the former rebel group is in transition from being an armed group into an unarmed group, he said.
The transformation of the RPA-ABB into a social political group is headed by its chair Veronica Tabara of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas (RPMP).
Paduano said that he was one of the speakers in Tuesday's conference of his former comrades.
The transformation he said is part of the final agreement between the government peace panel and the RPA-ABB.
Paduano said that some of the difficulties encountered by his former comrades is their safety because they find it hard to adjust from being armed to being unarmed, although they will be put in Peace and Development Communities.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/local-news/2013/04/10/paduano-rpa-transformation-underway-276864
NPA attempts to rescue arrested leader
From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Apr 11): NPA attempts to rescue arrested leader
NEGROS Occidental Police Office (Noppo) chief Celestino Guara said the New People's Army (NPA) rebels attempted to rescue their top leader including other rebel members who were nabbed in Barangay Dancalan, Ilog last week.
The rebels were arrested during a checkpoint in the said barangay in relation to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban.
Arrested were rebel leader Reniel Cellon and wife, Mary Jane Magquilat; and four rebel members identified as Jose Sonny Boy Ditomal, 41; Rodrigo Maricasa, 49; Antonio Estaniel, 51; and Edson Gonzales, 20.
Last Monday, additional charges for violation of the Comelec gun ban were filed before the Kabankalan Regional Trial Court against the arrested NPA rebels.
Police recovered a .45 caliber pistol, owned by the slain PFC John Ilisan; a fragmentation grenade owned by NPA commander Cellon; and a.22 pistol which was seized from Magquilat.
Guara said the Philippine National Police (PNP), the military, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) are on alert and may augment forces in Ilog where the alleged NPA leader and hid companions are detained.
Guara stressed that they are prepared against such rescue attempts and plans of the NPA to rescue their leader and comrades.
Cellon, commander of the Sentro De Grabida Platoon of the NPA South West Front Committee, was linked by the military to numerous incidents of liquidation in southern Negros which victimized Ilisan, former rebels, and paramilitary troopers.
Also recovered in Cellon’s vehicle were rifle grenade, hundreds of live ammunition for an M-16 armalite rifle and carbine, subversive documents and assorted food.
The Kabankalan RTC has recommended P12,000 as bail for each count of violation of the Comelec gun ban against the suspects.
Aside from the gun ban charges, Cellon and Magquilat are also facing charges for murder, which are non-bailable offenses, and frustrated murder.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/local-news/2013/04/11/npa-attempts-rescue-arrested-leader-277041
NEGROS Occidental Police Office (Noppo) chief Celestino Guara said the New People's Army (NPA) rebels attempted to rescue their top leader including other rebel members who were nabbed in Barangay Dancalan, Ilog last week.
The rebels were arrested during a checkpoint in the said barangay in relation to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban.
Arrested were rebel leader Reniel Cellon and wife, Mary Jane Magquilat; and four rebel members identified as Jose Sonny Boy Ditomal, 41; Rodrigo Maricasa, 49; Antonio Estaniel, 51; and Edson Gonzales, 20.
Last Monday, additional charges for violation of the Comelec gun ban were filed before the Kabankalan Regional Trial Court against the arrested NPA rebels.
Police recovered a .45 caliber pistol, owned by the slain PFC John Ilisan; a fragmentation grenade owned by NPA commander Cellon; and a.22 pistol which was seized from Magquilat.
Guara said the Philippine National Police (PNP), the military, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) are on alert and may augment forces in Ilog where the alleged NPA leader and hid companions are detained.
Guara stressed that they are prepared against such rescue attempts and plans of the NPA to rescue their leader and comrades.
Cellon, commander of the Sentro De Grabida Platoon of the NPA South West Front Committee, was linked by the military to numerous incidents of liquidation in southern Negros which victimized Ilisan, former rebels, and paramilitary troopers.
Also recovered in Cellon’s vehicle were rifle grenade, hundreds of live ammunition for an M-16 armalite rifle and carbine, subversive documents and assorted food.
The Kabankalan RTC has recommended P12,000 as bail for each count of violation of the Comelec gun ban against the suspects.
Aside from the gun ban charges, Cellon and Magquilat are also facing charges for murder, which are non-bailable offenses, and frustrated murder.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/local-news/2013/04/11/npa-attempts-rescue-arrested-leader-277041
NPA confirms clash with police in Talakag
From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Apr 12): NPA confirms clash with police in Talakag
THE New People’s Army (NPA) North Central Mindanao Command (NCMC) confirmed the clash between the NPA rebels belonging to the Mt. Kitanglad sub-regional command and the police officers of the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) in sitio Liburan, barangay Sagaran in Talakag town, Bukidnon Wednesday afternoon.
NPA-NCMC spokesperson Allan Juanito, however, didn’t confirm the alleged death of two rebels since he is still waiting for the details from the unit.
“Should there be casualties, I call on the authorities to observe the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) agreement between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front in the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP),” Juanito said in a statement sent to Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro Thursday evening.
He is calling on the police to provide decent care if dead bodies will be found or notify the families of the dead. He also urged the police to make it easier for the families or relatives to claim the bodies if not accord the dead bodies with decent burial should no one claim.
Police wounded
Talakag has been known for feuding clans, fearing bloodshed the villagers reported to police that armed men were sighted.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) responded and found out that the armed men were communist rebels. Wounded during the clash were Inspector Alwin Baclao, Police Officers 1 Marlon Mendoza and John Bodiongan. Baclao is the commanding officer of the 104th Maneuver Company of the RPSB in Northern Mindanao.
Senior Inspector Ronnie Francis Cariaga, PNP-Northern Mindanao spokesperson, said the firefight lasted for an hour, allegedly resulting in two fatalities on the rebels’ side. No bodies have been found as of press time.
Recovered from the clash area were one M16 Rifle and one .38 caliber pistol.
Baclao suffered serious gunshot wounds while Mendoza suffered a gunshot wound in his right leg and Bodiongan suffered a slight gunshot wound in his head.
The three were brought to a hospital in Cagayan de Oro City.
Cariaga said the PNP-10 in coordination with AFP territorial units is focused on providing strategic guidance in the performance of its mandated functions in protecting the state and the people as embodied in the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP).
“It shall aid government security units in planning for and contributing to the attainment of internal peace and security,” Cariaga said.
Senior Supt. Orlando Viñas, Bukidnon provincial police director, said he could not disclose the names of the fatalities yet.
Viñas relayed that the police officers sighted from a higher ground armed men cooking on the outskirts of Barangay Sagaran, about 16 to 18 kilometers from the town proper.
Viñas also urged the communities, who give the rebels food and water while they transfer from one place to another, to stop helping them.
Lt. Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo, 8th Infantry Battalion commanding officer, said that the army has sent teams to conduct hot pursuit operations against the rebels.
Captain Christian Uy, 4th Infantry Division acting spokesperson, also confirmed the military operations that will flush out the rebels in the area.
Police Chief Supt Catalino Rodriguez Jr., police regional director, awarded on Thursday afternoon the Wounded Medals to the three officers.
Rodriguez ordered the National Police to intensify its proactive security patrols to stop the communist rebels in advancing their criminal activities.
Among the security measures are the setting up of random checkpoints and the continuous enforcement of the election gun ban.
The New People’s Army is waging the world’s longest communist armed struggle in the world. In its 45 years of conflict with the Philippine government, it has caused thousands of deaths on both sides.
The government is currently engaged in a peace talk with the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front of the Philippines, the political arm of the NPA.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2013/04/12/npa-confirms-clash-police-talakag-277192
THE New People’s Army (NPA) North Central Mindanao Command (NCMC) confirmed the clash between the NPA rebels belonging to the Mt. Kitanglad sub-regional command and the police officers of the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) in sitio Liburan, barangay Sagaran in Talakag town, Bukidnon Wednesday afternoon.
NPA-NCMC spokesperson Allan Juanito, however, didn’t confirm the alleged death of two rebels since he is still waiting for the details from the unit.
“Should there be casualties, I call on the authorities to observe the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) agreement between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front in the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP),” Juanito said in a statement sent to Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro Thursday evening.
He is calling on the police to provide decent care if dead bodies will be found or notify the families of the dead. He also urged the police to make it easier for the families or relatives to claim the bodies if not accord the dead bodies with decent burial should no one claim.
Police wounded
Talakag has been known for feuding clans, fearing bloodshed the villagers reported to police that armed men were sighted.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) responded and found out that the armed men were communist rebels. Wounded during the clash were Inspector Alwin Baclao, Police Officers 1 Marlon Mendoza and John Bodiongan. Baclao is the commanding officer of the 104th Maneuver Company of the RPSB in Northern Mindanao.
Senior Inspector Ronnie Francis Cariaga, PNP-Northern Mindanao spokesperson, said the firefight lasted for an hour, allegedly resulting in two fatalities on the rebels’ side. No bodies have been found as of press time.
Recovered from the clash area were one M16 Rifle and one .38 caliber pistol.
Baclao suffered serious gunshot wounds while Mendoza suffered a gunshot wound in his right leg and Bodiongan suffered a slight gunshot wound in his head.
The three were brought to a hospital in Cagayan de Oro City.
Cariaga said the PNP-10 in coordination with AFP territorial units is focused on providing strategic guidance in the performance of its mandated functions in protecting the state and the people as embodied in the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP).
“It shall aid government security units in planning for and contributing to the attainment of internal peace and security,” Cariaga said.
Senior Supt. Orlando Viñas, Bukidnon provincial police director, said he could not disclose the names of the fatalities yet.
Viñas relayed that the police officers sighted from a higher ground armed men cooking on the outskirts of Barangay Sagaran, about 16 to 18 kilometers from the town proper.
Viñas also urged the communities, who give the rebels food and water while they transfer from one place to another, to stop helping them.
Lt. Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo, 8th Infantry Battalion commanding officer, said that the army has sent teams to conduct hot pursuit operations against the rebels.
Captain Christian Uy, 4th Infantry Division acting spokesperson, also confirmed the military operations that will flush out the rebels in the area.
Police Chief Supt Catalino Rodriguez Jr., police regional director, awarded on Thursday afternoon the Wounded Medals to the three officers.
Rodriguez ordered the National Police to intensify its proactive security patrols to stop the communist rebels in advancing their criminal activities.
Among the security measures are the setting up of random checkpoints and the continuous enforcement of the election gun ban.
The New People’s Army is waging the world’s longest communist armed struggle in the world. In its 45 years of conflict with the Philippine government, it has caused thousands of deaths on both sides.
The government is currently engaged in a peace talk with the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front of the Philippines, the political arm of the NPA.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2013/04/12/npa-confirms-clash-police-talakag-277192
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