Sunday, November 1, 2015

Rebels set to free 2 soldiers abducted in ComVal

From the Sun Star-Davao (Nov 1): Rebels set to free 2 soldiers abducted in ComVal

THE New People's Army (NPA) rebels may soon release the two soldiers earlier abducted after Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte negotiated for their freedom.

In his television program "Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa" Sunday, Duterte said he had already negotiate for safe the release of the two soldiers.

He added that the rebels will most probably release them this week.
 
The two soldiers, who were abducted on September 30 at a checkpoint in Monkayo town in Compostela Valley, were Private First Class (PFC) Niño L. Alvaro and PFC Marjon S. Anover, both of the Philippine Army's 25th Infantry Battalion.

"Nihangyo ko kay gihangyo ko sa pamilya. Wala man na'y blood debts, wala man na'y sala kaayo sa katilingban, ayaw na ninyo na hawidi pa ug dugay kay magpasko na ra ba. Ni sugot man pud sila (I negotiated with the rebels because the family asked me to. I said the soldiers didn’t have blood debts, they have committed crimes against the people, so I told the rebels to release the two because Christmas will be here soon. The rebels agreed)," Duterte said.

Aris Francisco, spokesperson for the NPA's Comval-North Davao South Agusan Sub-Regional Command, earlier said the two came from the Army’s headquarters in Monkayo and on their way to a combat operation when captured.

The rebels seized two caliber.45 pistols from Alavaro and Anover, respectively, during their checkpoint around 1 p.m. in Barangay Casoon in Monkayo.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/11/01/rebels-set-free-2-soldiers-abducted-comval-439102

Bangsamoro Basic Law debates resume Nov. 3

From the Manila Times (Nov 1): Bangsamoro Basic Law debates resume Nov. 3

The House of Representatives will continue deliberations on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) when it resumes session on November 3.

Earlier, Congress set a December 16 deadline for the proposed Bangsamoro measure.

“We will prioritize the ratification of the national budget next year and to continue the interpellation and debate for the BBL and other important matters,” House Deputy Majority Leader and Quezon City Rep. Jorge Banal said over the weekend.

The BBL resulted from a peace deal between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). It will establish the Bangsamoro entity to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and is seen to establish lasting peace in the country’s southern region.

It has been stalled in Congress after 44 Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) members, who were in an operation for the capture of international terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and his protégé Abdulbasit Usman, were killed in a cornfield in a firefight with members of the MILF, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and private armed groups last January 25.
Members of the MILF and civilians were also among the casualties.

http://www.manilatimes.net/bangsamoro-basic-law-debates-resume-nov-3/226737/

Breaking down the Philippines’ legal victory in the West Philippine Sea

From the Thought Leaders section of Rappler (Nov 1): Breaking down the Philippines’ legal victory in the West Philippine Sea (by Richard Javad Heydarian)

'By unanimously voting in favor of exercising jurisdiction on the Philippines’ case, the Arbitral Tribunal effectively rejected Beijing’s efforts to sabotage Manila’s laudable legal effort'   

The widely-anticipated decision of an arbitration body, formed under the aegis of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to exercise jurisdiction on the Philippines’ arbitration case against China represents a major victory for those who seek a semblance of rule of law in the West Philippine Sea. Interestingly, it happened shortly after (watch out for conspiracy theorists!) the United States deployed destroyers to challenge China’s illegal occupation of features across the Spratly chain of islands.

The Philippines has taken, as the Chinese saying goes, the first step in a journey of thousand miles to ensure coastal states base their claims on modern international law, not obscure claims to historical rights.Thanks to its impeccable and highly creative legal strategy, the Philippines managed to overcome a major hurdle that stood between the prevailing rule of jungle, on one hand, and the promise of rule of law, on the other, in the highly-contested South China Sea.

Though China has formally boycotted the arbitration proceedings at The Hague, and has vigorously argued against compulsory arbitration (under Art. 287, Annex VII of UNCLOS), the Arbitral Tribunal at The Hague has provided the Philippines an unprecedented opportunity to leverage the UNCLOS as a basis to resolve maritime disputes in one of the world’s most critical Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs).
FIRST VICTORY. File photo of a hearing at the Hague in session
FIRST VICTORY. File photo of a hearing at the Hague in session
A milestone

Since arbitration bodies under UNCLOS don’t have a mandate to address sovereignty-related issues, the Philippines astutely repackaged its complaint as a maritime delimitation/entitlements issue. This legal acrobatic was nothing short of a stroke of genius -- crafted by a star-studded team of renowned international lawyers carefully assembled by the Philippine government.

China tried to procedurally sabotage the Philippines’ case by citing exemption clauses under the UNCLOS (see under Art. 9, Annex VII), questioning the competency of the Tribunal to adjudicate what Beijing describes as fundamentally sovereignty-related disputes, and argued that compulsory arbitration is premature since all avenues of conciliation haven’t been supposedly exhausted.

By unanimously voting in favor of exercising jurisdiction on the Philippines’ case, the Arbitral Tribunal effectively rejected Beijing’s efforts to sabotage Manila’s laudable legal effort. Despite China’s refusal to participate in the proceedings, the tribunal judges (under Art. 9, Annex VII) have proceeded with arbitration, but will (under Art. 5, Annex VII) continue to provide Beijing the opportunity to present its case through informal channels like, say, positions papers and statements by Chinese public officials. (So we could expect China to release another position paper on the jurisdiction verdict soon.)

In a 10-page summary, the judges argued that the Philippines’ case “was properly constituted” and that the Southeast Asian country’s “act of initiating this arbitration did not constitute an abuse of process [as asserted by China].”Reassuringly, it argued that “China’s non-appearance in these proceedings does not deprive the Tribunal of jurisdiction,” and “international law does not require a State to continue negotiations when it concludes that the possibility of a negotiated solution has been exhausted.”

In short, the Philippines was right to resort to compulsory arbitration, because negotiations with an intransigent China were going nowhere. The Tribunal, however, didn’t exercise jurisdiction on all of the Philippines’ arguments against China, opting to cover 7 items. But other items were left for either further clarification or further consideration since they “do not possess an exclusively preliminary character.”

So far, the Tribunal has exercised jurisdiction on the determination of the nature of disputed features (see Article 121) such as Scarborough Shoal as well as mischief, Gaven, McKennan, Hughues, Johnson, Cuarteron and Fiery Cross reefs; the environmental impact of China’s activities near Scarborough and Second Thomas shoals; and aggressive maneuver against Filipino vessels near the Scarborough Shoal.

Legal multiplier

Having overcome the jurisdiction hurdle, the Philippines has set an important precedence, which can be exploited by other claimant states against China. Based on my exchanges with leading Vietnamese experts earlier this year, my sense is that Hanoi has been carefully watching whether Manila can overcome the jurisdiction hurdle before seriously preparing a similar suit against China.

Now that the jurisdiction is cleared, at least on almost half of the Philippines’ arguments, we an anticipate what I call a “legal multiplier”, whereby other small claimant states such as Vietnam and Malaysia could also leverage the UNCLOS to defend their claims against a revanchist China.

Obviously, any prospective legal maneuver by other claimant states will be tailored to the specific nature of their disputes with China -- Vietnam, for instance, has disputed islands both in the Paracels and Spratlys -- as well as the texture of their overall relations with Beijing. Unlike the Philippines, both Malaysia and Vietnam are heavily dependent on China in economic terms, and none of them enjoy a treaty alliance with external powers like the United States.

But even if they won’t actually file a case proper, they can more credibly threaten China with doing so. This means that Beijing is confronting the prospect of multiple arbitration cases against its sweeping and dubious nine-dashed-line claims, which covers a huge chunk of the West Philippine Sea and much of the South China Sea -- an artery of global trade.

In the coming months, the Philippines will have to defend the merit of its arguments before the Arbitral Tribunal, while hoping that the judges will also exercise jurisdiction over its other (and more crucial) arguments, particularly with respect to the validity of China’s concept of historical rights, its aggressive posturing within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and massive construction activities across the Spratly chain of islands.

Tag team

So far, the Philippines has a good chance of, at the very least, invalidating China’s sovereignty claims over land features such as Subi (close to Philippine-held Thitu Island) and Mischief (close to the Philippine-controlled Second Thomas Shoal and Reed Bank). The Philippines argues that since these land features were originally low-tide-elevations, they aren’t entitled to their own territorial sea and exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Interestingly, America’s freedom of navigation (FON) operations close to Chinese-held features in the area is also predicated on the same argument. For Washington, it has the right to conduct surveillance operations close to Chinese-controlled features such as Subi and Mischief reefs, simply because these are --- prior to their artificial transformation by Chinese reclamation activities -- low-tide-elevations that can’t be appropriated to begin with. (READ: US warship sails near islands claimed by China)

Unlike China, America isn’t a signatory to UNCLOS -- thanks to the intransigence of a vocal minority in the US senate, who refuse to ratify the treaty -- but it actually follows its relevant provisions as a matter of customary international law. And this is why America has allowed Chinese military vessels to roam its EEZ in the Pacific Ocean, even if China refuses to reciprocate accordingly.

In effect, the Philippines and America are acting as a tag team, one deploying its muscles to counter China’s dubious claims, while the other dispatching its best legal minds to highlight China’s contravention of international law.

Nonetheless, there is no room for triumphalist celebration. The Tribunal is also yet to exercise jurisdiction on more important elements of the Philippines’ case, particularly regarding the validity of China’s nine-dashed-line claims and doctrine of historical rights as well as its aggressive reclamation activities and posturing within the Philippines’ EEZ and the Spratly chain of islands. The Philippines, the Tribunal has announced, will have “to present oral arguments and answer questions on the merits of the Philippines’ claims and any remaining issues deferred from the jurisdictional phase.”

China has the ultimate option to ignore any unfavorable outcome, and double down on its ongoing efforts to consolidate its claims across the South China Sea. But the reputational costs, and corresponding diplomatic backlash, will surely undermine China’s soft power and bid for regional leadership.

[The author teaches political science at De La Salle University, and is a regular contributor to Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative of Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington D.C. His latest book is “Asia’s New Battlefiled: US, China, and the Struggle for Western Pacific” (Zed, London). An earlier version of this piece was published on Huffington Post.]

http://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/111343-philippines-legal-victory-west-philippine-sea

HEROISM // Soldier, CAFGU die securing bridge in Camarines Norte

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Nov 1): HEROISM // Soldier, CAFGU die securing bridge in Camarines Norte

CAMP GUILLERMO NAKAR, Lucena City (DWDD) - A soldier and a member of the CAFGU Active Auxilliary (CAA) were killed while one soldier was slightly wounded when a still underermined number of NPAs attacked a government bridge project in Brgy Daguit, Labo, Camarines Norte at 11 p.m. last night (October 31).

A squad composed of soldiers from the 49th Infantry Battalion augmented with CAFGU Active Auxilliaries (CAA) from the 22nd Infantry Battalion (CAFGU) were securing Namukanan Bridge Project being constructed by EUS Construction when the rebels launched their attack.

The squad fought courageously defending and securing the project for more than an hour of sporadic firefight afterwhich the rebels withdrew. Aside from the casualties, the squad lost three HPFAs (2 M14, 1 M16) while recovering an M16 rifle from the rebels.

“We foiled the NPAs plan of destroying the project and the construction equipment; we secured the bridge  project that will benefit the people; but we lost two brave men while serving their country,” said Southern Luzon Command Chief Liuetenant General Ricardo R. Visaya.

The attacked happened after the contractor did not comply to the extortion demands of the NPAs.

The fatalities were identified as Private Reymark Camila Regore (49IB) and CAA Anthony M Aceron (22IB CAFGU). As of 8  a.m. their bodies are still at the encounter site for SOCO investigation.

The wounded soldier was identified as Private First Class Jhelor P Caranzo. First aid was admistered to his minor wound.

49IB Commander Lieutenant Colonel Medel Aguilar said that the highway was temporarily closed because of the road blocks and IEDs that the NPAs planted but by 6 a.m. today, troops were able to clear the highway and diffuse some of the unexploded IEDs.

SOLCOM denouces the attack of the NPAs on government construction of road, bridge and other flagship projects. These attacks deny communities in far flung areas to market their produce and access to development. SOLCOM PAO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/heroism-soldier-cafgu-die-securing-bridge-in-camarines-norte/

803rd Infantry Brigade Supports Former Rebels Engagement and Evaluation

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Nov 1): 803rd Infantry Brigade Supports Former Rebels Engagement and Evaluation



CATARMAN, Northern Samar (DWDD) - Thirty Nine Former Rebels from the province of Northern Samar attended the Former Rebel Engagement and Evaluation (FREE) conducted at the Headquarters of the 803rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade on October 29, 2015.

The activity which was initiated by the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, G7 of the Philippine Army in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Northern Samar, aimed to continue monitor on how the former rebels are living their lives after returning to the folds of the law.





During the one day activity, the participants were lectured on the proper way of vegetable gardening and were given assorted vegetable seeds from the representatives of the Provincial Agriculture Office of Northern Samar headed by Mr. Marlo Cabudsan, while the office of the PSWDO thru its representative, Ms. Mercy Castillo distributed food packs with five kilos of rice, assorted canned goods, coffee and milo packs. The participants also received one thousand cash each from the Philippine Army for their travel allowance.

In his speech during the opening of the activity, Col. Mario G Lacurom, Commander of the 803rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade, Philippine Army, encouraged the former rebels to continue to be one with the government and the Army in pursuing peace, progress and development in the province.

Facilitators of the activity were Ms. Agnes Lopez (Lola) Reaño and Maj. Alexander D. Banatao from the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, G7 Philippine Army, Fort Bonifacio Metro Manila. 803rd Bde CMO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/803rd-infantry-brigade-supports-former-rebels-engagement-and-evaluation/

ADDING INSULT TO INJURY // NPA Returns Money Stolen from Mayor Otaza

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Nov 1): ADDING INSULT TO INJURY // NPA Returns Money Stolen from Mayor Otaza

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City (DWDD) – The 4th Infantry Division condemns NPA move of returning back stolen money from Mayor Otaza refers to as adding more insult to their brutal act of killing.

Col Alexander Macario, Commander of 401st Infantry Brigade said, “This is their (NPA) desperate act of trying to fix their mess. Returning the stolen money is actually adding more pain and suffering to the families, friends, and love ones of Mayor Otaza. This won’t fix everything. This will not bring back the life of Mayor Otaza and Daryl.”

Recently, NPA bandit’s spokesperson Rigoberto Sanchez said that they based their brutal act of killing from their code of ethics.

This was condemned by the peace-loving people of Caraga including the Human Rights Watch. “The killing of the Otazas – like other NPA executions – is just plain murder,” said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

“The NPA’s actions and claims of revolutionary justice handed down by people’s courts are flagrant violations of international law.”

Col Macario further questioned and criticized the inhumane and brutal NPA people’s court. He said, “What code of ethics are these NPA bandits referring to – The code of the Barbarians?”

“Their barbaric act has no place in a civilized society. Criminals like them don’t have moral ascendancy to use the word “code of ethics”. This is only for the peace-loving people and not for the criminals like them.” He added 4DPAO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/adding-insult-to-injury-npa-returns-money-stolen-from-mayor-otaza/

2 soldiers, militiaman slain in NPA attacks

From the Philippine Star (Nov 1): 2 soldiers, militiaman slain in NPA attacks

An Army trooper and a member of a government militia were killed, while another soldier was wounded when suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas attacked a road project in Labo, Camarines Norte on Saturday night.

In the morning of the same day, another Army trooper was killed in an ambush by suspected NPA guerrillas in Libmanan, Camarines Sur.

Pvt. Reymark Regore and militiaman Anthony Aceron were securing a bridge in Barangay Daguit, Labo when the rebels shot them at around 11 p.m., triggering a firefight.

Maj. Angelo Guzman, spokesman for the Southern Luzon Command (Solcom), said Pfc. Jhelor Caranzo was wounded in the encounter that lasted an hour.

Regore and Caranzo belong to the Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion (IB).

The insurgents fled, taking with them the rifles of the soldiers.

Guzman said extortion could be the motive for the attack.

Lt. Col. Medel Aguilar, chief of the 49th IB, said the encounter resulted in the temporary closure of the road, due to explosives planted by the rebels.

Soldiers were able to clear the highway and defuse the explosives by 6 a.m. yesterday.

Solcom chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya hailed the soldiers for preventing the guerrillas from destroying the bridge.

Meanwhile, Pfc. Ednhol Rey Caceres of the 42nd IB was shot dead as he was walking toward a market in Barangay San Isidro, Libmanan.

Caceres died at the scene from gunshots to the head and back, officials said yesterday.

The rebels fled taking with them the victim’s rifle.

The attack occurred 500 meters away from an Army temporary patrol base.

Caceres was part of a team tasked to secure a government road project in the area.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/11/02/1517236/2-soldiers-militiaman-slain-npa-attacks

Bayan plans protests vs both US and China during APEC meeting for militarizing West PH Sea

From InterAksyon (Nov 1): Bayan plans protests vs both US and China during APEC meeting for militarizing West PH Sea



The multi-sectoral group Bayan is planning to hold protest actions against both the United States and China in the upcoming APEC meeting here in November for “their continuing arms race and incursions in the West Philippine Sea.”

In a statement, Bayan said: “The two imperialist powers should back off and demilitarize the contested region. The two rivals pose a threat to regional peace because of their contest for dominance.”

Calling China’s reclamation activities in the West Philippine Sea as “illegal occupation,” the group condemned China’s “continuing incursions in our country’s Exclusive Economic Zone and their harassment of Filipino fishermen. We denounce their absurd claims over 90% of the South China Sea.”

Bayan also said it is protesting the continuing military intervention of the US in the West PH Sea dispute.

“The US is using the dispute to justify its military pivot to Asia. The US wants to assert itself as a Pacific power and use its military might as leverage for economic dictates. It is no coincidence that the US maneuvers in the West PH Sea come less than a month before the APEC meeting in Manila where other claimants in the maritime dispute will be present. The maneuvers are a pre-APEC show of force by the US,” it said.

Bayan urged the Aquino government to defend national sovereignty and not rely entirely on US support, even trying to “bring back US bases to the country in exchange for false promises of support under a questionable Mutual Defense Treaty.”

Bayan noted that while the US and China are locked in a battle for dominance in the region, the two also cooperate under the framework of the world capitalist system through bilateral economic and military agreements.

“When it suits them, the US and China can certainly work together. This only means that the Philippines cannot simply rely on either one when it comes to defending sovereignty. No one will defend Philippine sovereignty except Filipinos.

“Neither the claws of the dragon nor the eagle, we demand a truly sovereign Philippines free from the dictates and intervention of foreign powers,” Bayan said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/119584/bayan-plans-protests-vs-both-us-and-china-during-apec-meeting-for-militarizing-west-ph-sea

South China Sea disputes increasing demand for US security presence: Pentagon chief

From InterAksyon (Nov 1): South China Sea disputes increasing demand for US security presence: Pentagon chief



Reuters file photo of US Defense Secretary Ash Carter

Disputes over territory in the South China Sea are causing countries in the region to increase their demand for an American security presence, the US defense chief said on Sunday.

A US warship sailed within 12 nautical miles of one of China's man-made islands in South China Sea on Tuesday in the most significant US challenge yet to territorial limits Beijing claims around the Spratly archipelago.

The move triggered an angry rebuke from Beijing and a warning that a minor incident in the area, which is one of the world's busiest sea lanes, could spark war if the United States did not stop what it called "provocative acts."

“The attention to disputed claims in the South China Sea, the prominence of those disputes, is having the effect of causing many countries in the region to want to intensify their security cooperation with the United States,” US Defense Secretary Ash Carter told reporters on his way to South Korea.

Carter said discussions at an upcoming defense summit in Malaysia would include developments in the South China Sea, “the most notable of which in the last year has been the unprecedented rate of dredging and military activity by China.”

Carter is due to arrive in Seoul later on Sunday and is scheduled to hold talks with South Korea's defense chief on Monday, focused on the allies' response to North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

He later flies to Malaysia for the meeting of Southeast Asia defense ministers, which China's Defense Minister Chang Wanquan is also due to attend.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/119590/south-china-sea-disputes-increasing-demand-for-us-security-presence-pentagon-chief

Kidnapped Korean man found dead in Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner (Nov 1): Kidnapped Korean man found dead in Philippines

A South Korean kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf rebels was found dead near Patikul town in the Philippine province of Sulu, officials said on Sunday.

Captain Roy Trinidad, a military spokesman, said the decomposing body of 74-year old Noi-seong Hong was discovered by residents near the Sulu State College before midnight Saturday.

The foreigner apparently died from an illness and rebels dumped his body outside the school, but it was unknown how they managed to pass through police and military checkpoints along the way.

“As per initial forensic report, the cadaver had no gunshot or stab marks and time of death was estimated to be three to five days ago. Hong was reported to have been sick for the past few weeks while in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf,” Trinidad told The Manila Times.

The body of the elderly Korean was transported to Zamboanga City by a military plane where his grieving family waited.

Hong was seized by rebels in January in the neighboring province of Zamboanga Sibugay and then brought by boat to Sulu, one of five provinces under the troubled Muslim autonomous region.

The Abu Sayyaf, whose members were mostly former fighters of the Moro National Liberation Front which signed a peace deal with Manila in September 1996, is still holding about a dozen local and foreign hostages they kidnapped in southern Philippines and nearby Sabah in Malaysia.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/kidnapped-korean-man-found-dead-in-philippines/

Cotabato City PESO chief, husband die in Maguindanao ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 1): Cotabato City PESO chief, husband die in Maguindanao ambush

Police have launched a manhunt against unidentified gunmen who ambushed and killed a former Cotabato City government employee and his wife Saturday evening in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

According to Chief Insp. Lendsy Sinsuat, Datu Odin Sinsuat town police chief, the victims were on board a Toyota Avanza on their way home when the gunmen carried out the ambush in Barangay Sema at 6:15 p.m.

Killed on the spot were George Busque, retired city government Human Resource and Management Office (HRMO) chief, and his wife, Marilou, current head of the Cotabato City government Public Employment Services Office (PESO).

Police said the ambush occurred near a gasoline station in front of the Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) housing project, where the victims reside.

Police remained clueless as to the motive and identities of the attackers.

It was the second ambush incident in Datu Odin Sinsuat town in a week.

Last Monday, Oct. 26, an ambush in Barangay Dulangan of the same town left five persons dead.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=822019

Rebels gun down soldier securing project in Camarines Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 1): Rebels gun down soldier securing project in Camarines Sur

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur -- Suspected New People’s Army (NPA) members shot dead a soldier of the 42nd Infantry Battalion (IB) in Pagoring Nuevo, Libmanan Camarines Sur, at 9 a.m. Saturday.

A report from Capt. Mardjorie Paimela P. Panesa, 9th Infantry Division spokesperson, said victim Pfc. Edmhol Rey C. Caceres was a member of a squad of the 42nd Infantry Battalion tasked to secure a developmental project of the Kalahi-CIDSS and construction equipment when gunned down.

The project is a 6-km farm-to-market road from San Isidro to Bahao in Libmanan while the construction equipment consisted of backhoe, dump truck and steam roller.

Caceres and other personnel went on marketing on foot at a nearby market, approximately 500 meters away from their temporary patrol base, when at least two NPA rebels shot him.

The Army soldier sustained gunshot wounds at his head and back, which caused his instantaneous death.

The perpetrators fled bringing the M16 rifle of the victim.

Meanwhile, Army soldiers arrested two suspected members of Platoon 2, Larangan Gerilya 1 based in Camarines Sur at a nearby checkpoint.

The government troopers recovered a .38-caliber revolver from their possession.

They suspects were brought to Philippine National Police station in Libmanan for investigation and proper disposition.

Panesa said the 9ID condemns the NPA’s liquidation operations, “which is their treacherous tactics.”

This incident may be their response to the recent killing of comrades in Juban, Sorsogon wherein the soldiers gunned down three NPA rebels and recovered high-powered firearms, she said.

“Military personnel are being reminded to be extra vigilant in all their undertakings,” Panesa said.

Brig. Gen. Ferdinand M. Quidilla, newly installed 9ID commander, said “the Philippine Army in Bicol will continue to secure flagship projects of the government that mainly contribute to the development, especially in rural areas which is of great help to the residents there.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=822072

2 troopers, one hurt as NPA rebels attack bridge project in Camarines Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 1): 2 troopers, one hurt as NPA rebels attack bridge project in Camarines Norte

A soldier and a militiaman were killed while another soldier was hurt after a still undetermined number of New People's Army (NPA) bandits attacked a government bridge project in Barangay Daguit, Labo, Camarines Norte Saturday night.

Southern Luzon Command spokesperson Major Angelo Guzman said the unprovoked assault took place at 11 p.m.

A squad composed of soldiers from the 49th Infantry Battalion augmented with CAFGU Active Auxiliaries (CAA) from the 22nd Infantry Battalion CAFGU were securing the Namukanan Bridge Project being constructed by EUS Construction when the rebels launched the attack.

The clash lasted for an hour and resulted in the death of a trooper and a militiaman and wounding of another soldier.

Aside from the casualties, the government lost two M-14 carbines and an M-16 automatic rifle while inflicting an undetermined number of casualties among rebel forces aside from capturing an NPA M-16.

"We foiled the NPAs plan of destroying the project and the construction equipment; we secured the bridge project that will benefit the people; but we lost two brave men while serving their country," Southern Luzon Command Chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya said.

The attack happened after the contractor did not comply with the extortion demands of the NPAs, the military said.

The fatalities were identified as Private Reymark Camila Regore of the 49th Infantry Battalion and Anthony M. Aceron of the 22nd Infantry Battalion CAFGU.

The wounded soldier was identified as Pfc. Jhelor P. Caranzo.

Lt.Col. Medel Aguilar, 49th Infantry Battalion commander, said that the highway was temporarily closed because of the road blocks and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that the NPAs planted, but by 6 a.m. Sunday, troops were able to clear the highway and defuse some of the IEDs.

Visaya denounced the attack of the NPAs on government construction of road, bridge and other flagship projects.

These attacks deny communities in far-flung areas to market their produce and access to development, he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=822016

Trooper gunned down while securing Camarines Sur road

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 1): Trooper gunned down while securing Camarines Sur road

Suspected New People's Army (NPA) bandits gunned down a soldier securing a farm-to-market road in Libmanan town, Camarines Sur Saturday morning.

The slain trooper was identified as Pfc. Edmhol Rey C. Caceres, a member of the 42nd Infantry Battalion, 9th Infantry Division, spokesperson Capt. Mardjorie Paimela Panesa said.

Caceres was shot dead at around 9 a.m. while guarding the farm-to-market road in Pagoring Nuevo, Libmanan, Camarines Sur.

The six-kilometer road connects San Isidro to Bahao.

Caceres, together with other enlisted personnel, was marketing at a nearby market, approximately 500 meters away from their Temporary Patrol Base, when two NPA bandits shot him in the head and back. He died instantly.

The suspects immediately fled after taking Caceres' M-16 automatic rifle.

Pursuit operations are still ongoing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=822017

ASG kidnap victim found dead in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 1): ASG kidnap victim found dead in Sulu

A kidnapping victim of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was found dead of still unknown causes in Patikul, Sulu Saturday night, Joint Task Group Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado reported on Sunday morning.

He identified the victim as Hong Nwi-seong, 70, a South Korean national who was abducted by the ASG in Barangay Poblacion, RT Lim town, Zamboanga Sibugay last Jan. 24.

Hong's body was found at 10:30 p.m. Saturday at the vicinity of the Sulu State College in Capitol Complex, Barangay Bangkal, Patikul.

The body was immediately taken to Kutang Heneral Teodulfo Bautista in Barangay Busbus, Jolo, for postmortem examination.

"Initial investigation revealed that the Indanan-based ASG brought the cadaver of the victim in the area after the subject's death due to severe illness," Arrojado said.

He added that the body will be transported to Zamboanga City and afterwards to Manila for proper disposition.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=822018

Indian stealth frigate arrives for PHL visit

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 1): Indian stealth frigate arrives for PHL visit

In line with its efforts to foster stronger ties with other naval forces, the Indian Navy Shivalik-class stealth frigate Sahyadri arrived at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila Sunday for a four-day goodwill visit.

The Indian vessel arrived 9 a.m. The visit started Nov. 1 and will end on the 4th.

The INS Sahyadri is commanded by Capt. Kunal Singh Rajkumar.

She is scheduled to undertake various activities with the Philippine Navy (PN) as a part of the customary naval procedures.

A PN vessel rendered customary meeting procedures with INS Sahyadri at vicinity of Corregidor Island and escorted the Indian vessel to her designated berthing area at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila.

As part of their visit, Rajkumar together with leading officers of the ship will render a courtesy call to PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Caesar Taccad this coming Nov. 3.

This goodwill visit will also involve series of confidence building engagements between PN and Indian Navy personnel such as basketball games and receptions that would create an avenue for cultural exchanges.

Moreover, PN personnel will also be given a chance to tour and familiarize with the Indian Navy ship to enhance their knowledge especially in concept of Indian naval operations and equipment.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=822116

Palace renews call for passage of 2016 national budget, BBL as Congress resumes session on Tuesday

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 1): Palace renews call for passage of 2016 national budget, BBL as Congress resumes session on Tuesday

Malacanang renewed on Sunday the call for early passage of the 2016 national budget and the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) as the Senate and the House of Representatives resume session on Tuesday.

In an interview with Radyo ng Bayan, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the Aquino administration has five successful enactments of the budget since 2011.

”We have no reenacted (budget). So we hope that the (2016) budget will be passed on time before the yearend so that we can immediately implement the budget for the next year,” Lacierda said.

The House of Representatives has already started its plenary deliberations on the proposed PhP3.002 trillion national budget for 2016 while the Senate Finance Committee is now tackling it.

On the other hand, the Senate is already debating on the BBL’s substitute bill, the Basic Law on the Bangsamoro Administrative Region (BLBAR) which, if passed into law, would replace the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

”Senate President Franklin Drilon and Speaker (Feliciano) Belmonte are one with us in pushing this BBL. This is really a bill that will secure the lasting peace and development (in Mindanao). There will be no development without peace; there will be no peace without development,” Lacierda said.

”So this BBL is important in pushing peace and development for Muslim Mindanao. So, again, we also hope that both the House and the Senate will discuss and debate on the BBL and enact this bill into law. That’s our aspiration to help the Muslims and Christians in Mindanao,” Lacierda said.

Recently, Drilon called on his colleagues seeking for either higher office or reelection in the 2016 elections to finish first the priority bills before embarking on election campaign.

Among the senators running for higher office are Senator Grace Poe for president and Senators Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero, Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., Alan Peter Cayetano, Antonio Trillanes IV and Gregorio ‘Gringo’ Honasan II for vice president.

The reelectionist senators are Drilon and Senators Ralph Recto, Serge Osmena and Teofisto ‘TG’ Guingona III.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=822089

Kidnapped Korean national found dead in S. Philippines

From the Philippine News Agency/Xinhua (Nov 1): Kidnapped Korean national found dead in S. Philippines

A 70-year old Korean national who was abducted by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits about nine months ago was found dead in southern Philippine province of Sulu, local military said Sunday.

The cadaver of Nwi Seong Hong was discovered by a concerned citizen at the vicinity of the Sulu State College in Bangkal village in Patikul town at around 10:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, said Brigadier General Alan Arrojado, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Joint Task Group Sulu.

The Indanan-based Abu Sayyaf members allegedly brought the victim to the area after he died due to "severe illness" while in captivity in the hinterland of Indanan town, he said.

The Korean national was negative of any gunshot wound, Arrojado added.

Hong, along with his son, was abducted by armed men in Poblacion village in R.T. Lim town, Zamboanga Sibugay province on Jan. 24. His son managed to escape from their abductors.

The 400-strong Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), founded in the early 1990s by Islamic extremists, is a violent Muslim terrorist group operating in the southern Philippines. The ASG is notorious for a series of kidnappings, bombings and even beheadings in southern Philippines over the past decades.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=822113