Reds execute tribal leader, farmer in 2 Cotabato towns

From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 13): Reds execute tribal leader, farmer in 2 Cotabato towns

Two suspected communist guerrillas gunned down an indigenous peoples (IP) or Lumad leader in a remote village in Magpet town in North Cotabato Sunday morning, police said.

 

Senior Inspector Felix Fornan, chief of Magpet PNP, identified the victim as 56-year-old Roberto Cupino, who is a mandatory representative of the IPs based in Barangay Don Panaca, Magpet.

 

Fornan said the victim had just left his house when the suspects, both armed with long firearms, riddled him with bullets. The victim died on the spot.

 

Investigators said they have yet to determine if there was any connection between the gunmen and a recent visitor, with whom Cupino had just talked to before he was killed.

 

The armed men were recognized by victim’s relatives as members of the New Peoples’ Army (NPA), the police said.

 

Cupino’s wife and his relatives, according to police, have no idea why the NPAs had to execute the tribal leader.

 

In nearby President Roxas town, also in North Cotabato, a resident of Barangay Alegria was also shot to death by suspects also believed to be NPA members last Sunday.

 

The victim, according to reports, was playing with cards or‘tong-its’ when the gunmen, all armed with high-powered firearms, fired at him.

 

Authorities have no clues yet as to the motives of the killings.

http://www.mb.com.ph/reds-execute-tribal-leader-farmer-in-2-cotabato-towns/

US Navy Commander very impressed with Philippine Marines

From Ang Malaya (Oct 13): US Navy Commander very impressed with Philippine Marines

United States-Philippines Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) has ended October 9.
PHIBLEX is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by US Navy and Marine forces with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in order to strengthen the interoperability and working relationships across the range of military operations – from disaster relief to complex expeditionary operations.

The US side sent the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) for the said exercise.

“I am very impressed with the professionalism and expertise of the AFP Marines. These exercises gave us the opportunity to continue building our partnership and increase our interoperability for responding to humanitarian and disaster relief efforts in the region,” said USS Germantown commanding officer Commander Gary Harrington.

“This is my third year participating in this exercise and the blue-green team once again excelled, galvanizing our partnership with the AFP,” he added.

US Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Will Gaskill said USS Germantown’s maritime role in this exercise lasted one week. During this timeframe, AFP and US Marines practiced combined amphibious exercises while based aboard Germantown. Ship-based amphibious assault vehicle launches to conduct beach assault exercises, and various shore-based military training evolutions were executed, including field training exercises and humanitarian/civic assistance operations.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/10/13/14192-us-navy-commander-very-impressed-with-philippine-marines

China is claiming what is ours, we need to defend what is rightfully ours

From Ang Malaya (Oct 13): China is claiming what is ours, we need to defend what is rightfully ours

The Philippine government through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) conducted a multi-sectoral advocacy campaign regarding West Philippine Sea dispute in the Bicol Region from October 7 to 9.

DFA’s Assistant Secretary Charles Jose held lectures and briefings in cities of Legazpi and Sorsogon, during the said dates, aiming to engage different audiences throughout the region and raise their level of awareness regarding an international issue that has grave implications on the country’s vital interests such as sovereignty, security, and preservation of the marine environment and resources.

“This is our story on the West Philippine Sea maritime dispute. The Philippines has legitimate rights on the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea enshrined in international law. However, China is claiming what is ours. For this reason, we should defend what is rightfully ours,” Jose said in one of the engagements.

Assistant Secretary Jose also emphasized that the result of the arbitration case will serve as an important step in the peaceful and durable resolution to the maritime dispute. “We want a regional order that is based on the rule of law,” he said.

Since the campaign’s launch in 2015, DFA and PIA already held forums in Cebu City, Cagayan de Oro City, Subic, Olongapo, Laoag City, Vigan City, Puerto Princesa City and Tuguegarao City, Dumaguete City, Iloilo City and Davao City. The next multi-sectoral advocacy campaign will be held in General Santos City.

The DFA and PIA will continue to hold multi-sectoral forums on the West Philippine Sea issue in other major regions throughout the country.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/10/13/14195-china-is-claiming-what-is-ours-we-need-to-defend-what-is-rightfully-ours

Air Force, National Police show joint Air to Ground Operations

From Ang Malaya (Oct 13): Air Force, National Police show joint Air to Ground Operations

The country’s Air Force and Police conducted an interoperability demonstration today, October 13 during the culmination event of the almost two-month Philippine Air Force (PAF) – Philippine National Police (PNP) Air to Ground Operations Seminar (AGOS).

The demonstration was conducted at Transformation Oval Grounds, Camp Crame, Quezon City where the closing ceremony for AGOS was also held.

Air Force commanding general Lieutenant General Jeffrey F. Delgado and National Police chief Director General Ricardo Marquez were present as guest of honors.

The Air to Ground Operations interoperability demo was done using one MG-520 gunship simulating a close air support and two UH-1H helicopters performing troop insertion and casualty evacuation of the SAF troopers as part of the scenario, the Air Force said.

“1,166 PNP Special Action Force (SAF) and Regional Public safety Battalion (RPSB) troopers from different parts of the country graduated and received their AGOS Badge,” the Air Force said.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/10/13/14224-air-force-national-police-show-joint-air-to-ground-operations

MILF: Stakeholders hold 1st Basilan Peoples’ Assembly 2015

Posted to the MILF Website (Oct 13): Stakeholders hold 1st Basilan Peoples’ Assembly 2015



Various stakeholders in the island Province of Basilan held 1st Basilan People’s Assembly 2015 at the Basilan State College Gymnasium, Isabel City on October 11 with the theme: “People’s Initiatives towards Harmony, Good Governance and Sustainable Peace and Development”.

Thousands of Basileños from various municipalities of the province representing farmers, fisher folks, the academe, labor, officials and employees of local government units, as well as senior citizens attended the program.

Speakers were Congressman Jim Hataman-Salliman and Gov. Jum J. Akbar.

Regional Governor Mujiv S. Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) delivered the keynote address. One of the highlights of his speech was, “Hinangad ng taga Basilan na mapayapa at tuloy-tuloy and pag unlad ng Basilan kaya ang liderato ng lalawigan na ito ay inaayos na ang mga kandidato for congressman, governor, mayors and down to the Barangay level para na po maiwasan ang hidwaan sa pagitan ng magkakapatid, magpinsan at iba pa. (People of Basilan desire peace and continuous development, so the provincial leadership had agreed on the candidates for congressman, governor, mayors down to the barangay level to avoid misunderstanding or conflict between siblings, cousins, etc.), RG Hataman said.

Ako naman po ay masayang babalik sa civilian life kasi tinitiyak ko na ang Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) ay maipapasa sa Nobyembre pagbabalik session ng mga mambabatas. ( I’ll be glad to return to civilian life as I assure you that once lawmakers resume sessions in November, the Bangsamoro Basic Law will be passed), RG Hataman also said.

“Marami po nagtanong sa akin kung bakit pa kailangan ang BBL puwede naman po aayusin ang ARMM? (Many are asking why there is a need to pass the BBL when the ARMM can also be improved or developed?) Ang sagot ko po sa kanila kung baga sa sasakyan ang ARMM ay karagkarag na Toyota lang ito namang BBL ay BMW”. (I told them, the ARMM is just like an old Toyota car that is defective, while the BBL is a BMW). The audience burst into a wild applause upon hearing this comparison made by RG Hataman.

The activity was organized by the Basilan Ulama Supreme Council headed by Dr. Aboulkhair Tarason, Council of Leaders-Louie Alano, and Andy Asalul-President CORE-ARMM.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/613-stakeholders-hold-1st-basilan-peoples-assembly-2015

MILF: German Journalist Seyferth of Missio Magazin interviews MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim at Camp Darapanan

Posted to the MILF Website (Oct 13): German Journalist Seyferth of Missio Magazin interviews MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim at Camp Darapanan



Ms. Steffi Seyferth of Missio Magazin, Muchen, Germany visited Camp Darapanan, the Administrative Base of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) located in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and interviewed MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim on October 7.

At the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, Ms Seyferth came to the country to cover the mass destruction brought by the storm surge in Tacloban, Leyte and neighboring islands that killed thousands of people.

Missio Magazin is the magazine of the International Catholic Mission Societies Mission in Munich, Germany. Missio Magazine sensitized with quality journalism, a broad public magazine for interreligious dialogue, for peace work, spirituality and human rights.

Ms. Steffi Seyferth came along with Orlando B. Cardinal Quevedo, OMI, Archbishop of Cotabato who also posed some questions to MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim.

Some of the questions asked by Ms.Seyferth pertains to the root cause of the conflict in Mindanao; the formation of the MILF and its strength; the present status of BBL, among others.

Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim answered her eloquently, “It is the legitimate aspiration of Bangsamoro for self-governance that lead to the founding of then Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and eventually the formation of another front in 1977 which is now the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The oppression felt by our people when martial law was declared is another reason that added to our quest for right to self-determination.”

Asked how does he sees the relationship between Christians and Muslims in Mindanao? Chairman Murad Ebrahim said: “We can live harmoniously, together with peace, Mindanao can be develop”.

It was Cardinal Quevedo who answered the question on discrimination. He said Muslims in Cagayan de Oro, were denied of their application in a subdivision. Hearing the response of Cardinal Quevedo, MILF Chairman just smiled.

Although both the interviewee and the journalist took the subjects seriously, the interview was done cordially. The rest of the questions asked were already brought   out in some previous interviews done by visiting journalists both local and international, who keep on coming to be apprised by MILF leadership on the Mindanao Question.

Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim was so thankful to Ms. Seyferth for giving the Moro Front the opportunity to be heard in other part of the globe, thru their Missio Magazin. He also expressed gratitude to Cardinal Quevedo for coming again to Camp Darapanan that made the interview possible.



http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/614-german-journalist-seyferth-of-missio-magazin-interviews-milf-chairman-al-haj-murad-ebrahim-at-camp-darapanan

Samar farmers decry military 'occupation' of village

From InterAksyon (Oct 13): Samar farmers decry military 'occupation' of village



Residents of sitio Burabod, Barangay Mabini, Basey, Samar gather before evacuating at the village school that is now occupied by soldiers. (photo by Katungod Sinirangan Bisayas)

Farmers from Basey town in Samar have fled their community following alleged abuses by troops of the Army’s 87th Infantry Battalion who have been occupying their village since last month, a human rights organization said.

The Eastern Visayas chapter of Karapatan said the soldiers set up their camp in Sitio Burabod, Barangay Mabini following clashes with the New People’s Army more than a month ago.

Since then, however, Katungod Sinirangan Bisayas spokesman Jun Berino said residents complained of abuses, among these the sexual harassment of a woman and the detention and interrogation of sitio president Leni Sabaniao and a 30-year old “habal-habal” (commuter motorcycle) driver suspected of being a rebel sniper.

Sabaniao and the driver were interviewed on a local radio station about their experience over the weekend.

However, 87th IB commander Colonel George Domingo, who also spoke on the same radio program, denied the accusations against his men and instead labeled the two of being rebel supporters for their opposition to the Army’s presence in the village.

Domingo also allegedly claimed that the Burabod residents and Katungod are “part of the problem” and “wala pong karapatan sa (have no right to) protection of the law.”

He confirmed that his troops encamped at the village school but said this was approved by the mayor and barangay officials.

Worse, said Katungod, he uttered what Berino said amounted to a threat, saying: “Tatandaan niyo, dahil sa pagsasalita nyo d’yan … makikilala ko kayo, at makikilala niyo rin ako (Remember this, because you have talked … I will know you and you will also know me).”

Berino called the soldier’s presence in Burabod a violation of international humanitarian law.

8th Infantry Division spokesman Captain Andrew Linao said in an interview that they have received no complaints against the 87th IB.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/118850/samar-farmers-decry-military-occupation-of-village

With senior officers retiring, AFP reshuffle to follow

From InterAksyon (Oct 13): With senior officers retiring, AFP reshuffle to follow



Camp Aguinaldo, Gate 2 on EDSA. INTERAKSYON.COM FILE

The mandatory retirements of several senior officers are expected to lead to a reshuffle in key military positions in the next few days.

Among those bowing out for reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 is Lieutenant General John Bonafos, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Vice Chief of Staff. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sandigan” Class of 1982.

Among the subject of speculation as his possible replacement is Major General Mayoralgo Dela Cruz, commander of the Army’s Mechanized Infantry Division and a member of the PMA “Matikas” Class ’83.

Dela Cruz is a “mistah” (classmate) of AFP chief Gen. Hernando Irriberi.

Also retiring soon is Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) commander Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad (Class ’82).

Among those pitched to take the helm of the Eastmincom are Maj. Gen. Arnold Quiapo (Class ’83), the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) chief; Maj. Gen. Oscar Lactao (PMA “Maharlika” Class ’84), the 4th Infantry Division commander;  and Lactao's mistah, 3rdInfantry Division commander Rey Guerrero.

Another Class ’84 member, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations (J3) Maj. Gen. Angelito De Leon, is reportedly being groomed to take over the 7th Infantry Division.

Acting commander of the 7ID is Brigadier General Henry Sabarre (Class ’83), who will slide down to his former position as Assistant Division Commander.

The short lists of candidates for all the soon-to-be vacated positions have been submitted to the office of the Commander-n-Chief, President Benigno Aquino, according to a  statement by the AFP Public Affairs Office.

The statement said the process of choosing the vice chief has been completed, and the short list submitted to the Department of National Defense,  "and now it’s with the President for his approval. The supporting activities are already in place, actually there is already an invitation but the name of the incoming is still blank pending the approval of the President.”

The Board of Generals led by the AFP chief usually selects candidates to be included in the short list and then forwards this to the office of Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, who in turn sends it to Mr. Aquino.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/118862/with-senior-officers-retiring-afp-reshuffle-to-follow

11 alleged NPA rebels surrender

From the Mindanao Times (Oct 13): 11 alleged NPA rebels surrender

ELEVEN members of New People’s Army surrendered to soldiers in Asuncion and Kapalong towns in Davao del Norte last Saturday.

They were identified as Manugitas Tiklonay, 30, ordnance; Loloy Maugan, 22, supply officer; Toto Tiklonay, 20, team leader of Guerilla Front 34; Roldan Casal, 18, also a supply officer; Dandi Tumagsa, liaison of Sub-Regional Command 4; and alias Johnny,16.

They surrendered to the peace and development team of 60^th Infantry Battalion.

Other surenderees were identified as Anggo Tiklonay, commanding officer; Iyod Tiklonay, 20, medic; Dayto Tiklonay, 21; and Ondo and Reto Tiklonay, all team leaders of GF 34 squads.

They brought with them one shot gun and three improvised explosive devices. They claimed that they went down because of hardships inside the movement.

They were now under the custody in 60^th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Asuncion.

Surrenderees will be enrolled to the Comprehensive and Local Integrated Program (CLIP) of the local government.

As of this year, there are already 206 NPA members who returned to the folds of the law under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Mindanao Command,

Based on record, almost 7.5 in 10 NPA members in Eastern Mindanao are indigenous peoples or Lumads. This was based on the revelations of NPA returnees.

Col. Ricardo Nepomuceno, 1003rd Infantry Brigade commander, lauded the concerned relatives of the returnees, local officials and tribal leaders for their combined efforts.

“Through the CLIP of the LGUs, the returnees will enjoy the peaceful and productive lives they wanted,” Nepomuceno said.

http://mindanaotimes.net/11-alleged-npa-rebels-surrender/

Indonesian military visits Army's 6th Infantry Division, exchange knowledge, vision, mission

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 13): Indonesian military visits Army's 6th Infantry Division, exchange knowledge, vision, mission

A contingent from Indonesian National Army or the Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angktan Darat (TNI-AD) Tuesday paid courtesy call to Maj. General Edmundo R. Pangilinan, commander of the 6th Infantry Division based here as part of the Army reciprocal Personnel Exchange Program (PEP) of Philippines and Indonesia.

Capt. Joann Petinglay, 6th ID spokesperson, said the PEP delegates was composed of Cpt. Agung Cahyono, Instructor at Infantry Training Center; Cpt. Arief Handoko Usman, Section Chief, Individual Training of Infantry Weaponry Center; 1Lt Rahmat Lin Suryana, Supporting Element, Headquarters Detachment of Infantry Weaponing Center; and 2Lt Saryono, Supporting Element, Headquarters Detachment of Infantry Weaponing Center.

Upon their arrival at 6ID, a military honors was rendered to the visiting contingents.

A detailed information briefing comprising the 6ID’s major accomplishments, operational matters, and best practices were shared following the arrival honors.

During their 4-day visit which ended today, the delegates shared their skills in a live firing demonstration and witnessed an exhibit on War Fighting Competency Training at 6th Division Training School of the Command.

To personally experience the training competency and facilities of 6th ID, they undergo the sit hip rappel, slide for life, mortar gunnery firing, 200-meter firing, and combat vehicle driving.

They also toured the training camp of 38th Infantry (Cadre) Battalion Training in Taviran, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

The personnel of 6th ID also brought the contingents at some of the well-known tourist and adventure destinations in Mindanao to unravel their busy schedules during their visit.

The Indonesian Army toured the Lake Sebu and Baras Bird Sanctuary in South Cotabato as well as the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid in Cotabato City, which is considered the largest mosque in the Philippines.

The 11th Special Forces Company also hosted an airboat river tour at the stretch of Tamontaka River in Cotabato City that traversed the boundaries of Cotabato City and Maguindanao.

Petinglay said Cpt. Cahyono, who led the Indonesian Army contingents, lauded the 6th ID’s passion in bolstering the exchange program of both countries.

They were also enticed with the cordial welcome and hospitality afforded to them. Pangilinan was all praises for the contingents for showing their professional prowess during their visit.

The PEP is an Army to Army bilateral training activity between the Philippines and Indonesia which aims to exchange military expertise, for the participants to learn from each other and exchange knowledge on each Army’s organization, mission, training activities, and management.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=814532

Troops nab 3 suspected Abu Sayyaf members in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 13): Troops nab 3 suspected Abu Sayyaf members in Sulu

Marine troops have arrested three suspected members of the extremist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the hinterlands of Sulu, a military official said Tuesday.

Capt. Antonio Bulao, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, said the suspects were arrested around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday in Barangay Bud-Taran in the town of Indanan.

Bulao did not release the names of the arrested suspects. However, he said they were turned over to the police and placed under investigation to determine whether the suspects were involved in the kidnapping of Mayor Gemma Adana of Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The arrest of the suspects came minutes after the ASG released Adana in Indanan following six months and seven days in captivity.

Adana was seized by gunmen from her residence in the evening of April 6 in Barangay Taytay Manubo, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The Joint Task Group Sulu are continuously pursuing the senior members of the ASG and their foreign cohorts.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=814576

Government grants financial assistance to 6 rebel returnees in North Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 13): Government grants financial assistance to 6 rebel returnees in North Cotabato

Six rebel returnees from North Cotabato who decided to return to the folds of the law and live normal lives received Tuesday their financial assistance under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP), a national reintegration program of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

The returnees were presented by the Department of Interior and Local Governments (DILG) to North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza who in turn handed checks during the joint Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Development Council (PDC) meeting held at the provincial capitol.

North Cotabato Board Member Kellie U. Antao, chair of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan peace and order committee, DILG Provincial Director Ali Abdullah, 1002nd Brigade Commander Col. Roland Villanueva assisted Mendoza as she turned over the CLIP checks of PHP15,000 for each recipient, and assistance from the national government.

CLIP is a national reintegration program of OPAPP for former rebels, complementing local government efforts. It is a joint undertaking of the DILG, military (1002nd and 602nd Brigade), Philippine National Police, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), judiciary, and civil society. Governor Mendoza chairs the Provincial CLIP Committee.

While the governor lauded the concerted efforts of the above-mentioned agencies, which led the former rebels to voluntarily disarm and undergo mainstreaming in civilian and productive life and trust the government, she also reminded local officials, especially the chief executive of each local government unit (LGU) to implement stronger peace and order programs.

She said it is important that local officials understand that along with the developments and progress around us is the fact that we become targets of criminals and other lawless elements who wants to take advantage of people.

Meanwhile, Senior Supt. Alexander Tagum, North Cotabato police provincial director, told the PPOC that Kidapawan City and Midsayap have recorded the highest crime incidents during the 3rd quarter of 2015.

“Hope this will serve as reminder to all our LGU partners to strengthen accomplishment of the PNP and have more innovations to reduce criminality in your respective area of responsibility,” Governor Mendoza said.

The outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), communist guerrillas, extortion gangs and proliferation of illegal drugs were the major threats in North Cotabato’s 17 towns and one city.

Tagum said security measures are in place to contain the major threats in the province.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=814638

AFP to candidates: Do not to give in to NPA's 'permit to campaign' scams

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 13): AFP to candidates: Do not to give in to NPA's 'permit to campaign' scams

With the election season about to heat up, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) advised candidates campaigning in the rural areas not to give in to the New People's Army's (NPA's) "permit to campaign" and "permit to win" scams.

AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato Tuesday said that giving in to the demands of the NPA will only give the faltering rebel movement funds to buy ammunition and firearms which they will use to wreck havoc and mayhem on peaceful communities.

Rebel forces are still a threat in the Davao Region, Compostela Valley and some parts of Northern Luzon.

Detoyato also urged politicians, being extorted on by the rebels, to report these incidents to the military so that proper action can be taken against the NPA.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=814600

AFP to help track down Zambo Sibugay mayor's killers

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 13): AFP to help track down Zambo Sibugay mayor's killers

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will help the police in pursuing and arresting lawless elements who shot and killed Tungawan Mayor Randy Climaco and wounded six others Monday afternoon, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said Tuesday during an interview.

Detoyato said that units of the Western Mindanao Command are now helping the Zamboanga Sibugay Police Office in tracking down Climaco's killers.

However, he declined to comment on the possible motive behind the incident which is now being investigated by the local police.

Climaco was shot and killed on the spot at 3:50 p.m. at the vicinity of Purok 7, Barangay Cayamcam, in the town of Tungawan.

The victim had just filed his Certificate of Candidacy and was on board a pick-up vehicle heading towards Barangay Batungan to Barangay Libertad in downtown Tungawan when they were ambushed by unidentified gunmen.

Wounded in the incident were Tungawan Vice Mayor Abison Abduraok; San Isidro barangay chair Ernesto Segualan; driver Charlie Dela Cruz; Fortunato Mangubat; Carlnan Climaco; and Jembot Ricalde.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=814585

PHL: US plan to conduct freedom of navigation sail off China’s artificial islands 'consistent with international law'

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 13): PHL: US plan to conduct freedom of navigation sail off China’s artificial islands 'consistent with international law'

The Philippines on Tuesday defended a United States plan to sail near China’s reclaimed territories in the disputed South China Sea, saying such move is “consistent with international law.”

China, which built man-made islands in at least seven areas despite protests from several countries, including the US, asserts “indisputable” and “historical” sovereignty over the resource-rich waters.

"If the US decides to send naval vessels within 12 nautical miles of the reclaimed low-tide elevation features in affirmation of this objective, this would be consistent with international law and a rules-based order for the region,” a Foreign Affairs statement said.

Overlapping claims by the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan to the South China Sea have led to occasional flare-ups and has become a hotspot for military conflict.

The US has declared several times that peace and freedom of navigation in the waters, where a bulk of the world’s trade pass, is in its national interest although it is not a party to the conflict.

"It is important for the international community to safeguard freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea,” the DFA said, adding “this is of paramount concern to all countries.”

"Failure to challenge false claims of sovereignty would undermine this order and lead China to the false conclusion that its claims are accepted as a fait accompli," it added.

With a military that is perceived to be one of the region’s weakest, the Philippines has resorted to international arbitration to denigrate China’s massive claim. The Netherlands-based Permanent Court of Arbitration has yet to hand down its decision on Manila’s case against China.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=814641