PHL welcomes talks on Code of Conduct on West Philippine Sea

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9): PHL welcomes talks on Code of Conduct on West Philippine Sea

The Philippines welcomed the recent developments in the discussions between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China with regards to the crafting of the legally binding Code of Conduct in the West China Sea.

Foreign ministers discussing the COC seemed to believe that the talks in the recent months have moved towards the Code of Conduct, Secretary Ramon Carandang of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office said in a press briefing at the Times Hotel here.

“There has been some progress, but it’s difficult to say when we can expect something to happen, because as you know these things do take time. They have taken more than 10 years, about 11 years. We’re just happy to note that all sides seem to be reporting some progress on these talks,” Carandang said.

And if ever the ASEAN comes up with a Code of Conduct that is binding among its members, China should not be forced to adopt it because it is an active participant in the discussions.

“We presume that any Code of Conduct that is agreed upon by all parties would include China,” Carandang said, adding that the Philippines is glad that despite all of the tensions arising China continues to participate in the talks for the COC,” Carandang said.

“And that shows us they are also committed to preventing tensions from escalating in the region,” he added.

ASEAN members have been discussing the adoption of the legally binding COC to eventually settle conflicting claims in the West Philippines Sea.

In 2002, the regional grouping, together with China agreed on the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea to avoid tensions in the disputed territory.

The West Philippine Sea, a major sea lane for trade, is believed to be rich in mineral resources, making it a flashpoint in the region.

Among the claimant countries include China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=574627

Army units pursuing rebel band in Capiz

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9): Army units pursuing rebel band in Capiz

Troopers from Bravo Company, 61st Infantry Battalion, are now pursuing a New People's Army (NPA) group whom it encountered at the boundary of Barangays Layug and Abangay, Tapaz town, Capiz Wednesday afternoon.

The initial encounter between government troopers and the rebels transpired around 1:30 p.m., 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson Major Rey Tiongson said.

There were no initial reports of casualties as the rebels quickly retreated after firing their initial shots.

He added that the 61st Infantry Battalion was conducting follow-on operations after last Monday’s encounter where a rebel was killed.

Based on information received from friendly civilians, the NPAs whom the soldiers encountered in Barangays Layug and Abangay are believed to be members of the Batong Sentro de Grabidad (SDG) platoon, Central Front, Komiteng Rehiyonal-Panay (CF, KR-P).

“We continued our campaign in order to protect the populace and for the security of Tapaz. We appreciate the reports of the local populace coming in,” 61st Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Victor Llapitan said.

He added that their medical team is on stand-by any time that those wounded NPA members would seek for medical assistance and peacefully turn themselves in to the government authorities.

Llapitan stressed that, “As we continue with our follow-on operations, our soldiers were instructed to strictly follow the rule of law and put the safety of our people as the primary consideration.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=574748

Aquino calls for adherence to rule of law to ensure peace, stability in the South China Sea

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9): Aquino calls for adherence to rule of law to ensure peace, stability in the South China Sea

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday emphasized that rules and norms anchored on international law are fundamental in promoting trust and confidence among nations, and in ensuring stability and peace in the international community.

"At the core of the ASEAN-China, strategic partnership is the belief that our actions should adhere to the rule of law," the President said at the 16th ASEAN-China Summit held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.

In a statement issued by the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO), President Aquino has said that the Philippines has taken a two-track complementary approach to disputes in that sea with many names that is both peaceful and rules-based.

"First, to manage tensions, we are advocating an expeditious conclusion of the ASEAN-China Code of Conduct. Second, to resolve disputes, we are pursuing arbitration for the clarification of maritime entitlements. Both tracks are legally-binding and anchored on international law," he explained.

The President said that there is a collective problem in the sea known by many names: territories in a sea which is west of the Philippines, east of Vietnam, north of Malaysia, and south of China are claimed in whole, or in part, by all.

"These claims have led to tensions, and these have created problems between us," he stressed.

President Aquino, however, said that "a problem can be turned into an opportunity if we have the will to act now and not pass on the burden to succeeding generations."

Noting that the first official consultations between ASEAN and China on the Code of Conduct (COC) were held last month in Suzhou, China, the President stressed that the early conclusion of a legally-binding Code of Conduct is necessary to foster peace, positive engagement and stability in the region.

"As we look towards finalizing the COC, we urge all parties to observe implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the sea known by many names in all its aspects," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=574762

AFP engineers to play “big role” in Zambo reconstruction

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9): AFP engineers to play “big role” in Zambo reconstruction

Armed Forces of the Philippines engineers will play a big role in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the areas hard hit by the recent conflict between government forces and MNLF in Zamboanga City.

Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin, speaking during the 47th General Rigoberto Atienza Day on October 8, 2013 at Camp Atienza, Libis, Quezon City, headquarters of the Philippine Army’s 51st Engineer Brigade, said that AFP engineers are now “confronted with a formidable challenge” of helping restore the affected areas of the recent MNLF siege.

“This new deployment of our AFP engineers is aimed to restore the physical devastations and damages in the ground zero of the concluded armed confrontations between the government and MNLF forces,” Gazmin said.

The Defense chief added that the Army engineers will be deployed to cover about 40 hectares of land area, covering the barangays of Sta. Catalina, Sta. Barbara, Rio Hondo and adjacent areas, which were “practically leveled to the ground”.

“We can only anticipate and look forward to the successful accomplishment of this new mission, confident as ever on the manifested professional capability and expertise of our AFP engineers. Let us wish them well in the fulfilment of this endeavour,” he said.

The AFP engineers primarily assist the government in its developmental endeavors in the different areas of the country. The brigade’s capability is instrumental in the government’s reliance on our military establishment in providing engineering support and assistance in nation-building, Gazmin said, adding they have joined noteworthy projects, including Gawad Kalinga and Brigada Eskwela, and the construction of roads linking farms and markets to spur development in the countryside. They have also been involved in the search and rescue operations in times of disasters.

Gazmin thanked the 51st Engineers for their contributions to the Department and the nation’s developmental projects. “I laud the officers, men and women and civilian employees of the 51st engineer brigade, for their incessant dedicated indulgence that made possible the unending realization of our engineering projects,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=574683

Senior citizens avail of North Cotabato, Army outreach programs

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9): Senior citizens avail of North Cotabato, Army outreach programs

More than 400 senior citizens of two villages in Pikit, North Cotabato have benefited from the latest medical and dental outreach program conducted by the North Cotabato Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) in partnership with the 7th Field Artillery Battalion of the Philippine Army.

The senior citizens were from the villages of Buayan and Poblacion of Mlang and Pikit, both in North Cotabato, respectively.

The outreach program has provided free consultation to 275 elderly and 19 free dental services in Barangay Buayan while there were 109 who availed of free consultation and five availed dental services in Pikit’s Poblacion.

All these were part of the extensive implementation of health programs of the “Serbisyong Totoo” advocacy of North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza.

Mendoza said the outreach program beneficiaries were also provided with free medicine.

The IPHO doctors also performed free circumcision while the military conducted free hair cut.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=574462

US Marines, PHL Navy men to turn over renovated school rooms in Albay

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9): US Marines, PHL Navy men to turn over renovated school rooms in Albay

After three weeks of conducting humanitarian mission in Albay, the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and the Naval Forces Southern Luzon are set to hand over to the Department of Education (DepEd) and the provincial government the renovated school classrooms in Taysan Elementary School in Barangay Taysan here Thursday, Oct. 10.

Commodore Natalio Abinuman, commanding officer of the Naval Forces Southern Luzon, said the USMC and their unit has been conducting the RP-US Amphibious Landing Exercise 14 (PHIBLEX 14) since Sept. 25 wherein they also hold medical and dental missions, aside from repairing dilapidated school classrooms at the Taysan Elementary School.

US Marine Brig. Gen. Paul J. Kenedy, commanding general of the USMC 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, is expected to arrive here to lead the handover ceremony on Thursday morning.

The US Marines from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade in Okinawa, Japan, arrived at the Legazpi City Domestic Airport via USMC KC-130J personnel carrier and proceeded to the Tactical Operations Group 5-Philippine Air Force.

The unit, composed of medics and technical men, stayed here for three weeks under the RP-US Amphibious Landing Humanitarian Exercise.

This combined humanitarian mission is the third component of the Amphibious Landing Exercise or Phiblex.

“The exercise aims to improve interoperability and cooperation between US and Philippine governments. We focus on bilateral cooperation,” Abinuman said.

It also aims to enhance the combat readiness of both armed forces to promote security cooperation in the region.

Prior the turnover, a cultural night will be held Wednesday at the Navforsol multi-purpose hall wherein the Filipino men in uniform will showcase the culture and traditions of the country.

Abinuman said the activity aims to promote the rich Filipino culture and traditions, particularly in Albay.

Similarly, the commodore added, it will also give more opportunities to both countries to build up friendship and gain diplomatic relationship between them.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=574550

Army urges stronger security ties with Nor Cot LGUs

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9): Army urges stronger security ties with Nor Cot LGUs

Brig. Gen. Ademar Tomaro of the Army’s 602nd Brigade in North Cotabato has urged stronger ties with the local government units (LGUs) in the province on countering security threats against lawless groups.

Tomaro made the call during Tuesday’s Cotabato Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting here.

Tomaro told 18 mayors in the province to improve the civilian participation in the exchange of information to authorities in order to establish sturdy security measures in their respective areas of responsibility.

North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza, concurrent CPOC chair, called on the meeting after the separate attacks launched by Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in remote villages of Midsayap, Tulunan, and M’lang towns last month.

After the attacks, military and police beefed up forces to secure the remote villages.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=574614

BIFF kills Army officer

From the Manila Standard Today (Oct 9): BIFF kills Army officer

An Army captain was killed Tuesday in a fierce firefight against  50 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters   in Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan, the military said.

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang identified the officer as Capt. Harold Camazo, 31, commanding officer of the 11 Scout Ranger Company of the 4th Ranger Regiment.

The unit is under the Special Operations Command (SOCOM).

“He was killed while he and his troops were conducting clearing operations against the terrorist groups,” Cabangbang said.

Camazo was a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy “Sanlingan” Class 2005. He was a native of Magsaysay, occidental Mindoro.

On Monday, three Abu bandits were killed in an encounter with Army forces in Barangay Mebak in Sumisip town.

The bandits were led by Juhair Aliman alias Botong Ivo.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/10/09/biff-kills-army-officer/

Photo: Basing instinct

From the Manila  Standard Today (Oct 9): Photo: Basing instinct



Members of the Kalikasan People’s Network For the Environment express their sentiment against the US ‘rebasing’ or use of military bases in the Philippine during a press conference held in Quezon City on Tuesday. MANNY PALMERO

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/10/09/basing-instinct/

Jakarta pledges support to end peace pact review

From the Manila Standard Today (Oct 9): Jakarta pledges support to end peace pact review

Indonesia has committed to help the Philippine government end the tripartite review process on the 1996 final peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front in the wake of a three-week siege in Zamboanga City, President Benigno Aquino III said on Tuesday.

As this developed, Aquino said a new case for illegal possession of explosives will be filed against MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari for the standoff that left more than a hundred people dead.

The MNLF attacked Zamboanga City amid government efforts to end the review process, which the rebels interpreted to be a termination of the entire peace process.

“They reiterated their dedication to help us finish the review process, which is one of the things that was asked for by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation,” Aquino said after meeting with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudyohono and Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa at the sidelines of the leaders’ summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation here in Nusa Dua.

Indonesia is the current chairman of the OIC-Peace Committee on the Southern Philippines which brokered the 1996 FPA and is facilitating the tripartite review process.

The MNLF had lamented that it had been left out of the peace process with the government focused on negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.  Misuari also declined to join the Transition Commission that would draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Misuari was earlier charged with violations of the International Humanitarian Law. State prosecutors are also reviewing the testimonies against Misuari for rebellion and sedition charges.

Aquino said the government is still investigating reports that someone may have financed the Zamboanga City siege.

“I am not confirming that there is a financier, just to be clear. What I know is that the people who were arrested either said they were promised P10,000 pesos or they were given P10,000 plus a rifle,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca of the Police Regional Office 9, said they had arrested Abduraquib Hussien y Kurais,  an alleged ntelligence officer of Nur Misuariís MNLF faction.

Hussien was arrested at around 4:16 p.m. on October 5 in Puerto Princesa.

Senior Police Officer 2 Mario Rule Lafuente of Police Station 6 documented the arrest while Insp. Nathaniel Malamo Florenso of the regional Public Safety Battalion 3 (RPSB3) led the operation.

Lafuente said Hussien admitted to being an MNLF member loyal to Misuari.

Huesca said Hussien was still under processing to find out if he was among MNLF fighters who joined Habier Malik and other commanders during the siege that lasted for almost three weeks of intense fighting with government forces.

The siege resulted to the death of at least more than 200 persons, mostly MNLF fighters, soldiers, policemen and innocent civilians caught in crossfire.

Malik, who served as Misuariís ground commander, remained missing.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/10/09/jakarta-pledges-support-to-end-peace-pact-review/

‘Semantics’ tie down talks on wider US access to PH

From the Manila Standard Today (Oct 9): ‘Semantics’ tie down talks on wider US access to PH

Manila and Washington are now ironing out the “semantics” of the framework access agreement which would allow more American troops, aircraft and ships to temporarily pass through the Philippines, President Benigno Aquino III said on Tuesday.

Aquino said he will discuss the language concerns when he meets with US Secretary of State John Kerry on Friday in Manila.

“Perhaps in any negotiation, we are always tied down by semantics – the words that are actually used to convey the thoughts,” he said in an interview during the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit here in Nusa Dua.

The summit ended with the 21 APEC member-economies agreeing to implement responsible macroeconomic policies while shunning protectionism to offset the slowing global economic growth.

“We will implement prudent and responsible macroeconomic policies to ensure mutually reinforcing effect of growth and to maintain economic and financial stability in the region, and prevent negative spillover effect,” the APEC leaders said in the eight-page Bali Declaration.

Aquino said 1increasing trade barriers will only stifle further the recovery of the global market.

“Of course there are common areas of concern. Agriculture is a concern by everybody – how do you improve your agriculture sector but at the same time maintain a liberal trade policy which increases the market?” he asked.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, for his part, said APEC economies must increase intra-region trade.

He also stressed the importance of accelerating physical, institutional, and people-to-people connectivity among APEC members.

APEC member-economies account for more than 3 billion people and over half of global gross domestic product.

Aquino left Bali on Tuesday afternoon for Brunei where he will attend the Leaders’ Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

He will be back in Manila on Thursday, in time for his meeting with United States Secretary of State John Kerry the day after.

In Manila, Kerry would represent US President Barack Obama, who was forced to cancel his four-country Asian swing because of the shutdown of the federal government.

Aquino said he does not expect any hardline stance from either side on the access agreement negotiations.

“The Philippines and the United States are friends. There will be give and take, then hopefully we will come to that document that represents the meeting of minds of both countries,” he said.

Aquino said both sides would like to ensure that the final document would address all the concerns and anxieties over the increased rotational presence of US troops.

“Their language is geared to support the request for budget when they go to Congress. Their language might be perfect in an American manner of speaking English but might be construed differently through a Filipino mind,” the President added.

In an earlier interview in Manila, Pentagon chief Chuck Hagel said the final outcome of the access agreement will not result in permanent basing rights for Washington, but would instead use a new model of ìmilitary-to-military cooperation befitting two great allies and partners.î

Aquino said he would also discuss with Kerry the ongoing shutdown as well as Washington’s future plans in Syria.

“We will also ask their intentions in elsewhere where we have an interest; for instance, Syria is hot on topic. We still have citizens in Syria. We as an ally would want to know their intentions so that we can prepare our citizens for any eventuality,” the President said.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/10/09/semantics-tie-down-talks-on-wider-us-access-to-ph/

CPP supports calls for release of UP professor

From the CPP Website (Oct 8): CPP supports calls for release of UP professor

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) expressed support for the demand of human rights groups, youth groups, teachers and scientists calling for the release of UP professor Kim Gargar, who is presently being detained in the Davao Oriental Provincial Jail in Mati town.

Professor Gargar was taken into custody last October 1 by soldiers of the 67th Infantry Battalion in Cateel, Davao Oriental, near an area where they encountered a unit of the New People’s Army (NPA) several hours earlier. The military claims Gargar was arrested with an M-16 rifle, “landmines” and so-called subversive documents.

The UP professor denied all charges against him by the AFP. In interviews, he asserted that he has been in Compostela Valley since late June to carry out a six-month resource mapping to develop a reforestation program with the aim of rehabilitating the areas devastated by typhoon Pablo in December 2012. Gargar said his research effort is in coordination with the Panalipdan environmental group and the Balsa Mindanao disaster relief network.

Professor Gargar is the Networking Officer of the Center for Environmental Concerns–Philippines and a PhD candidate in Chronobiology in the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen in The Netherlands. He finished his masteral education in Physics at the University of the Philippines, and BS in Physics, magna cum laude, at the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology in 2000.

“The CPP supports the call for the release of Professor Gargar and the return of all his scientific notes, digital files, research and personal materials. His continued detention prevents him from conducting his research work for the people of Compostela Valley and will only serve the big mining companies that do not want to be bothered by demands for reforestration and rehabilitation,” said the CPP.

“Professor Gargar’s detention underscores the grave injustice in Philippine society where the big plunderers of the environment and the people’s money enjoy their high-style living while those who choose to serve the people and defend their land and resources are made to rot in jail.”

“The arrest and detention of Professor Gargar reminds us of the growing number of cases of wrongful arrests and killings by the reactionary armed forces victimizing civilians which the AFP have accused as being members of the NPA,” said the CPP.

Recently, the AFP was compelled to release Rolly Panesa, a security guard employed by the Megaforce Security. Panesa was arrested by the AFP in October 5, 2012 and accused as being “Benjamin Mendoza” whom the AFP claimed to be a leader of the CPP in the Southern Tagalog region. He was severely tortured and detained for nine months and was released only last September.

In November 15, 2010, troops of the 19th IB shot at the team of distinguished botanist Leonardo Co killing Co and his two companions Ronino Gibe and Policarpio Batute.

In February 16, 2012, elements of the 1st Special Forces Battalion, 1st Infantry Battalion and the 59th Infantry Battalion fired at forest hunters in Magdalena, Laguna killing two residents and wounding three. In October 18, 2012, soldiers of the 27th IB killed pregnant mother Jovy Capion and her two sons age 13 and 8.

“In these and numerous other cases of killing or arresting ordinary civilians, the AFP invariably claim that they encountered members of the New People’s Army,” said the CPP. “They make grand declarations that those arrested or killed are leaders of the CPP or NPA as if these justify their fascist crimes.”

“The all-out support extended by Aquino to the AFP’s Oplan Bayanihan war of suppression has emboldened the fascist soldiers to wage all-out war in the countryside with complete disregard for human rights and international humanitarian law.”

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20131008_cpp-supports-calls-for-release-of-up-professor

DND receive P665.6 million worth of DAP

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): DND receive P665.6 million worth of DAP
 
The Department of National Defense (DND) on Tuesday admitted that it has received P665.6 million worth "Disbursement Acceleration Program" (DAP) funds during fiscal year 2011-2012.

"The DAP fund was released to the DND for the different programs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), particularly for the procurement of equipment and spare parts, on-base housing, and repair, renovation and rehabilitation of different facilities. Majority of the amount released to the DND was allotted to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Presidential Security Group (PSG)," it said in a statement.

The PAF received a total of P397.3 million from the 2011-2012 DAP fund.

This amount was used for on-base housing facilities, procurement of communication equipment and the implementation of the PAF’s various projects.

The projects include allocation of resources for search and rescue requirements, base facilities and equipment, and the repair, renovation and rehabilitation of the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) facilities in Lipa, Batangas.

The AETC is the principal training institution of the PAF and is responsible for the education of soldiers, officers, and pilots of the Air Force.

While the PSG also received P248.3 million which was used for the PSG’s communication enhancement project.

This includes the laying-out of the necessary backbone for the communications systems to be used, the repair of building and barracks, the installation of closed circuit television (CCTV) equipment at the Malacañang Complex, and the upgrade of the PSG’s communications equipment from analogue to digital with a secured encryption capability.

The PSG’s communication enhancement project was approved and funded by the Department of Budget and Management in December 2011.

The PSG enhancement project commenced in January 2012.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=574252

AFP, NCMF inks MOA for peace programs

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): AFP, NCMF inks MOA for peace programs

Sharing a common interest for peace and development in Muslim Mindanao, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NMCF) on Tuesday inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) dedicated to establishing programs for peace, reconciliation, and reunification in the region.

In Tuesday's signing ceremony held at the General Headquarters Conference Room at AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, both AFP and the NCMF agreed to launch four initial peace and development programs that will resolve the RIDO conflict, address ‘gun culture’, and promote a culture of peace in Muslim Mindanao.

The four initial programs are Bayanihan for Peace, Reconciliation, and Healing; Peace Radio; Muslim Youth Leadership Camp; and Enhancement of Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity Awareness among AFP personnel.

Both parties will also create a technical working group that will formulate, plan, implement, and monitor said activities.

“The Bangsamoro Peace Process has brought the hope in bringing the conflict with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front at a responsible end. Additionally, spoilers are still attempting to distract the Bangsamoro Peace Process, but the AFP shall remain supportive and in a vigilant watch to make sure that these spoilers are neutralized,” AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista said.

The MOA was signed Bautista and NCMF Secretary Honorable Mehol K. Sadain.

“This MOA comes at an opportune moment when it seeks to plant the seeds of accord and unity in the midst of discord. This signing comes at a moment when we have the recent problem in Zamboanga City,” Sadain said.

NCMF is a government agency under the Office of the President and mandated to provide assistance to Muslim Filipinos; monitor and evaluate programs; and undertake studies for policy formulation.

“We, at the NCMF, welcome this MOA as we also welcome the participation of our brothers and sisters in uniform in the peace process and in healing the wounds caused by the conflict,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=574264

Citing plot to bolt North Cotabato bombing suspect, cops bring him to Manila

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): Citing plot to bolt North Cotabato bombing suspect, cops bring him to Manila

Police in Midsayap, North Cotabato has transferred a suspected bomber to Manila to pursue the charges against him as doing it here was risky, a police officer said.

Supt. Renante Delos Santos, Midsayap police chief, escorted Monday the suspect, Abdulagani Malang Abas, 42, along with agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to Manila where he will be subjected to inquest proceedings.

Delos Santos said Army and police intelligence information showed that Abas’ companions have planned to bolt him out of the municipal detention cell following his arrest on Saturday.

Abas, who claimed he was a “habal-habal (passenger motorcycle)” driver, was arrested by alert civilians after he left a box of durian fruit that contained an improvised explosive device along a busy street in Midsayap.

Delos Santos lauded the public, the alert civilians in particular, for their vigilance which led to the foiled bombing attempt along Quezon Avenue in Midsayap where a bus and passenger van terminal was temporarily located.

Abas claimed a woman hired him to bring her to the bus terminal from Barangay Agriculture, also in Midsayap.

He said upon arrival, the woman whom he did not personally knew, left and told him she would just buy something nearby.

But the woman did not show up, Abas said, forcing him to left the box at the roadside fronting the Hill Park Inn and Restaurant. At this point, civilians confronted him why he left the box at a busy street and what it contained.

When village watchmen noticed something extra heavy in the box, they suspected it to be an improvised bomb and they alerted the police.

Bomb experts using bomb sniffing dogs confirmed it was an IED and detonated it while Abas was brought to police office for investigation.

He denied he owned the bomb and insisted the woman owned it.

Citing intelligence information, Delos Santos said the IED was to be brought to Cotabato City through the Weena Bus plying the Davao-Cotabato City route.

The IED was fashioned from 60 mm mortar with battery operated mechanical clock as trigger mechanism.

Midsayap had been the site of recent atrocities perpetrated by Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) blamed by military on the rash of bombings in Maguindanao and North Cotabato.

Before the foiled bombing attempt, the BIFF had attacked six outskirt villages of Midsayap capped by the hostage taking of 13 public school teachers who were later released after being used as human shields.

Delos Santos appealed to residents to continue their vigilance as the town remains in the target list of lawless elements.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=573997