Army remains focused on attaining lasting peace

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 3): Army remains focused on attaining lasting peace

The Philippine Army vows to continue its effort to attain lasting peace.

Major Ray Tiongson , Public Affairs Office head of the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army said that  with the leadership of 3ID Commander Brig. General Harold Cabreros, they are committed to work together to secure and advance the gains in peace and security in the countryside.

This, he said, is possible through the concerted effort of the government troops, including those from the Philippine National Police and other stakeholders.

Tiongson said that last year, 67 members of the New People’s Army, 44 of whom were from Panay Island and  23 were from Negros Island,  have abandoned their armed struggle and joined the mainstream society.

In addition, six NPA members were arrested through the AFP-PNP joint enforcement operations and there were also four body counts as a result of the encounters.

 On the other hand, Cabreros has reminded all the unit commanders to remain focused on securing and advancing peace and security and adhere to the principles human rights and rule of law.

He also called on them to enhance partnership with the stakeholders in order to cultivate the culture of peace that will renounce armed violence.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/991454485882/army-remains-focused-on-attaining-lasting-peace

Stormtroopers get new assault rifles

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 3): Stormtroopers get new assault rifles

In line with the Philippine Army’s goal of becoming well-equipped to establish a respectable image in Southeast Asia by 2016, the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division entrusts a total 444 newly procured R4 assault rifles to the troops of 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion at the 8th ID, today.

Maj. Gen. Jet B. Velarmino, Commander, 8ID spearheaded the ceremonial entrustment of firearms together with Lt. Col. Antonio C. Astilla, Commanding Officer of 8th Forward Service Support Unit and Lt. Col. Hilarion G Palma, Commanding Officer of 20th IB.

The R4 is a selective-fire (semi-automatic and automatic), gas-operated weapon that fires from a closed bolt. It is hammer-fired and uses a trigger mechanism with a 3-position fire selector and safety switch.

With the procurement of the 5.56 mm R4 rifles, the early models of M-16 and M-16A1 rifles will be replaced.

The ceremonial entrustment of firearms symbolizes great responsibility and a reminder to every soldier to protect every Filipino, Maj. Gen. Velarmino said. “The issuance of the new 5.56mm R4 rifles will greatly boost the morale of troops and enhance their combat capability,” the general said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1221454488128/stormtroopers-get-new-assault-rifles

2 suspected rebels killed as troops overrun NPA encampment in CamSur

From GMA News (Feb 3): 2 suspected rebels killed as troops overrun NPA encampment in CamSur

Two suspected New People's Army rebels were killed as government troops overran a rebel lair in Camarines Sur early Wednesday afternoon, a military statement said.

The statement around 12:50 p.m., elements of  the 2nd Infantry Battalion engaged 10 insurgents in Barangay San Isidro in Bato town. The firefight lasted for 20 minutes.

Col. Perfecto Peñaredondo, battalion commander, said that shortly after the clash, the operating troops recovered one body and three M16 rifles at the encounter site.

Further search by the troops yielded another body and another rifle. Other items recovered were combat packs, a laptop and documents.

Peñaredondo said no casualties were reported on the part of the operating troops.

Pursuit operations are ongoing.

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/553860/news/regions/2-suspected-rebels-killed-as-troops-overrun-npa-encampment-in-camsur

Soldiers in Northern Samar get 400 new assault rifles

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 3): Soldiers in Northern Samar get 400 new assault rifles

The Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID) has turned over 400 new assault rifles to a battalion in Northern Samar on Wednesday, representing the first batch of firearms delivery for the region.

Maj. Gen. Jet Velarmino, 8ID commanding general said that soldiers in all of the eight battalions in the region will get new R4A3 assault rifles, replacing the old models, “which are already in poor condition and need major repair.”

The upgrading of the military’s firepower capability is part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.

The first set of assault rifle delivery was intended for soldiers of 20th Infantry Battalion based in Palapag, Northern Samar. The troops just completed the Battalion of Excellence Training, a requirement before the distribution of new rifles.

The military will complete the replacement of old firearms within the year.

“They have to undergo training first on proper handling, familiarize different parts and learn how to maintain the firearms,” Velarmino said.

Each rifle and its accessories costs PHP38,000 procured by the AFP from US-based Remington Outdoor Company, Inc. under the joint Philippine Army-Philippine Marine Corps Assault Acquisition Project, according to the army official.

“This will increase the equipment readiness rating of the Philippine Army. This will also increase the level of confidence and morale of our soldiers especially those who are engaged in tactical operations,” Velarmino added.

Old rifles will be given to members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit and army reservists.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=853532

2 rebels killed in clash with Army in Camarines Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 3): 2 rebels killed in clash with Army in Camarines Sur

Two New People's Army bandits died in an encounter with soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army in Barangay San Isidro, Bato, Camarines Sur on Wednesday.

The government troopers also recovered high-powered firearms from the scene of the firefight.

The dead rebels were still unidentified as of this posting while the military men were in hot pursuit of the withdrawing insurgents.

One 1Lt. Estaris, team leader of the 2IB’s Bravo Company, said his unit was doing security operation in the area when they chanced upon the insurgents at about 12:50 p.m.

A 20-minute exchange of gunfire ensued, after which the rebels withdrew, leaving behind their fallen comrades.

The government troopers recovered four M-16 armalite rifles, ammunition and personal belongings of the rebels.

The bodies of the two dead rebels were taken to the municipal hall for proper identification and turnover to their respective relatives.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=853589

Military, police addresses bombing of transmission lines in Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 3): Military, police addresses bombing of transmission lines in Mindanao

The military and police could address the rampant bombings of transmission towers in Mindanao, a lawmaker said Wednesday.

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan De Oro City, said that the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) should invoke the police power of the local government units (LGUs) in order to resolve the rampant bombing of the transmission towers in Mindanao.

Rodriguez said that once the police power is invoke the LGUs would have the authority to deploy the military and the police with a mission to secure the transmission towers.

He said that the suspected perpetrators of the bombings of the transmission towers should also be charged in court.

Rodriguez warned that if left unresolved, the bombings of the transmission towers would continue, which would certainly result in brownouts and power outages.

“It is time for the military and police to move in because the national election on May 9 is getting near and an unstable power supply would greatly affect the conduct of the elections,” Rodriguez said.

The NGCP has reported that the 18 towers, including two in early January this year, have been toppled by unidentified culprits who have been demanding payments in order to allow the NGCP to install towers in private farm lots, mostly in Lanao Del Sur.

The NGCP also reported that a suspected perpetrator has texted the power officials of another eight transmission towers, which would be a subject of bombing early this year.

An official of the NGCP said that maintenance and repairs of toppled towers became impossible because the lot owners refuse entry to the farm lots.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=853607

PA's 3rd ID fetes MSAB members

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 3): PA's 3rd ID fetes MSAB members

The Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army has awarded their civilian stakeholders for helping them achieved the 3rd ID Transformation Roadmap.

Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson, 3rd ID public affairs office chief, said the awarding ceremonies for their Multi-Sector Advisory Board (MSAB) took place during Monday's 3rd ID MSAB fellowship in Iloilo City.

Awarded with certificate of recognition were Rep. Jerry Treñas of the Lone District of Iloilo City; West Visayas State University president Dr. Luis Sorolla; Kayang-Kayang Mission International president Isabel Grace Villegas; National Commission on Indigenous People's Region 6 director Ana Burgos; Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital chief Dr. Julius Drilon and other civilian stakeholders.

Brig. Gen. Harold Cabreros, 3rd Infantry Division commander, thanked the MSAB members for encouraging the concept of shared responsibility in good governance, fostering continuity of policies and programs, providing expert opinion and advice on program execution and helping generate additional resources that contributed to the attainment of the goals of the 3rd ID Transformation Roadmap.

The 3rd ID MSAB was organized on Sept. 9, 2014 with Treñas as its chairman and with distinguished members from key sectors of society in Western Visayas and Negros Island Region.

Since its organization, the 3ID MSAB has convened four meetings which resulted in the formulation and realization of significant projects such as the donation of one unit of ambulance to Camp Peralta Station Hospital; conduct of two batches of Computer Hardware Servicing NC II training to 3rd Infantry Division personnel and dependents; developing a Performance Survey on 3rd ID by external stakeholders through the academe (West Visayas State University); and the donation of 32 fishing boats to the victims of typhoon "Yolanda" in Iloilo.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=853402

Deployment of Marines part of efforts to restore order in Sulu -- PN

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 3): Deployment of Marines part of efforts to restore order in Sulu -- PN

The deployment of Marine Landing Battalion Landing Team (MBLT)-1 to Sulu is part of efforts of the Philippine Navy (PN) to maintain, restore and establish a climate of order in the province.

This was disclosed by PN public affairs office chief Capt. Lued Lincuna in statement Wednesday.

"(Deployment of MLBT-1 is) part of the constabulary role of the PN in support to the internal security operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines aim to maintain, restore or establish a climate of order within a community so that the duly constituted local government units can function effectively," he added.

MBLT-1 was deployed to Talipao, Sulu on Monday. The 500-strong unit replaced MBLT-2.

The former unit is commanded by Col. Noel D. Beleran.

"They will be relieving MBLT-2, its part of a regular retraining process, all battalions should be rotated every year but sometimes it is not done due to operational requirements. We rotate battalions because we need to retrain, refresh, and refurbish for future deployments," PN spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo earlier said.

Upon arrival in Talipao, Sulu on Feb. 7, MBLT-1 will be used in the ongoing operations in order to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf Group and other lawless elements in the province.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=853461

Statement of GPH Chief Negotiator Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer/On the Closing of the 16th Congress of the Republic of the Philippines

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 3): Statement of GPH Chief Negotiator Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer/On the Closing of the 16th Congress of the Republic of the Philippines

Let me state the fact: The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, in whatever shape or form, did not make it out of the 16th Congress.

The sheer indifference and chronic absenteeism of majority of the legislators manifested in the lack of quorum almost on a daily basis in the House of Representatives, and the prolonged and repetitive interpellation of oppositors ate up the remaining sessions.

In the Senate, the intermittent absence of the bill sponsor and the remaining interpellator stalled the deliberation. Moreover, a belated change in procedure was entertained. Only last December 2015, the Senate practically conceded that the Bangsamoro bill is of local application and therefore the upper chamber should have just waited for the House version to be remanded to it.

In all, 40 public hearings and 14 plenary deliberations conducted by the HoR Ad hoc Committee chaired by Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, and 15 public hearings and 14 sessions of plenary interpellations led by local governments committee chair Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. amounted to nothing, along with the millions of pesos of taxpayers' money used up to finance these drawn-out proceedings.

It is only to be expected that the Filipino people, especially those in the Bangsamoro who had pinned high hopes on this new law, are grieving, hurting, and once again, dreading what tomorrow may bring.

However, the collective inaction of our legislators to complete the deliberation on the BBL did not, and will not, stop the momentum of the Bangsamoro peace process. At this low point, we call for sobriety and perseverance.

The work many among us started and accomplished together through 17 years of hard negotiations and vigorous efforts to jumpstart and move the implementation of the road map cannot be taken away. The Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro (CAB) remains a signed document that binds the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to their respective obligations in order to seal the peace through the legal and democratic processes and meaningful social and political reforms laid out in the document.

The CAB duly takes into consideration the diverse interests of different stakeholders in the Bangsamoro region, and provides the guideposts to institute meaningful autonomy and promote social justice through equitable distribution of wealth and political power in Muslim Mindanao - the very same obligations that the 1987 Philippine Constitution mandated Congress to do.

The CAB prescribes the steps and mechanisms for the transformation of conflict-affected areas and MILF camps into secure, productive communities. The agreement also provides for a gradual and phased process of decommissioning of MILF weapons and combatants. It addresses the threat posed by other armed groups and creates the spaces for the convergence of other Bangsamoro claimants such as the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the new autonomous government envisioned.

The CAB also includes transitional justice and reconciliation measures that will address historical injustices and heal the wounds of war, and remove the biases and prejudices that have created the huge gap in understanding and affection between the Filipino majority and minority populations.

It took a long time to get to this set of practical steps. We need to take away the fear and distrust of the Bangsamoro for our country to become whole. We therefore urge our politicians and fellow citizens to take the time to study the history of the conflict and the peace process so as to get a better understanding of the road map and our unflinching efforts to see it through.

As members of the GPH negotiating panel, we will do everything in the remaining time we have to ensure that the infrastructure for implementing the peace accord are fully functional so that the next administration will be in a good position to carry forward the full implementation of the agreement.

The road map laid out in the CAB remains viable even as we shall now be crafting adjustments in the timeline.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=853505

4 PAF aeromedical planners to participate in Cope North 2016

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 3): 4 PAF aeromedical planners to participate in Cope North 2016

Four aeromedical planners of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) will be participating in this year's Cope North 16 which will start on Feb. 10 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

This was disclosed by PAF spokesperson Col. Enrico Canaya in a message to reporters Wednesday.

"Four aeromedical planners will participate in (the) HADR (humanitarian assistance disaster relief) portion of Cope North 2016 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam (which will start) from Feb. 10 to 17," he added.

The entire Cope North 16 exercises will end on February 26.

Canaya also said the PAF has also deployed medical teams in last year's Cope North activities.

Cope North 2016 major participants include the US Air Force, US Navy, Japan Air Self-Defense Force and Royal Australian Air Force.

While additional participant are the PAF, Republic of Korea Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Around 930 US airmen and sailors will train alongside approximately 490 JASDF, 375 RAAF, 20 ROKAF, 35 RNZAF and four PAF service members.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=853490

114 M-113A2 units to be commissioned Thursday

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 3): 114 M-113A2 units to be commissioned Thursday

The Mechanized Infantry Division (MID) on Thursday will formally receive and commission the 114 M-113A2 armored personnel carriers (APCs) acquired through the US Excess Defense Articles (EDA).

This was disclosed by Army spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao in an interview Wednesday.

The first 77 units were shipped on December 9, 2015 while the remaining 37 units were delivered on December 14, 2015.

The 114 M-113A2 will be formally turned over to Army commander Lt. Gen. Eduardo Ano who will then hand it to MID head Major Gen. Edgar Gonzales during short ceremonies in Camp O' Donnell, Capas, Tarlac Thursday.

All weapons, radios and other equipment of these APCs are installed, making them mission-capable.

"These equipment will be brought down the line to complete the Table of Equipment (TOE) (of all MID battalions)and will enhance our speed (of deployment) and our personnel protection," the Army spokesperson said.

The MID has five mechanized battalion with the theoretical TOE of 36 armored vehicles each.

The EDA Program grants excess US military equipment, without cost, to qualified allied countries.

The transfer is a result of a formal request made by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to assist in their defense modernization efforts.

The M-113A2 was developed to provide a survivable and reliable light tracked vehicle that allows troops to be brought forward under armor for dismounted operations.

Commissioning of these vehicles will greatly boost the numbers of the 343 armored vehicle-strong MID.

The AFP virtually got these additional armored assets for free saved for the shipping costs which amounted to PHP67.5 million and refitting of .50 caliber machine guns to the APCs.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=853530

2 rebels killed, 4 M-16 rifles seized as Army troops capture NPA camp

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 3): 2 rebels killed, 4 M-16 rifles seized as Army troops capture NPA camp

Two New People's Army (NPA) fighters were killed while four M-16 automatic rifles were seized as troopers from the 2nd Infantry Battalion captured a rebel camp in Bato, Camarines Sur Wednesday afternoon.

Southern Luzon Command spokesperson Lt. Col. Angelo Guzman said the clash took place 12:50 p.m. at the vicinity of Barangay San Isidro of the above-mentioned locality.

He added government security troops were on patrol when they encountered an estimated 10 rebels which led to a 20-minute firefight.

Two NPAs were seen to fall during the gunbattle, with one rebel dead, recovered by Army troops.

Pursuit soldiers also recovered four M-16s in the encounter scene along with five combat packs, a laptop and several subversive documents.

Guzman said the rebels were on a temporary encampment when troops made the attack.

He stressed further said that IEDs were laid as perimeter defense of the rebels.

No losses were reported on the government side.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=853644

BBL death brings hope to MNLF agreements

From the Philippine Star (Feb 3): BBL death brings hope to MNLF agreements

An official of the Moro National Liberation Front has welcomed the failure of Congress to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), saying it saved the peace agreement between the government and the MNLF that was signed in Tripoli, Libya in 1976.

“What saves the situation is the death of the BBL. Had the BBL gone through Congress and the Senate and become a law, wala na talaga ang MNLF,” said Habib Mujahab Hashim, chairman of the MNLF’s Islamic Command Council (ICC).

Hashim claimed that the government violated the Tripoli agreement and the 1996 final peace accords when it signed the framework and comprehensive agreement of the Bangsamoro – blueprint of the BBL – with the MNLF’s rival faction, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

He said the intention was really to erase MNLF and to abrogate the 1976 Tripoli accord.

“So they failed to do that, they have no other choice but to go back to the legal, internationally recognized agreements – the 1996 final peace agreement and the 1976 Tripoli Accord,” Hashim said.

Hashim, who attended the 5th Tripartite Ministerial meeting last week in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia between the Philippine government, MNLF and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), said the meeting was an indication that the government was going back to deal with the MNLF.

The 5th Tripartite Ministerial meeting saw the conclusion of the tripartite review on the implementation of the MNLF 1996 final peace accord, paving the way for the implementation of four consensus points.

The agreement includes the establishment of the Bangsamoro Development Assistance Fund (BDAF) that will be used for socio-economic development projects for MNLF communities.

The agreement on the Co-Management of Strategic Minerals will be referred to the Oversight Committee created by the Organic Act for the continuation of its devolution process.

Also discussed were the participation of the MNLF in the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) of the envisioned Bangsamoro parliament and the creation of the Tripartite Implementation Monitoring Committee (TIMC), a body that will oversee the implementation of all points of consensus arrived at by the TRP.

The communiqué was signed by Undersecretary Jose Lorena for the Philippine government, and Randolph Parcasio and Muslimin Sema on behalf of the MNLF as principals, along with OIC Secretary General Iyad bin Amin Madani for the 57-nation OIC.

Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles and Samsula Adju of the MNLF signed as witnesses.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/02/03/1549210/bbl-death-brings-hope-mnlf-agreements

Army honors soldier injured in encounter

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 3): Army honors soldier injured in encounter

The Army's 3rd Infantry Division commended a soldier, who was injured during an encounter with suspected New People's Army rebels linked to the killing of an unarmed member of a Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, recently.

Private First Class Ronald Dejilla, a member of the 11 th Infantry Battalion, was conferred the Wounded Personnel Medal by Brig. Gen. Harold Cabreros, 3ID commander, at Camp Peralta Station Hospital in Jamindan, Capiz.

The medal   is awarded to members and civilians employed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, who got injured in combat with enemy of the state.

Lt. Col. Jonathan Gayas, 3rd Civil Military Operations Battalion chief, said Dejilla is just one of the dedicated soldiers of the 3ID who continue to secure and protect the populace from lawless elements .

Gayas said the 3ID leadership also ensures that the sacrifices of its personnel are recognized and the wounded is given the best medical care.

Dejilla and his colleagues figured in an encounter with NPA rebels who had killed CAFGU member Uldarico Lumahan Jan. 16 in Himamaylan City.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2016/February/03/negor4.htm

3ID ‘Transformation Roadmap' supporters recognized

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 3): 3ID ‘Transformation Roadmap' supporters recognized

Members of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division Multi-Sector Advisory Board were given recognition Monday for their continued support in promoting continuity, sustainability and shared responsibility for the 3ID Transformation Roadmap.

Brig. Gen. Harold Cabreros, 3ID commander, awarded the certificate of recognition to Dr. Julius Drilon, chief of the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City, Roberto Montelibano of PRISM Export Inc., Iloilo Rep. Jerry Treñas, Dr. Luis Sorolla Jr., president of West Visayas State University, Isabel Grace Villegas - president/founder of Kayang Kayang Mission International, Ana Burgos - director of the National Commission on Indigenous People Region 6, John Patrick Onggao - youth representative for Region 6, Toni June Tamayo - director of TESDA Region 6, Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco, and German Dollete of the Office of Disaster Coordinator, West Visayas University.

Lt. Col. Rey Tiongson, 3ID spokesman, said that Cabreros thanked the MSAB members for encouraging the concept of shared responsibility in good governance, fostering continuity of policies and programs, providing expert opinion and advice on program execution, and helping generate additional resources that contributed to the attainment of the goals of the 3ID Transformation Roadmap.

The 3ID MSAB was organized September 9, 2014, with Treñas as its chairman and with members from key sectors of society in Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region.

Since it was organized, Tiongson said the 3ID MSAB held four meetings that resulted to the formulation and realization of projects, such as the donation of an ambulance to Camp Peralta Station Hospital, conduct of two batches of Computer Hardware Servicing NC II trainings to 3ID personnel and dependents, developing a Performance Survey on 3ID by external stakeholders through the academe (West Visayas State University), and the donation of 32 fishing boats to victims of typhoon Yolanda in Iloilo.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2016/February/03/negor3.htm