Lady rebel killed in Davao Occidental clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 28): Lady rebel killed in Davao Occidental clash

A lady rebel was killed in an armed encounter between government forces and the communists New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on Wednesday morning in Sitio Tinungkaan, Barangay Danwata, Malita, Davao Occidental.

The army’s 10th Infantry (Agila) Division spokesperson Army Captain Rhyan Batchar said the encounter took place when the soldiers chanced upon around 20 NPAs, led by alias Joey of guerrilla front 71.

The clash lasted for almost an hour where the government troopers were able to recover the dead body of the woman rebel and an M653 Rifle, popularly known as a 'baby armalite'.

Pursuit operations are still on-going in the area while the army is still determining the identity of the dead NPA member, Batchar added.

73rd IB commander Lt. Col. Ronnie Babac also told reporters on Wednesday that their forces would pursue efforts to force the remnants of the NPAs operating in the boundaries of Davao Occidental and Sarangani to abandon their armed struggle, return to the folds of the law and live peaceful and progressive lives together with the majority of the Filipino people.

The NPAs in the Davao Occidental-Sarangani areas suffered major debacles in 2014 and 2015, he said.

Babac said that on Oct. 1, 2014 at Barangay Kinangan, Malita, three NPAs were killed and two captured, 12 high-powered firearms and three IEDs were recovered by the army while on Feb. 16, 2015, seven NPAs were killed and nine high powered firearms and three IEDs were recovered in Barangay Datal Anggas, Sarangani Province.

10th ID commander Major General Rafael Valencia lauded the bravery of the soldiers while he expressed his grief on the death of the woman rebel.

“We extend our condolences to the bereaved family of the fallen Amazon. It is now high time for the CPP-NPA to realize the futility of the armed struggle, which has only brought miseries to many Filipino families,” Valencia said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=851489

Authorities foil bombing attempt in Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 28): Authorities foil bombing attempt in Basilan

The government security forces have foiled a bombing attempt early Thursday in Isabela City, the capital of Basilan province.

Chief Insp. Rogelio Alabata, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, said an improvised explosive device (IED) was recovered around 3:25 a.m. in the vicinity of the Mabuhay Trading along Roxas Avenue, Barangay Isabela proper, Isabela City.

Mabuhay Trading, which sells variety of goods, is one of the bazaars in Isabela City.

Alabata said prior to the recovery of the IED, the intelligence operatives of the Army’s 15th Special Forces Company noted two men carrying “suspicious item” riding tandem in a motorcycle without registered plate in the vicinity of the Sta. Isabel Cathedral Church.

Alabata said the two men threw the item in the vicinity of the Mabuhay Trading and sped towards Barangay Kaumpurnah when the intelligence operatives tailed them.

He said the intelligence operatives called explosive ordnance demolition (EOD) personnel and Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) who immediately cordoned and rendered safe procedure.

He said when confirmed it was an IED, the improvise bomb was disrupted with water disruptor.

He said among the pieces of evidence recovered were the following: a cooking pot used as IED casing; a cellular phone (firing switch); a rocker switch (safety switch), two light emitting diodes; a silicon control rectifier; four resistors; ammonium nitrate fuel oil weighing more or less three kilograms; two improvised electric blasting caps; and, a three and 10 inches detonating cord.

He said the IED has the capacity to kill and destroy properties.

He said the motive could be to create panic among the populace as the management of the Mabuhay Trading told the authorities they had not receive any extortion demand.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=851598

NPA rebel dies in Camarines Norte clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 28): NPA rebel dies in Camarines Norte clash
 

A New People's Army (NPA) member died in an encounter with joint forces of the Camarines Norte Provincial Public Safety Company, Regional Intelligence Unit-5 and the 49th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army at 7 a.m. Wednesday in Barangay Magsaysay, Capalonga, Camarines Norte.

A police report identified the rebel casualty as Marlon Villan, 27, single and a resident of Purok 3 of the same village.

The report said the joint government operatives headed by Police Chief Insp. Rommel Labarro, PPSC company commander, were on security patrol in the area when they crossed path with the dissidents.

A 20-minute firefight ensued until the rebels fled, leaving behind their dead companion.

The government troops recovered the body of the slain rebel, a .45-caliber Colt 1911A1 pistol and ammunition for the said type of gun, backpack containing personal belongings, cellphone and documents of the rebels listing its future activities.

The police immediately brought the dead rebel's body to a funeral parlor, where it was claimed later by his relatives for proper wake and burial in his home place.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=851182

PHL criticizes visit of Taiwan leader to South China Sea

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 28): PHL criticizes visit of Taiwan leader to South China Sea

The Philippines on Thursday criticized the visit of outgoing Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou to Itu Aba in the South China Sea as it could further fuel tension in the disputed waters.

Reports said Ma flew to the Taiwan-claimed island on Thursday morning and is scheduled to hold a press briefing upon his return to Taipei.

The US government already expressed disappointment over the trip, saying such move will not help ease tension in the area where several Asian nations have overlapping claims.

"We remind all parties concerned of our shared responsibility to refrain from actions that can increase tension in the South China Sea," the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.

The Philippines and Taiwan do not have formal diplomatic ties because of the 'One-China Policy', which prevents countries from recognizing the self-ruling democratic island as a state.

However, the DFA’s rare statement on Taiwan highlights its concern on the visit that came amid rising tensions in the area, where it says Beijing wants to fully control.

Over the last few years, China, which claims the South China Sea nearly in its entirety, has engaged in massive reclamation transforming submerged reefs into man-made islands, triggering concerns also from Philippine allies, such as the US and Japan.

Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei also have claims to the waters, which is home to possible rich oil, gas and mineral deposits aside from a major trading route.

The Philippines hopes the arbitration case it filed against China before a The Hague tribunal will invalidate China's claim. A final ruling is expected in the first half of this year.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=851413

Dolina named new 3rd ID assistant division commander (Bio data)

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 28): Dolina named new 3rd ID assistant division commander

Officers and enlisted personnel of the Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division formally welcomed their new assistant division commander, Brig. Gen. Dinoh A. Dolina, in a ceremony held on Wednesday.

Prior to his new appointment, Dolina was the commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, a field unit of the Catbalogan City-based 8th Infantry Division.

He led the unit in humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations after the onslaught of supertyphoon 'Yolanda' in 2013 while maintaining the 802nd Infantry Brigade's resilience and sustaining the gains in peace and security in its area of responsibility.

“We are fortunate to have Brig. Gen. Dolina joining us as we endeavor to win the peace in Western and Central Visayas. His role as the new ADC (assistant division commander) of this Division will surely help us in securing and advancing our gains in the implementation of our Internal Peace and Security Plan 'Bayanihan' and the Army Transformation Roadmap,” 3rd Infantry Division commander Brig. Gen. Harold Cabreros said.

Dolina will also hold the position as the Chief of 3rd Infantry Divison's Office of Ethical Standards and Public Accountability, an anti-graft office that has an exclusive investigative jurisdiction over active military personnel and regular civilian employees who are involved in major graft cases.

He will also head the Human Rights Office of the unit whose function is to ensure that respect for human rights is being observed by all soldiers within the area of responsibility.

Dolina is a seasoned combat officer who rose through the ranks from being a platoon leader, company commander and later on the commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Division’s 52nd Infantry Battalion in Eastern Samar.

He also held various important positions in the Army and in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Among key positions he held were: Chief of Staff of The General Headquarters and Headquarters Service Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Chief of Morale and Welfare Division, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, J1, AFP and Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, G2, 8th Infantry Division.

Born in Palo, Leyte, Dolina graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1985.

He is also a graduate of Master of Management at the University of the Philippines Visayas in Tacloban City.

His awards in the military include five Distinguished Service Star Medals, two Gawad sa Kaunlaran Medals, numerous Military Merit and Commendation Medals, Long Service Medals, Military Civic Action Medal and various Campaign Medals and Ribbons.

Dolina is married to Susan Tanseco and is blessed with four children.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=851472

Gov't security teams disarm IED hurled in parked police vehicle in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 28): Gov't security teams disarm IED hurled in parked police vehicle in Sulu

Government security troops have successfully disarmed an improvised explosive device (IED) hurled by motorcycle-riding men at the back of parked police patrol vehicle in Jolo, Sulu Wednesday night.

Joint Task Group Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, in a message to the PNA, said the incident took place at 7: 20 p.m.

He added concerned residents in Barangay San Raymundo, Jolo town reported seeing two men aboard a "skeletonized Wave 125 motorcycle" throwing an IED at the back of a parked police patrol vehicle in 6 Kasalamatan Village before speeding towards the direction of Barangay Latih, Patikul.

Arrojado said a combined police and military explosive ordnance disposal team quickly cordoned the area and defused the IED at 10:05 p.m.

Investigations are now underway to determine the identities and motives of the suspected bombers.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=851300

Female rebel killed, rifle seized in Davao Oriental clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 28): Female rebel killed, rifle seized in Davao Oriental clash

A female New People's Army (NPA) bandit was killed while a M-653 automatic rifle was seized during a clash with 73rd Infantry Battalion troopers in Malita, Davao Occidental Wednesday early morning.

Capt. Rhyan Batchar, 10th Infantry Division public affairs office chief, said the clash took place 5 a.m.

He added government troops were on routine security patrol when they chanced upon 20 rebels belonging to Guerilla Front 71 in Sitio Tinungkaan, Barangay Datu Danwata in Malita, triggering an hour-long firefight.

Killed in the encounter was a still unidentified female rebel whose body was recovered by the soldiers along with the M-653 automatic rifle.

73rd Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Ronnie Babac said they are still determining the identity of the slain rebel.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=851392

3rd ID 'neutralizes' 77 rebels in 2015

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 28): 3rd ID 'neutralizes' 77 rebels in 2015

The Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division have "neutralized" 77 New People's Army (NPA) bandits during operations in the Western Visayas region in 2015.

Out of the said number, 67 voluntarily surrendered to government troops after realizing the futility of their actions, six were captured during joint military-police operations while four were killed during encounters.

Major Ray Tiongson, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, said these figures come from their assessment of 2015's Internal Peace and Security Operations (IPSO).

IPSO data also showed that 44 of the surrendered rebels came from Panay while 23 are from Negros Island.

"Through focused and purposive peace and security operations during the period, the 3ID has recovered 43 firearms and 35 explosive materials," Tiongson pointed out.

In addition, the 3rd Infantry Division was able to facilitate the stability of internal peace and security in the provinces of Aklan and Antique and the declaration of the provinces of Iloilo and Negros Occidental as "Peaceful and Ready for Further Development".

Brig. Gen. Harold Cabreros, 3rd Infantry Division commander, attributed the accomplishments to the complementary and concerted efforts of the military, police and other stakeholders who continue to work together in securing and advancing the gains in peace and security in their areas of operation.

“The success in our IPSO is the success of our people who longed for just and lasting peace in this part of the country,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=851402

One of PAF's 'Sokol' up for repairs, maintenance

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 28): One of PAF's 'Sokol' up for repairs, maintenance

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has allocated the sum of Php15,936,175 for the procurement of spare parts for the repair and maintenance of one of its PZL-W3-A "Sokol" combat utility helicopters.

This is Lot 1 of the repair project, the bid bulletin at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System said.

Pre-bid conference is scheduled for Feb. 1, 9 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

Submission and opening of bids is on Feb. 15, 9 a.m. at the same venue.

The PAF has seven W-3A "Sokol" helicopters in its inventory.

Eight were originally delivered in 2012 and 2013 but one crashed due to weather conditions in Lanao Del Sur in September 2014.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=851285

Ties that bind MNLF, Abu Sayyaf

From the New Straits Times Online (Jan 27): Ties that bind MNLF, Abu Sayyaf

A three-way meeting was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Monday among three parties that have tried for 40 years to find peace.

The two-day meeting involved the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Philippine government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). Judging by the lack of coverage by the media, they may not have found any solution yet.

A senior police officer in Kota Kinabalu said: “That is just a formality. It’s an avenue for them to meet and talk.”

Despite his nonchalance, the officer said anything that involved security in southern Philippines was closely monitored by Malaysia.

Because of historical links and proximity, many ply the sea route between Sabah and Southern Philippines for economic, social and political reasons. But, it is those who commit crime that get the most attention.

Malaysia cannot afford to miss out any development in the area where threats prevail from leftists, terrorists, robbers, smugglers and kidnappers. The Lahad Datu intrusion in 2013 and bandit groups that have struck the state six times, in which a total of nine hostages were taken from November 2013 to May last year, are reasons why.

The beheading of one hostage, Bernard Then, last November by the Abu Sayyaf, a group that has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, tells of their notoriety.

On Jan 10, over 2,000 followers of the MNLF converged on Jolo island in Sulu province, triggering anxiety among the Philippine security forces.

Its fugitive leader, Nur Misuari, was also reportedly present in the gathering, which was later revealed to be a meeting to discuss plans for the tripartite meeting in Jeddah.

Misuari is wanted by the Philippine government for his role in a siege in Zamboanga in 2013, where about 200 people were killed and thousands displaced.

According to a report by ABS-CBN News that quoted an interview by Filipino radio station dzMM, MNLF spokesman Absalum Cerveza confirmed the meeting was presided by Misuari.  Cerveza, however, denied speculation that the MNLF was forging ties with the Abu Sayyaf.

He explained the Abu Sayyaf fighters might have been present at the gathering because it coincided with a kanduli (feast), and many of them had blood relations with members of the MNLF.

“It was an open convocation. Everybody was welcomed if they liked to come,” Cerveza had said and denied allegations they were protecting the terrorist organization.
 
“We have distanced ourselves from the Abu Sayyaf. We do not have control over them just like the military has no control over them.”

On the contrary, a senior military officer under the Zambasulta Joint Task Force (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi) said there were ties that bonded the two groups.

“Based on revelations by rescued kidnap victims, Abu Sayyaf members in Indanan area (Jolo) are always seeking refuge in MNLF communities because of their blood ties.

“There are MNLF commanders who assist Abu Sayyaf members by providing manpower, firearms and bullets, getting a share of the ransom money or other loot in return,” said the officer.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein had said the IS, in its ambition to set up a caliphate in the region, had gained support from the Abu Sayyaf, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and Rajah Solaiman Movement in southern Philippines.

The arrest of a 31-year-old man from Sabah, believed to be the leader of an IS cell made up of seven militants in five states in the peninsula, asserts this.

Chairing the State Security Working Committee meeting here two days ago, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman called for cooperation from all to work together in combating terrorism.

“We must not be complacent. At the same time, the people must unite with the government and security agencies, and play their role by providing information on suspicious activities.

“We need to act on all signs or forms of threats that exist and carry out preventive measures.”

The writer, who is NST’s Sabah bureau chief finds solace from the hills, the wild and drama movies. Inspiration comes from long drives on the road, off-road and the fairways.   

Abu Sayyaf militants brandishing weapons in 2014. The beheading of Bernard Then in November by the Abu Sayyaf, a group that has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, tells of their notoriety

http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/01/124222/ties-bind-mnlf-abu-sayyaf

3 soldiers die in Kalinga encounter

From the Herald Express (Jan 27): 3 soldiers die in Kalinga encounter



BALBALAN, Kalinga – Three government troopers were killed after some 19 members of the 50th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army had an encounter with still undetermined number of members of the New People’s Army (NPA) at Sitio Bulo Dawangan, Balantoy here Tuesday night.

The fatalities were named as CPL. John Rey Dayag, PFC. Jocel Abbacan and PFC. Jose Bolar. The government troopers were conducting a legitimate operation after receiving complaints from residents on the presence of communist rebels in the area which resulted into a 45-minute gun battle.

Operating troops are still in the area conducting hot pursuit operations against the fleeing rebels who allegedly brought with them the bodies of their fallen comrades.

The NPA rebels are members of the Kilusang Larangang Guerilla (KLG) Baggas of the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Party Committee.

http://baguioheraldexpress.com/news/region/3-soldiers-die-in-kalinga-encounter

‘Female NPA’ killed in clash in Davao Occidental – military

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 27): ‘Female NPA’ killed in clash in Davao Occidental – military

DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur – A suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed during a clash between soldiers and communist rebels in Malita, Davao Occidental, on Wednesday, the military reported.

Lt. Col. Ronnie Babac, commander of the Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion, said the body of the unidentified slain rebel, a woman, was recovered alongside an Armalite rifle following the hour-long clash in Sitio Tinungkaan in Barangay Danwata that started 5:30 a.m.

Babac said soldiers, led by 2Lt. Mark Francis Gatan, were on patrol when they encountered about 20 NPA rebels under a Commander Joey of Front Commitee 71.

No casualty on the government side was reported.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/759412/female-npa-suspect-killed-in-clash-in-davao-occidental-military

NMCB 3 holds groundbreaking ceremony in Cebu, Philippines

From DVIDS (Jan 26): NMCB 3 holds groundbreaking ceremony in Cebu, Philippines

CEBU, Philipppines – Seabees, from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 Construction Civic Action Detail (CCAD) Cebu, Philippines, held groundbreaking ceremony to commence construction of a new, two classroom building at Cantipay Elementary School in the province of Cebu, Dec. 14.

The ceremony marked the beginning of a three-month project in conjunction with the Joint U.S. Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG) Philippines, Armed Forces Philippines (AFP), and the Department of Education Philippines (DepEd) to provide much needed classrooms for the students of Cantipay Elementary School. 

Distinguished Guests included, members of the AFP, DePed, and local community leaders.

The day started with the project crew, AFP, community leaders and school teachers enjoying a traditional Filipino meal. The ceremony began with each countries' national anthem followed by performances of traditional Filipino songs and dances by the elementary school’s children.

The guest speakers included Alvin Tenchavez, the School’s Principal and Maj. Sarino from the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The guest speakers all expressed their sincere gratitude toward the U.S. Navy Seabees.

“These events are always a great opportunity for the Seabees to interact and get to know the local community,” said Lt.j.g. Tyler Anderson, CCAD Cebu officer-in-charge. “We are excited to build the school and continue building upon our outstanding relationship with our host country.”

The ceremony concluded with the leaders of the NMCB 3’s project crew and the distinguished guests breaking the ground, officially beginning the construction process. The groundbreaking ceremony was a communal bonding experience between the locals and the Seabees.

As a Humanitarian Assistance project in conjunction with the Armed Forces Philippines, this project allows the Seabees to assist a community in need, while increasing interoperability with Philippine Forces and building the relationships between the two nations. The new classrooms will provide some relief for the overcrowded school located in a rural area of the province of Cebu.

The CCAD's mission is to execute engineering civic assistance projects, conduct skills exchanges with the host nation, and perform community relations events to help enhance shared capabilities and maintain relationships.

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/187043/nmcb-3-holds-groundbreaking-ceremony-cebu-philippines#.VqlW5bT2b3g

Most Pinoys support EDCA, US Amb. Goldberg says

From GMA News (Jan 27): Most Pinoys support EDCA, US Amb. Goldberg says

Contrary to claims by militant groups, US ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg on Wednesday said most Filipinos support the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.
Goldberg also took issue on the emphasis of the "controversial" aspect of EDCA.

In an interview on dzBB radio, Goldberg said, "I notice that EDCA is always preceded by the adjective 'controversial.' I'd like to take a bit of issue into that. I think most Filipinos support a defense relationship with the Philippines as shown in opinion polls."

Asked if people's support is due to the aggressive posture of China in the West Philippine Sea, he said, "People's support for EDCA could be a reaction to China's activities."

But he clarified that "EDCA is not tied to the maritime dispute."

Voting 10-4, the Philippine Supreme Court on January 12 ruled that EDCA is not against the Philippine Constitution.

However, four associate justices—Marvic Leonen, Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, Arturo Brion and Estela Perlas-Bernabe—dissented. Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza inhibited.

Goldberg reiterated that EDCA is an extension of the Mutual Defense Treaty and the Visiting Forces Agreement.

"These are the documents on which [EDCA] is based and it will help us to help the Philippines do more in trying to carry out its goal of building a defense that allows it to have some assurance in its maritime space."

According to Goldberg, the Philippines will benefit from the agreement in terms of enhancing a close relationship with the US Armed Forces, creating a minimum credible defense position, and enhancing capability in relief operations.

On comments that EDCA would turn the Philippines into the biggest US  bases, he said, "First of all, EDCA is not a return of the US military bases in the Philippines ... We have a defense relation ... it is mutually beneficial ... nobody could deny that."

He said that Benigno Aquino III's administration has set out for its goal a minimum credible defense position.

"What we are doing is mutually beneficial. But for the Philippines, it means closer relationship... as it builds a minimum credible defense as it works to ensure maritime security, and as it works to give humanitarian assistance."

For the United states, "it allows us to be more present in the region, helps us carry out a 'rebalance' [goal of] the Obama administration so its mutually beneficial."

Not Constitutionally infirm

The SC ruling said the EDCA is "not constitutionally infirm."

"As an executive agreement, it remains consistent with existing laws and treaties that it purports to implement," the ruling said.

The tribunal disagreed with the Senate's position that the EDCA should have first been submitted to the Senate in the form of a treaty for concurrence by at least two-thirds of all its members.

Leonen insisted in his dissenting opinion that the EDCA signed by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Goldberg is not binding unless concurred in by the Philippine Senate, as stated under Article 18, Section 25 and Article 7, Section 21 of the Constitution.

The associate justice is also of the opinion that the EDCA amended the Visiting Forces Agreement, which allows US forces to conduct joint military exercises with Philippine troops within the country's territory.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/552834/news/nation/most-pinoys-support-edca-us-amb-goldberg-says

Bayan seeks FBI’s help to uncover US role in Mamasapano

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 27): Bayan seeks FBI’s help to uncover US role in Mamasapano

An overseas chapter of militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) has filed a Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request before the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in a bid to uncover the supposed involvement of American forces in the ill-fated Mamasapano operation last year.

Bayan’s announcement of the filing on Wednesday coincided with the reopening of the Senate inquiry on the botched police operation that left 44 Special Action Force troopers and several others dead in the hunt for international terrorist Zulkifi bin Hir alias Marwan.

READ: Enrile questions US participation in ‘Oplan Exodus’

“Over 60 Filipinos died and witnesses also saw the body of an American at the covert US-designed Mamasapano operation one year ago, yet the US has still not come clean about the extent of its role in the carnage,” Bayan-USA chair Bernadette Ellorin said in a statement.

“We are filing this Freedom of Information Act request with the FBI because the Filipino and American people have the right to know the full truth about this botched mission,” she said.

READ: No closure over ‘real role’ of US in Mamaspano—Bayan

Bayan-USA’s request asks for documentation on the FBI’s involvement in the operation, including internal correspondence between the FBI Los Angeles Field Office and Philippine authorities on Marwan’s apprehension; manuals or guidelines used by US agents in training the SAF to execute the operation; responses to the requests of the Philippine government for assistance in the evacuation of casualties in the aftermath of the operation; results of the FBI Laboratory’s analysis of Marwan’s DNA; and provision of any monetary award to the SAF or Philippine authorities for the identification of Marwan’s DNA.

Citing official reports by the National Bureau of Investigation and the Senate, Ellorin said the US involvement in the operation previously called “Oplan Exodus” became clear as proven by the presence of six Americans at the Tactical Command Post for the mission, and an American who “ordered a Philippine Major General to fire artillery.”

READ: US participation in Mamasapano operation ‘limited’—de Lima

In a sworn testimony, former SAF chief Getulio Napeñas previously said Marwan’s tissue sample acquired by the SAF was forwarded to FBI agents in General Santos City.

In the probe’s reopening on Wednesday, Napeñas said the US government, through the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines, aided the SAF in terms of “real-time intelligence support, training, equipment, humanitarian support through medical evacuation and investigation.

Ellorin said it would be “senseless” to give the US military increased access to Philippine territory under the controversial Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) if the US government would not admit “any wrongdoing” in the operation.

“The US has dodged accountability for the Mamasapano carnage and countless more military-related crimes against the Filipino people, but (US President Barack) Obama and (President Benigno) Aquino continue to push for the implementation of the Edca,” she said.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/135698/bayan-seeks-fbis-help-to-uncover-us-role-in-mamasapano