From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 17): Army: IPSP Bayanihan in Negros successful
As it draws to a close by the end of this year, Philippine Army officials in Negros say the implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan on the island is a success.
This was the general assessment of Col. Francisco Delfin, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia, Negros Occidental and Lt. Col. Roderick Garcia, commander of the 79th Infantry Battalion based in Tanjay, Negros Oriental.
The Army officials issued their statements in an interview following a weekend meeting by the local Bantay Bayanihan, a multi-sectoral group tasked to monitor the implementation of the IPSP Bayanihan in Negros Oriental.
According to Col. Delfin, the people are responding positively to the various activities being implemented under IPSP Bayanihan for peace and development.
Unlike in the past when people would cower in fear or even hide upon seeing uniformed Army soldiers, today, the citizenry welcomes the presence of these government troops in their communities, Col. Delfin pointed out.
Delfin said they are getting positive feedback from the civil society organizations (CSOs) on the change in people’s perception of the Army today, which he attributes largely to the government’s transformation program of the Philippine Army.
The transformation program puts emphasis on professionalism and “adherence to international human rights laws”, Delfin stressed.
“You can see that our operations now are not tainted with complaints of human rights violations,” he pointed out.
In the one year and a half since his assignment to Negros Island, Col. Delfin disclosed that he has not seen or received any complaint of human rights violations by any of his men.
The transformation program has greatly helped in the success of the IPSP Bayanihan as people now have the trust and confidence in the Army and are now cooperating with the government troops, Delfin said.
For his part, Lt. Col. Garcia of the 79th IB points to the peace initiatives in the 2nd and 3rd districts of Negros Oriental where “conflict has been managed”.
Garcia said the operations and activities of the New People’s Army (NPA) have “scaled down” in these areas as he cited the local government units and the CSOs for their support and cooperation in the peace efforts.
After these areas where cleared of the insurgency problem, the 79th IB is now into non-traditional efforts such as participating in socio-civic activities like treeplanting, Brigada Eskwela, coastal clean-up, and medical and dental missions, among others, Garcia said.
These non-combat activities have actually brought the Army closer to the people, according to Garcia.
“We just want the people to know that we are here to help alleviate their lives and for peace and development to take place in their area,” he added.
The 79th IB, Garcia said, also provides manpower to the Philippine National Police (PNP) when needed as well as being on call 24/7 during disasters and other emergencies.
When asked what will happen when the IPSP Bayanihan terminates at the end of this year, Col. Delfin assured that the leadership of the AFP is continuously assessing the campaign to determine if there is a need for its continuation.
The IPSP Bayanihan is a campaign of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and shared and co-authored by other stakeholders in the non-government sector in winning the peace and reeled off on January 1, 2010.
Col. Delfin disclosed that while some parts of Negros still are affected by the insurgency, the problem is no longer as critical as it was in the recent years.
Meanwhile, Marietta Jambora, convener of the Bantay Bayanihan in Negros Oriental, explained that the weekend meeting was part of the IPSP Bayanihan nationwide research to conduct an evaluation and assessment of the strengths, weaknesses, challenges and accomplishments of the campaign plan since its implementation.
Jambora further explained that these will be submitted, along with recommendations, shall be submitted to the General Headquarters of the AFP “as inputs to the crafting of the next campaign plan”.
On Tuesday, October 18, 2016, the GHQ-AFP will be sitting down with the Security Reform Initiative (SRI), the national secretariat of the Bantay Bayanihan network nationwide, to discuss the “IPSP Bayanihan’s impacts from a security reform perspective”, said Jambora.
Bantay Bayanihan is a network of civil society organizations, now reaching 150 network-members in 16 conflict-affected areas nationwide performing an oversight function on the AFP’s implementation of IPSP Bayanihan and opening dialogue spaces for peace and security reform issues.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=931995
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Firearms seized from abandoned camp of self-claimed MNLF faction in N. Cotabato
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): Firearms seized from abandoned camp of self-claimed MNLF faction in N. Cotabato
Joint military and police forces seized several firearms from an armed group claiming to be a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in remote Barangay Guangan here.
Lt. Col. Harold Argamoza, Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion commander, said that recovered from the abandoned makeshift camp of the Bangsamoro Royal Republik (BRP) in the village were a 9 mm caliber pistol, a .45 caliber pistol and a 12-gauge shotgun.
Also retrieved were a BRP signage, photos, documents and an MNLF flag.
Argamoza said that combined local police and 38th IB personnel swooped down on the village after receiving reports that the BRP group is organizing and establishing an encampment in the area.
“We verified the report and confirmed the presence of the self-confessed MNLF group in Guangan,” he said.
Argamoza said they coordinated with local village officials on their operation, tagging along Datu Rodney Fuerte, who chairs the Municipal Federation of Tribal Chieftain, as witness to their action.
The camp, however, has been deserted before the raiding team arrived.
Earlier reports said a certain Datu Monreal, who was recruiting natives in adjacent Kidapawan City to join their cause, headed the group.
The BRP moved to the interiors of this town after Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista issued a cease and desist order for the group’s recruitment activity.
Local MNLF leaders based in Kidapawan City have denied the claim of Monreal that they were a part of the organic MNLF group.
The MNLF, then under founding chair Nur Misuari, inked a final peace accord with the national government on Sept. 2, 1996.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=932298
Joint military and police forces seized several firearms from an armed group claiming to be a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in remote Barangay Guangan here.
Lt. Col. Harold Argamoza, Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion commander, said that recovered from the abandoned makeshift camp of the Bangsamoro Royal Republik (BRP) in the village were a 9 mm caliber pistol, a .45 caliber pistol and a 12-gauge shotgun.
Also retrieved were a BRP signage, photos, documents and an MNLF flag.
Argamoza said that combined local police and 38th IB personnel swooped down on the village after receiving reports that the BRP group is organizing and establishing an encampment in the area.
“We verified the report and confirmed the presence of the self-confessed MNLF group in Guangan,” he said.
Argamoza said they coordinated with local village officials on their operation, tagging along Datu Rodney Fuerte, who chairs the Municipal Federation of Tribal Chieftain, as witness to their action.
The camp, however, has been deserted before the raiding team arrived.
Earlier reports said a certain Datu Monreal, who was recruiting natives in adjacent Kidapawan City to join their cause, headed the group.
The BRP moved to the interiors of this town after Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista issued a cease and desist order for the group’s recruitment activity.
Local MNLF leaders based in Kidapawan City have denied the claim of Monreal that they were a part of the organic MNLF group.
The MNLF, then under founding chair Nur Misuari, inked a final peace accord with the national government on Sept. 2, 1996.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=932298
(Feature) Late Major Pedro M. Quezon cited by PVAO as unsung hero of WWII
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 16): (Feature) Late Major Pedro M. Quezon cited by PVAO as unsung hero of WWII
At the outbreak of World War II in 1941, Pedro M. Quezon, 21, a fresh graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) with the rank of second lieutenant, joined the guerrilla forces to fight the invading Japanese forces.
At PMA, the young Quezon was always top of his class in hand-to-hand fighting. He was a bayonet expert, and excelled in boxing and wrestling champion.
Quezon reinforced his extraordinary skills as he was a sharpshooter in both rifle and pistol.
His expertise in various fields of warfare enabled him to organize a guerrilla fighting unit to fight the mighty Imperial Japanese Forces in Luzon, particularly after Bataan fell on April 9, 1942.
Quezon led many ambuscades of Japanese troops that wandered into the forests of Bataan, Zambales, Tarlac, Pampanga, and other nearby provinces with great success.
One of the biggest victories scored by Quezon and his guerrilla unit was the capture of the strategic Aglaloma Cave in Central Luzon where the superior Japanese forces were badly beaten.
Records at the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) disclosed that it was a bloody fighting that earned Quezon a “Medal of Valor – On the Spot” award.
For his bravery in battle, Quezon was promoted to major.
In no time, the Quezon guerrilla unit became a byword of the Japanese forces that he was number one in the wanted list – dead or alive.
Retired Brig. Gen. Resty Aguilar, chief of the Veterans Memorial and Historical Division of PVAO, said that Lt. Quezon’s aggressiveness “was a serious menace to the enemy, (the Japanese), who, at gunpoint, threatened to kill his (Quezon’s) pregnant wife – Buenaventurada unless she tells his (Quezon’s) whereabouts.”
For three years, from 1941 to 1944, Quezon led his guerrilla forces – using hit-and-run tactics in harassing Japanese troops that the latter pressed for his manhunt.
But fate had caught up with Maj. Quezon when he was kidnapped by the Japanese troops who tortured and killed him when he refused to reveal the whereabouts of other guerrillas, including his brothers-in-law who had joined the guerrilla forces.
For his heroism, Maj. Quezon also earned various awards such as the American Defense Second Medal (USA), Asia-Pacific Theater Award (USA), and the Presidential Unit Citation Award.
Maj. Quezon was born in Mabatang, Abucay, Bataan in 1920. His parents were Ramon Quezon and Dominga Mercado.
Quezon was the first son of Mabatang and probably the first of Bataan to graduate from the Philippine Military Academy.
In 1996, the Mabatang United Citizens recognized Quezon's heroism and patriotism.
PVAO, under retired Lt. Gen. Ernesto G. Carolina, has been chronicling the heroism of Filipino fighting men, who fought during the Second World War and the Korean War, and the humanitarian and civic action efforts by the Philippine Civic Action Group (PHILCAG) during the Vietnam War to perpetuate the bravery of the Filipino soldiers in the defense of freedom and democracy.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=10&sid=&nid=10&rid=931748
At the outbreak of World War II in 1941, Pedro M. Quezon, 21, a fresh graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) with the rank of second lieutenant, joined the guerrilla forces to fight the invading Japanese forces.
At PMA, the young Quezon was always top of his class in hand-to-hand fighting. He was a bayonet expert, and excelled in boxing and wrestling champion.
Quezon reinforced his extraordinary skills as he was a sharpshooter in both rifle and pistol.
His expertise in various fields of warfare enabled him to organize a guerrilla fighting unit to fight the mighty Imperial Japanese Forces in Luzon, particularly after Bataan fell on April 9, 1942.
Quezon led many ambuscades of Japanese troops that wandered into the forests of Bataan, Zambales, Tarlac, Pampanga, and other nearby provinces with great success.
One of the biggest victories scored by Quezon and his guerrilla unit was the capture of the strategic Aglaloma Cave in Central Luzon where the superior Japanese forces were badly beaten.
Records at the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) disclosed that it was a bloody fighting that earned Quezon a “Medal of Valor – On the Spot” award.
For his bravery in battle, Quezon was promoted to major.
In no time, the Quezon guerrilla unit became a byword of the Japanese forces that he was number one in the wanted list – dead or alive.
Retired Brig. Gen. Resty Aguilar, chief of the Veterans Memorial and Historical Division of PVAO, said that Lt. Quezon’s aggressiveness “was a serious menace to the enemy, (the Japanese), who, at gunpoint, threatened to kill his (Quezon’s) pregnant wife – Buenaventurada unless she tells his (Quezon’s) whereabouts.”
For three years, from 1941 to 1944, Quezon led his guerrilla forces – using hit-and-run tactics in harassing Japanese troops that the latter pressed for his manhunt.
But fate had caught up with Maj. Quezon when he was kidnapped by the Japanese troops who tortured and killed him when he refused to reveal the whereabouts of other guerrillas, including his brothers-in-law who had joined the guerrilla forces.
For his heroism, Maj. Quezon also earned various awards such as the American Defense Second Medal (USA), Asia-Pacific Theater Award (USA), and the Presidential Unit Citation Award.
Maj. Quezon was born in Mabatang, Abucay, Bataan in 1920. His parents were Ramon Quezon and Dominga Mercado.
Quezon was the first son of Mabatang and probably the first of Bataan to graduate from the Philippine Military Academy.
In 1996, the Mabatang United Citizens recognized Quezon's heroism and patriotism.
PVAO, under retired Lt. Gen. Ernesto G. Carolina, has been chronicling the heroism of Filipino fighting men, who fought during the Second World War and the Korean War, and the humanitarian and civic action efforts by the Philippine Civic Action Group (PHILCAG) during the Vietnam War to perpetuate the bravery of the Filipino soldiers in the defense of freedom and democracy.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=10&sid=&nid=10&rid=931748
Sen. Lacson insists on need to abolish ‘padrino system’ in PNP appointments
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): Sen. Lacson insists on need to abolish ‘padrino system’ in PNP appointments
Senator Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday stressed anew the importance of giving the provincial/district directors of the Philippine National Police (PNP) the authority to select the city or town chief of police in an effort to abolish the ‘padrino system’ (political patronage) among uniformed men and women.
“Professionalism is missing here because police officers who want to be COPs (chiefs of police) or PD (police directors) simply approach governors and mayors,” Lacson, a former PNP chief, told reporters in an interview.
“What happens is, the principle of the chain of command is invalidated. The loyalty goes to the local government executives. That’s why there are abuses,” he added.
Lacson’s measure, Senate Bill 971, also gives the PNP regional director the authority to choose the provincial/district director.
He explained that this measure is meant to encourage local police commanders to concentrate on their job and not be indebted to local executives who invoke their appointive authority.
The senator pointed out that past controversies have developed the perception that conflict of interest arises when provincial directors and police chiefs are indebted to local chief executives because of the latter’s appointive authority.
At present, the law considers governors and mayors as deputized representatives of the National Police Commission in their respective territorial jurisdictions, with governors choosing the police provincial director and mayors selecting the local city or town chief of police.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=932404
Senator Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday stressed anew the importance of giving the provincial/district directors of the Philippine National Police (PNP) the authority to select the city or town chief of police in an effort to abolish the ‘padrino system’ (political patronage) among uniformed men and women.
“Professionalism is missing here because police officers who want to be COPs (chiefs of police) or PD (police directors) simply approach governors and mayors,” Lacson, a former PNP chief, told reporters in an interview.
“What happens is, the principle of the chain of command is invalidated. The loyalty goes to the local government executives. That’s why there are abuses,” he added.
Lacson’s measure, Senate Bill 971, also gives the PNP regional director the authority to choose the provincial/district director.
He explained that this measure is meant to encourage local police commanders to concentrate on their job and not be indebted to local executives who invoke their appointive authority.
The senator pointed out that past controversies have developed the perception that conflict of interest arises when provincial directors and police chiefs are indebted to local chief executives because of the latter’s appointive authority.
At present, the law considers governors and mayors as deputized representatives of the National Police Commission in their respective territorial jurisdictions, with governors choosing the police provincial director and mayors selecting the local city or town chief of police.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=932404
Combat pay hike included in 2017 budget -- House leader
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 17): Combat pay hike included in 2017 budget -- House leader
House deputy speaker and Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya, Jr. said on Monday the combat pay increase is included in the proposed 2017 national budget as the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) claimed earlier.
Despite having doubts on which particular part of the proposed budget it will come from, Andaya said in a press conference that the combat pay hike for qualified officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) is part of the proposed budget for next year.
"Meron daw pagkukunan sa budget (It will be supposedly sourced from the budget)… We just have to rely on their (DBM) word at this point in time," said the lawmaker.
Andaya, also a former Budget secretary, said the House has not received any "formal explanation" yet as to specifically where will the officials get the money for combat pay hike.
"Not that I'm not convinced. It’s just a normal way of thinking. The executive order was signed in September. The budget was submitted (to the Congress) in August. How can it be included there?," asked the Camarines Sur representative.
President Rodrigo Duterte signed on Sept. 26 his third executive order, which includes the increase of combat duty pay of AFP and PNP uniformed personnel from maximum rate of PHP340 for PNP, PHP500 for AFP to a fixed rate of PHP3,000 per month.
Andaya said around PHP12 billion will be allotted only for combat duty pay.
He also mentioned that 80 percent of the AFP and PNP total population are currently qualified for the combat duty allowance.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=931937
House deputy speaker and Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya, Jr. said on Monday the combat pay increase is included in the proposed 2017 national budget as the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) claimed earlier.
Despite having doubts on which particular part of the proposed budget it will come from, Andaya said in a press conference that the combat pay hike for qualified officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) is part of the proposed budget for next year.
"Meron daw pagkukunan sa budget (It will be supposedly sourced from the budget)… We just have to rely on their (DBM) word at this point in time," said the lawmaker.
Andaya, also a former Budget secretary, said the House has not received any "formal explanation" yet as to specifically where will the officials get the money for combat pay hike.
"Not that I'm not convinced. It’s just a normal way of thinking. The executive order was signed in September. The budget was submitted (to the Congress) in August. How can it be included there?," asked the Camarines Sur representative.
President Rodrigo Duterte signed on Sept. 26 his third executive order, which includes the increase of combat duty pay of AFP and PNP uniformed personnel from maximum rate of PHP340 for PNP, PHP500 for AFP to a fixed rate of PHP3,000 per month.
Andaya said around PHP12 billion will be allotted only for combat duty pay.
He also mentioned that 80 percent of the AFP and PNP total population are currently qualified for the combat duty allowance.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=931937
Tribal leaders ask Congress to address militarization, land use conversion of ancestral lands
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): Tribal leaders ask Congress to address militarization, land use conversion of ancestral lands
Leaders of various national minority groups called on the House of Representatives on Tuesday to help them in the fight against land-grabbing and the militarization of their communities under the continuing implementation of Oplan Bayanihan.
Leaders include Matigsalog woman chieftain Bai Bibyaon Ligkayan Bigkay, Datu Cho Monico, Jerome Aba of Suara Bangsamoro, Minda Dalinan of the Kahugpungan ng mga Lumad sa Halayong Habagatang Mindanao, and Nenita Condez of the Salabukan Nok G’Taw Subanen.
The tribal leaders, who are part of the ongoing “Lakbayan ng Pambansang Minorya para sa Sariling Pagpapasya at Makatarungang Kapayapaan,” decried the continued militarization of ancestral lands through Oplan Bayanihan.
In a news briefing Tuesday, Kabataan Partylist Rep. Sarah Elago said Oplan Bayanihan, which she described as a “counterinsurgency scheme”, continues to terrorize tribal communities.
The tribal leaders also called on Congress to support the proposed two-year ban on land use conversion, saying that land use conversion has also affected ancestral lands, which are being turned into agro-industrial plantations, especially in Mindanao.
“Even our national minorities attest to the fact that land use conversion of agricultural lands is a monster that must be reined in. In this light, we urge Congress to support the 2-year land use conversion moratorium of agricultural lands, which addresses the longstanding ploy of unscrupulous landowners and real estate developers to convert prime agricultural lands for industrial, residential, and commercial purposes to escape coverage from the agrarian reform law,” Elago said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=932387
Leaders of various national minority groups called on the House of Representatives on Tuesday to help them in the fight against land-grabbing and the militarization of their communities under the continuing implementation of Oplan Bayanihan.
Leaders include Matigsalog woman chieftain Bai Bibyaon Ligkayan Bigkay, Datu Cho Monico, Jerome Aba of Suara Bangsamoro, Minda Dalinan of the Kahugpungan ng mga Lumad sa Halayong Habagatang Mindanao, and Nenita Condez of the Salabukan Nok G’Taw Subanen.
The tribal leaders, who are part of the ongoing “Lakbayan ng Pambansang Minorya para sa Sariling Pagpapasya at Makatarungang Kapayapaan,” decried the continued militarization of ancestral lands through Oplan Bayanihan.
In a news briefing Tuesday, Kabataan Partylist Rep. Sarah Elago said Oplan Bayanihan, which she described as a “counterinsurgency scheme”, continues to terrorize tribal communities.
The tribal leaders also called on Congress to support the proposed two-year ban on land use conversion, saying that land use conversion has also affected ancestral lands, which are being turned into agro-industrial plantations, especially in Mindanao.
“Even our national minorities attest to the fact that land use conversion of agricultural lands is a monster that must be reined in. In this light, we urge Congress to support the 2-year land use conversion moratorium of agricultural lands, which addresses the longstanding ploy of unscrupulous landowners and real estate developers to convert prime agricultural lands for industrial, residential, and commercial purposes to escape coverage from the agrarian reform law,” Elago said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=932387
AFP well aware of NPA recruitment efforts
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 17): AFP well aware of NPA recruitment efforts
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is well aware of the recruiting drive being conducted by some factions of the New People's Army (NPA).
But due to the prevailing suspension-of-military operations brought about by the ongoing peace talks between the government and the insurgents, the AFP cannot just take any punitive actions against rebels.
"AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya, upon learning of this, ordered us to take note of the said recruitment, record it and bring it up in the proper forum when the time comes, we will be able to determine what are the actions that we’re suppose to take when in the future (recruitment) will be considered as a violation of the ceasefire agreement, then we might be given the mechanism of redress, or the course of the action needed to stop the recruitment," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said.
At present, the AFP is now discussing the issue with its leadership and if necessary, they will bring it to the attention of those sitting in the peace panel.
Arevalo added that they have no figures on how many recruits the NPAs did manage to get but stressed the numbers are not that significant.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=931968
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is well aware of the recruiting drive being conducted by some factions of the New People's Army (NPA).
But due to the prevailing suspension-of-military operations brought about by the ongoing peace talks between the government and the insurgents, the AFP cannot just take any punitive actions against rebels.
"AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya, upon learning of this, ordered us to take note of the said recruitment, record it and bring it up in the proper forum when the time comes, we will be able to determine what are the actions that we’re suppose to take when in the future (recruitment) will be considered as a violation of the ceasefire agreement, then we might be given the mechanism of redress, or the course of the action needed to stop the recruitment," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said.
At present, the AFP is now discussing the issue with its leadership and if necessary, they will bring it to the attention of those sitting in the peace panel.
Arevalo added that they have no figures on how many recruits the NPAs did manage to get but stressed the numbers are not that significant.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=931968
Moro millennials doing their best to achieve peace
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): Moro millennials doing their best to achieve peace
Bangsamoro leader Datu Beds Kali, a member of the so-called millennial generation, is doing his best to educate his fellow youths in the value of a just and honorable peace.
His selflessness in this initiative dismissed claims that his generation are only concerned for "instant gratification" and themselves.
Kali has lived all of his nineteen years in Cotabato City, a place that’s often the setting for a socio-political landscape marred by blood, conflict, and social and economic injustices.
However, together with other Bangsamoro millenials, the former has dedicated his life to re-setting the course of this narrative into one rooted on a culture of peace, justice and nourishment of diversity.
“I have lived in an area in Mindanao that is among the most affected by war and conflict. We have witnessed firsthand violence and the unfairness of the world, in this corner alone. When there is conflict, we see our lives being flashed on the television screen, as if people here didn’t get hurt or didn’t personally get affected by those conflicts, those catastrophes,” he said.
“They call us ‘the future of tomorrow’, but how can that be, if we are prevented from attending school because there are no more classrooms? And the few ones left are re-purposed as evacuation centers? Our mothers worry day and night, praying for the safety of their husbands and children. It is sad, but ‘round here, prayers don’t always get answered," Kali added.
The horrors of armed-conflict and the additional layer of injustice brought about by misrepresentation and inaccurate reports in the media made Kali and other Moro youth leaders realize that the ill effects of today’s armed conflicts will continue to reverberate until the next Bangsamoro generation.
“I have witnessed how my people have struggled for peace. Amidst cries, shouts, and pleads to give peace a chance, I have seen my people struggle. We are all victims of violence and negative stereotypes; and these things will continue if we do not rectify prevailing social and historical injustices,” he added.
A recent Youth Development Index (YDI) report by the National Youth Commission (NYC) noted that youth participation in the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is relatively low compared to other regions.
This dismal data prevails, despite the fact that the youth comprise 25 percent or 6.8 million of the total population of Mindanao.
Results of the said study show that the ARMM scored 0.14 overall; the poorest among all regions and is indicative of major obstacles to youth development in the area. A breakdown of that score shows that the region received poor grades, throughout: an alarming 0.185 in education; 0.039 in employment; 0.162 in health; and 0.14 in participation.
Moreover, in the 2013 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), it was found that the ARMM has the highest number of out-of-school children and youth among all regions in the country, pegged at 14.4 percent.
The said survey also showed that the Muslim Mindanao region had the lowest functional literacy rate of 72.1 percent, the primary reasons being, “26 percent of those who dropped out left their classrooms to look for jobs; 17.7 percent to marry, and 16.5 percent lost interest in pursuing their basic education.”
Meanwhile, a 2016 report by the United Nations Security Council indicated that “sporadic low-intensity clashes continue to affect children, predominantly in Mindanao, despite limited large-scale armed engagements in the past year.”
The report also mentioned that children are “significantly affected by violent extremism in the past years” and that “they are often targeted by different terror acts to cause more casualties and fear among the communities”.
The report was released pursuant to Security Council resolution 2225 (2015), highlighting recent global trends regarding the impact of armed conflict on children as well as grave violations committed against children in 2015.
Kali is currently taking up an undergraduate degree in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM).
He has served as a regional representative for the National Youth for Sin Tax; the USM chapter president of civil society organization MYPEACE, Inc. and founder of upstart organization Freethinkers Philippines.
For Kali, the youth plays a vital role in peace-building especially in educating the people on Moro history as well as on the culture and origin of the Bangsamoro armed struggle.
“Millennials can do many things to contribute to peace-building. We have the time, ideas and skills to strategize and put into motion concepts that will eventually strengthen our advocacy for peace. Our wide array of specializations can also be instrumental in making peace happen,” he added.
Currently, Kali has been organizing interfaith dialogues and joining peace conventions to know more about the ways the youth can contribute in advocating for peace.
“With the skills and ideas we have, we can easily initiate and ignite things up which will strengthen our peace advocacy," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=932163
Bangsamoro leader Datu Beds Kali, a member of the so-called millennial generation, is doing his best to educate his fellow youths in the value of a just and honorable peace.
His selflessness in this initiative dismissed claims that his generation are only concerned for "instant gratification" and themselves.
Kali has lived all of his nineteen years in Cotabato City, a place that’s often the setting for a socio-political landscape marred by blood, conflict, and social and economic injustices.
However, together with other Bangsamoro millenials, the former has dedicated his life to re-setting the course of this narrative into one rooted on a culture of peace, justice and nourishment of diversity.
“I have lived in an area in Mindanao that is among the most affected by war and conflict. We have witnessed firsthand violence and the unfairness of the world, in this corner alone. When there is conflict, we see our lives being flashed on the television screen, as if people here didn’t get hurt or didn’t personally get affected by those conflicts, those catastrophes,” he said.
“They call us ‘the future of tomorrow’, but how can that be, if we are prevented from attending school because there are no more classrooms? And the few ones left are re-purposed as evacuation centers? Our mothers worry day and night, praying for the safety of their husbands and children. It is sad, but ‘round here, prayers don’t always get answered," Kali added.
The horrors of armed-conflict and the additional layer of injustice brought about by misrepresentation and inaccurate reports in the media made Kali and other Moro youth leaders realize that the ill effects of today’s armed conflicts will continue to reverberate until the next Bangsamoro generation.
“I have witnessed how my people have struggled for peace. Amidst cries, shouts, and pleads to give peace a chance, I have seen my people struggle. We are all victims of violence and negative stereotypes; and these things will continue if we do not rectify prevailing social and historical injustices,” he added.
A recent Youth Development Index (YDI) report by the National Youth Commission (NYC) noted that youth participation in the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is relatively low compared to other regions.
This dismal data prevails, despite the fact that the youth comprise 25 percent or 6.8 million of the total population of Mindanao.
Results of the said study show that the ARMM scored 0.14 overall; the poorest among all regions and is indicative of major obstacles to youth development in the area. A breakdown of that score shows that the region received poor grades, throughout: an alarming 0.185 in education; 0.039 in employment; 0.162 in health; and 0.14 in participation.
Moreover, in the 2013 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), it was found that the ARMM has the highest number of out-of-school children and youth among all regions in the country, pegged at 14.4 percent.
The said survey also showed that the Muslim Mindanao region had the lowest functional literacy rate of 72.1 percent, the primary reasons being, “26 percent of those who dropped out left their classrooms to look for jobs; 17.7 percent to marry, and 16.5 percent lost interest in pursuing their basic education.”
Meanwhile, a 2016 report by the United Nations Security Council indicated that “sporadic low-intensity clashes continue to affect children, predominantly in Mindanao, despite limited large-scale armed engagements in the past year.”
The report also mentioned that children are “significantly affected by violent extremism in the past years” and that “they are often targeted by different terror acts to cause more casualties and fear among the communities”.
The report was released pursuant to Security Council resolution 2225 (2015), highlighting recent global trends regarding the impact of armed conflict on children as well as grave violations committed against children in 2015.
Kali is currently taking up an undergraduate degree in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM).
He has served as a regional representative for the National Youth for Sin Tax; the USM chapter president of civil society organization MYPEACE, Inc. and founder of upstart organization Freethinkers Philippines.
For Kali, the youth plays a vital role in peace-building especially in educating the people on Moro history as well as on the culture and origin of the Bangsamoro armed struggle.
“Millennials can do many things to contribute to peace-building. We have the time, ideas and skills to strategize and put into motion concepts that will eventually strengthen our advocacy for peace. Our wide array of specializations can also be instrumental in making peace happen,” he added.
Currently, Kali has been organizing interfaith dialogues and joining peace conventions to know more about the ways the youth can contribute in advocating for peace.
“With the skills and ideas we have, we can easily initiate and ignite things up which will strengthen our peace advocacy," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=932163
ASG member gunned down for grabbing firearm of arresting officer in Tawi-Tawi
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): ASG member gunned down for grabbing firearm of arresting officer in Tawi-Tawi
A member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), wanted for serious illegal detention and kidnapping, was shot and killed after he allegedly tried to grab the firearm of one of his arresting officers in Tawi-Tawi Monday afternoon.
The incident took place 1:00 p.m. at Barangay Magsagaw, Panglima Sugala, said Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Filemon Tan.
He identified the slain ASG as Ustab Anji.
Seized from the suspect's possession was a .45 caliber pistol and a fragmentation grenade.
Tan said Anji was arrested initially by members of Marine Landing Team Landing-9 and the Panglima Sugala Police.
While headed towards the police facility, the bandit allegedly tried to grab the weapon of one of the escorting officers, prompting other security men to shot him dead.
The suspect has pending cases of serious illegal detention and kidnapping, Tan added.
Anji was also involved in the Sidapan hostage in 2000 and had a monetary reward of PHP350,000.
He was also tagged in the recent kidnappings of Indonesian and Malaysian nationals.
The military has already coordinated with the local police for the proper disposition of the suspect's cadaver.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=932202
A member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), wanted for serious illegal detention and kidnapping, was shot and killed after he allegedly tried to grab the firearm of one of his arresting officers in Tawi-Tawi Monday afternoon.
The incident took place 1:00 p.m. at Barangay Magsagaw, Panglima Sugala, said Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Filemon Tan.
He identified the slain ASG as Ustab Anji.
Seized from the suspect's possession was a .45 caliber pistol and a fragmentation grenade.
Tan said Anji was arrested initially by members of Marine Landing Team Landing-9 and the Panglima Sugala Police.
While headed towards the police facility, the bandit allegedly tried to grab the weapon of one of the escorting officers, prompting other security men to shot him dead.
The suspect has pending cases of serious illegal detention and kidnapping, Tan added.
Anji was also involved in the Sidapan hostage in 2000 and had a monetary reward of PHP350,000.
He was also tagged in the recent kidnappings of Indonesian and Malaysian nationals.
The military has already coordinated with the local police for the proper disposition of the suspect's cadaver.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=932202
PHL Public Safety College against transfer of police training control to PNP
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): PHL Public Safety College against transfer of police training control to PNP
The Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) on Tuesday gave the thumbs down to the transfer of the control of training criminology students to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The college is responsible for the training, human resource development and continuing education of all personnel of the PNP, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
In a joint public hearing in the Senate, PPSC President Ricardo de Leon said what needs to be addressed is the problem of mismatch. He also admitted that the institution is not giving criminology students the right curriculum.
The hearing was held after Senator Panfilo Lacson speculated that there must be "something wrong" with the PNP recruitment program amid the alleged involvement of more neophyte cops in the illegal drugs trade.
In a previous Senate hearing, Lacson asked PNP Chief Dir. Gen. Ronald dela Rosa why most of the PNP personnel suspected to be involved in the illegal drugs trade are the younger, new police officers.
Dela Rosa pointed out that the PNP is the only police agency in the world that does not train its own police officers since training is conducted by a separate agency, the PPSC.
The PNP chief meanwhile asked Lacson to recommend that control over training be returned to PNP.
”Police subculture”
Lacson pointed out that there are indeed gaps in recruitment and training but not so much in the academic aspect.
“When they (young cops) are fielded in field training exercise, they get exposed to non-commissioned officers of PNP who act as their supervisor. But if the people are with defective PNP, then that’s the exposure,” Lacson told reporters in an interview.
“Example, if recruit or trainee will be asked to extort money from a motorist or enter a bar… if that is the exposure they get from PO2, PO3, SPO1 that handles them, it’s important to select properly, establish who will take charge of supervising the trainees who will undergo field training exercises,” Lacson said.
Board of Criminology chairman Ramil Gabao meanwhile spoke of a police subculture that may be acceptable to them but not necessarily acceptable to the community.
“If they (new cops) believe it is okay for police officers to have free transport or free merienda (snacks) because of the certain value they have, then that is a kind of subculture not acceptable in the general community but probably in the culture in police service. That is the beginning of corruption of intellectual competence of the other,” Gabao said.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Catalino Uy for his part contradicted the assumption that the problem is in the recruitment process.
“Recruitment is the responsibility of PNP. Six months or one year of training won’t have a significant impact on their personality,” Uy said.
Senator Gringo Honasan asked de Leon if there is any form of performance auditing mechanism that could help track recruits. De Leon, however, said that they have no such mechanism.
In turn, Lacson encouraged the PPSC to allow recruits to be used as “guinea pigs” to be tracked from the time they are recruited to the time they are assigned in different fields.
”Is it because of the place of assignment? Environment or atmosphere? Maybe if there is a study like that, we can more or less identify the problem,” Lacson said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=932262
The Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) on Tuesday gave the thumbs down to the transfer of the control of training criminology students to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The college is responsible for the training, human resource development and continuing education of all personnel of the PNP, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
In a joint public hearing in the Senate, PPSC President Ricardo de Leon said what needs to be addressed is the problem of mismatch. He also admitted that the institution is not giving criminology students the right curriculum.
The hearing was held after Senator Panfilo Lacson speculated that there must be "something wrong" with the PNP recruitment program amid the alleged involvement of more neophyte cops in the illegal drugs trade.
In a previous Senate hearing, Lacson asked PNP Chief Dir. Gen. Ronald dela Rosa why most of the PNP personnel suspected to be involved in the illegal drugs trade are the younger, new police officers.
Dela Rosa pointed out that the PNP is the only police agency in the world that does not train its own police officers since training is conducted by a separate agency, the PPSC.
The PNP chief meanwhile asked Lacson to recommend that control over training be returned to PNP.
”Police subculture”
Lacson pointed out that there are indeed gaps in recruitment and training but not so much in the academic aspect.
“When they (young cops) are fielded in field training exercise, they get exposed to non-commissioned officers of PNP who act as their supervisor. But if the people are with defective PNP, then that’s the exposure,” Lacson told reporters in an interview.
“Example, if recruit or trainee will be asked to extort money from a motorist or enter a bar… if that is the exposure they get from PO2, PO3, SPO1 that handles them, it’s important to select properly, establish who will take charge of supervising the trainees who will undergo field training exercises,” Lacson said.
Board of Criminology chairman Ramil Gabao meanwhile spoke of a police subculture that may be acceptable to them but not necessarily acceptable to the community.
“If they (new cops) believe it is okay for police officers to have free transport or free merienda (snacks) because of the certain value they have, then that is a kind of subculture not acceptable in the general community but probably in the culture in police service. That is the beginning of corruption of intellectual competence of the other,” Gabao said.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Catalino Uy for his part contradicted the assumption that the problem is in the recruitment process.
“Recruitment is the responsibility of PNP. Six months or one year of training won’t have a significant impact on their personality,” Uy said.
Senator Gringo Honasan asked de Leon if there is any form of performance auditing mechanism that could help track recruits. De Leon, however, said that they have no such mechanism.
In turn, Lacson encouraged the PPSC to allow recruits to be used as “guinea pigs” to be tracked from the time they are recruited to the time they are assigned in different fields.
”Is it because of the place of assignment? Environment or atmosphere? Maybe if there is a study like that, we can more or less identify the problem,” Lacson said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=932262
DSWD Field Office XII helps families of soldiers wounded in action
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): DSWD Field Office XII helps families of soldiers wounded in action
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said Tuesday that the Department continues to provide assistance to the families of personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) who have been wounded and killed in action.
“We continue to act on the instructions of President Rodrigo Duterte to help the wounded soldiers and to give whatever assistance the DSWD can to their families,” said DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo.
Taguiwalo said that the support of the DSWD was in addition to the support of the Office of the President, the AFP and the PNP to the wounded.
She added that DSWD-Field Office XII had submitted a progress report on the interventions they had provided to the families of AFP/PNP personnel wounded in action.
“Social workers also provided the family members with counseling and put together case reports on each family,” she said.
Last month, the FO addressed the needs of three soldiers and their respective families.
PFC Chris Joh Figueroa from Sultan Kudarat was wounded on July 16, 2016 in an operation against a group alleged to be selling drugs in Midsayap, North Cotabato. He was taken to Camp Siongco Clinic and Hospital in Awang, Cotabato City.
He is married but he and his wife are childless.
The DSWD-FO provided counseling to the family and referred their case to the Municipal Social Welfare Officer of Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat.
The family is set to be provided with financial assistance of Php 15,000 as support for their plan to establish a small hog-raising business in their community.
Figueroa’s parents are farmers.
CPL Alvin Nicolas was wounded in battle against members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Aug. 26, 2016.
He supports his mother Florentina who works as a laundry woman earning only Php 2,500 a month.
When Alvin was wounded, he was flown to Manila for confinement and treatment, but his family members were unable to visit him because they had no money for air fare.
The FO is providing Florentina with Php 15,000 as financial assistance so she can see her son.
CPL Eric Jules Oriel was one of the soldiers wounded last July 19, 2016 in Compostela Valley.
He was confined at Panacan District Hospital in Davao.
He is married and he and his wife Jennelyn have two children.
Jennelyn will be provided with financial assistance of Php 10,000 to augment the supplies of her sari-sari store.
The two children, who are both, in grade school will be provided with educational assistance of Php 2,500.
“The different forms of assistance the DSWD-FO has given to the families of the wounded soldiers are not considerable, but these will at least help them in their income generating efforts,” the DSWD Chief said.
She further said that DSWD’s social workers visited each of the homes of the soldiers and saw that they were all from poor economic backgrounds, and that they became soldiers primarily to have means to fight off poverty and so they can provide for their families.
“We explained to them the programs and services of the DSWD so they can, in the future, access more of them based on their needs and as soon as they can provide the requirements of the programs,” she said.
She reiterated that she supports the ongoing peace negotiations of the GPH with various armed groups and shared the President's wish that a just and lasting peace will be realized in the Philippines.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=932317
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said Tuesday that the Department continues to provide assistance to the families of personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) who have been wounded and killed in action.
“We continue to act on the instructions of President Rodrigo Duterte to help the wounded soldiers and to give whatever assistance the DSWD can to their families,” said DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo.
Taguiwalo said that the support of the DSWD was in addition to the support of the Office of the President, the AFP and the PNP to the wounded.
She added that DSWD-Field Office XII had submitted a progress report on the interventions they had provided to the families of AFP/PNP personnel wounded in action.
“Social workers also provided the family members with counseling and put together case reports on each family,” she said.
Last month, the FO addressed the needs of three soldiers and their respective families.
PFC Chris Joh Figueroa from Sultan Kudarat was wounded on July 16, 2016 in an operation against a group alleged to be selling drugs in Midsayap, North Cotabato. He was taken to Camp Siongco Clinic and Hospital in Awang, Cotabato City.
He is married but he and his wife are childless.
The DSWD-FO provided counseling to the family and referred their case to the Municipal Social Welfare Officer of Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat.
The family is set to be provided with financial assistance of Php 15,000 as support for their plan to establish a small hog-raising business in their community.
Figueroa’s parents are farmers.
CPL Alvin Nicolas was wounded in battle against members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Aug. 26, 2016.
He supports his mother Florentina who works as a laundry woman earning only Php 2,500 a month.
When Alvin was wounded, he was flown to Manila for confinement and treatment, but his family members were unable to visit him because they had no money for air fare.
The FO is providing Florentina with Php 15,000 as financial assistance so she can see her son.
CPL Eric Jules Oriel was one of the soldiers wounded last July 19, 2016 in Compostela Valley.
He was confined at Panacan District Hospital in Davao.
He is married and he and his wife Jennelyn have two children.
Jennelyn will be provided with financial assistance of Php 10,000 to augment the supplies of her sari-sari store.
The two children, who are both, in grade school will be provided with educational assistance of Php 2,500.
“The different forms of assistance the DSWD-FO has given to the families of the wounded soldiers are not considerable, but these will at least help them in their income generating efforts,” the DSWD Chief said.
She further said that DSWD’s social workers visited each of the homes of the soldiers and saw that they were all from poor economic backgrounds, and that they became soldiers primarily to have means to fight off poverty and so they can provide for their families.
“We explained to them the programs and services of the DSWD so they can, in the future, access more of them based on their needs and as soon as they can provide the requirements of the programs,” she said.
She reiterated that she supports the ongoing peace negotiations of the GPH with various armed groups and shared the President's wish that a just and lasting peace will be realized in the Philippines.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=932317
Suspected Abu Sayyaf man killed in Tawi-Tawi
From GMA News (Oct 18): Suspected Abu Sayyaf man killed in Tawi-Tawi
A suspected Abu Sayyaf member was killed early Monday afternoon after resisting arrested by government security forces in Tawi-Tawi, the military's Western Mindanao Command said.
In a statement released Tuesday, the Westmincom identified the slain Abu Sayyaf man as Ustab Anji, who was arrested over pending kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges.
Recovered from the suspect were a cal.-45 pistol and a grenade, the statement said.
The statement said combined elements of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-9, 2nd Marine Brigade and the Panglima Sugala Police served the warrant of arrest against the suspect.
But while the suspect was being brought to the Panglima-Sugala Municipal Police Station, he allegedly grabbed the firearm of his escort.
In the ensuing scuffle, the escort shot Anji which resulted to the suspect's death.
The Westmincom statement said the Abu Sayyaf was involved in the 2000 Sipadan hostage-taking incident and the recent kidnappings of Indonesian and Malaysian nationals.
At the time of his death, Anji had a reward of P350,000.
The military commander in the area, Col. Custodio Parcon warned other Abu Sayyaf members who may try to ener Tawi-Tawi.
"They will be monitored and they will be neutralized ... huwag na nilang subukang pumasok dito, madidisgrasya lang sila," said Parcon.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/585419/news/regions/suspected-abu-sayyaf-man-killed-in-tawi-tawi
A suspected Abu Sayyaf member was killed early Monday afternoon after resisting arrested by government security forces in Tawi-Tawi, the military's Western Mindanao Command said.
In a statement released Tuesday, the Westmincom identified the slain Abu Sayyaf man as Ustab Anji, who was arrested over pending kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges.
Recovered from the suspect were a cal.-45 pistol and a grenade, the statement said.
The statement said combined elements of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-9, 2nd Marine Brigade and the Panglima Sugala Police served the warrant of arrest against the suspect.
But while the suspect was being brought to the Panglima-Sugala Municipal Police Station, he allegedly grabbed the firearm of his escort.
In the ensuing scuffle, the escort shot Anji which resulted to the suspect's death.
The Westmincom statement said the Abu Sayyaf was involved in the 2000 Sipadan hostage-taking incident and the recent kidnappings of Indonesian and Malaysian nationals.
At the time of his death, Anji had a reward of P350,000.
The military commander in the area, Col. Custodio Parcon warned other Abu Sayyaf members who may try to ener Tawi-Tawi.
"They will be monitored and they will be neutralized ... huwag na nilang subukang pumasok dito, madidisgrasya lang sila," said Parcon.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/585419/news/regions/suspected-abu-sayyaf-man-killed-in-tawi-tawi
Monday, October 17, 2016
Suspect in Sipadan kidnapping killed trying to grab escort’s gun after Tawi-Tawi arrest
From InterAksyon (Oct 18): Suspect in Sipadan kidnapping killed trying to grab escort’s gun after Tawi-Tawi arrest
An alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf facing charges for the 2000 Sipadan kidnapping was killed as he supposedly attempted to grab the gun of one of his escorts following his arrest in Tawi-Tawi province Monday, the military said.
Ustab Anji, who had been charged with 21 counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention, was captured by local police and troops of Marine Battalion Landing Team-9 1 p.m. Monday in Barangay Magsagaw, Panglima Sugala town, Major Felimon Tan Jr., spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command, said.
A .45 caliber pistol and fragmentation grenade were seized from Anji, who has also been linked to more recent kidnappings of Indonesians and Malaysians.
“While heading towards Panglima-Sugala Municipal Police Station, Anji grabbed the firearm of an escort. The scuffle prompted the latter to fire at Anji which resulted in his instantaneous death,” Tan said.
Meanwhile, Tawi Tawi naval commander Colonel Custodio Parcon said more patrol craft had been deployed to the southern province to intercept and capture Abu Sayyaf fighters trying to flee an ongoing military campaign against them in Sulu and Basilan.
"They will be monitored and they will be neutralized ... Huwag na nilang subukang pumasok dito, madidisgrasya lang sila (They shouldn’t try coming here, they will meet disaster)," Parcon said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/133449/suspect-in-sipadan-kidnapping-killed-trying-to-grab-escorts-gun-after-tawi-tawi-arrest
An alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf facing charges for the 2000 Sipadan kidnapping was killed as he supposedly attempted to grab the gun of one of his escorts following his arrest in Tawi-Tawi province Monday, the military said.
Ustab Anji, who had been charged with 21 counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention, was captured by local police and troops of Marine Battalion Landing Team-9 1 p.m. Monday in Barangay Magsagaw, Panglima Sugala town, Major Felimon Tan Jr., spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command, said.
A .45 caliber pistol and fragmentation grenade were seized from Anji, who has also been linked to more recent kidnappings of Indonesians and Malaysians.
“While heading towards Panglima-Sugala Municipal Police Station, Anji grabbed the firearm of an escort. The scuffle prompted the latter to fire at Anji which resulted in his instantaneous death,” Tan said.
Meanwhile, Tawi Tawi naval commander Colonel Custodio Parcon said more patrol craft had been deployed to the southern province to intercept and capture Abu Sayyaf fighters trying to flee an ongoing military campaign against them in Sulu and Basilan.
"They will be monitored and they will be neutralized ... Huwag na nilang subukang pumasok dito, madidisgrasya lang sila (They shouldn’t try coming here, they will meet disaster)," Parcon said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/133449/suspect-in-sipadan-kidnapping-killed-trying-to-grab-escorts-gun-after-tawi-tawi-arrest
'Dagit' exercises between PHL Navy, Air Force opens
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 17): 'Dagit' exercises between PHL Navy, Air Force opens
The inter-operability exercise "Dagit 2016" was formally opened at the Naval Base Heracleo Alano in Sangley Point, Cavite City Monday.
The joint maneuvers, now on its 10th year, will last until October 28.
Lt. Sahirul Taib, Philippine Fleet public affairs office chief, said the exercise aims to enhance the inter-operability and operational capabilities of the Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force units in air and naval operations in support to the Unified Command’s requirements in the conduct of internal security operations and in support of territorial defense operations.
The series of exercises will be conducted in the areas of Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim, Ternate Cavite and in the vicinity of Manila Bay and Caballo Island.
Taib said the exercise will be carried out in three phases: preparation phase on Oct. 17-23; exercise phase on Oct. 24-27; and the final phase on Oct. 28.
The exercise phase refers to the field training exercise, which includes subject matter expertise exchanges, classroom instructions, table top exercise, and joint training exercise.
Philippine Fleet commander, Rear Adm. Bayani Gaerlan, said the exercise will surely advance the PN and PAF units’ inter-operability in joint maritime security operations, as well as to foster camaraderie among the officers and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Aside from these, the joint maneuvers also seek to improve operational capability in joint maritime security operations, and improvement of areas of inter-operability and other joint training opportunities between PN and PAF.
"Dagit" started in 2003 during the term of then Navy Capt. Jose Luis Alano, with the Naval Air Group and 15th Strike Wing as the only participating units involved.
In 2007, it eventually evolved to what is now known as the PN-PAF IOX (inter-operability exercise) when both branches of service have realized the importance of the role being played by each service in actual operations in the area of responsibility of different Unified Commands.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=931977
The inter-operability exercise "Dagit 2016" was formally opened at the Naval Base Heracleo Alano in Sangley Point, Cavite City Monday.
The joint maneuvers, now on its 10th year, will last until October 28.
Lt. Sahirul Taib, Philippine Fleet public affairs office chief, said the exercise aims to enhance the inter-operability and operational capabilities of the Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force units in air and naval operations in support to the Unified Command’s requirements in the conduct of internal security operations and in support of territorial defense operations.
The series of exercises will be conducted in the areas of Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim, Ternate Cavite and in the vicinity of Manila Bay and Caballo Island.
Taib said the exercise will be carried out in three phases: preparation phase on Oct. 17-23; exercise phase on Oct. 24-27; and the final phase on Oct. 28.
The exercise phase refers to the field training exercise, which includes subject matter expertise exchanges, classroom instructions, table top exercise, and joint training exercise.
Philippine Fleet commander, Rear Adm. Bayani Gaerlan, said the exercise will surely advance the PN and PAF units’ inter-operability in joint maritime security operations, as well as to foster camaraderie among the officers and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Aside from these, the joint maneuvers also seek to improve operational capability in joint maritime security operations, and improvement of areas of inter-operability and other joint training opportunities between PN and PAF.
"Dagit" started in 2003 during the term of then Navy Capt. Jose Luis Alano, with the Naval Air Group and 15th Strike Wing as the only participating units involved.
In 2007, it eventually evolved to what is now known as the PN-PAF IOX (inter-operability exercise) when both branches of service have realized the importance of the role being played by each service in actual operations in the area of responsibility of different Unified Commands.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=931977
Iloilo-based 82nd Infantry Battalion gets new commanding officer
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): Iloilo-based 82nd Infantry Battalion gets new commanding officer
A new commanding officer was appointed to the 82nd Infantry Battalion which is headquartered at Camp Monteclaro, Barangay Igtuba, Iloilo Monday.
Lt. Col. Vener Morga replaced Lt. Enriqueto Deocadez during short ceremonies which was witnessed by military and civilian officials in the locality.
Prior his appointment to the 82nd Infantry Battalion, the former served executive officer of the 301st Infantry Brigade which is based in Dingle, Iloilo.
Under Deocadez’s command, the 82nd Infantry Battalion neutralized 24 New People's Army (NPA) personalities resulting in the decline of the rebel threat, recovery of various high powered and low powered firearms, recovery of subversive documents of high intelligence value and the organizing and launching of Federation of Rebel Returnees for Peace and Development with 194 members from the 1st and 2nd District of Iloilo.
Morga on the other hand is not new in the area as most of his assignments were in the 3rd Infantry Division area-of-operations in Western Visayas.
He is credited to be one of the pioneers who helped organized the Church Military Advisory Group in Panay.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=932169
A new commanding officer was appointed to the 82nd Infantry Battalion which is headquartered at Camp Monteclaro, Barangay Igtuba, Iloilo Monday.
Lt. Col. Vener Morga replaced Lt. Enriqueto Deocadez during short ceremonies which was witnessed by military and civilian officials in the locality.
Prior his appointment to the 82nd Infantry Battalion, the former served executive officer of the 301st Infantry Brigade which is based in Dingle, Iloilo.
Under Deocadez’s command, the 82nd Infantry Battalion neutralized 24 New People's Army (NPA) personalities resulting in the decline of the rebel threat, recovery of various high powered and low powered firearms, recovery of subversive documents of high intelligence value and the organizing and launching of Federation of Rebel Returnees for Peace and Development with 194 members from the 1st and 2nd District of Iloilo.
Morga on the other hand is not new in the area as most of his assignments were in the 3rd Infantry Division area-of-operations in Western Visayas.
He is credited to be one of the pioneers who helped organized the Church Military Advisory Group in Panay.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=932169
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