From the pro-CPP Davao Today (Jun 22): Solon to sponsor congressional inquiry on ‘Paquibato massacre’
Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate vowed to initiate a congressional inquiry on the alleged massacre in Paquibato after the Army killed three civilians midnight last Sunday (June 14).
The victims included Ata Manobo tribal leader Datu Ruben Enlog, Randy Carnasa and Oligario Quimbo.
The Army said the three victims were members of the New People’s Army who fired upon them. The Army also said they have warrants of arrest for the victims.
Zarate, who joined the recently conducted National Fact-Finding Mission in Paquibato by human rights advocates on Saturday, said the military’s claim is “full of falsehood”.
Zarate, along with 76 other participants initiated the probe after the strafing incident on the residence of peasant leader Aida Seisa, who survived the incident together with her mother, husband and child.
The probe aimed to gather accounts from the victims’ neighbors, said Pedro Arnado of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, one of the mission’s organizers.
In a press release, Zarate said the military’s account of the incident is “very illogical and unbelievable” after hearing the testimonies of the neighbors and kin of the victims residing near Seisa’s residence.
Zarate said the alleged “landmines” found near the victims’ dead bodies “were planted in order for the military to claim them as NPA members.”
“It’s a big lie. The victims’ neighbors could attest that they are civilians,” Zarate said.
Zarate lamented that the “abuses committed by the military remains unpunished, resulting to the continuing violations of human rights, particularly of hapless civilians.”
Human rights group Karapatan said they will present the results of the fact-finding mission this week.
http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/solon-to-sponsor-congressional-inquiry-on-paquibato-massacre/
Monday, June 22, 2015
Philippines steps up drills with U.S., Japan forces near South China Sea
From ABS-CBN (Jun 22): Philippines steps up drills with U.S., Japan forces near South China Sea
An aerial view shows the Pagasa (Hope) Island, part of the disputed Spratly group of islands, in the South China Sea located off the coast of western Philippines. Reuters/Rolex Dela Pena/Pool
The Philippines will hold separate naval exercises with U.S. and Japanese forces this week on a Philippine island that is not far from the disputed Spratly archipelago, where China's rapid creation of seven island outposts is stoking regional tensions.
Manila, which has one of the weakest navies in Asia, has stepped up its security cooperation this year in the wake of Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea, not just with ally Washington, but also with Japan and Vietnam.
A Philippine military official said there was no plan for the Philippine, U.S. and Japanese navies to hold combined exercises on Palawan island, 160 km (100 miles) from the Spratlys, although the drills could intersect because Manila had limited naval assets.
"At some point all three forces could merge in one activity because we only have two ships and limited aircraft to take part in these exercises," said the official, who declined to be identified.
Late on Sunday, reporters could see two P3C-Orion maritime surveillance planes, one belonging to the United States and the other Japan, parked on a military airfield in Puerto Princesa City, the Palawan capital.
The two-week exercises with the United States began late last week. The two-day drills with Japan start on Tuesday, officials said. Both will take place in Philippine territorial waters, not part of the contested South China Sea.
China's official Xinhua news agency condemned what it said was Japan's "meddling".
"By muddying the waters in the South China Sea, Tokyo also aims to divert increasingly intensive global attention on Japan's lack of remorse over its atrocities during World War Two," Xinhua said in an English-language commentary.
While the Philippine military trains regularly with U.S forces, it only held its first joint naval drills with Japan in May.
Tokyo has no territorial claims in the South China Sea, but it worries about becoming isolated should China dominate a waterway through which much of Japan's ship-borne trade passes.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government has beefed up security cooperation across Southeast Asia this year.
China claims most of the South China Sea. The Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan and Brunei have overlapping claims.
Beijing said last week that some of its reclamation work in the Spratlys would be completed soon but that it would continue to build facilities on the reefs it occupies.
It says the outposts will have undefined military purposes as well as help with maritime search and rescue, disaster relief, environmental protection and navigation.http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/06/22/15/philippines-steps-drills-us-japan-forces-near-south-china-sea
An aerial view shows the Pagasa (Hope) Island, part of the disputed Spratly group of islands, in the South China Sea located off the coast of western Philippines. Reuters/Rolex Dela Pena/Pool
The Philippines will hold separate naval exercises with U.S. and Japanese forces this week on a Philippine island that is not far from the disputed Spratly archipelago, where China's rapid creation of seven island outposts is stoking regional tensions.
Manila, which has one of the weakest navies in Asia, has stepped up its security cooperation this year in the wake of Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea, not just with ally Washington, but also with Japan and Vietnam.
A Philippine military official said there was no plan for the Philippine, U.S. and Japanese navies to hold combined exercises on Palawan island, 160 km (100 miles) from the Spratlys, although the drills could intersect because Manila had limited naval assets.
"At some point all three forces could merge in one activity because we only have two ships and limited aircraft to take part in these exercises," said the official, who declined to be identified.
Late on Sunday, reporters could see two P3C-Orion maritime surveillance planes, one belonging to the United States and the other Japan, parked on a military airfield in Puerto Princesa City, the Palawan capital.
The two-week exercises with the United States began late last week. The two-day drills with Japan start on Tuesday, officials said. Both will take place in Philippine territorial waters, not part of the contested South China Sea.
China's official Xinhua news agency condemned what it said was Japan's "meddling".
"By muddying the waters in the South China Sea, Tokyo also aims to divert increasingly intensive global attention on Japan's lack of remorse over its atrocities during World War Two," Xinhua said in an English-language commentary.
While the Philippine military trains regularly with U.S forces, it only held its first joint naval drills with Japan in May.
Tokyo has no territorial claims in the South China Sea, but it worries about becoming isolated should China dominate a waterway through which much of Japan's ship-borne trade passes.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government has beefed up security cooperation across Southeast Asia this year.
China claims most of the South China Sea. The Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan and Brunei have overlapping claims.
Beijing said last week that some of its reclamation work in the Spratlys would be completed soon but that it would continue to build facilities on the reefs it occupies.
It says the outposts will have undefined military purposes as well as help with maritime search and rescue, disaster relief, environmental protection and navigation.http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/06/22/15/philippines-steps-drills-us-japan-forces-near-south-china-sea
Catapang: All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go
From ABS-CBN (Jun 22): Catapang: All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang said he won’t run for an elective post once he steps down from office next month.
"If you will run, you have to spend money. It may deplete my retirement benefits," said Catapang.
He said, however, he is still committed to serving the government even as a civilian. "Yes... I still have to work because I want to begin a new chapter of my life. I will have to think about it first."
Catapang is set to leave the military on July 11 when he reaches the mandatory age of 56.
He said “all my bags are packed, I’m ready to go." He has been going around to visit the troops stationed in different commands across the country.
On Wednesday, he is set to say his goodbyes to the men and women of the Northern Luzon Command in Tarlac City and the Southern Luzon Command in Lucena City. He will then proceed to the Central Command and Second Air Division in Cebu the following day.
On Saturday, Catapang will have his exit visit at the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City.
He said he will still go back to Pag-asa Island, which the Philippine occupies in the West Philippine Sea, but already as a civilian.
He went there last month as a show of unity among soldiers and civilians guarding the country’s sovereignty vis-a-vis China.
In the meantime, he said he wants to take a vacation first upon retirement.
"I will celebrate my birthday and relax because I've never rested for 38 years," he said.
As AFP chief for less than a year, Catapang faced several issues that tested his leadership, including the Mamasapano tragedy that pitted the military against the police.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/06/22/15/catapang-all-my-bags-are-packed-im-ready-go
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang said he won’t run for an elective post once he steps down from office next month.
"If you will run, you have to spend money. It may deplete my retirement benefits," said Catapang.
He said, however, he is still committed to serving the government even as a civilian. "Yes... I still have to work because I want to begin a new chapter of my life. I will have to think about it first."
Catapang is set to leave the military on July 11 when he reaches the mandatory age of 56.
He said “all my bags are packed, I’m ready to go." He has been going around to visit the troops stationed in different commands across the country.
On Wednesday, he is set to say his goodbyes to the men and women of the Northern Luzon Command in Tarlac City and the Southern Luzon Command in Lucena City. He will then proceed to the Central Command and Second Air Division in Cebu the following day.
On Saturday, Catapang will have his exit visit at the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City.
He said he will still go back to Pag-asa Island, which the Philippine occupies in the West Philippine Sea, but already as a civilian.
He went there last month as a show of unity among soldiers and civilians guarding the country’s sovereignty vis-a-vis China.
In the meantime, he said he wants to take a vacation first upon retirement.
"I will celebrate my birthday and relax because I've never rested for 38 years," he said.
As AFP chief for less than a year, Catapang faced several issues that tested his leadership, including the Mamasapano tragedy that pitted the military against the police.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/06/22/15/catapang-all-my-bags-are-packed-im-ready-go
Japanese patrol plane in Palawan for drills with Philippines
From Kyodo posted to ABS-CBN (Jun 22): Japanese patrol plane in Palawan for drills with Philippines
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY - A P3-C patrol aircraft of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force on Sunday landed in Puerto Princesa City, in Palawan to take part in a training exercise with the Philippine military, marking the first time for an SDF unit to enter the island.
The exercise is seen as an opportunity to display the strength of Japan's cooperation with the Philippines, with an eye to China's controversial land reclamation on the disputed Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
About 20 members belonging to the first aircraft group of MSDF Kanoya Air Base in Kagoshima Prefecture arrived on the P3-C. From Tuesday, personnel of the Philippine military are to board the plane for a scheduled flight over international waters of the South China Sea.
The exercise is humanitarian in nature, focused on improving joint efforts in conducting maritime search and rescue during a disaster.
Adm. Tomohisa Takei, commander of the MSDF who visited the island in February during an official visit to the Philippines, said warning and surveillance activity "is not envisioned."
At a summit meeting held in Tokyo on June 4, Philippine President Benigno Aquino and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed to begin negotiations on an accord for the transfer of defense equipment and technology in the fields of disaster relief and maritime security, as their nations bolster security ties due to tensions sparked by the pace and extent of China's reclamation work.
Although details have yet to be worked out, Japanese government sources have said P3-C patrol aircraft and radar-related equipment are seen as potential export items.
Separately from the drill with the MSDF, the Philippines is scheduled to hold regular naval exercises with the United States east of Palawan from Monday.
Japan and the Philippines, which mark the 60th anniversary of bilateral ties next year, have increasingly stepped up their cooperation in the face of China's increasing assertiveness in the contested waters.
China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, which is a vital shipping lane and believed to have rich fishing grounds. Rival claimants in the dispute are Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan and the Philippines, which is one of the most vocal in opposing China's push for overlapping territorial claims.
While Japan is not directly linked to the South China Sea dispute, it fears Beijing's expanding influence in the sea. The United States, an ally of Japan and the Philippines, does not take a stand in the territorial issues but has expressed concern over unilateral attempts to change the status quo at sea by force.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/06/22/15/japanese-patrol-plane-palawan-drills-philippines
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY - A P3-C patrol aircraft of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force on Sunday landed in Puerto Princesa City, in Palawan to take part in a training exercise with the Philippine military, marking the first time for an SDF unit to enter the island.
The exercise is seen as an opportunity to display the strength of Japan's cooperation with the Philippines, with an eye to China's controversial land reclamation on the disputed Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
About 20 members belonging to the first aircraft group of MSDF Kanoya Air Base in Kagoshima Prefecture arrived on the P3-C. From Tuesday, personnel of the Philippine military are to board the plane for a scheduled flight over international waters of the South China Sea.
The exercise is humanitarian in nature, focused on improving joint efforts in conducting maritime search and rescue during a disaster.
Adm. Tomohisa Takei, commander of the MSDF who visited the island in February during an official visit to the Philippines, said warning and surveillance activity "is not envisioned."
At a summit meeting held in Tokyo on June 4, Philippine President Benigno Aquino and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed to begin negotiations on an accord for the transfer of defense equipment and technology in the fields of disaster relief and maritime security, as their nations bolster security ties due to tensions sparked by the pace and extent of China's reclamation work.
Although details have yet to be worked out, Japanese government sources have said P3-C patrol aircraft and radar-related equipment are seen as potential export items.
Separately from the drill with the MSDF, the Philippines is scheduled to hold regular naval exercises with the United States east of Palawan from Monday.
Japan and the Philippines, which mark the 60th anniversary of bilateral ties next year, have increasingly stepped up their cooperation in the face of China's increasing assertiveness in the contested waters.
China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, which is a vital shipping lane and believed to have rich fishing grounds. Rival claimants in the dispute are Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan and the Philippines, which is one of the most vocal in opposing China's push for overlapping territorial claims.
While Japan is not directly linked to the South China Sea dispute, it fears Beijing's expanding influence in the sea. The United States, an ally of Japan and the Philippines, does not take a stand in the territorial issues but has expressed concern over unilateral attempts to change the status quo at sea by force.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/06/22/15/japanese-patrol-plane-palawan-drills-philippines
What US experts discovered in Laude slay
From ABS-CBN (Jun 22): What US experts discovered in Laude slay
Three US experts on Monday testified in the trial of US Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton, who is accused of killing Filipino transgender Jennifer Laude.
Jessica LeCroy, latent print examiner of the US Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory (USACIL), told the Olongapo City trial court that a "suitable latent fingerprint " of Pemberton was found in the condom wrapper recovered in the bathroom where Laude was found dead.
Derek Dorrien, a forensic lubricant expert also of the USACIL, testified that the lubricant found in the condom wrapper is the same lubricant found in the penis and body of Pemberton.
He said the same lubricant was also found in Laude's anus.
Dr. George Jackson, a toxicologist of the US Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES), meanwhile said Laude's blood tested negative for either toxins or illegal drugs.
His testimony debunked earlier allegations that Laude was a drug-user.
All of the three are internationally recognized experts and it's their first time to testify in a trial in the Philippines.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/06/22/15/what-us-experts-discovered-laude-slay
Three US experts on Monday testified in the trial of US Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton, who is accused of killing Filipino transgender Jennifer Laude.
Jessica LeCroy, latent print examiner of the US Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory (USACIL), told the Olongapo City trial court that a "suitable latent fingerprint " of Pemberton was found in the condom wrapper recovered in the bathroom where Laude was found dead.
Derek Dorrien, a forensic lubricant expert also of the USACIL, testified that the lubricant found in the condom wrapper is the same lubricant found in the penis and body of Pemberton.
He said the same lubricant was also found in Laude's anus.
Dr. George Jackson, a toxicologist of the US Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES), meanwhile said Laude's blood tested negative for either toxins or illegal drugs.
His testimony debunked earlier allegations that Laude was a drug-user.
All of the three are internationally recognized experts and it's their first time to testify in a trial in the Philippines.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/06/22/15/what-us-experts-discovered-laude-slay
Philippines buys 100 patrol boats to combat poachers
From Rappler (Jun 22): Philippines buys 100 patrol boats to combat poachers
Most of the ordered vessels – 71 short-range boats for coastal patrols and 27 able to go further out to sea – are to be delivered this year
Most of the ordered vessels – 71 short-range boats for coastal patrols and 27 able to go further out to sea – will be delivered this year, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources chief Asis Perez said.
"This is just fulfilling our mandate. Our country has eight times more sea area than land area. We have 36,000 kilometres (22,370 miles) of coastline and over 7,100 islands," he told the Agence France-Presse.
Perez said the "law-enforcement" boats would augment the agency's 20 patrol boats which protect the fisheries resources of one of the world's largest archipelagos.
"We need additional vessels. These (new boats) are actually short of our needs but this is all we can afford," he added.
Perez said his agency is also seeking funding to acquire 10 larger boats that can patrol the high seas.
Numerous Chinese fishermen have been arrested by Philippine authorities for allegedly poaching in disputed waters.
Similar incidents involving Taiwan have also occurred, the latest in May off the northern Batan islands when the Philippine coast guard attempted to arrest a Taiwan fishing boat only to be blocked by the Taiwan coast guard.
The Philippines has recently been seeking to boost its poorly equipped military by acquiring new weapons, and deepening defence ties with allies like the United States and Japan.
The moves come after a series of confrontations at sea between the Philippines and both China and Taiwan.
Tensions have been rising in recent years due to China's more muscular approach to enforcing its claim to most of the South China Sea, even up to the coasts of its neighbours including the Philippines.
Chinese ships have occupied a reef near the western Philippines since 2012 following a tense stand-off with Philippine ships.
Confrontations between Philippine and Taiwan coast guard ships in their common maritime border have also risen recently following the 2013 fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman by Filipino patrols there.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/97131-philippines-patrol-boats-combat-poachers
Most of the ordered vessels – 71 short-range boats for coastal patrols and 27 able to go further out to sea – are to be delivered this year
The Philippines
Most of the ordered vessels – 71 short-range boats for coastal patrols and 27 able to go further out to sea – will be delivered this year, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources chief Asis Perez said.
"This is just fulfilling our mandate. Our country has eight times more sea area than land area. We have 36,000 kilometres (22,370 miles) of coastline and over 7,100 islands," he told the Agence France-Presse.
Perez said the "law-enforcement" boats would augment the agency's 20 patrol boats which protect the fisheries resources of one of the world's largest archipelagos.
"We need additional vessels. These (new boats) are actually short of our needs but this is all we can afford," he added.
Perez said his agency is also seeking funding to acquire 10 larger boats that can patrol the high seas.
Numerous Chinese fishermen have been arrested by Philippine authorities for allegedly poaching in disputed waters.
Similar incidents involving Taiwan have also occurred, the latest in May off the northern Batan islands when the Philippine coast guard attempted to arrest a Taiwan fishing boat only to be blocked by the Taiwan coast guard.
The Philippines has recently been seeking to boost its poorly equipped military by acquiring new weapons, and deepening defence ties with allies like the United States and Japan.
The moves come after a series of confrontations at sea between the Philippines and both China and Taiwan.
Tensions have been rising in recent years due to China's more muscular approach to enforcing its claim to most of the South China Sea, even up to the coasts of its neighbours including the Philippines.
Chinese ships have occupied a reef near the western Philippines since 2012 following a tense stand-off with Philippine ships.
Confrontations between Philippine and Taiwan coast guard ships in their common maritime border have also risen recently following the 2013 fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman by Filipino patrols there.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/97131-philippines-patrol-boats-combat-poachers
Sunday, June 21, 2015
CPP/NDF: Punish the criminal Delamance group!
NDF propaganda statement posted late to the CPP Website (Jun 13): Punish the criminal Delamance group!
CPP/NDF/NPA: 1st PBC defeats Army in ambush, claims 22 casualties
NDF/NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jun 21): 1st PBC defeats Army in ambush, claims 22 casualties
NPA rebel wanted for robbery, homicide falls
From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 21): NPA rebel wanted for robbery, homicide falls
http://www.mb.com.ph/npa-rebel-wanted-for-robbery-homicide-falls/
Police have arrested a suspected member of the New People’s Army (NPA) who is currently employed as a security officer of a Quezon City subdivision where some high-ranking government officials live.
Director Benjamin Magalong, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), said 47-year-old Benigno Umbay was actually an inactive communist rebel based in Northern Luzon who has been in hiding after he was tagged in robbery and homicide cases in Ilocos region several years back.
Magalong said Umbay was arrested inside his residence along Kalayaan Street in Barangay Batasan Hills in Quezon City at around 6 a.m. on Saturday.
“He has been in hiding after several cases were filed against him. An arrest warrant was actually issued against him by a court in Ilocos Sur,” said Magalong.
http://www.mb.com.ph/npa-rebel-wanted-for-robbery-homicide-falls/
Palace keen on talks with Reds
From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 22): Palace keen on talks with Reds
http://www.mb.com.ph/palace-keen-on-talks-with-reds/
The government is not giving up on the possibility of resuming the stalled peace talks with the local communist group despite challenges in the past.
“Based on an update from Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), we are open and interested in resuming the formal talks,” Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in an interview with state-owned radio station, DZRB.
Coloma said Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles and Undersecretary Manny Bautista of the Cabinet Cluster on Security, Justice and Peace went to Loreto, Agusan del Sur, early this month to witness the surrender of more than 150 communist rebels.
He said the two officials witnessed the laying down of arms by the rebels while lauding their decision to return to the civilian life. The rebels were reportedly given cash aid and livelihood assistance.
“Our government wants to pursue the peace process and continues to study the possibilities of resumption of the peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front),” he said.
The government earlier said it would coordinate with Norway to determine how the peace talks with the CPP-NPA can move forward. Norway has facilitated the peace talks between the government and the NDF, the negotiating arm of the communist group.
Talks have been suspended a few years ago due to a conflict on the rebels’ demand for the release of some of their detained consultants. Rebel negotiators have questioned the sincerity of the Aquino government in the peace talks, reportedly saying they prefer to talk peace with the next administration.
http://www.mb.com.ph/palace-keen-on-talks-with-reds/
Army fights back
From the Manila Times (Jun 18): Army fights back
THE MILITARY will file a countercharge against a leader of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas in relation to the incident in Purok 7, Barangay Paradise Embac, Paquibato District on Sunday where three people ended up dead in what soldiers claimed was a legitimate encounter.
Speaking yesterday during the AFP-PNP press conference, Maj. Gen. Eduardo, commander of 10th Infantry Division, said that they are set to file a case of obstruction of justice and illegal possession of improvised explosive device against Aida Seisa, KMP president.
He claimed that Seisa is now missing after the incident.
The military and police also stressed that what happened was a legitimate operation.
“It is a legitimate encounter. This will be proven by the report of the SOCO (Scene of the Crime Operatives).”
He said that the three killed, identified as Poligario Quimbo, Datu Ruben Cainlog and Datu Randy Carnasa, were members of New People’s Army and they tested positive for powder burns which means they “were able to fire their guns.”
“The claims that they were civilians are not true. This is part of the propaganda,” he said.
Soldiers reportedly recovered an M14 rifle, two improvise explosive devices and two grenades at the scene.
Meanwhile, Sr. Insp. Milgrace Driz, spokesperson of Davao City Police Office, said that any law enforcement agency can serve the warrant.
“Based on the report being submitted to the office, it was a legitimate operation,” she said. “They were about to serve the warrant when they encountered the rebels.”
Quimbo allegedly joined the communist rebellion over a month ago as member of the Pulang Bagani Command 1 under Leoncio Pitao. As he went underground, Quimbo was reportedly replaced as a tribal chieftain in the area.
Randy Carnasa was also reportedly a member of Milisang Bayan, the lowest NPA unit.
He said that prior the encounter, they received a tip about the presence of armed men in the area, and Leoncio Pitao aka Kumander Parago and a Nelson Anggoy were also there.
Soldiers under 69th Infantry Battalion were deployed to serve the arrest warrant against Pitao and Anggoy.
“They were fired upon upon approaching the encounter site,” he said. “Anggoy and Pitao escaped during the encounter.”
He also said that they welcome any investigation into the incident.
“We are very much happy because now we can prove how the rebels use the people in Paquibato,” he said. “We will face any investigation to prove that the three killed were members of the NPA.”
“We can then prove why are the NPAs staying at the house of Aida Seisa that night?” the army commander added.
A human rights group is set to file a complaint before the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) for their deaths.
Hanimay Suazo, secretary general of Karapatan, told TIMES that they will bring the case of Cainlog, Quimbo, and Carnasa before the human rights body so that the military responsible for their death would be meted punishment.
Members of the city council committee on human rights will also visit the encounter site to determine the truth in light of the accusations thrown against each other by the military and progressive groups.
3 US lab experts take witness stand in Pemberton trial
From the Philippine Star posted to ABS-CBN (Jun 22): 3 US lab experts take witness stand in Pemberton trial
A forensic expert, a latent print examiner, a toxicologist and another agent of the US Naval Command Investigative Service (NCIS) will take the witness stand today as court proceedings on the murder case against Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton continue.
A source confirmed to The STAR the scheduled appearance of Dr. George Jackson, toxicologist of the US Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES); Jessica LeCroy, latent print examiner of the US Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory; Derek Dorrien, also of USACIL; and Philip Boyd, NCIS agent.
The source, however, refused to disclose further details.
An NCIS agent took the witness stand during the court hearing on June 8.
Jeremy Dastrup, based in Singapore, told the court and confirmed the testimonies made by American medical and forensic experts that Pemberton bore scratches, injuries and lacerations.
Dastrup said he witnessed the physical examination conducted by senior medical officers on the USS Peleliu, took pictures of the proceedings and helped gather information related to the incident.
Findings indicated that Pemberton bore minimal defensive wounds.
Dastrup said he also conducted interviews with Pemberton’s buddies, Lance Corporals Jairn Michael Rose, Bennett Eric Dahl, Christopher Miller and Daniel Fabian Pulido.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/06/22/15/3-us-lab-experts-take-witness-stand-pemberton-trial
A forensic expert, a latent print examiner, a toxicologist and another agent of the US Naval Command Investigative Service (NCIS) will take the witness stand today as court proceedings on the murder case against Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton continue.
A source confirmed to The STAR the scheduled appearance of Dr. George Jackson, toxicologist of the US Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES); Jessica LeCroy, latent print examiner of the US Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory; Derek Dorrien, also of USACIL; and Philip Boyd, NCIS agent.
The source, however, refused to disclose further details.
An NCIS agent took the witness stand during the court hearing on June 8.
Jeremy Dastrup, based in Singapore, told the court and confirmed the testimonies made by American medical and forensic experts that Pemberton bore scratches, injuries and lacerations.
Dastrup said he witnessed the physical examination conducted by senior medical officers on the USS Peleliu, took pictures of the proceedings and helped gather information related to the incident.
Findings indicated that Pemberton bore minimal defensive wounds.
Dastrup said he also conducted interviews with Pemberton’s buddies, Lance Corporals Jairn Michael Rose, Bennett Eric Dahl, Christopher Miller and Daniel Fabian Pulido.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/06/22/15/3-us-lab-experts-take-witness-stand-pemberton-trial
No hearing yet on Paquibato deaths
From the Sun Star-Davao (Jun 21): No hearing yet on Paquibato deaths
THE Davao City Council is yet to schedule a committee hearing with members of the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division following the deaths of three lumads in Paquibato District last June 14.
Human Rights Committee chair Councilor Karlo Bello proposed to have a committee hearing with the military before the 22nd regular session on Tuesday to address the concerns of the families involved and the civil society groups.
"We will invite the military and hopefully, those who were involved in the encounter as described by the military and on the contrary described as an attack by the members of the family [of the victims]," Bello said in a privilege speech.
Aside from the military, the victims' families and the civil society groups, Bello said he would also invite the Women and Children Committee chairperson Councilor Leah Librado-Yap to join them on the committee hearing.
Councilor Diosdado Mahipus, who sent his condolence and sympathy to the victims' families, has also committed to join the hearing.
"I call upon the committee you make me an active member of the committee [hearing] because from now on I would assist in making sure that if these are military personnel, we will ask for their dismissal," Mahipus said.
Mahipus said he believes that harassment is going on in Barangay Paradise Embac in Paquibato, and he would like to know who these people are, and to address the concerns of the residents in the area.
Bello also urged the military to re-visit their policies and to investigate the actions of their personnel allegedly involved in the incident.
Soldiers belonging to the 69th Infantry Battalion admitted Sunday to killing Randy Carnasa, Rubel Enlog, and Oligario Quimbo, believed to be members of the New People's Army, in an encounter.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/06/21/no-hearing-yet-paquibato-deaths-414487
THE Davao City Council is yet to schedule a committee hearing with members of the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division following the deaths of three lumads in Paquibato District last June 14.
Human Rights Committee chair Councilor Karlo Bello proposed to have a committee hearing with the military before the 22nd regular session on Tuesday to address the concerns of the families involved and the civil society groups.
"We will invite the military and hopefully, those who were involved in the encounter as described by the military and on the contrary described as an attack by the members of the family [of the victims]," Bello said in a privilege speech.
Aside from the military, the victims' families and the civil society groups, Bello said he would also invite the Women and Children Committee chairperson Councilor Leah Librado-Yap to join them on the committee hearing.
Councilor Diosdado Mahipus, who sent his condolence and sympathy to the victims' families, has also committed to join the hearing.
"I call upon the committee you make me an active member of the committee [hearing] because from now on I would assist in making sure that if these are military personnel, we will ask for their dismissal," Mahipus said.
Mahipus said he believes that harassment is going on in Barangay Paradise Embac in Paquibato, and he would like to know who these people are, and to address the concerns of the residents in the area.
Bello also urged the military to re-visit their policies and to investigate the actions of their personnel allegedly involved in the incident.
Soldiers belonging to the 69th Infantry Battalion admitted Sunday to killing Randy Carnasa, Rubel Enlog, and Oligario Quimbo, believed to be members of the New People's Army, in an encounter.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/06/21/no-hearing-yet-paquibato-deaths-414487
Army offensive launched vs rebels in Sta. Cruz
From the Sun Star-Davao (Jun 21): Army offensive launched vs rebels in Sta. Cruz
THE Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division launched on Saturday pursuit operations against suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) they encountered in Sta. Cruz town in Davao del Sur on June 19.
Lieutenant Vergel Lacambra, 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the encounter led to one soldier’s death and wounding of two others. He withheld the identities, as families still have to be informed.
"The wounded soldiers are in stable condition at Camp Panacan Station Hospital, while a necessary coordination was already made by the 39th Infantry Battalion to the family of the soldier who was killed in the firefight," Lacambra said.
He said the operations were conducted against the Guerilla Front 51, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) of the NPA.
The encounter took place around 12:10 p.m. Friday in Barangay Sinoron in Sta. Cruz town while the troops of the 39th Infantry Battalion were conducting security patrol in the area.
Lacambra said the troops recovered one M16 rifle, various landmines with accessory, and three backpacks containing personal belongings of the communist rebels.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/06/21/army-offensive-launched-vs-rebels-sta-cruz-414486
THE Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division launched on Saturday pursuit operations against suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) they encountered in Sta. Cruz town in Davao del Sur on June 19.
Lieutenant Vergel Lacambra, 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the encounter led to one soldier’s death and wounding of two others. He withheld the identities, as families still have to be informed.
"The wounded soldiers are in stable condition at Camp Panacan Station Hospital, while a necessary coordination was already made by the 39th Infantry Battalion to the family of the soldier who was killed in the firefight," Lacambra said.
He said the operations were conducted against the Guerilla Front 51, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) of the NPA.
The encounter took place around 12:10 p.m. Friday in Barangay Sinoron in Sta. Cruz town while the troops of the 39th Infantry Battalion were conducting security patrol in the area.
Lacambra said the troops recovered one M16 rifle, various landmines with accessory, and three backpacks containing personal belongings of the communist rebels.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/06/21/army-offensive-launched-vs-rebels-sta-cruz-414486
Extremist group Ghuraba emerging in Lanao del Sur
From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 20): Extremist group Ghuraba emerging in Lanao del Sur
Marawi City — Police and military intelligence units are on the prowl for members of an extremist group in Lanao del Sur rallying the jihadist ideology of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and suspected of having been involved in various atrocities in this city and nearby areas.
A police intelligence official said higher authorities have given the “go signal” for the manhunt after months of surveillance on the movement of the “black flag movement” group, locally known as Ghuraba.
Results of the surveillance were bolstered by the recent capture here of a member of the extremist group, he said.
Col. Manolo Samarita, deputy commander of the army’s 103rd Brigade, yesterday confirmed that armed members of the group attacked and wounded a soldier at barangay Mapandi here on Wednesday.
But the wounded Army trooper was able to fire back, scaring his attackers and wounding one of them, Samarita said.
He said responding police and military elements captured the wounded attacker, who was later identified as Junaid Kiram Undac, when brought to a hospital here for treatment under heavy security.
Samarita said the other attackers fled on board a white Ford Ranger pickup upon sensing the arrival of the reinforcing troops, leaving the wounded Undac and his motorcycle behind.
Relatives of Army Corporal Mamintal Madlawi, a Maranao, who was shot dead unarmed on April 7 here by two or more suspected members of the Ghuraba group, said their kin owned the motorcycle seized from Undac They said the motorbike was taken by attackers of Madlawi after they shoto him.
“At last, we are now certain about the perpetrators of my brother’s killers,” said Raihanah, Madlawi’s brother whose family has been coordinating authorities in search of justice.
Raihanah, in an earlier interview, dismissed insinuations from some quarters that fellow military elements were behind his brother’s killing.
Samarita said Undac is believed to be among those behind the attack on a military detachment in Madalum, Lanao del Sur on September 6, 2013. That left one soldier and three attackers dead. The three slain attackers were identified in earlier military reports as members of the Ghuraba group sent on a liquidation mission in Central Mindanao areas.
http://www.mb.com.ph/extremist-group-ghuraba-emerging-in-lanao-del-sur/
A police intelligence official said higher authorities have given the “go signal” for the manhunt after months of surveillance on the movement of the “black flag movement” group, locally known as Ghuraba.
Results of the surveillance were bolstered by the recent capture here of a member of the extremist group, he said.
Col. Manolo Samarita, deputy commander of the army’s 103rd Brigade, yesterday confirmed that armed members of the group attacked and wounded a soldier at barangay Mapandi here on Wednesday.
But the wounded Army trooper was able to fire back, scaring his attackers and wounding one of them, Samarita said.
He said responding police and military elements captured the wounded attacker, who was later identified as Junaid Kiram Undac, when brought to a hospital here for treatment under heavy security.
Samarita said the other attackers fled on board a white Ford Ranger pickup upon sensing the arrival of the reinforcing troops, leaving the wounded Undac and his motorcycle behind.
Relatives of Army Corporal Mamintal Madlawi, a Maranao, who was shot dead unarmed on April 7 here by two or more suspected members of the Ghuraba group, said their kin owned the motorcycle seized from Undac They said the motorbike was taken by attackers of Madlawi after they shoto him.
“At last, we are now certain about the perpetrators of my brother’s killers,” said Raihanah, Madlawi’s brother whose family has been coordinating authorities in search of justice.
Raihanah, in an earlier interview, dismissed insinuations from some quarters that fellow military elements were behind his brother’s killing.
Samarita said Undac is believed to be among those behind the attack on a military detachment in Madalum, Lanao del Sur on September 6, 2013. That left one soldier and three attackers dead. The three slain attackers were identified in earlier military reports as members of the Ghuraba group sent on a liquidation mission in Central Mindanao areas.
http://www.mb.com.ph/extremist-group-ghuraba-emerging-in-lanao-del-sur/
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