Military to sue NPA members for Davao mine attack

From the Sun Star (Mar 3): Military to sue NPA members for Davao mine attack

CASES of frustrated murder and violation to the International Humanitarian Law will be filed against New People's Army (NPA) rebels responsible for planting of improvised explosive devices (IED) in a Davao del Sur town, a military official said Monday.

In a phone interview, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) human rights division chief Colonel Sonny Tutaan said cases will be filed against alleged NPA members Menandro Villanueva (alias Nelson) and Roberto Rosete (alias Bobby), after the IED they have planted in Banlasan Town in Davao del Sur have exploded on Sunday evening, causing injuries to five civilian volunteers of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).

Tutaan said Villanueva and Rosete, both officials of the NPA group belonging to Guerilla Front 51 Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), ordered their members to plant the landmines.

"Though may kasamang soldiers 'yung convoy, it does not mean na it's for combat operation. May ipi-pick-up lang sila na mga iba pang sundalo sa isang encounter site, kaya 'yung ginawa nila na 'yun labag talaga sa batas at agreement," he said.

On Sunday night, a convoy of ambulances from Davao Del Sur PDRRMC, Red Cross Davao del Sur Chapter and 39th Infantry Battalion (39IB) was hit by the landmine planted by the NPA rebels.

The convoy was supposed to evacuate the military personnel who were wounded in an encounter with an undetermined number of NPA rebels in Barangay Managa, Bansalan town.

Tutaan identified the wounded civilians as Henaro Dumayas, Alberto Cabual Jr, Arnel Valeroso, Ivan Malingo and Bonita Dela Cruz.

Dumayas, who sustained wounds at the left forearm, left thigh and inferior side of the head, and Cabual, who was wounded at his left arm, are in critical condition in Digos Doctors Hospital, while the other three suffered minor wounds.

The ambulance of Davao del Sur PDRRMC was also heavily damaged from the explosion.

Tutaan said it is clearly stated in the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, to which the NPA is one of the signatories, that the use of IED's as landmines is prohibited to prevent damages to civilians.

"The AFP condemns this desperate attack by the NPAs who continue to sow violence in rural areas in the country. The NPA’s use of IEDs as landmines which endangers the lives, as well as sow terror, to civilians in the immediate area of attack," he said.
Villanueva and Rosete remain at large.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2014/03/03/military-sue-npa-members-davao-mine-attack-331154

Commentary: Understanding the Bangsamoro construct

From GMA News (Feb 26): Understanding the Bangsamoro construct (by By Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI)

The first understanding that needs to be put in the ‘right place’ is the very use of the word - ‘Bangsamoro’. This is a new political construct dating from the MNLF use of the word in 1972.

The Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro or FAB and the 4 Annexes use the word Bangsamoro in three levels: Bangsamoro as Identity; Bangsamoro as Territory; and Bangsamoro as Government.  In all three levels, Bangsamoro is NOT merely historical or cultural concept; it is a political construct, first and foremost. The 4 Annexes are actual negotiations of powers and wealth sharing and territory.  

 

The word Bangsamoro in all three levels is a paramount political construct, because IDENTITY matters. It is an important issue that must not be taken lightly. This new political construct would define and shape the Bangsamoro identity, territory and government.  It  would have consequences to the existing other political constructs like Muslim Mindanao, Indigenous Peoples and ‘Christian Settlers’ in Mindanao.  

 

FAB defines ‘Bangsamoro’ as “those who at the time of conquest and colonization were considered natives or original inhabitants of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago and its adjacent islands including Palawan, and their descendants whether of mixed or of full blood shall have the right to identify themselves as Bangsamoro by ascription or self-ascription”. Then it goes further to recognize the spouses… To wit: “Spouses and their descendants are classified as Bangsamoro”.  

 

The non-Islamised people of the Southern Philippines ask whether the word Bangsamoro would include ALL the inhabitants of the Bangsamoro Territory.  The current definition and uses of the word Bangsamoro as defined in the FAB and the Annexes point to an Identity that is ‘Exclusive’ to the natives and original inhabitants, their spouses and their descendants no matter whether they are mixed or pure blood.  Thus the IP’s are classified as Bangsamoro, the Christian Settlers and their descendants, however, are excluded unless they are of ‘mixed blood’ or ‘spouses’ of a Bangsamoro. 

 

The people also ask whether the Basic Law would recognize and respect different and multiple identities within the Bangsamoro Area? Would the Bangsamoro identity enjoy certain privileges and entitlements that the non-Bangsamoro would NOT enjoy like qualifying for certain positions either elective or appointive? 

 

If the Bangsamoro Identity would mean entitlement and privileges, the non-Bangsamoro inhabitants within the territorial coverage of the autonomy would feel not only discriminated but they would feel that the equal protection of laws would not apply thus it would be violative of the Constitutional equal protection clause. 

 

In the existing ARMM, though both RA 6734 (Cory’s Organic Act) and RA 9054 (post 1996 FPA) do not discriminate on the basis of religion or ethnicity, the actual practice has been ‘exclusion’ of IP’s and Christians in all top positions both elective and appointive. To wit: NO Christian or IP has ever been appointed since 1989 to any cabinet positions or elected to the Regional Legislative Assembly. While the Law allows for sectoral representations, the ARMM government, particularly the RLA, has NOT acted on this provision. As a result, NO IP or Christian inhabitant had occupied any cabinet position or a member of the RLA (except when PNoy directly appointed sectoral representation even without any RLA legislation.

 

While in the National Government there are growing awareness to become inclusive both in the appointive and elective positions, the same cannot be said of the ARMM. While the moves in the national level are still wanting, but one sees genuine efforts and attempts to be inclusive in governance. Except for PNoy Government, there always has been Muslim Representation in the Cabinet since the time of President Diosdado Macapagal. 

 

The creation of the two Commissions - The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) that enjoy cabinet ranks is, yet, another testimony of this inclusive attempt.  While we still await an appointment of qualified Muslim or IP as Justice in the Supreme Court, there are strong moves and lobby to this effect.

 

With the above considerations, the question whether there would be IP or Christian (minority) representation in the Bangsamoro Transitional Authority (BTA) would tell whether the new Bangsamoro would be inclusive or exclusive. If the Bangsamoro Transitional Commission (BTC) would be the measure, one sees the inclusive attempts on the part of both the GPH and the MILF by including among their nominees, IPs and Christian. As it is, the BTC has two IPs and a Christian notwithstanding the exclusionary clause in the FAB.

 

While Bangsamoro Identity is limited to the natives and original inhabitants (prior to the conquest and colonization), spouses and their descendants, the Bangsamoro Territory and the Bangsamoro Government should be inclusive of all inhabitants of the areas. There should be NO religious or ethnic or national test for both appointive and elected positions within the Bangsamoro structures. Else the whole Bangsamoro becomes exclusionary and discriminatory, and such institution/s would not be sustainable, in the long terms. CUIDATE!

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/350918/opinion/blogs/understanding-the-bangsamoro-construct

Organic garden project makes use of military camps, supplies food to soldiers and families

From the Business Mirror (Mar 2): Organic garden project makes use of military camps, supplies food to soldiers and families

In Photo: Major Gen. Nicanor E. Dolojan, commander of the Light Armor Division, Philippine Army, and Dr. Isa Cojuangco Suntay, chairman of the Tarlac Heritage Foundation, are shown in front of the entrance of Hardin ng Lunas in Camp O’ Donnell in Capas, Tarlac. Pulling carts laden with fruits and vegetables harvested from the camp’s Hardin ng Lunas are two Boer goats being raised in the camp. (Photo courtesy of the Tarlac Heritage Foundation.)

IF Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio P. Catapang would have his way, all 15 military camps under his command would have farms.

Catapang, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’s Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom), would have camps planted with various vegetables and fruits, with ponds teeming with tilapia, and goats and cattle grazing the wide-open fields.

If only each camp would be planted with organic fruits, vegetables and herbs, and with each camp contributing 10,000 hectares each to the organic-farming project, at least 150,000 hectares of military land would become production centers of organic vegetables, herbs, fish, fruits, and goats and cattle, he said.

After all, Catapang added, the “Hardin ng Lunas” currently operating in three of his camps supply 60 percent of the food requirements of his soldiers.

On February 10, together with the Tarlac Heritage Foundation, Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac, celebrated their second “Harvest Festival.”

Also inaugurated that day was a bahay kubo, symbolic of the Filipino farmer’s rest hut in the middle of the field, and a kiosk where the Hardin’s vegetable and fruit harvests were displayed and sold to the public.

The camp’s Hardin is an ongoing project of Camp O’Donnell’s Mechanized Infantry Division, initially headed by retiring Maj. Gen. Nicanor E. Dolojan.

Dolojan said his soldiers spend their spare time tending the gardens while performing their training activities to defend the country.

The Tarlac Heritage Foundation, under Dr. Isabel Cojuangco Suntay, launched the organic garden in the camp in September last year. It is the third showcase garden under the foundation’s project showcasing organic planting, and animal and fish raising in the province of Tarlac.

The first farm is found in Barangay Camangaan East in Moncada, Tarlac, while the second is at Camp General Servillano Aquino in Barangay San Miguel, Tarlac City.

Suntay said the Hardin project encourages military personnel and civilian employees to plant and tend organic vegetables, fruits and medicinal herbs in military camps, which has become a source of food and livelihood for the soldiers and their families.

On November 26, 2013, the foundation and Nolcom’s Mechanized Infantry Division shared the bounty of their harvest with residents of several barangays in Tarlac in a pre-Christmas celebration.

Aside from performing to the delight of the local villagers, the soldiers gave away the fruits of their gardens. The food bags contained tomatoes, pechay (Chinese cabbage), eggplants, okra (gumbo), brown rice, locally called  pinawa, and several live tilapia (cichlid fish).

Suntay said President Aquino, her second-degree cousin, launched the first Hardin on December 1, 2012, in Camiling, Tarlac, with the first Hardin opening on July 1, 2013 at Camp Gen. Servillano A. Aquino on a 2-hectare fairway lot. The Hardin was planted with 75,038 vegetable seedlings consisting of 56 varieties, 123 fruit trees, 150 ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) trees and 600 tilapia fingerlings.

Several typhoons that passed through Central Luzon the past two years flooded the gardens and emptied the camps’ fishponds, but the foundation and the soldiers persisted.  The three Hardins were replanted with fruits and vegetable seedlings, and the ponds restocked with tilapia fingerlings.

Catapang may still get his wish of gardens teeming with organic plants and ponds full of tilapia.

http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/business/agri-commodities/28344-organic-garden-project-makes-use-of-military-camps-supplies-food-to-soldiers-and-families

NPA leader, camp captured

From Tempo (Mar 3): NPA leader, camp captured

Government troops arrested a New People’s Army (NPA) leader when they overran the rebels’ camp in Southern Mindanao over the weekend.

The Armed forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday claimed another blow to the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the New People’s Army (NPA) after their big camp was overran by the combat maneuvering troops of the 73rd Infantry Battallion (73rd IB) in Malita, Davao Occidental over the weekend.

ILt. Mary Cecille S. Sombong, Civil Military Operation Officer (CMO) of the 73rd Infranty Battalion identified the captured NPA leader as Rodane Antiodo, alias Dandan, team leader of Squad 1, Platoon Uno of Front Committee 75.

She said the troops arrested Antiodo after a 20-minute firefight with the insurgents that resulted in the seizure of the NPA camp at Sitio Solo, Barangay Manuel Peralta, in Malita.

The seized camp can accommodate up to 70 persons, is complete with running trenches, training area, makeshift huts, and kitchen.

Soldiers also recovered from the site an Ak-47 rifle and live ammunition, a rifle grenade, 30-meter long electric wire, two sacks of rice, personal belongings and anti-government documents.

http://www.tempo.com.ph/2014/03/npa-leader-camp-captured/#.UxVWyM-PIcA

Abu Sayyaf tagged in kidnapping of priest nabbed

From the Philippine Star (Mar 3): Abu Sayyaf tagged in kidnapping of priest nabbed

A suspected Abu Sayyaf member, tagged in the kidnapping of a catholic priest, was captured by the combined military and police forces in Basilan Sunday night, according to an official.

The suspect  has been identified as Imam Bakal alias Abubakar Bakkang, who has standing warrant of arrest for kidnapping with serious illegal detention, according to Capt. Rowena Muyuella, spokesman of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

She said the suspect was tagged to be involved in the kidnapping of Fr. Cerilo Nacorda sometime in June 1994 when the priest was abducted while 15 other commuters were executed somewhere along the highway of Barangay Matarling, Isabela City.

The military said the suspect was also tagged to have participated in the ambush on the marines who were checking on the possible presence of abducted Italian priest Fr. Giancarlo Bossi in 1997 in Al-Barka town. At least 14 of the marines were beheaded and mutilated by the attackers.

Muyuella said combined army troopers and police forces captured Bakal about 9 p.m along the waters of Maluso town following a pursuing operation.

The captured suspect was turned over to the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for proper filing of charges,  Muyuella added.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/03/03/1296627/abu-sayyaf-tagged-kidnapping-priest-nabbed

AFP backs amnesty for Muslim rebels under Bangsamoro

From the Philippine Star (Mar 3): AFP backs amnesty for Muslim rebels under Bangsamoro

The military on Monday welcomed the proposal to grant amnesty to Muslim rebels once the Bangsamoro political entity is formed and reiterated its support to the peace process.

“That’s within the framework agreement and annexes. If this is part of the agreement that will redound to peace, why not?” Armed Forces spokesman Maj. Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr. said in a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo.

“We have to look at greater good of the peace process. We have to look into it to bring lasting peace in the area,” he added
.
Last week, President Aquino revealed that the Bangsamoro law would have an amnesty provision for rebels who fought for an independent Islamic state for decades.

“There will be an amnesty provision in the new Organic Act for the Bangsamoro. But I understand the process has not been proposed. Congress will have to act on it. They will have to concur for it to become law,” the president said.

Aquino said his administration wants to transform the fighters to “productive citizens.”

The Bangsamoro Basic Law, which will form a political entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, will have to secure the approval of Congress.

Tutaan said the grant of amnesty would not put in vain the soldiers who died fighting the rebels.

“Because of the supreme sacrifice made by the soldier, the conflict led to just and lasting peace,” he said.

The amnesty, Tutaan said, should be viewed in the context of efforts to attain peace in Mindanao.

The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are expected to sign a final peace agreement this month.

Last week, authorities arrested MILF commander Wahid Tundok by virtue of arrest warrant issued by a local court. Tundok, the leader of the MILF 118th Base Command, was accused of multiple murder and arson.

The MILF commander was not placed in a regular detention facility but was allowed to stay at the Kampilan hotel in the 6th Infantry Division headquarters in Maguindanao.

Three days after the arrest, government negotiators announced that the warrant against Tundok had been recalled and that preparations for his release were underway.

Some security sources are dismayed by Tundok’s release, saying his criminal cases were not related to the MILF’s advocacy. They believe Tundok should face the justice system because he was involved in clan wars that affected several civilians.

Tundok rejoined the MILF last weekend and thanked the military for the “humane treatment” extended to him.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/03/03/1296686/afp-backs-amnesty-muslim-rebels-under-bangsamoro

Military cited for humane treatment of MILF leader

From the Philippine Star (Mar 4): Military cited for humane treatment of MILF leader



The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has thanked the military for the humane treatment extended to its commander, Wahid Tundok, who was arrested last week for criminal cases, but was freed after his arrest warrant was recalled.

Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the group expressed gratitude during a thanksgiving event in Maguindanao on Saturday.

The event, known locally as kanduli, was a gesture of Tundok’s gratitude for the care given to him while he was with the military.

“The MILF expressed their sincere thanks and recognition for the statesmanship of Maj. Gen. Romeo Gapuz, who handled the situation for the sake of peace,” Hermoso said.

Tundok, who was accused of multiple murder and arson, was arrested in Cotabato City last week based on a warrant issued by a local court.

Hermoso said Tundok’s impression of the military changed because of the humane treatment he had received while staying at the Kampilan Hotel inside the compound of the 6th ID camp.

“Tundok promised to convince his comrades to uphold peace and members of other armed groups in Maguindanao to join the government-MILF peace bandwagon,” he said.

Three days after the arrest, government negotiators announced the warrant against the MILF leader was recalled and that preparations for his release were underway.

Some camps expressed dismay over the decision to release Tundok, noting the criminal cases against him were not related to the MILF’s advocacies.

 They said Tundok should face justice as he was tagged in clan wars that affected several civilians.

Tundok’s arrest warrant was recalled as the government and the MILF were preparing to sign a final peace pact, which they believe, will put an end to the Mindanao conflict.
Officials expect the peace agreement to be inked this month.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/03/04/1296691/military-cited-humane-treatment-milf-leader

CPP: Obama, Aquino equally drenched with the blood of victims of rights abuses—CPP

Anti-US propaganda statement posted  to the CPP Website (Mar 3): Obama, Aquino equally drenched with the blood of victims of rights abuses—CPP

Communist Party of the Philippines

 

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) charged that the US government is just as responsible as the Aquino regime for the grave violations of human rights perpetrated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and various state paramilitaries under the regime’s Oplan Bayanihan.

The CPP statement was issued in reaction to the published contents of the US State Department’s 2013 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices which cited continuing extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances undertaken by security forces in the Philippines.

“The US government cannot feign innocence because it has been providing the AFP and its agencies with military advice, training and aid. In fact, the AFP’s current campaign of suppression deceitfully named Oplan Bayanihan was drafted under the close supervision of US military advisers and patterned after the US government’s Counter-Insurgency Guide of 2009,” said the CPP.

“Under Oplan Bayanihan, entire communities are being militarized, with the people’s human rights abused by the operating units of the AFP in the name of so-called peace and development,” said the CPP. “US military advisers have taught the AFP to describe every campaign of suppression as ‘peace and development’ in hopes of concealing the brutalities and abuses daily being committed by the fascist troops against the people.”

“Furthermore, since 2011, the US government has increased Foreign Military Financing to the Aquino government by almost 300% from USD11.9 million to USD40 million in 2013 in order to enhance the capacity of the AFP and reward Aquino for allowing the US unrestricted access for its rotational warships and troops.”

The CPP described the US human rights report as an effort to “wash its hands of responsibility over the dismal state of human rights in the Philippines.”

“While describing the serious human rights abuses in the Philippines, the US has understated the extent of the violations by citing dubious figures from police and other government agencies and downplaying more accurate reports coming from independent human rights organizations,” pointed out the CPP. “It does not even make mention of Oplan Bayanihan nor of the fact that rights abuses perpetrated by the AFP are being committed under this US-designed campaign of suppression.”

“The US report failed to point out that since he assumed power in 2010, Aquino’s armed forces and armed paramilitaries have perpetrated an average of one extrajudicial killing per week, racking up a total of 164 cases,” said the CPP. “This pattern continues to date, with six cases since January.”

“The CPP calls on the Filipino people to raise their voices of protest against human rights abuses being committed by the US-backed Aquino regime.”

“The scheduled visit of US President Barack Obama in April must furthermore be greeted with protests demanding an end to US military aid to the AFP, denouncing US interventionism in the Philippines and condemning violations of Philippine sovereignty with the increasing frequency of US war vessel dockings in Philippine territorial waters and the permanent stationing of US troops in exclusive facilities in the Philippines.”

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140303_obama-aquino-equally-drenched-with-the-blood-of-victims-of-rights-abuses-cpp

CPP/NDF: NDFP demands release of Consultant George Geluz and other NDFP consultants

Posted to the CPP Website (Mar 2): NDFP demands release of Consultant George Geluz and other NDFP consultants

Luis Jalandoni
Chairperson
NDFP Negotiating Panel

 

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) Negotiating Panel strongly condemns the illegal arrest and detention of NDFP Consultant George Geluz. He is the holder of NDFP Document of Identification ND 978309 under the assumed name: Siloy Dimagiba. As an NDFP Consultant in the peace negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the NDFP, he is covered by the protection of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) of 24 February 1995.

The JASIG was subsequently approved by the Principals of the GRP and the NDFP. It is an effective and binding reciprocal peace agreement.

The illegal arrest of NDFP Consultant George Geluz on 8 February 2014 and his detention at the Camarines Norte Provincial Jail in Daet is a serious violation of the JASIG.

Despite having a permanent committee tasked to oversee the implementation of the JASIG and resolve problems and issues arising from it, as provided for in Executive Order 276 dated 19 September 1995 issued by GRP President Fidel V. Ramos, the BS Aquino regime, through its Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), refuses to abide by the JASIG and has exposed itself as without word of honor in complying with solemn agreements entered into in the course of peace negotiations.

The NDFP demands that NDFP Consultant George Geluz be immediately and unconditionally released. The same demand goes for all the other NDFP consultants and JASIG-protected NDFP personnel arrested and detained in violation of the JASIG.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140302_ndfp-demands-release-of-consultant-george-geluz-and-other-ndfp-consultants

New Army chief, 48 other military officials take oath before PNoy

From GMA News (Mar 4): New Army chief, 48 other military officials take oath before PNoy

The new head of the Philippine Army and 48 other officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday formally took their oaths before President Benigno Aquino III.

During a ceremony in Malacañang, Aquino administered the oath of 49 newly appointed generals and flag officers of the AFP including Army chief Major General Hernando Iriberri, AFP spokesperson Major General Domingo Tutaan, and Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., commander of the North Luzon Command.

Aquino appointed Iriberri, the former spokesman of Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, early February during the retirement ceremony of former Army chief Lieutenant General Noel Coballes.

Catapang's promotion to a higher rank was also approved by the bicameral Commission on Appointments last month. 

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/351018/news/nation/new-army-chief-48-other-military-officials-take-oath-before-pnoy

Advocacy for indigenous community held in Colombio

From the MILF Website (Mar 4): Advocacy for indigenous community held in Colombio



An advocacy program on the Framework Agreement and the GPH-MILF Peace Process was held for the B’laan indigenous peoples in Colombio, Sultan Kudarat.

The activity was held on February 26 at Barangay Mayo. Prof. Esmael Abdula, BLMI’s Steering Committee member; Moidjoddin Talusob, Executive Director of Kalilintad Development Foundation, Inc. (KDFI) and the Director of Damakling Provincial Committee on Information were the guest speakers. 
   

The forum was attended by 500 mixed participants from the indigenous peoples and Maguindanaon residents in contiguous areas of Maguindanao and was sponsored by the indigenous people of Mayo in coordination with the local political committee of Damakling Province and the Municipal Government of Colombio.

The program achieved overwhelming positive responses from the B‘laans after listening to the salient features of the FAB and the inclusiveness of the basic law that is being crafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC). For the B’laans, the agreement will ultimately redound to lasting peace and sustainable development in Mindanao.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/846-advocacy-for-indigenous-community-held-in-colombio

MILF: Philippine Military turns over arrested MILF CommanderTundok

From the MILF Website (Mar 4): Philippine Military turns over arrested MILF CommanderTundok

After having been arrested, placed under military custody and freed on February 25 upon order by the court, a thanksgiving ceremony was held on March 1 when security forces turned over arrested Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) MILF-BIAF Commander Wahid Tundok to his group.
  

Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, was quoted saying, “The thanksgiving or “kanduli” would be held amid the positive outlook on the peace talks between the government and the MILF.

“The higher interest and peace prevailed. We are moving toward that because the comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro will be signed anytime,” he said.

Tundok is the commander of the MILF’s 118th Base Command and has been charged with multiple murder and arson.

Combined members of the Philippine Marines and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested Comdr. Tundok in Cotabato City last Sunday, February 23 by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 15 of Cotabato City.
 
Three days after the arrest, government negotiators announced that the warrant of arrest against Tundok had been recalled and the cases filed against him shall be reinvestigated.

They even thanked the ceasefire panel and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group for ensuring the “smooth resolution of the matter.”

The recall of Tundok’s arrest warrant came as the government and the MILF are preparing to sign a historic final peace deal, which they believe, would solve the Mindanao problem.

Officials said the peace agreement may be signed by the end of the month.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/845-philippine-military-turns-over-arrested-milf-commandertundok

Training for AW-109 mission essential equipment to be completed by Q2

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 4): Training for AW-109 mission essential equipment to be completed by Q2

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Tuesday announced that training for mission essential equipment for its brand-new AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters will be completed by the second quarter of this year.

This includes hoists, night vision gear (NVG) and forward looking infra-red (FLIR) equipment, Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said.

Training started last December.

During the said period, pilots and their crews are taught to fly the aircraft, operate its various systems and how to maintain and keep the helicopters airworthy.

Fabic said that the PN is pleased with the training support being extended by the manufacturers.

"With its FLIR, the AW-109s has a more enhanced search-and-rescue capability than any of our existing aircraft. Also, it is fitted with NVG making it very ideal to conduct missions during the night-time," Fabic said earlier.

FLIR uses an imaging technology that senses infrared radiation.

The sensors installed in forward-looking infrared cameras—as well as those of other thermal imaging cameras—use detection of infrared radiation, typically emitted from a heat source (thermal radiation), to create a "picture" assembled for video output.

The AW-109 "Power" helicopter is a three-ton class eight seat helicopter powered by two Pratt and Whitney PW206C engines.

The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with a number of modular equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles.

The aircraft’s safety features include a fully separated fuel system, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical systems and redundant lubrication and cooling systems for the main transmission and engines.

The AW-109 has established itself as the world’s best selling light-twin helicopter for maritime missions.

I's superior speed, capacity and productivity combined with reliability and ease of maintenance make it the most cost effective maritime helicopter in its class.

For shipboard operations, the aircraft has a reinforced-wheeled landing gear and deck mooring points as well as extensive corrosion protection measures.

The ability to operate from small ships in high seas state enables the AW-109 to perform its mission when many others helicopters would be confined to the ship’s hangar.

Over 550 AW-109 "Power" and AW-109 light utility helicopters have been ordered for commercial, parapublic and military applications by customers in almost 50 countries.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=621761

AFP condemns NPA rebels for latest landmine attacks in Davao Del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 3): AFP condemns NPA rebels for latest landmine attacks in Davao Del Sur

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday vehemently condemned the latest landmine attacks perpetuated by the New People's Army (NPA) which wounded 16 people, five of them civilians, in Bansalan town, Davao Del Sur Sunday.

"The AFP condemns this desperate attack by the NPAs who continue to sow violence in rural areas in the country. The NPA’s use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) as landmines endangers lives, as well as sows terror among civilians in the immediate area of attack," AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.

He pointed out that under the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law to which the NPA is one of the signatories, the use of IEDs as landmines is prohibited to prevent damages to civilians.

Zagala said that the AFP will pursue the perpetrators in view of ending their violent activities and in bringing peace and development in rural communities.

NPA fighters earlier conducted two landmine attacks in Bansalan town, Davao Del Sur Sunday.

The latest explosion occurred in Sitio Tower, Barangay Managa, at 7:30 p.m.

This attack hit an ambulance convoy on the way to help the 11 soldiers wounded in the first landmine blast in Sitio Balutakay, Managa town at around 11:18 a.m.

Col. Marcos Norman Flores Jr., 1002nd Infantry Brigade commander, identified the wounded civilians as Henaro Dumayas, Alberto Cabual Jr., Arnel Valeroso, Ivan Malingo and Bonita Dela Cruz.

All five are members of the Davao Del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Dumayas, who sustained wounds at the left forearm, left thigh and inferior side of the head, and Cabual, who was wounded at his left arm, are in critical condition in Digos Doctors Hospital while the other three suffered slight wounds.

Initial reports stated that Menandro Villanueva, Secretary of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee personally ordered the land-mining of the civilian ambulance.

“We condemn to the highest degree this barbaric, brutal and inhumane act of the NPA clearly and gravely violating the Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. We call on various human rights group, including the Karapatan, who remained mum whenever the NPA commits serious human rights violations but are active whenever there are alleged, unfounded and deceitful propaganda against the government, to put a stop and to condemn the heinous crimes of the NPA,” Flores said.

Earlier in the morning, troops of the 39th Infantry Battalion under 1st Lt. Ian Rogel Ngalew, were victimized by another NPA landmine while conducting security patrols in Sitio Balutakay, Managa town.

This started an hour-long firefight which resulted in the wounding of 11 soldiers, two of them officers.

On the other hand, community members reported that the NPA brought with them four dead members and several wounded from the firefight.

Pursuit operations are still ongoing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=621499

3 BIFF rebels, soldier die in Maguindanao clashes

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 3): 3 BIFF rebels, soldier die in Maguindanao clashes

Three Moro bandits and a soldier were killed when Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters attacked an Army base in Maguindanao, police and military authorities said Monday.

Reports reaching the 6th Infantry Division information unit said three BIFF members were killed when government forces returned fire after the rebels harassed Saturday dawn the Salvo detachment of the 45th Infantry Battalion of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade.

Two other soldiers were slightly wounded after an hour-long firefight.

Abu Misry Mama, speaking for the BIFF, admitted they harassed the Army base.

Col. Edgardo Gonzales, 2nd Mechanized Infantry brigade commander, said the more rebels could have died when the military used artillery fire against a group of BIFF in Barangay Lower Salvo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

Three other BIFF were confirmed hurt in the skirmishes, Gonzales said.

According to Mama, they will continue harassing government forces in retaliation to their offensive three weeks ago.

Gonzales said the military will remain on defensive position and will not hesitate to use its full military might to counter any BIFF offensive.

At least 50 BIFF guerillas were killed when the military launched offensive against them in four Maguindanao towns which also led to the recovery of its main camp in Barangay Ganta, Datu Shariff Saydona.

Government forces were to serve warrants of arrest against BIFF members facing multiple murder charges when the skirmishes intensified and led to massive military offensive.

Mama also denied they were behind attempts to topple down power lines in Maguindanao, saying if power outages occurred they too would suffer, a claim the Army laughed off and described as mere propaganda.

Maj. Gen. Romeo Gapuz, 6th Infantry Division chief, said the military will remain on active defense to ensure the safety of national highways and civilian populace.

Chief Supt. Noel Delos Reyes, police regional director in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), also directed the Maguindanao PNP to ensure safety of civilians and road networks.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=621490