AFP awards UN Service Medals to peacekeepers from Liberia

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 4): AFP awards UN Service Medals to peacekeepers from Liberia

After completing their 21-day quarantine period in Caballo Island, officers and enlisted personnel of the 18th Philippine Contingent to Liberia (PCL) were given their well-deserved Heroes' Welcome Thursday afternoon.

The 110 members of the 18th PCL were formally welcomed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Catapang.

Catapang also led the awarding of the United Nation Service Medals to the peacekeepers.

Defense Secretary Honorable Voltaire T. Gazmin graced the occasion.

“These peacekeepers showed once again the heroism, bravery, and commitment of our soldiers. I am happy for them that they can now formally join their families after their long tour in Liberia and the quarantine period they had in Caballo Island,” Catapang said.

After their Heroes’ Welcome, Catapang gave the order allowing the peacekeepers to spend the coming Christmas holidays with their loved ones.

They will be reporting back to the AFP Peacekeeping Operations Center after celebrating Christmas and New Year.

The country started providing a peacekeeping contingent to Liberia in accordance with the UN Resolution 1509 in September 2003 that established the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).

It is tasked to assist in the maintenance of law and order in the country following a ceasefire that ended the Second Liberian Civil War.

The Filipino peacekeepers unit was tasked to provide force security to the headquarters and UNMIL leadership and in providing administrative services to the force headquarters.

One of the senior officers of the 18th PCL is Lt. Col. Samuel Villacrusis, the unit's deputy commander.

According to him, the primary challenge of the Filipino peacekeepers in Liberia is to secure UN VIPs amid the volatile security situation in that country.

“Our peacekeepers enjoy the trust of the UN leadership, which is why they chose us to be part of force security,” Villacrusis said.

During that time, the peacekeepers had enough freedom to visit popular places near their headquarters in Bushrod Island in Monrovia, particularly the Riverview and Caesar Beach, Royal Hotel, and Firestone, a rubber plantation in Liberia.

The situation, however, changed when the Ebola Virus Disease first broke out in February and again in May.

Since then, the movements of the peacekeepers were restricted to mission-essential areas, like their office and official itineraries of VIPs.

As medical non-commissioned officer of the 18th PCL, Technical Sgt. Vicente Alcoy was among those in charge of ensuring that the peacekeepers abide by the protocol laid out by UNMIL to prevent acquiring the dreaded disease.

“After our contingent commander ordered us to stay away from populated areas, my everyday duties included ensuring that our peacekeepers follow preventive measures like wearing surgical gloves, goggles, and masks,” Alcoy said.

The lives of peacekeepers inside their barracks did not change much, however, as they continued to be in touch with their loved ones in the country.

Alcoy used his free time talking to his family in Cavite via cellphone, particularly in checking the condition of his wife, Rachel, who had undergone a kidney operation before his deployment to Liberia.

“I only get to call her on the phone but because of that, I learned that her condition got better. The additional compensation from the UN also helped in sustaining her medication,” Alcoy said.

Despite the threat of Ebola, the Filipino peacekeepers remained relatively safe from infection.

This is because the nature of their mission did not entail direct contact with the locals, particularly patients infected with Ebola.

“Even after the first outbreak of Ebola in February this year, we remained focused on our mission of providing security to the force headquarters and commanders and in providing administrative duties,” Villacrusis stressed.

The peacekeepers remained in Liberia until the end of their extended tour of duty, which was supposedly for nine months at the maximum.

The peacekeepers were deployed for 11 months in Liberia to facilitate also the permanent pull-out of the contingent.

“We received news from the Department of National Defense that we will have to pull out. Eventually, we were warned of our imminent repatriation in November, so we had to pack-up not only our personal belongings but also the equipment and facilities of the entire contingent,” Villacrusis said.

The peacekeepers informed their families of their repatriation and the 21-day quarantine that will further delay their meeting.

They both said that the peacekeepers and their families understood the necessity of the quarantine.

Members of the 18th PCL along with some staff officers and military observers of UNMIL were immediately brought to Caballo Island shortly after their arrival in Nov. 12.

The quarantine was a measure implemented to ensure that the country will remain Ebola-free.

Catapang ensured the peacekeepers of a fun, productive, and relaxing stay in Caballo Island.

Joint Task Group-Liberia, a special unit activated to supervise the quarantine, prepared games and activities for the peacekeepers.

Air-conditioned, wifi-ready, and cable TV-equipped billeting areas were also prepared.

Prior to their arrival at Caballo Island, some peacekeepers were worried of the situation they will be in during the quarantine.

However, their fears were allayed upon arrival there.

“Our misconceptions suddenly shifted to amazement. I felt that the efforts of the Task Group Liberia (TGL) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) should be commended,” Technical Sgt. Orlando B. Harion, a force engineer clerk of UNMIL, said.

Catapang also wanted to ensure that the peacekeepers could freely communicate with their families, which was important in keeping their morale high while in the island.

“They gave us everything we needed. We have internet connection and strong phone signal so we could talk to our families as much as we want. We felt at home because we could also see our family over the internet,” Alcoy said.

Apart from their daily body temperature monitoring, the peacekeepers were also subjected to physical and mental conditioning through sports and board games.

“Daily activities were set so that the peacekeepers will be occupied. The day usually starts with the cleaning of our surroundings, physical exercises followed by some sports activities where we compete with the other teams from other Igloos,” Harion added.

According to Villacrusis, Caballo Island was more than they expected.

“We were generally happy and in high-morale. As officer-in-charge and on behalf of the peacekeepers in Caballo Island, I want to extend our gratitude to our top leadership, especially to General Catapang, for making our quarantine a truly memorable experience,” Villacrusis concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=712702

AFP ready to secure commercial establishments in provinces that may be hard hit by 'Ruby'

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 4): AFP ready to secure commercial establishments in provinces that may be hard hit by 'Ruby'

With the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) now on "red alert" for expected landfall of typhoon "Ruby" this weekend, AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang said they prepared to deploy troops to safeguard commercial establishments on provinces that may be hard hit by the storm.

This is to prevent the recurrence of looting which took place during the aftermath of "Yolanda" last year.

"Our forces will secure supermarkets so there will be no more repeat of what happened during ‘Yolanda,’" Catapang stressed.

In relation to this, the AFP chief has ordered the deployment of all engineering battalions for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

"Ruby" is expected to batter Eastern Visayas, Bicol province and Northern Mindanao upon making landfall this Saturday.

The AFP chief also recommended that Cebu, one of the nearest islands with a sizeable airfield and military presence, be made a repacking center for relief goods that may be needed by typhoon victims.

He made this statement after noting that all of the Air Force's Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo planes are based in Benito Ebuen in Mactan, Cebu and thus capable of being deployed immediately.

In a related development, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said that members of the recently returned 18th Philippine Contingent to Liberia are not under the "red alert" status of the AFP and thus could go on with their Christmas vacation.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=712791

Unidentified men lobs grenade in ex-Maguindanao official's home

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): Unidentified men lobs grenade in ex-Maguindanao official's home

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao -- Unidentified men riding in tandem on a motorbike lobbed a hand grenade inside the residential compound of a former Maguindanao board member here on Tuesday night, police said.

Nobody was hurt in the incident as the grenade did not go off, said Chief Inspector Jonathan de Gracia, Shariff Aguak police chief.

"But it sent fears among the household members," De Gracia said.

Quoting members of the family of former Maguindanao Board Member Yasser Ampatuan, De Gracia said they heard a loud thud at past 9:45 p.m. inside the compound.

When checked, they found a live hand grenade, he said, adding that 45th Infantry Battalion bomb disposal team members safely took custody of the explosive.

“Wala kaming kalaban, wala kaming kaaway (We have no known enemies),” De Gracia quoted one of the family members as telling investigators.

Motive the grenade attack and its perpetrators remained unknown.

The grenade throwing incident came a day after unidentified men believed to be members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) hurled a hand grenade in Barangay Nabundas in nearby town of Mamasapano, Maguindanao while govenrment forces were proceeding to an area where the BIFF has been harassing civilians.

No one was hurt in that incident.

Earlier, three BIFF members were killed in a clash with government forces in Barangay Nabundas. Two soldiers were also slightly wounded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=712123

Army’s 1st Infantry Division establishes IP desks

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): Army’s 1st Infantry Division establishes IP desks

The Army’s First Infantry Division has established Indigenous Peoples (IP) desks to attend to the concerns of IPs within its area of responsibility here in the region.

Capt. Franco Suelto, 1st Infantry Division information officer, said Wednesday the putting up of the IP desks is part of the command’s welfare program for the most vulnerable sector of the society.

Suelto said the IP desks are being handled by the office of the Civil-Military Operation (CMO) to attend to the concerns and needs of the IPs.

Suelto said the establishment of IP desks is in compliance and support to Republic Act 8371, otherwise known as the Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997.

“We have implemented the cultural sensitivity program. In the program, we conduct orientation, seminar-workshop to our soldiers who are socially immersed in the Subanen community to respect the rights to self-determination and to respect their cultural integrity as well,” Suelto said.

“Our soldiers assigned in the remote areas have also provided basic services to the IPs basic through medical civic action program (MEDCAP),” he said.

Meanwhile, Suelto said that several of the rebel- returnees, who are members of the IP community, have availed themselves of the Armed Forces’ Comprehensive Livelihood Program (CLIP) through the “Guns for Peace.”

The program provides the grant of cask incentives to rebels who voluntarily surrender along with their firearms.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=712234

NPA rebels abduct 2 soldiers, steal truck in Davao del Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): NPA rebels abduct 2 soldiers, steal truck in Davao del Norte

NEW CORELLA, Davao del Norte –- Two soldiers were abducted by members of the New People’s Army on December 2 and stole a privately-owned truck in Barangay San Roque of this town.

In a statement sent Wednesday by 1Lt. Vergel Lacambra, 10th ID Division Public Affairs Office chief, two soldiers from the 60th Infantry Battalion under the 10th Infantry Division namely Pfc Mark Alvin Ricarte and Cpl Benjamin Samano were held at gunpoint by the NPA rebels at around 4:00 a. m. Tuesday.

He added that around 15 members of NPA were posing as workers of the banana plantation as they entered the premise and simultaneously seized the detailed security personnel.

Lacambra also confirmed that the rebels then commandeered the company’s elf truck with plate number PKB 360 which they used to escape towards the direction of Barangay Napungas, Asuncion Davao del Norte tagging along the two abducted troops.

He said that the abducted soldiers were securing an airstrip at the said area which has been under constant threat of sabotage and extortion by the rebels.

The 60th IB troops are now in hot pursuit of the rebels and checkpoints were established in coordination with nearby Philippine National Police (PNP) stations.

Meanwhile, a total of 216 rebels, who were mostly indigenous people of Ata Manobo origins, surrendered to the 60th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong during the Serbisyo Caravan of the Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies in Region XI (ARENA XI) on Sunday.

The Balik-Loob Ceremony was witnessed by 10th Infantry Division commanding officer Major General Eduardo Año, Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario and Kapalong Mayor Edgardo Timbol.

Major General Año encouraged the indigenous people to continue supporting the army to end the insurgency problem in Barangay Gupitan.

“To our Lumad brothers, continue your support to us to, once and for all, end our problem with the CPP-NPA in this area,” Año stressed.

Año assured the people that the military will serve 24 hours a day to ensure peace in the area as well as in the whole province.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=712303

Political detainees in Misamis Oriental on hunger strike

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): Political detainees in Misamis Oriental on hunger strike
 

Five political detainees at the provincial jail started a 10-day hunger strike here Wednesday, jail warden Dominador Tagarda said.Tagarda said that Alfredo Mapano, a.k.a “Paris,” former Secretary General of the North Central Mindanao Revolutionary Committee, led the hunger strike that started Wednesday morning.

He said that the political detainees were simply dramatizing support as the United Nation commemorates the International Human Rights Day on Dec. 10.

Tagarda also assured the families, relatives, and friends of the political detainees and all other prisoners that their rights are respected and uphold by the jail management.

“We have stern instruction from Gov. Yevgeny Vincente Emano to always observe and respect the rights of all prisoners without discrimination,” Tagarda said.

Mapano said that their hunger strike has nothing to do with the jail management, but as a manifestation of their support of the International Human Rights Day celebration.

He said that they will skip their breakfast and lunch, but shall take the dinner for the next 10-day period.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=712338

All military units ordered to give premium to human rights -- AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): All military units ordered to give premium to human rights -- AFP

With National Human Rights Consciousness Week (NHRCW) celebrations to kickoff this Thursday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that all its units are instructed and trained to give a premium on the protection of people's rights, especially children.

The celebration starts on Dec. 4 and end on the 10th.

Major Emmanuel Garcia, AFP 7th Civil Relations Group commander, said that the military complies with this through strict observance of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect to Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law or CARHRIHL.

"The AFP fully supports and cooperates with every government agencies especially the Department of Social Welfare and Development in protecting children particularly those involved in cases of children caught in armed conflict (CAC)," he added.

Aside from this, the AFP Human Rights Office was especially created in line with the military's efforts in protecting the rights of the people's especially the children.

"As a fresh start, the AFP also provides lectures, training and seminars on Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law and CARHRIL and Role of Law to newly recruited candidate soldiers as they undergo basic military training," Garcia stressed.

The same lectures are being repeated in every in-service training and career courses of officers and enlisted personnel.

"The AFP also conducts investigations so that individuals who are guilty of any offense against the people, particularly those involved in tarnishing the image of the AFP will be punished in accordance with our laws. In doing so, we as one people must be circumspect in dealing with the problem and not let the whole organization and the greater number of people suffer because of the mistakes of the few," Garcia disclosed.

The NHRCW Celebration is in pursuant to the Republic Act No. 9201, otherwise known as the National Human Rights Consciousness Week of 2002.

This is in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted by the United Nations (UN) in 1948.

The UDHR is a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration;

Constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=712051

Workers call for political prisoners’ release

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): Workers call for political prisoners’ release

Workers led by the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) on Wednesday held a protest in front of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to call for the immediate release of political prisoners.

Lito Ustarez, KMU vice-chairperson, called attention to the plight of the so-called “COURAGE 2,” Randy Vegas and Raul Camposano, two staff members of government employees’ Center Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE) who were allegedly illegally arrested two years ago and continue to be detained over trumped-up charges.

“The continuing imprisonment of political prisoners Vegas and Camposano is a continuing attack on the country’s trade-union movement. There is no reason for the Courage 2 to stay in prison any minute longer,” Ustarez added.

He said that the two are being detained on the basis of fabricated charges over their alleged involvement in raids carried out by the New People’s Army (NPA) in the Bicol and Cordillera regions in 2012.

Ustarez also called for the immediate release of consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=712210

Efforts ongoing to recover 2 abducted soldiers in Davao Del Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): Efforts ongoing to recover 2 abducted soldiers in Davao Del Norte

All efforts are being undertaken to safely recover the two soldiers abducted by rebel forces in Davao Del Norte Tuesday.

This assurance was given by 10th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Eduardo M. Año Wednesday.

He also expressed dismay in the recent terroristic act committed by the New People's Army (NPA).

“We condemn another terrorist act of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), our soldiers were performing official duties by providing security assistance when illegally abducted by the CPP-NPA," Año stressed.

The latter has already ordered intensified military operations to immediately rescue the abducted soldiers and even lambasted the terrorist group for continuously violating human rights, international humanitarian law and the rule of law.

“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of our soldiers, we shall continue our military operations targeting the NPA group that abducted our soldiers without let up until they are rescued or released," Año disclosed.

The abducted soldiers were identified as Cpl. Benjamin T. Samano and Pfc. Mark Alvin Ricarte both from the 60th Infantry Battalion.

Reports said the rebels abducted the two at 4 a.m. Tuesday by posing as banana plantation workers.

The NPAs immediately disarmed the two and placed them aboard a stolen truck (PKB-360) which they used to escape towards the direction of Barangay Napunggas, Asuncion Davao Del Norte.

The rebels stole two M-16 automatic rifles, one shotgun, and one handheld radio and other personal belongings

The abducted soldiers were deployed to augment the company security guards securing the airstrip of Sumifru Banana Plantation which has been under constant threat of sabotage and extortion by the rebels.

60th Infantry Battalion troopers are now in pursuit of the rebels and checkpoints were established in coordination with nearby PNP stations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=712418

Military peacekeepers given a clean bill of health

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): Military peacekeepers given a clean bill of health

The 107 military members of the 18th Philippine Contingent to Liberia were all given a clean bill of health following a routine medical screening at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center.

Medical examinations started around 10 p.m. Tuesday and ended 3 a.m. Wednesday, AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said.

Cabunoc said that the peacekeepers arrived at the AFP Medical Center around 9 p.m. on Tuesday.

Earlier, the Philippine Navy announced that the peacekeepers, who were transported by the BRP Dagupan (LC-551) from Caballo Island, arrived at Naval Station Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The vessel and its passengers left Caballo Island around 3 p.m., of the same day.

During their arrival, they were greeted by Joint Task Group Liberia commander Capt.Luz Camacho.

After greetings, the Caballo Island returnees where all transported by military buses to the AFP Medical Center.

All 107 peacekeepers were found to be clear of any disease or ailments, Cabunoc said.

He said that the medical screening is standard procedure for all returning Filipino peacekeepers.

After their medical screening, the 107 military personnel were immediately taken to the AFP Peacekeeping Operation Center barracks where they are now resting.

Earlier, the 24 Philippine National Police members and one Bureau of Jail Management and Penology operative, were taken custody by their parent units.

Cabunoc added that the peacekeeper, who suffered chest pains, while in quarantine at Caballo Island, will not be able to attend the welcoming and awarding ceremonies as he is scheduled for an angiogram.

AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. will lead the welcome ceremony that will be held on 4:30 p.m. Thursday.

“I am very happy that the peacekeepers have successfully finished the quarantine without any untoward incident. I am commending them for their self-sacrifices to make our country Ebola virus-free,” he said.

Catapang has also prepared exciting prices for winners of the friendly competition such as essay writing, photo contest and sportsfest.

The AFP chief will award the UN Service Medal to the peacekeepers for their splendid performance and invaluable services as members of the peacekeeping contingent in Liberia.

The peacekeepers, members of the 18th Philippine Contingent to Liberia, were transported to Caballo Island on Nov. 13, a day after arriving at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City from Monrovia.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=712212

34th Infantry Battalion 'Bayanihan' team activities hailed by Northern Samar community

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): 34th Infantry Battalion 'Bayanihan' team activities hailed by Northern Samar community

Officers and enlisted personnel of the 34th Infantry Battalion have been lauded for their community development efforts in Barangay San Miguel, Las Navas town, Northern Samar.

Lt. Col. Edgar R. Delos Reyes, 34th Infantry Battalion commander, said that a "Bayanihan" team from his outfit was tasked to conduct a series of peace and development activities in the community.

The team was well received by Barangay San Miguel chair Apolinario Levico along with other barangay officials and the community.

“The activity was conducted in the area to protect the community from New People Army (NPA) rebels' extortion, deception and attacks on innocent civilians and properties,” Delos Reyes said.

“The collaboration between the local officials, community and the army team on peace and development outreach in the said barangay will send a strong message to the NPA leadership on the futility of their armed struggle,” he added.

Earlier, Las Navas town was declared as “Manageable Conflict-Affected and Development-Ready” municipality last Sept. 7.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=712172

AFP's first ever female Judge Advocate General retires Wednesday

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): AFP's first ever female Judge Advocate General retires Wednesday

Brig. Gen. Marian Aleido, the Armed Forces of the Philippines' first ever female Judge Advocate General, retired from the service Wednesday, Dec. 3.

Aleido was given a testimonial parade and review at around 9 a.m. at the AFP Grandstand.

This caps her successful career as the first female lawyer of the AFP that eventually led to her assumption as first female Judge Advocate General.

When she was appointed to the position in July 2012, Aleido made it her goal to prioritize the recruitment of more military lawyers who will become legal advisers for the AFP and the Department of National Defense.

Because of this, she led the recruitment of additional lawyers, increasing the total number of military lawyers from 70 to 104.

Moreover, she also empowered more female lawyers to join the military.

“My appointment as The Judge Advocate General (TJAG) of the AFP is a recognition of the AFP on the competence and importance of the role of women in nation-building. Right now, we have more or less 40 female lawyers,” Aleido said.

In addition to this, she also made a commitment to expedite military cases and enhance the military justice system.

“We focused on our efforts to expedite the administration of military justice and pursued the resolution of cases through various collaboration and coordination with our counterparts in the government, including the Solicitor General and that of the Philippine National Police,” Aleido added.

She will be replaced by Col. Al Perreras, the Philippine Navy Judge Advocate General (NJAG), a position he has held since 2006.

He is an expert military lawyer with over 29 years of experience in the service.

Perreras entered the military in 1985 after he received his Bachelor of Laws from the San Beda College of Law in 1984.

Before he was tasked to lead the AFP’s top legal office, Perreras has already held various positions in the OTJAG (Office of the Judge Advocate General).

He was its Deputy Judge Advocate General from May to August 2006 and Executive Officer from August 2004 to May 2006.

He was also the Command Judge Advocate of the Northern Luzon Command from 2003 to 2004.

Apart from his expertise as a military lawyer, Perreras is also a sharpshooter, having received Marksmanship Badges for the M-16 and Cal. 5.56mm rifles.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=712213

Southern Luzon Command beefs up preparation for 'Hagupit'

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): Southern Luzon Command beefs up preparation for 'Hagupit'

With "Hagupit" threatening a huge part of the Philippines, the Lucena-based Southern Luzon Command has alerted all its disaster response units (DRUs) for possible severe effects of the typhoon in the region.

"Southern Luzon is bracing against the typhoon which is expected to enter Philippine Area of Responsibility this weekend and will be renamed 'Ruby'," Major Angelo Guzman, the command's spokesperson, said.

Guzman said that Southern Luzon Command head Major Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya has already directed all his units to be prepared – equipment and manpower wise.

He directed subordinate commanders to make proper coordination with their counterparts in the DRRMCs (Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils).

9th Infantry Division’s chief-for-operations Lt. Col. Michael Buhat said that all Army units in Bicol were already alerted and their respective DRUs are all on standby in their headquarters.

Buhat said that the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) 5 called for a meeting with line agencies Tuesday.

In Albay, Col. Raul Farnacio, 901st Infantry Brigade commander, said that they are already in coordination with OCD 5 after the weather bureau warned of a possible landfall.

“All units with disaster response operations capabilities were tasked to standby by their forces,” Farnacio said.

He also said that he has instructed the commanding officers of the 2nd Infantry Battalion in Albay and the 83rd Infantry Battalion in Catanduanes to coordinate with local government units and disaster response agencies in their respective area.

Col. Cesar Idio, 903rd Infantry Brigade commander, said that in Sorsogon, his unit has a regular Disaster Response Task Group that is automatically alerted even before a typhoon threatens Sorsogon and Masbate.

The 903rd Infantry Brigade has a platoon-sized DRU on standby and is equipped with mobility asset, chainsaws, utility ropes, lifesaving vests, hard hats and other rescue equipment in performing their tasks.

“In this region that is frequented by natural calamities, humanitarian assistance and disaster response is a major effort of the Southern Luzon Command,” Visaya said.

He said that if needed, all available lift and mobility assets will be utilized.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=712248

Eastern Mindanao Command prepares for 'Hagupit'

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): Eastern Mindanao Command prepares for 'Hagupit'

The Eastern Mindanao Command has alerted all its disaster response units in preparation for the expected entry of typhoon Hagupit on Thursday.

The typhoon is packing winds up to 230 kph, latest weather forecast stated.

"With this looming calamity, the Eastern Mindanao Command is preparing for readiness its disaster response capability," Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Ezra Balagtey said.

All subordinate units of the Eastern Mindanao Command has already been ordered to prepare and activate designated disaster response units (DRU) and coordinate with their respective local disaster risk reduction management council.

“We are preparing for two scenarios, one is if the tropical storm will landfall within the Eastern Mindanao Command AOR (area of responsibility) and, the second is if it will hit the Visayas. The command is prepared for both scenarios that necessitate Disaster Response Units to be deployed in affected areas,” Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad said.

During the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda, the Eastern Mindanao Command sent its Task Force “Tambayayong” to Leyte for humanitarian and disaster response operations.

The same readiness will be demonstrated by the command in case the Visayas will be hit badly by the storm.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=712263

CIDG arrested BIFF member in Central Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): CIDG arrested BIFF member in Central Mindanao

After a month of in-depth investigation and surveillance, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) head Director Benjamin B. Magalong on Wednesday reported that a member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) was arrested by detectives of the CIDG Central Mindanao.

Magalong said that the suspect Abubakar Abdul Mantis was arrested on Wednesday morning in Cabacan town in North Cotabato on the strength of a search warrant issued by Judge Laureano Alzate of Branch 22, Cabacan.

Magalong said the suspect was caught in possession of a white crystalline substance, believed to be methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu, weighing about 50 grams, a caliber .45 pistol, homemade 12-gauge shotgun, a caliber .38 revolver and 3 fragmentation grenades.

He added that the operatives also discovered that Mantis was in possession of a BIFF identification card under his name.

He said the detectives are now conducting an indepth investigation in order to validate this information.

Magaong said Mantis is presently in the custody of the CIDG Central Mindanao while charges for violations of RA 10591 (Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition) and RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) are being prepared to be filed against him.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=712305