From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 6); AFP to deploy 7,000 soldiers for Pope Francis visit
The Armed Forces of the Philippines will deploy about 7,000 soldiers for the upcoming visit of Pope Francis.
“There will be about 6 to 7,000 soldiers. We are also mobilizing about 5,000 reservists,” AFP chief General Gregorio Catapang Jr. told reporters on Tuesday at Camp Aguinaldo.
Air cover and sniper teams will also be posted along Roxas Boulevard in Manila.
“Air cover means security air patrols to ensure that all the routes that will be undertaken or will be availed by the pope will be secured,” said Air Force chief Lieutenant General Jeffrey Delgado.
“Most likely we’ll limit the air space for air cover,” he said.
Catapang said the preparations for the pope’s visit was a “challenge.”
“It is a security challenge in a way, but we can handle it. We will just make do of available forces, we’ll join forces with the [Philippine National Police]. The PNP is the biggest contingent,” Catapang said.
There have been no security threats on the pope’s visit except for the crowd surge, the AFP chief noted.
“Our greatest worry is the surge of people,” he said.
“This year will be the greatest security challenge that we can have. We have the pope visit. The upcoming Apec (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) is also a challenge because we will see about state visitors or head of states coming in,” Catapang said.http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/662560/afp-to-deploy-7000-soldiers-for-pope-francis-visit
Monday, January 5, 2015
Search for the 2015 outstanding Philippine soldiers begins
From Rappler (Jan 6): Search for the 2015 outstanding Philippine soldiers begins
Do you know who any outstanding soldier?
The Metrobank Foundation Search for The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) is a nationwide search that honors the career achievements of soldiers.
The search includes those in the Commissioned Officers and Enlisted Personnel from the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, and Technical and Administrative Service (Medical Corps, Nurse Corps, Dental Service, Veterinary Corps, Judge Advocate General Service, Corps of Professors, Medical Administrative Corps, Chaplain Service) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The search is open to all Commissioned Officers with the rank of Captain up to Colonel and Enlisted Personnel who have been active in the service for at least 7 years.
Each awardee will receive P400,000.00 cash prize, TOPS Trophy, Metrobank Foundation Medallion, and a Command Plaque from their respective Major Branch of Service. Nomination Forms are available in all Metrobank branches nationwide, or download them online.
http://www.rappler.com/bulletin-board/79844-tops-metrobank-2015
Do you know who any outstanding soldier?
The Metrobank Foundation Search for The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) is a nationwide search that honors the career achievements of soldiers.
The search includes those in the Commissioned Officers and Enlisted Personnel from the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, and Technical and Administrative Service (Medical Corps, Nurse Corps, Dental Service, Veterinary Corps, Judge Advocate General Service, Corps of Professors, Medical Administrative Corps, Chaplain Service) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The search is open to all Commissioned Officers with the rank of Captain up to Colonel and Enlisted Personnel who have been active in the service for at least 7 years.
Each awardee will receive P400,000.00 cash prize, TOPS Trophy, Metrobank Foundation Medallion, and a Command Plaque from their respective Major Branch of Service. Nomination Forms are available in all Metrobank branches nationwide, or download them online.
http://www.rappler.com/bulletin-board/79844-tops-metrobank-2015
Peace milestones seen
From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 6): Peace milestones seen
Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles expressed hope and faith in achieving more milestones in the peace process in 2015.
In a statement issued by OPAPP, Deles was quoted as saying that the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa- Pilipinas- Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade, a splinter group of the New People’s Army, is set to sign a closure agreement with the government, and, through the party-list Abang Lingkod, has chosen to take the road to peace by pursuing political and social change without the use of arms.
The RPM-RPA-ABB Tabara-Paduano Group is now known as Kapatiran, which is a requirement to transform itself into a legitimate socio economic organization.
“This 2015 will not be an easy year. But definitely like 2014, it can be full of rewards. It can be full of high points and milestones." Deles said in the statement.
She expressed hopefulness for positive strides in all the peace tables handled by OPAPP, including the resumption of peace talks of the government with the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front.
“Of course, we would like that we are able to move this (peace table with the CPP/NPA/NDF) substantially (before the end of the PNoy administration); that this internal armed conflict (reach the possibility of a political settlement),” Deles said.
“We don’t want (the) problem of internal armed conflict to remain a major thing that has to be managed or resolved by the next administration,” she said.
20 suspected BIFF members injured in Maguindanao clash –military
From GMA News (Jan 6): 20 suspected BIFF members injured in Maguindanao clash –military
Some 20 suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were hurt as government troops overran its camp in Maguindanao on Monday, a military official said Tuesday.
Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, public affairs office chief of the Army's 6th Infantry Division, said concerned citizens reported that they saw around 20 people, believed to be BIFF members, being carried by their retreating companions.
None from the government side was reported injured.
In a press statement, Petinglay said the government soldiers were able to capture on Monday morning the headquarters of the 2nd Division of the BIFF at Sitio Pedtad, Brgy Midpandacan, General Salipada K. Pendatun after hours of firefight.
She said they found within the camp about 50 huts with barricades, running trenches, and concrete post with overhead bunkers.
They also recovered improvised explosion device-making sketches and components believed to be used for IED making.
“It is believed that the incident is a big blow on the part of the terror group as the camp they lost is considered one of their main encampments where they conduct military and possibly IED-making training,” Petinglay said.
She added government soldiers are now occupying the BIFF camp and will be conducting pursuit operation against the group in the coming days.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/399480/news/regions/20-suspected-biff-members-injured-in-maguindanao-clash-military
Some 20 suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were hurt as government troops overran its camp in Maguindanao on Monday, a military official said Tuesday.
Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, public affairs office chief of the Army's 6th Infantry Division, said concerned citizens reported that they saw around 20 people, believed to be BIFF members, being carried by their retreating companions.
None from the government side was reported injured.
In a press statement, Petinglay said the government soldiers were able to capture on Monday morning the headquarters of the 2nd Division of the BIFF at Sitio Pedtad, Brgy Midpandacan, General Salipada K. Pendatun after hours of firefight.
She said they found within the camp about 50 huts with barricades, running trenches, and concrete post with overhead bunkers.
They also recovered improvised explosion device-making sketches and components believed to be used for IED making.
“It is believed that the incident is a big blow on the part of the terror group as the camp they lost is considered one of their main encampments where they conduct military and possibly IED-making training,” Petinglay said.
She added government soldiers are now occupying the BIFF camp and will be conducting pursuit operation against the group in the coming days.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/399480/news/regions/20-suspected-biff-members-injured-in-maguindanao-clash-military
BIFM-RIB: News (Jan 05)
Posted to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement-Research & Information Bureau Website (Jan 5): News (Jan 05)
BIFF - Making these are series of activities undertaken by the Islamic Workers manifesting their honorable goal to regain their Usurped Ancestral Homeland from the hands of the neocolonial government of the Philippines.
January 02, 2015, Barangay Pagangan, Aleosan, North Cotabato was hit with one head dead on the spot, an element of the Philippine Army.
January 03, 2015, Barangay Silik, Midsayap, North Cotabato also hit by the same group, leaving two army personnel instantly killed with two paramilitary personnel or CAFGU members.
Also on January 03, 2015, Barangay Sumilalaw, S.K. Pendatun, Maguindanao and Barangay Kulasi, President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat, both received for the New Year of 2015.
a- Barangay Sumilalaw- Army checkpoint washed-out.
b- Barangay Kulasi with 5 Casualties on enemy side.
January 05, 2015- Shelling started at about 7:00 am., Stopped at about 8:00 am. With 62 rounds of 105mm. ALHAMDULILLAH, none of the Mujahideen hit by these mortal shelling of the AFP. Reliable sources revealed that there were at least 6 Army personnel instantly killed out of the about an hour fire fight at Barangay Mibpandakan, S.K. Pindatun, Maguindanao.
Lastly as BIFM New Year’s resolution for (1436) 2015, we inform the public specially the armed forces of the Philippines, appropriately named as a occupation forces of the neocolonial government of Manila that if the harassment made by the BIFF the AFP detachments falls within the level of terroristic act, we also declared that.
If Major Gen. Pangilan of 6th ID qualified as terroristic act the BIFF harassment to his occupation forces at the different military detachments, the BIFM leadership also declared as its New Year’s resolution for (1436) 2015 that the Usurpation of the two Moro sultanate territories of Maguindanao and Sulu Archipelago these illegally and unjustly annexed to the republic of the Philippines (by virtue of the infamous, the Treaty of Paris signed by Spain or America on December 10, 1898 is the WORST FORM OF TERRORISM.
http://www.bifm-rib.com/news.html
BIFF - Making these are series of activities undertaken by the Islamic Workers manifesting their honorable goal to regain their Usurped Ancestral Homeland from the hands of the neocolonial government of the Philippines.
January 02, 2015, Barangay Pagangan, Aleosan, North Cotabato was hit with one head dead on the spot, an element of the Philippine Army.
January 03, 2015, Barangay Silik, Midsayap, North Cotabato also hit by the same group, leaving two army personnel instantly killed with two paramilitary personnel or CAFGU members.
Also on January 03, 2015, Barangay Sumilalaw, S.K. Pendatun, Maguindanao and Barangay Kulasi, President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat, both received for the New Year of 2015.
a- Barangay Sumilalaw- Army checkpoint washed-out.
b- Barangay Kulasi with 5 Casualties on enemy side.
January 05, 2015- Shelling started at about 7:00 am., Stopped at about 8:00 am. With 62 rounds of 105mm. ALHAMDULILLAH, none of the Mujahideen hit by these mortal shelling of the AFP. Reliable sources revealed that there were at least 6 Army personnel instantly killed out of the about an hour fire fight at Barangay Mibpandakan, S.K. Pindatun, Maguindanao.
Lastly as BIFM New Year’s resolution for (1436) 2015, we inform the public specially the armed forces of the Philippines, appropriately named as a occupation forces of the neocolonial government of Manila that if the harassment made by the BIFF the AFP detachments falls within the level of terroristic act, we also declared that.
If Major Gen. Pangilan of 6th ID qualified as terroristic act the BIFF harassment to his occupation forces at the different military detachments, the BIFM leadership also declared as its New Year’s resolution for (1436) 2015 that the Usurpation of the two Moro sultanate territories of Maguindanao and Sulu Archipelago these illegally and unjustly annexed to the republic of the Philippines (by virtue of the infamous, the Treaty of Paris signed by Spain or America on December 10, 1898 is the WORST FORM OF TERRORISM.
http://www.bifm-rib.com/news.html
CPP/NPA: Guerrilla war of the masses intensify amid AFP clearing operations for large-scale mining in Mabini
NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jan 4): Guerrilla war of the masses intensify amid AFP clearing operations for large-scale mining in Mabini
Insurgency curbed in Capiz – Army
From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 5): Insurgency curbed in Capiz – Army
Capiz—Communist insurgency has been curbed in Capiz province, declared the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) and the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6), which similarly stated that the province is now “peaceful and ready for further development.”
The PA’s 3ID Commander, Major General Rey Leonardo Guerrero; PRO-6 Director, Police Chief Superintendent Josephus Angan; and Capiz Governor Victor Tanco Sr. signed a joint declaration based on such declaration in a recent ceremony in Capiz provincial capital, Roxas City.
“Capiz can now move forward towards faster development. Our gains in peace efforts must be sustained by working closer together with stakeholders in pursuing our goal for this province to become insurgency-free,” said Guerrero,
The joint declaration means efforts of the army, the police, the provincial government, and other stakeholders have been able to clamp down effectively on activities of the New People’s Army (NPA) in this province in northern Panay Island.
For years, the NPA have sowed terror in Capiz, particularly in the mountainous villages of Tapaz town.
“We will continue with our Bayanihan Team Activities (BTAs) in the hinterland villages of Capiz together with our partners,” said Colonel Eric Uchida, Commander of the PA’s 301st Infantry Brigade (301 IB), which oversees the entire Panay Island.
Roxas City was also declared as a “peaceful and ready for further development city.”
http://www.mb.com.ph/insurgency-curbed-in-capiz-army/
Capiz—Communist insurgency has been curbed in Capiz province, declared the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) and the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6), which similarly stated that the province is now “peaceful and ready for further development.”
The PA’s 3ID Commander, Major General Rey Leonardo Guerrero; PRO-6 Director, Police Chief Superintendent Josephus Angan; and Capiz Governor Victor Tanco Sr. signed a joint declaration based on such declaration in a recent ceremony in Capiz provincial capital, Roxas City.
“Capiz can now move forward towards faster development. Our gains in peace efforts must be sustained by working closer together with stakeholders in pursuing our goal for this province to become insurgency-free,” said Guerrero,
The joint declaration means efforts of the army, the police, the provincial government, and other stakeholders have been able to clamp down effectively on activities of the New People’s Army (NPA) in this province in northern Panay Island.
For years, the NPA have sowed terror in Capiz, particularly in the mountainous villages of Tapaz town.
“We will continue with our Bayanihan Team Activities (BTAs) in the hinterland villages of Capiz together with our partners,” said Colonel Eric Uchida, Commander of the PA’s 301st Infantry Brigade (301 IB), which oversees the entire Panay Island.
Roxas City was also declared as a “peaceful and ready for further development city.”
http://www.mb.com.ph/insurgency-curbed-in-capiz-army/
Gov't troops capture another BIFF camp
From the Philippine Star (Jan 6): Gov't troops capture another BIFF camp
MAGUINDANAO - Soldiers on Monday hoisted the Philippine flag on another stronghold of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) following ground and artillery attacks.
The fallen BIFF camp at Sitio Pedtad, a secluded area in Barangay Midpantakan in northeast of Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun town, was raided by soldiers led by Lt. Col. Markton Abo following Saturday’s attacks by bandits on peasant enclaves at the municipality’s border with President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat.
The contingent that overran the BIFF lair raised the national flag at its center on Monday afternoon, in the presence of Abo, who is commanding officer of the 33rd Infantry Battalion, and other officers of the unit.
Col. Melquiades Feliciano, commander of the Army’s 601st Brigade, which has jurisdiction over several towns in the second district of Maguindanao, Tacurong City and Sultan Kudarat, said not a single soldier was hurt in the takeover of the BIFF camp.
Feliciano said the operation was closely coordinated with the joint ceasefire committee of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Villagers, some of them relatives of local MILF commanders, have confirmed that the BIFF lost three men in Monday's Army counter-offensive.
The sources said four other bandits were also wounded when an 81-millimeter mortar projectile, fired by advancing soldiers, landed near them.
The BIFF, which is led by radical clerics who studied Islamic theology in secular schools in the Middle East and North Africa, does not recognize the July 1997 Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities between the government and the MILF.
Feliciano, who supervised the latest operation against the BIFF, said he had tasked a company of soldiers to help Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu attend to the needs of villagers affected by the BIFF’s harassment of military positions in Gen. S.K. Pendatun last weekend.
Lynette Estandarte, who is Mangudadatu’s chief budget management staff, said the governor convened the mayors of Gen. S.K. Pendatun and surrounding towns immediately after the incident to plan out contingencies needed to alleviate the plight of internally displaced people.
“The provincial government will extend relief and rehabilitation services to these people,” Estandarte said.
Farmers tilling lands around the former BIFF bastion in Gen. S.K. Pendatun have complained of excessive mulcting of “revolutionary tax” by bandits.
The group had also enforced a ruthless justice system in total disregard of the presence of barangay governments implementing domestic pacification programs under the “Katarungang Pambarangay,” as provided for by the Local Government Code.
The BIFF camp in Gen. S.K. Pendatun fell about eleven months after combatants of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and the 1st Mechanized Brigade cleared from the group’s control a bigger and well-fortified guerrilla stronghold in Ganta District at the border of Maguindanao’s adjoining Datu Piang and Sharif Saidona towns.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/01/06/1410046/govt-troops-capture-another-biff-camp
MAGUINDANAO - Soldiers on Monday hoisted the Philippine flag on another stronghold of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) following ground and artillery attacks.
The fallen BIFF camp at Sitio Pedtad, a secluded area in Barangay Midpantakan in northeast of Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun town, was raided by soldiers led by Lt. Col. Markton Abo following Saturday’s attacks by bandits on peasant enclaves at the municipality’s border with President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat.
The contingent that overran the BIFF lair raised the national flag at its center on Monday afternoon, in the presence of Abo, who is commanding officer of the 33rd Infantry Battalion, and other officers of the unit.
Col. Melquiades Feliciano, commander of the Army’s 601st Brigade, which has jurisdiction over several towns in the second district of Maguindanao, Tacurong City and Sultan Kudarat, said not a single soldier was hurt in the takeover of the BIFF camp.
Feliciano said the operation was closely coordinated with the joint ceasefire committee of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Villagers, some of them relatives of local MILF commanders, have confirmed that the BIFF lost three men in Monday's Army counter-offensive.
The sources said four other bandits were also wounded when an 81-millimeter mortar projectile, fired by advancing soldiers, landed near them.
The BIFF, which is led by radical clerics who studied Islamic theology in secular schools in the Middle East and North Africa, does not recognize the July 1997 Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities between the government and the MILF.
Feliciano, who supervised the latest operation against the BIFF, said he had tasked a company of soldiers to help Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu attend to the needs of villagers affected by the BIFF’s harassment of military positions in Gen. S.K. Pendatun last weekend.
Lynette Estandarte, who is Mangudadatu’s chief budget management staff, said the governor convened the mayors of Gen. S.K. Pendatun and surrounding towns immediately after the incident to plan out contingencies needed to alleviate the plight of internally displaced people.
“The provincial government will extend relief and rehabilitation services to these people,” Estandarte said.
Farmers tilling lands around the former BIFF bastion in Gen. S.K. Pendatun have complained of excessive mulcting of “revolutionary tax” by bandits.
The group had also enforced a ruthless justice system in total disregard of the presence of barangay governments implementing domestic pacification programs under the “Katarungang Pambarangay,” as provided for by the Local Government Code.
The BIFF camp in Gen. S.K. Pendatun fell about eleven months after combatants of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and the 1st Mechanized Brigade cleared from the group’s control a bigger and well-fortified guerrilla stronghold in Ganta District at the border of Maguindanao’s adjoining Datu Piang and Sharif Saidona towns.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/01/06/1410046/govt-troops-capture-another-biff-camp
Military attacks BIFF lairs
From the Philippine Star (Jan 6): Military attacks BIFF lairs
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao, Philippines –The military on Sunday fired cannons on the suspected lairs of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) at the border of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat.
Members of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion, led by Lt. Col. Markton Abo, also launched a ground offensive against the BIFF in retaliation for the bandit group’s attacks on military detachments in President Quirino town in Sultan Kudarat and in Gen. S.K. Pendatun, Maguindanao last Wednesday.
A soldier was killed and three others were wounded in the BIFF attack.
BIFF bandits reportedly frequented agricultural settlements along the Liguasan Delta to collect “zakat” (alms) to sustain their need for food and ammunition.
Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said their actions against the BIFF were coordinated with the joint ceasefire committee of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Abo, in a report to Pangilinan yesterday, said intelligence operatives have uncovered a plot by the BIFF to launch more attacks to intimidate villagers.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/01/06/1409765/military-attacks-biff-lairs
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao, Philippines –The military on Sunday fired cannons on the suspected lairs of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) at the border of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat.
Members of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion, led by Lt. Col. Markton Abo, also launched a ground offensive against the BIFF in retaliation for the bandit group’s attacks on military detachments in President Quirino town in Sultan Kudarat and in Gen. S.K. Pendatun, Maguindanao last Wednesday.
A soldier was killed and three others were wounded in the BIFF attack.
BIFF bandits reportedly frequented agricultural settlements along the Liguasan Delta to collect “zakat” (alms) to sustain their need for food and ammunition.
Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said their actions against the BIFF were coordinated with the joint ceasefire committee of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Abo, in a report to Pangilinan yesterday, said intelligence operatives have uncovered a plot by the BIFF to launch more attacks to intimidate villagers.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/01/06/1409765/military-attacks-biff-lairs
MNLF leader laments entity
From the Manila Standard Today (Jan 6): MNLF leader laments entity
COTABATO CITY, Maguindanao—The leader of a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) said on Monday he was badly hurt by the creation of a Bangsamoro political entity, which has invalidated their 18-year-old peace pact with the government.
Former city mayor Muslimin Sema, chairman of the MNLF group in central Mindanao, said they were not opposed to President Aquino dealing with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which broke away from the MNLF, but Aquino failed to acknowledge the gains of the peace pact.
“We view with deep sadness and heavy feeling of despondency the replacement of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with the new Bangsamoro political entity,” Sema said.
“It is lamentable because the ARMM’s creation was paid in blood, sweat and tears of the Moro guerrillas, who fought for Moro people,” he said.
The 1996 agreement between the MNLF was brokered by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, a block of more than 50 Muslim countries, including the petroleum exporting nations in Middle East and North Africa.
The agreement brought peace in Mindanao as 6,000 MNLF guerrillas were integrated into armed forces and 3,000 to the Philippine National Police.
Sema said that unlike the MNLF faction led by Nur Misuari in Sulu, his group was not hostile to the MILF. “We are not at war with the MILF because we have the same peace and development objectives for the Bangsamoro people,” Sema said.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/01/06/mnlf-leader-laments-entity/
COTABATO CITY, Maguindanao—The leader of a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) said on Monday he was badly hurt by the creation of a Bangsamoro political entity, which has invalidated their 18-year-old peace pact with the government.
Former city mayor Muslimin Sema, chairman of the MNLF group in central Mindanao, said they were not opposed to President Aquino dealing with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which broke away from the MNLF, but Aquino failed to acknowledge the gains of the peace pact.
“We view with deep sadness and heavy feeling of despondency the replacement of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with the new Bangsamoro political entity,” Sema said.
“It is lamentable because the ARMM’s creation was paid in blood, sweat and tears of the Moro guerrillas, who fought for Moro people,” he said.
The 1996 agreement between the MNLF was brokered by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, a block of more than 50 Muslim countries, including the petroleum exporting nations in Middle East and North Africa.
The agreement brought peace in Mindanao as 6,000 MNLF guerrillas were integrated into armed forces and 3,000 to the Philippine National Police.
Sema said that unlike the MNLF faction led by Nur Misuari in Sulu, his group was not hostile to the MILF. “We are not at war with the MILF because we have the same peace and development objectives for the Bangsamoro people,” Sema said.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/01/06/mnlf-leader-laments-entity/
Palace to Reds: Prove your sincerity
From ABS-CBN (Jan 5): Palace to Reds: Prove your sincerity
Malacanang said it is up to the Communist Party of the Philippines to prove that it is sincere in conducting peace talks with the government following attacks of the New People's Army amid a ceasefire.
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the attacks were unjustified.
"If your spirit is to negotiate, if your spirit is to start the peace process, then it behooves you to make sure that the people on the ground are also earnestly seeking the restarting or the resumption of the peace talks," Lacierda said.
Despite the holiday ceasefire declared by the military, three soldiers were ambushed by suspected NPA rebels in Compostela Valley on last December 29.
First Lieutenant Vergel Lacambra, spokesman of the Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division, said the soldiers -- one lieutenant, one private first class, one Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) member -- were all unarmed when about 8 suspected NPA rebels shot them dead.
He said the victims were riding a motorcycle in the town of Mabini when they were shot by the suspects.
The soldiers were all shot in the head by the suspects after they fell from the motorcycle because of the initial shots.
The incident happened while the military's ceasefire or SOMO (Suspension of Offensive Military Operations) was in effect.
The SOMO runs from midnight of December 18, 2014 to midnight of January 19, 2015.
Meanwhile, the staggered ceasefire declared by the NPA runs from December 24-26, 2014 and December 31, 2014 to January 1, 15-19, 2015.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/05/15/palace-reds-prove-your-sincerity
Malacanang said it is up to the Communist Party of the Philippines to prove that it is sincere in conducting peace talks with the government following attacks of the New People's Army amid a ceasefire.
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the attacks were unjustified.
"If your spirit is to negotiate, if your spirit is to start the peace process, then it behooves you to make sure that the people on the ground are also earnestly seeking the restarting or the resumption of the peace talks," Lacierda said.
Despite the holiday ceasefire declared by the military, three soldiers were ambushed by suspected NPA rebels in Compostela Valley on last December 29.
First Lieutenant Vergel Lacambra, spokesman of the Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division, said the soldiers -- one lieutenant, one private first class, one Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) member -- were all unarmed when about 8 suspected NPA rebels shot them dead.
He said the victims were riding a motorcycle in the town of Mabini when they were shot by the suspects.
The soldiers were all shot in the head by the suspects after they fell from the motorcycle because of the initial shots.
The incident happened while the military's ceasefire or SOMO (Suspension of Offensive Military Operations) was in effect.
The SOMO runs from midnight of December 18, 2014 to midnight of January 19, 2015.
Meanwhile, the staggered ceasefire declared by the NPA runs from December 24-26, 2014 and December 31, 2014 to January 1, 15-19, 2015.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/05/15/palace-reds-prove-your-sincerity
Photo: US target drone found in Quezon islet
From the Journal Online (Jan 5): Photo: US target drone found in Quezon islet
PATNANUNGAN, Quezon — A remote-controlled aerial target drone believed to be owned by the United States Navy was found floating near the shoreline of an islet in this island town.
The discovery of BQM-74E (orange color with serial numbers BQ55079) at Sitio Katakian, Bgy. Busdak, was reported to the local police last Friday but was retrieved by the authorities only last Sunday due to bad weather.
“Masama po ang kondisyon ng panahon at malalaki ang alon sa dagat kaya hindi agad napuntahan ng aking mga pulis iyong islet,” town police commander Insp. Rolando de Luna said.
The aerial target drone was discovered by fishermen at an islet in northern Quezon facing the Pacific Ocean.
He said the discovery of the target drone caused fear among the village folk, suspecting it was a kind of bomb or warhead delivered by a missile or torpedo.
“Natakot po ang mga tao roon sa islet nang makita iyong drone dahil sa pag-aakalang isang uri iyon ng bomba,” de Luna told this writer.
He said that the target drone has some oysters growing around it, an indication that it has been floating off the sea for more than a month.
The police chief said the target drone is now being kept at the police station.
Quezon police director Sr. Supt. Ronaldo Ylagan said he has no idea where the target drone came from, but said they will be coordinating with concerned agencies.
BQM-74E is used primarily by the US Navy as an aerial target capable of simulating enemy threats. It is also used in missile training exercises.
On January 6, 2013, a group of fishermen recovered a target drone of the same kind floating off Masbate waters.
The US Embassy in Manila said the target drone was fired during American naval exercises off Guam and was just washed ashore to the Philippines by ocean currents.
Human rights groups and left wing-inclined organizations have either condemned or called for an investigation regarding the discovery. They said target drones can be used for surveillance or for actual combat operations. They added that it can also be used to spy on the activities of the New People’s Army in the area.
Armed Forces spokesperson Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said his office hasn’t received yet any information about the target drone, but said he would verify the report.
http://www.journal.com.ph/news/provincial/us-target-drone-found-in-quezon-islet
PATNANUNGAN, Quezon — A remote-controlled aerial target drone believed to be owned by the United States Navy was found floating near the shoreline of an islet in this island town.
The discovery of BQM-74E (orange color with serial numbers BQ55079) at Sitio Katakian, Bgy. Busdak, was reported to the local police last Friday but was retrieved by the authorities only last Sunday due to bad weather.
“Masama po ang kondisyon ng panahon at malalaki ang alon sa dagat kaya hindi agad napuntahan ng aking mga pulis iyong islet,” town police commander Insp. Rolando de Luna said.
The aerial target drone was discovered by fishermen at an islet in northern Quezon facing the Pacific Ocean.
He said the discovery of the target drone caused fear among the village folk, suspecting it was a kind of bomb or warhead delivered by a missile or torpedo.
“Natakot po ang mga tao roon sa islet nang makita iyong drone dahil sa pag-aakalang isang uri iyon ng bomba,” de Luna told this writer.
He said that the target drone has some oysters growing around it, an indication that it has been floating off the sea for more than a month.
The police chief said the target drone is now being kept at the police station.
Quezon police director Sr. Supt. Ronaldo Ylagan said he has no idea where the target drone came from, but said they will be coordinating with concerned agencies.
BQM-74E is used primarily by the US Navy as an aerial target capable of simulating enemy threats. It is also used in missile training exercises.
On January 6, 2013, a group of fishermen recovered a target drone of the same kind floating off Masbate waters.
The US Embassy in Manila said the target drone was fired during American naval exercises off Guam and was just washed ashore to the Philippines by ocean currents.
Human rights groups and left wing-inclined organizations have either condemned or called for an investigation regarding the discovery. They said target drones can be used for surveillance or for actual combat operations. They added that it can also be used to spy on the activities of the New People’s Army in the area.
Armed Forces spokesperson Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said his office hasn’t received yet any information about the target drone, but said he would verify the report.
http://www.journal.com.ph/news/provincial/us-target-drone-found-in-quezon-islet
US Navy drone recovered in Quezon province
From Ang Malaya (Jan 5): US Navy drone recovered in Quezon province
Patnanungan Municipal Police recovers a BQM-74E, a United States Navy target drone at Sitio Katakian, Barangay Busdak, Patnanungan town, Quezon at around 4 p.m. of January 4, 2015. The said drone has a serial number BQ55079.
Currently, the target drone is in the custody of Patnanungan Police. This is a second reported recovery of a US Navy drone within Philippine territory.
The first time was last January 2013 at Sitio Tacdugan, San Jacinto, Masbate. US Embassy in Manila said that the target drone recovered in Masbate was deployed several months ago in Guam during a US Naval exercise.
BQM-74s are primarily used as aerial target during simulation. These target drones are capable of simulating enemy threats for gunnery and missile training exercises.
http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/01/05/7071-us-navy-drone-recovered-in-quezon-province
Patnanungan Municipal Police recovers a BQM-74E, a United States Navy target drone at Sitio Katakian, Barangay Busdak, Patnanungan town, Quezon at around 4 p.m. of January 4, 2015. The said drone has a serial number BQ55079.
Currently, the target drone is in the custody of Patnanungan Police. This is a second reported recovery of a US Navy drone within Philippine territory.
The first time was last January 2013 at Sitio Tacdugan, San Jacinto, Masbate. US Embassy in Manila said that the target drone recovered in Masbate was deployed several months ago in Guam during a US Naval exercise.
BQM-74s are primarily used as aerial target during simulation. These target drones are capable of simulating enemy threats for gunnery and missile training exercises.
http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/01/05/7071-us-navy-drone-recovered-in-quezon-province
Army launches artillery attacks vs BIFF camp in Maguindanao
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 5): Army launches artillery attacks vs BIFF camp in Maguindanao
COTABATO CITY, Philippines–The military on Monday launched artillery attacks against members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) believed to be responsible for the harassment of two Army detachments in the borders of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat that left two soldiers dead and three others wounded, the Army said.
Lieutenant Colonel Markton Abu, commanding officer of the 33rd Infantry Battalion, said his men were conducting clearing operations in the marshy portion of Gen. SK Pendatun town in Maguindanao where the BIFF maintained a camp.
Abu said the offensive was an offshoot of the harassment Saturday morning by BIFF forces in two Army detachments in Barangay Katiko, President Quirino town in Sultan Kudarat.
“We have reliable information the BIFFs are threatening the civilians because it is harvest time,” Abu told reporters.
“We have persistent information that they are just roaming around the woodland and marshy area and anytime, they will attack the civilian farmers as harvest time is coming. They used to steal the harvest from unarmed farmers and for that, we are securing the civilians,” he said.
About 50 BIFF rebels simultaneously attacked the detachment in Barangay Kulasi in General Salipada K. Pendatun town in Maguindanao and Sumilalao detachment in Barangay Katiku, President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat province, where one soldier was killed and three others were wounded.
As the rebels retreated, they attacked another Army detachment in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, leaving another soldier dead.
Abu Misri Mama, speaking for the BIFF, admitted his men attacked the two Army detachments on Saturday.
On Monday morning, Mama said dozens of howitzers hit the marshland but none of his companions were killed in the offensive.
“It rained mortars here, we are on the defensive position,” he said in a phone interview.
Major General Edmundo Pangilinan, commanding general of the 6th Infantry Division, has called on the civilians to provide the Army with information about the presence of BIFF forces in their communities to preempt lawless elements’ attempts to extort from farmers.
Pangilinan did not say how many BIFF rebels were killed or wounded in the Army offensive.
“These people are spoilers of peace and they continue to destroy the Army’s peace initiatives and reach-out programs to poor people of Maguindanao,” Pangilinan lamented.
On Sunday, Pangilinan led his men in according heroic honors to two slain soldiers before they were sent to their respective families.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/662385/army-launches-artillery-attacks-vs-biff-camp-in-maguindanao
COTABATO CITY, Philippines–The military on Monday launched artillery attacks against members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) believed to be responsible for the harassment of two Army detachments in the borders of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat that left two soldiers dead and three others wounded, the Army said.
Lieutenant Colonel Markton Abu, commanding officer of the 33rd Infantry Battalion, said his men were conducting clearing operations in the marshy portion of Gen. SK Pendatun town in Maguindanao where the BIFF maintained a camp.
Abu said the offensive was an offshoot of the harassment Saturday morning by BIFF forces in two Army detachments in Barangay Katiko, President Quirino town in Sultan Kudarat.
“We have reliable information the BIFFs are threatening the civilians because it is harvest time,” Abu told reporters.
“We have persistent information that they are just roaming around the woodland and marshy area and anytime, they will attack the civilian farmers as harvest time is coming. They used to steal the harvest from unarmed farmers and for that, we are securing the civilians,” he said.
About 50 BIFF rebels simultaneously attacked the detachment in Barangay Kulasi in General Salipada K. Pendatun town in Maguindanao and Sumilalao detachment in Barangay Katiku, President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat province, where one soldier was killed and three others were wounded.
As the rebels retreated, they attacked another Army detachment in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, leaving another soldier dead.
Abu Misri Mama, speaking for the BIFF, admitted his men attacked the two Army detachments on Saturday.
On Monday morning, Mama said dozens of howitzers hit the marshland but none of his companions were killed in the offensive.
“It rained mortars here, we are on the defensive position,” he said in a phone interview.
Major General Edmundo Pangilinan, commanding general of the 6th Infantry Division, has called on the civilians to provide the Army with information about the presence of BIFF forces in their communities to preempt lawless elements’ attempts to extort from farmers.
Pangilinan did not say how many BIFF rebels were killed or wounded in the Army offensive.
“These people are spoilers of peace and they continue to destroy the Army’s peace initiatives and reach-out programs to poor people of Maguindanao,” Pangilinan lamented.
On Sunday, Pangilinan led his men in according heroic honors to two slain soldiers before they were sent to their respective families.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/662385/army-launches-artillery-attacks-vs-biff-camp-in-maguindanao
Bata patay sa crossfire sa Maguindanao
From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Jan 6): Bata patay sa crossfire sa Maguindanao (Child killed in crossfire in Maguindanao)
MAGUINDANAO – Mistulang ‘Wild, Wild West’ na ang Maguindanao, isa sa 5 lalawigan ng magulong Muslim autonomous region sa Mindanao – dahil sa walang humpay na kaguluhan doon dulot ng sagupaan sa pagitan ng militar at rebeldeng grupo, at banatan ng mga warring political clan.
Sa kabila ng paghihigpit ng militar at pulisya ay patuloy pa rin ang karahasan at tigib sa takot ang mga sibilyan dahil sa pangambang madamay sila sa gulo. At nitong Enero 5 lamang, isang batang babae ang nasawi matapos itong maipit sa labanan sa pagitan ng mga parak at isang kilabot na lalaking wanted sa kasong pagpatay.
Aarestuhin sana ng pulisya si Kadar Dagadas sa isang bahay sa Barangay Gumagandon sa bayan ng Parang ng ratratin nito ang mga parak kung kaya’t nagkaroon ng sagupaan. Napatay umano ang bata matapos na paulanan ng bala ng mga parak ang lugar kung saan nagtatago umano si Kadar, ngunit bigo naman ang pulisya na madakip ito.
Magsasampa umano ng kaso ang pamilya ng bata laban sa mga parak.
Ilang beses na rin umatake ang Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters sa Maguindanao at target nito ang mga sundalo naka-destino doon. Maraming bomba na rin ang pinasabog ng rebelde grupo sa naturang lalawigan na kilalang kuta ng BIFF.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2015/01/bata-patay-sa-crossfire-sa-maguindanao.html
MAGUINDANAO – Mistulang ‘Wild, Wild West’ na ang Maguindanao, isa sa 5 lalawigan ng magulong Muslim autonomous region sa Mindanao – dahil sa walang humpay na kaguluhan doon dulot ng sagupaan sa pagitan ng militar at rebeldeng grupo, at banatan ng mga warring political clan.
Sa kabila ng paghihigpit ng militar at pulisya ay patuloy pa rin ang karahasan at tigib sa takot ang mga sibilyan dahil sa pangambang madamay sila sa gulo. At nitong Enero 5 lamang, isang batang babae ang nasawi matapos itong maipit sa labanan sa pagitan ng mga parak at isang kilabot na lalaking wanted sa kasong pagpatay.
Aarestuhin sana ng pulisya si Kadar Dagadas sa isang bahay sa Barangay Gumagandon sa bayan ng Parang ng ratratin nito ang mga parak kung kaya’t nagkaroon ng sagupaan. Napatay umano ang bata matapos na paulanan ng bala ng mga parak ang lugar kung saan nagtatago umano si Kadar, ngunit bigo naman ang pulisya na madakip ito.
Magsasampa umano ng kaso ang pamilya ng bata laban sa mga parak.
Ilang beses na rin umatake ang Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters sa Maguindanao at target nito ang mga sundalo naka-destino doon. Maraming bomba na rin ang pinasabog ng rebelde grupo sa naturang lalawigan na kilalang kuta ng BIFF.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2015/01/bata-patay-sa-crossfire-sa-maguindanao.html
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