Additional spares to be procured for PAF attack AW-109s

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 15): Additional spares to be procured for PAF attack AW-109s

To ensure the maximum efficiency and mission-readiness of all its available aircraft, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has allocated the sum of PHP37,507,894.33 for the acquisition of additional spare parts for its AgustaWestland AW-109 attack helicopters.

This is Lot 2 for the projected maintenance of the latter aircraft.

Submission and opening of bids is slated for March 31, 9:00 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

Prospective bidders should have experience in a similar project within the last five years.

The PAF has eight attack AW-109E in its inventory. The first two were commissioned last Aug. 17 while the remaining six were formally accepted for PAF service last December 5, 2015.

The Philippines signed an eight-unit attack AW-109E order with AgustaWestland in 2013 for PHP3. 44 billion.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=866556

Abu Sayyafs kill 2 soldiers in Sulu ambush

Sun Star-Zamboanga (Mar 15): Abu Sayyafs kill 2 soldiers in Sulu ambush

Two military intelligence operatives were killed in an ambush staged by Abu Sayyaf bandits in the hinterlands of Sulu Tuesday.

Brigadier General Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, said the ambush took place around 8:10 a.m. Tuesday at Sitio Tibongbong in the village of Igasan, Patikul, Sulu.

Arrojado did not release the identities of the slain soldiers but said they were intelligence operatives of the Army's 10th Infantry Battalion.

He said the victims were aboard a motorcycle traversing along the municipal service road when a group of Abu Sayyaf bandits led by sub-leader Morasil Mudjahirin ambushed them. The soldiers died on the spot.

The victims were returning to the 10th Infantry Battalion headquarters coming from a meeting in the village of Taglibi, Patikul, when the ambush happened.

Arrojado said the 10th Infantry Batallion troops responded to the crime scene and launched pursuit operation against Mudjahirin’s group.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2016/03/15/abu-sayyafs-kill-2-soldiers-sulu-ambush-462674

Ex-NPA rebel leads authorities to missing lumad’s grave in Surigao

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 14): Ex-NPA rebel leads authorities to missing lumad’s grave in Surigao

Butuan City — A former fighter of the New People’s Army (NPA) led authorities to the unmarked grave of a Manobo tribe member Sunday, two years since the lumad was abducted and killed by communist rebels in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur.

This was disclosed yesterday by First Lt. Jan S. Devaras, 41st Civil Military Operations (Magkahiusa) Company commander, as he said that the ex-NPA rebel led authorities to the site where the lumad was buried at the vicinity of Kilometer 9, Mam-on, Barangay Tubo-tubo in Cagwait, Surigao del Sur.

“The skeletal remains of the lumad were retrieved thru the revelation of a former NPA who has just surrendered to military and police authorities in Surigao del Sur,” Devaras said.

(photo courtesy of google map)

 

He added that the victim was abducted by NPA rebels last April 12, 2014 from a highland Manobo community in Anas, Barangay Cabangahan in Cantilan town.

 

The Magkahiusa commander, however, refused to reveal the identity of the ex-rebel nor that of the murdered lumad for security reasons.

Devaras also said the NPAs executed the tribesman after he refused to join the revolutionary movement.

He said the remains of the lumad were brought under the custody of government authorities in Surigao del Sur for further forensic examination and identification.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Randolph Rojas, commander of the 36th IB based in Tago, Surigao del Sur condemned the NPAs for killing another lumad.

“We condemn the NPAs for killing another lumad who did not want to join or cooperate with them. They must also stop occupying some Indigenous People communities in Surigao del Sur as their guerrilla bases,” he said

http://www.mb.com.ph/ex-npa-rebel-leads-authorities-to-missing-lumads-grave-in-surigao/

La Union scores high on peace, order

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 15): La Union scores high on peace, order

The La Union provincial government has prided itself on sustained peace, order and security which translated to residents' collective welfare.

For nine years under Governor Manuel Ortega’s administration, the provincial government focused on attaining its common vision of “La Union as a Haven of Peace, Unity and Prosperity for a Much Improved Quality of Life.”

Based on reports, the province has been insurgency-free for years due to its partnership with the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces in securing the province's peace and order.

Previous accomplishments by the La Union Police Provincial Office include rebel surrenderees or rebel officers who returned to the folds of the law and choosing the province as the place for surrender.

These include the following significant  surrenders:
 
On February 14, 2016 Manuel Arpid or Ka Manuel, a political affairs officer of the New People’s Army surrendered to the La Union Police Provincial Office under the leadership of Police Director Supt. Angelito Dumangeng;
 
Ka Omar, 33, a suspected NPA member surrendered in April 2015 which came following a series of negotiations conducted by police and military agents and local officials.

Omar joined the communist movement in 1997 and was appointed assistant team leader of the NPA’s Kilusang Larangang Guerrilla operating in the Cordilleras, Dumangeng informed.

Other rebel officers who returned to the folds of the law as far back as 2012 have been provided benefits under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (Clip) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and other programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The integration program affords former rebels the chance to return to the social mainstream and uplifts their socio-economic conditions to enable them to become active partners in local development.

It seeks to contribute towards the achievement of the goal of permanent peaceful closure of all armed conflicts with non-state armed groups.

The program covers validation and authentication, immediate assistance, psychological intervention, resettlement and integration.

Meanwhile, the province’s crime solution efficiency rate, was significantly higher (91 percent) compared with Region I’s average of 65 percent.

The sustained priority given to peace, order and security through the functional (seven) pillars of the criminal justice system contributed to this level of achievement.

On November 24, 2015, the province was cited by the Dangerous Drugs Board as a nominee in the 2015 Nationwide search for the Best Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC).

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/311457487806/la-union-scores-high-on-peace-order

NPA offers discount to candidates

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 15): NPA offers discount to candidates

It’s cheaper by the dozen, even in terms of campaign fees collected by communist rebels in certain areas in Quezon province.

Candidates wanting to court voters unhampered in villages under the control of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Quezon may resort to getting group discounts in permit to campaign (PTC) fees so they can save money for the coming elections, according to an Army general.

“Aside from demanding PTC fees from individual candidates, the NPA now offers a ‘one slate collection’ for candidates of a political party [in a particular town],” said Brig. Gen. Erick Parayno, commander of the Army’s 201st Infantry Brigade here.

Demand letter

A candidate for councilor in one of the towns in central Quezon confirmed Parayno’s information.

The politician, who asked not to be named due to security concerns, said his group’s campaign manager had received a demand letter, supposedly from the NPA, asking their political party to settle the PTC fees of all municipal candidates in its slate.

“The letter advised the party to settle the PTC fees of all candidates in one payment in exchange for a discount of an unspecified amount,” he said.

But the candidate had said his group was caught in a bind as some of his party mates refused to pay, “as a matter of principle.”

“They just don’t want to submit themselves to the extortion scheme of the rebels,” he said. “Our group faces a dilemma because the party wants us to settle the problem by ourselves.”

Protection

In past elections, rebels had sought from candidates not only cash but also goods, like rice, other foodstuff, medicine, communication equipment and even mobile phone load credits, military and local officials said.

Parayno said candidates had been sending feelers that they want to avail themselves of military and police protection during their sorties.

“And we expect more politicians to come to us before the official campaign period starts,” he said.

The campaign period for local candidates starts on March 25 and ends on May 7. Campaign activities are prohibited on March 25, Good Friday.

Parayno reiterated that the military would not give candidates individual security escorts but would only clear the campaign site of any threat from communist rebels or other armed groups.

“We won’t be acting as their personal bodyguards,” he said. “But in case of any clear threat on the ground, we’re always ready to come to their aid.”

‘Revolutionary tax’

Parayno said the NPA rebels were also asking candidates with business interests to pay a “revolutionary tax” on top of the PTC fee.

They have been targeting construction companies working on government infrastructure projects, he said.

A source in the local construction business said the rebels were asking for “millions of pesos” in exchange for unimpeded work in their project sites.

“Failure to settle means [contractors] are putting their heavy equipment and workers in the field in constant danger,” said the source.

No amount specified

The candidate said the rebels had not specified any amount for the PTC covering a party slate for a town.

“It will be discussed during the negotiation. But based on our understanding, the group fee will be cheaper,” he said.

In a previous interview, a former NPA leader, who now works as a consultant for a local government in Quezon, confirmed that a PTC fee demand letter contained no specific demand to a candidate.

But he said some candidates would not be asked to pay if the local NPA leadership would be convinced that they were sincere in serving the people and they did not have money.

A politician, who served for three terms as municipal councilor and later as vice mayor, said he paid the PTC fee through cash and goods.

“They asked for cell phone load, grocery items, rice and assorted medicines. I think it only cost me around P70,000,” he said. He also gave the rebels P30,000.

Asked if the PTC fee payment helped him win, he said: “I’d like to think that it helped because I won.”

However, the politician said he was thinking of not paying the PTC fee for his reelection bid this year.

“I’m not sure that the demand really came from NPA rebels. I only received a phone call from a male caller who introduced himself as the PTC collector in our area. But I did not believe him. He asked me to deposit P100,000 to a bank account; that’s not the style of genuine PTC collectors,” he said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/773679/npa-offers-discount-to-candidates

Grave of murdered lumad found

From Tempo (Mar 15): Grave of murdered lumad found

A former fighter of the New People’s Army (NPA) led authorities to a graveyard where a lumad was buried after being abducted and killed at highland Manobo community of Anas, Barangay Cabangahan, in Cantilan town, Surigao del Sur, on April 12, 2014, the military reported yesterday
.
First Lt. Karl Jan S. Devaras, 41st Civil Military Operations (Magkahiusa) Company commander, said the former NPA fighter (name withheld for security reason), accompanied government authorities to the exact location of the graveyard of the murdered lumad at 3 a.m. Sunday in the vicinity of Kilometer 9, Purok Mam-on, Barangay Tubo-tubo, Cagwait town, Surigao del Sur.

“The skeletal remains of the lumad was retrieved thru the revelation of a former NPA who has just surrendered to military and police authorities in Surigao del Sur,” Devaras said.

Citing the statement of the NPA surrenderee, Devaras said the skeletal remains belonged to a lumad who was a member of the Manobo tribe in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur.

He further disclosed that the communist rebels murdered the tribesman for refusing to join the revolutionary movement.

He added that the remains of the lumad were turned over to government authorities in Surigao del Sur for further forensic examination and identification.

Lt. Col. Randolph Rojas, commander of the 36th IB based in Tago, Surigao del Sur condemned the NPA for killing another lumad.

“We condemn the NPAs for killing another lumad who does not want to join or cooperate with them and they also must stop occupying some Indigenous People communities in Surigao del Sur as their guerilla bases,” he said.

The ground Army commander added that it is very alarming that the NPA continue to sow terror on the lumad people despite their innocence and incapacity to fight.

http://www.tempo.com.ph/2016/03/15/news/regional/grave-of-murdered-lumad-found/

2 bomb suspects nabbed in Zambo

From The Standard (Mar 15): 2 bomb suspects nabbed in Zambo

 TWO suspected bombers, who were found in possession of a key ingredient in bomb-making, were arrested by combined security forces at a port in Zamboanga City Sunday night.

The authorities said they nabbed Allan Ajing Ajijun, 30, and Asbi Tandih Jama, 21, both residents of Zamboanga City, on Saturday at the Sangil Port and seized two kilos of ammonium nitrate, six improvised blasting caps and two time fuses.

This developed as Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar commended intelligence units from the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the arrest of the suspected and the seizure of the bomb component.

“I commended the intelligence communities, the Task Force Zamboanga and the Zamboanga City Police, but I also want to look deeper into identities and background of the suspects,” Salazar said.

Chief Insp. Rogelio Alabata, spokesman of the Zamboanga Peninsula regional police, said the suspect were caught by Naval Intelligence and Security Company, Marine Battalion Landing Team, Air Force Intelligence Special Group Field Station Western Mindanao and Naval Special Operation Unit.

Security forces in Mindanao has launched a wide-scale intelligence monitoring for potential bombing activities by local terrorist groups following reports that 100 Muslim recruits trained by foreign militants are out to conduct bombings in Mindanao.

The recruits are said to have been graduated from a clandestine school of bomb-making somewhere in Liguasan Marsh near Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat.

The recruits, sources said, were trained by Salahudin Hassan, a member of the Al-Khobar group supporting the Jemaah Islamiya, and Mumanda Ali, alias Mauwiya, a former military officer from Singapore, who became of JI leader responsible for the 2001 Bali, Indonesia bombing. He fled to Mindanao in 2002.

In January, Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, chief of Joint Task Group Sulu, has put his troops on red alert after six ASG recruits under terrorist sub-leader Majan Sajidjuan, alias Mike, out of a bombing mission were monitored roaming in Jolo.

Authorities in Zamboanga City declined to give specifics as to the targets of the suspected bombers when arrested.

The military has so far recovered 100 land mines laid by local terror groups in separate areas in the towns of Datu Salibo and Butig in Lanao del Sur, the scene of fierce fighting between Jordanian-trained militant group and army troops that left at least 52 rebels killed.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/news/-main-stories/top-stories/201728/2-bomb-suspects-nabbed-in-zambo.html

Malaysia, Australia to discuss China moves in disputed South China Sea

From GMA News (Mar 15): Malaysia, Australia to discuss China moves in disputed South China Sea

Malaysian Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said on Monday he will meet his Australian counterpart next week to discuss China's military buildup in the disputed South China Sea and hold talks with fellow claimants the Philippines and Vietnam.

China claims most of the energy-rich waters through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. Neighbors Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims.

Beijing is feeling public pressure at home to show it can protect its claims to the waters after the United States began conducting "freedom of navigation" operations near islands where China has been carrying out controversial reclamation work and stationing advanced weapons.

Hishammuddin said he would meet Australian Defence Minister Marise Payne to ensure efforts are made to "hold China to their promise of not placing military assets in the area".

"If the reports we've received from various sources regarding the buildup and placement of military assets in the Spratlys are true - this forces us in a pushback against China," Hishammuddin told reporters.

In September, Chinese President Xi Jinping said China had no intention to militarize its outposts in the Spratly islands.

US Senate Armed Services Committee chair James Clapper said in a letter in February that China's land reclamation and construction work on the islands had established infrastructure needed "to project military capabilities in the South China Sea beyond that which is required for point defense of its outposts".

The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) said last month it was "seriously concerned" over developments in the disputed waters, which includes recent missile and fighter jet deployments by China in the Paracel island chain.

Hishammuddin said he would also meet with authorities in Vietnam and the Philippines as, if reports on China's military expansion were true, Malaysia "cannot act alone in stopping the aggressive actions".

"We need the support of other ASEAN countries, and I will continue to (seek that support)," Hishammuddin said. "This is important for us to maintain balance, and to curb the actions by superpowers, whether it is China or the United States."

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/559032/news/world/malaysia-australia-to-discuss-china-moves-in-disputed-south-china-sea

Military still clueless on whereabouts of 4 Abu Sayyaf hostages

From GMA News (Mar 14): Military still clueless on whereabouts of 4 Abu Sayyaf hostages

The military remains clueless on the whereabouts of the four hostages—three of them foreigners—of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group, months after they were kidnapped in Davao del Norte.

"We have yet to pinpoint their whereabouts," said Maj. Filemon Tan, spokesperson for the Armed Forces' Western Mindanao Command, on Monday. "Our intelligence units are still trying to confirm if they are indeed in Sulu."

Last week, a video showing the hostages appealing for help circulated on the Internet. One of them, Kjartan Sekkingstad, a Norwegian, said they are being held in Sulu, a known bailiwick of the Abu Sayyaf, and that they will be executed if their respective governments will not give in to the Abu Sayyaf's ransom demand.

The Abu Sayyaf has demanded a P1-billion ransom for the release of each of the hostages.

Aside from Sekkingstad, the other hostages were John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, both Canadians, and Filipina Marites Flor.

They were seized from the posh Holiday Oceanview resort in Samal Island on Sept. 21 last year.

Tan said Sekkingstad may have been ordered by his captors to say that they are in Sulu to deceive pursuing security forces.

"There is a chance that they are just misleading our troops because of continuing operations in Sulu," he said. "They could be using it (video) to tell us they are in Sulu when they are, for example, in Basilan."

Basilan is also a known stomping ground of the al Qaeda-linked terrorist group.

Tan said cyber forensic experts from the military are conducting investigation to determine when and where the video was taken and to establish the identities of the person or persons who uploaded the video on the Internet

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/558998/news/regions/military-still-clueless-on-whereabouts-of-4-abu-sayyaf-hostages

Military, LGU declare Agusan Del Norte as ‘conflict-manageable’

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14): Military, LGU declare Agusan Del Norte as ‘conflict-manageable’

The military on Monday declared Agusan Del Norte and its capital city of Butuan as “conflict-manageable and development ready” areas.

Capt. Patrick Martinez, spokesperson of the Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID), said that the various peace-building efforts undertaken by the military and the local government units (LGUs) have spurred development in the area.

Martinez made the disclosure during the joint ceremony held at the Provincial Training Center, Provincial Capitol, Agusan Del Norte attended by key government, AFP and PNP officials on Monday.

He said that the people of Agusan Del Norte and its city deserve to enjoy the fruits of growth under a peaceful environment.

He said that the infrastructure development in the province is now in place and Agusan Del Norte is in the “position to propel growth in the region.”

In his message, Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr., of Butuan City, said “we thank the soldiers for sacrificing their lives on accomplishing this kind of environment.”

Lt. Gen. Leonardo Rey Guererro, commander, Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), said that the ceremony is the military’s “seal of our commitment of working together to ensure a better environment for growth for the people of this province.”

Guererro, who was the guest speaker of the ceremony, said that the journey has just begun and urged the LGUs to continue the advocacy to sustain the gains in socioeconomic development in the area.

Gov. Angelica Amante-Matba of Agusan Del Norte, said that the declaration showed that attaining a “conflict-manageable condition” could be done through the collective efforts of stakeholders.

The governor, however, said that the peace and development efforts should continue, especially in far flung communities where the people need to feel that the government is working for them.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=866469

119th Philippine Army Day celebrated in Tacloban

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14): 119th Philippine Army Day celebrated in Tacloban

The Philippine Army showcased its upgraded weapons, disaster response and personnel capabilities during its 119th anniversary.

The celebration on Saturday was highlighted with a civic military parade around this city as kick-off ceremony of the momentous event.

There was an information caravan and photo contest to further showcase the Army’s various past and ongoing activities.

The Visayas-leg celebration at the Robinsons Place Tacloban was participated in by soldiers of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, Samar, and 3rd Infantry Division based in Jamindan, Capiz in partnership with Lente Images Inc.

In line with the Army Day, supplementary activities were conducted such as medical and dental consultation, information campaign on Return 119, and Audio-Visual Presentation on the documentaries of soldiers’ heroism and contribution to peace, as part of the continuing evolution through reforms and professionalism.

The 119th founding anniversary had its theme, "Serving the people. Securing the land.”

Spectators took photo souvenirs and got the feel of handling displayed Army equipment. The caravan culminated with a live concert featuring the Philippine Army Band on Sunday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=866444

Vietnam anti-China activists mark Spratly island battle

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 14): Vietnam anti-China activists mark Spratly island battle



Vietnamese shout anti-China slogans during a protest in Hanoi, Vietnam Monday, March, 14, 2016 as about 200 Vietnamese gather to remember 64 Vietnamese soldiers who were killed by the Chinese navy in a clash 28 years ago in the disputed South China Sea. AP

Activists chanted anti-China slogans in the Vietnamese capital on Monday to mark the anniversary of a 1988 battle in the Spratly Islands, a rare act of protest over an issue that has come to dog relations between Hanoi and Beijing.

The two neighbors are locked in long-standing territorial disputes over the Spratly and Paracel Islands, which both countries claim.

One party Vietnam clamps down on public protest.
 But anti-Chinese demonstrations have become increasingly commonplace, particularly around the March 14 anniversary of a skirmish between China and Vietnam.

In 1988 China launched an attack on Gac Ma Island — one of the larger Spratly Islands which was formerly under Vietnamese military control — killing 64 Vietnamese soldiers in the last violent conflict between the two nations.

“We are here to commemorate our soldiers killed by Chinese,” teacher Pham Toan told AFP in front of a statue of Ly Thai To — the founder of Hanoi and a nationalist figurehead.

“Their sacrifice has been long forgotten by Vietnamese authorities,” Toan added, referring to activist claims that the communist authorities do not sufficiently commemorate the battle.

Vietnam’s communist leadership’s handling of its delicate relationship with China — which is the country’s largest trading partner — is a frequent flashpoint for domestic criticism of Vietnam’s authoritarian government.

Watched by dozens of plain-clothed security officers, the activists played patriotic music and waved Vietnamese flags near the central Hoan Kiem lake in Hanoi.

Dozens of activists laid floral wreaths covered with black ribbons that read “the people will never forget” at the statue of Ly Thai To.

The protest lasted about an hour. Vietnam’s tightly controlled state media covered the anniversary but not Monday’s protest. There was no official comment from the government.

Beijing’s increasingly assertive stance in contested waters has triggered public anger and rounds of protests in authoritarian Vietnam where the demonstrations are sometimes forcefully broken up.

The Spratlys are claimed by Hanoi but controlled by Beijing, which has ramped up activity in the area by rapidly building artificial islands, including airstrips said to be capable of hosting military jets.

Rioting broke out in Vietnam after Beijing sent an oil rig into contested waters in 2014, and at least three Chinese people were killed.

Apart from China and Vietnam the Spratly Islands are claimed in whole or in part by the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/137731/vietnam-anti-china-activists-mark-spratly-island-battle

PA chief vows justice in troop abuse

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 14): PA chief vows justice in troop abuse

THE PHILIPPINE Army chief assured the victims of justice as the investigation continues into the soldier and four militiamen who reportedly tortured a Lumad farmer in Barangay Demoloc in Malita, Davao Occidental on Feb. 19.

Lt. Gen. Eduardo M. Año, commanding general of the Philippine Army, in an interview said that they will make sure that the truth will come out.

“We will ensure that appropriate charges and punishments will be applied,”Año said. “An investigation is already ongoing to determine the culpability of the alleged suspects.”

Año further said that the Army leadership shall enforce strictly the discipline and order of the organization.

“To all the soldiers, I’m directing them to strictly observe, respect and protect the human rights of the people. Violators shall me meted with appropriate actions with the full force of the law.”

In a separate interview, Maj. Gen. Rafael Valencia, commander of 10th Infantry Division, said that he is giving the commander of 72nd Infantry Battalion one week to complete the investigation.

“The 72nd IB is still getting the statements of Corporal Sandy Batolbatol, four militiamen, the victims and other witnesses as well as gathering other documentary evidences,”Valencia said.

According to Valencia the possible sanctions of the soldier will only depend on what the investigation will be able to establish.

Valencia already  ordered to relief of Batolbatol and four militiamen from their detachment in Malita lastweek .

The Philippines is a signatory to the United Nations Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. As a signatory to this treaty,  the state has the duty to respect and implement this covenant.

Capt. Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, said they were shocked and saddened by the actions of their soldier and SCAAs perpetrated against Mr. Orlando ‘Kaido’ Engo, 52, and his two grandsons as shown in a Facebook post.

In a facebook post , Batchar said: “Pursuant to Articles of War 70, Cpl Sandy Batolbatol and four SCAAs who are possibly involved in the said incident are now placed under arrest by the Commander of 72nd Infantry Battalion at their headquarters at Camp Gen Manuel T Yan Sr, Barangay Tuboran, Mawab, Compostela Valley Province. They shall be restricted to barracks to insure their appearance while the investigation is on-going.

“As of now, the names of the four SCAAs are being withheld until the investigation has clearly established their involvement in said incident. Due process of law shall be strictly observed in the investigation and when evidence warrants, they will be prosecuted with the full force of military justice, including trial by Courts-Martial. The soldier and the CAAs are subject to military laws.

“The command further reiterates that the investigation will not prejudice any investigation that maybe conducted by other agencies and shall make available the soldier and CAAs for such investigation.”

Spokesperson of Bayan-SMR Sheena Duazo said condemned the actions of the soldier and the militiamen on the farmer they accused of masterminding the theft from a sari-sari store.  She said that it was a clear violation of the law and they deserved to be punished for what they did to a civilian.

Bayan was one of the first organizations informed of the incident.

In the MindaNews  report, Orlando  was falsely accused of sending his 14-year-old grandson, Ian, to steal from a store in Sitio Matamis.

Fetched by the father of the store owner and three SCAA militiamen at his house on the morning of that day, Kaido proceeded to the barangay hall but was brought directly instead to the SCAA detachment where Batolbatol was waiting for him.

Kaido’s son and Ian were also at the detachment. Batolbatol accused Kaido of masterminding the theft in Matamis.

When Kaido denied the accusation the sergeant started beating the frail-framed Kaido with a piece of wood hitting his behind.

After hitting him 10 times, Batolbatol ordered Ian to beat up his grandfather; the boy complied.

Later, it was the turn of the SCAA militiamen.

They hit Kaido on the head with a piece of wood. They repeatedly hit him with their fists on his side, on the chest and stomach.

Not satisfied with beating up Kaido, the militiamen placed ice under both his armpits, in his trousers by his bottoms and his groin. They then poured ice cold water on his whole body. Unable to take anymore, Kaido agreed to sign a document admitting to having sent his grandson to steal from the store. He was released soon after that.

On the evening of that same day, Kaido, together with his daughter-in-law, proceeded to Malita to file a police report as well as have himself examined by a doctor.

According to the doctor’s report, Kaido had a 5cm laceration on his head, “contusion hematoma anterior chest, swelling hematoma at left wrist, and hematoma at buttocks area.” MindaNews

http://mindanaotimes.net/pa-chief-vows-justice-in-troop-abuse/

MILF’s path to peace to stay despite BBL passage failure

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 14): MILF’s path to peace to stay despite BBL passage failure

THE POLITICAL group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front guaranteed that peace gestures with the Philippine government will continue even with the delay in the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

In an interview last Friday, United Bangsamoro Justice Party secretary general Naguib Sinarimbo told reporters that the MILF is still pushing through with the other measures despite a year’s worth of delay in the passage of the law.

Sinarimbo, himself a member of the Joint Normalization Committee, said the symbolic phase was already achieved with the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

The group has already decommissioned 75 firearms and 145 combatants in the first phase of the decommissioning.

Phase 2, he reminded, has a precondition of the BBL being passed.

“But there are aspects that will continue,” he said.

The Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, he added, was closely monitoring any “potential for the recurrence of conflict.”

The UBJP was a participant at a training with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Philippines Office and the Institute for Autonomy and Governance, held at the Sapphire Room of the Pinnacle Hotel and Suites last week.

The agencies held the Democratic Party Development Project (DEPAdev) training with the group, among 20 to 23 trainings to be held in 18 months in Mindanao.

The project has a fund of €550,000.

Hendrik Mollenhauer, DEPAdev project manager, said the project will continue in its advocacy of informing various organizations on structural reforms, such as the proposed shift to parliamentary government advocated in the BBL despite the non-passage of the law.

“The DEPAdev project aims to contribute to the establishment of a pluralistic political landscape in southern Philippines. In particular through the formation of political parties, Muslim, Christian, Indigenous and other underrepresented groups shall be empowered for active political participation under a parliamentary system,” a statement from the organization said.

“For this non-partisan technical support, seminars and training activities will be conducted from February 2016 onwards, addressing existing political parties, members of civil society groups and members of both religious and non-religious groups inside the future Bangsamoro entity.”

http://mindanaotimes.net/milfs-path-to-peace-to-stay-despite-bbl-passage-failure/

Leyte-based Army renews commitment to stay non-partisan

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14): Leyte-based Army renews commitment to stay non-partisan

The Philippine Army based in Leyte vowed to remain non-partisan as they perform their task to ensure peaceful and orderly elections in remote communities.

“We guarantee you that your army will be apolitical, neutral and non-partisan. Our only request for the candidates is to abide by the covenant they signed,” said Col. Francisco Mendoza, the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade commander.

The army brigade, based in Ormoc City, has two infantry battalions (IB) - the 19th IB that covers the provinces of Biliran and northwest part of Leyte province and 78th IB that covers with jurisdiction of the southern part of Leyte province.

The Philippine Army, along with members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) have been initiating peace covenant signing for local candidates, vying seats on the May 9 elections.

Of the 44 towns and cities in Leyte, 40 areas were done with covenant signing.

The Comelec has deputized the military and police to provide security assistance throughout the election period.

The military provides augmentation force to policemen in their checkpoints and in the implementation of gun ban.

They also assign their men as security personnel to local candidates as approved by Comelec and subject to the conditions under regulations under the Omnibus Election Code.

“As early as January 9, we already created a joint security plan with the Comelec and PNP in order the election in the province is secure and fair,” Mendoza added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=866208

Eastern Visayas top cop open to local negotiations with rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14): Eastern Visayas top cop open to local negotiations with rebels

The regional chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) is open to local peace negotiation with members of the New People’s Army in Eastern Visayas to end insurgency.

Police Regional Director Chief Supt. Jesus Elmer Villacorte made the statement after a group of armed rebels stormed the police station of Balangkayan, Eastern Samar last week.

He said the extent of positive change will depend on how government officials listen to the grassroots and tackle the root causes of the more than four decades of civil war.

Villacorte said talking with the NPA here in the region is a necessary first step towards reaching an acceptable agreement.

“We anticipate that there will a lot of bumps along the road,” said Villacorte. “But ultimately, this is something that our own local officials and people from Eastern Visayas have to work out with each other,” he added.

“We have our own issue to discuss with them and I believe that a place of greater freedom and tolerance is not only a moral imperative, it also helps to keep us safe,” he added.

However, Villacorte said in pursuing peace and freedom within our locality is not to say that every problem has a military solution.

“The police and the military will always be the backbone of that leadership. But military action cannot be the only – or even primary – component of our leadership in every instance,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=866300

2 suspected bombers arrested in Zamboanga City

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14): 2 suspected bombers arrested in Zamboanga City

Joint police and military operatives have arrested two suspected bombers and seized bomb-making components inside a government installation in this city, the police reported Monday.

Senior Insp. Helen Galvez, Zamboanga City police spokesperson, identified the arrested suspected bombers as Allan Ajijun, 30 and Asbi Jama, 21, both of Tumalutab Island, this city.

Galvez said the two suspects were arrested around 8 p.m. Sunday inside the fishing port in Barangay Sangali, 25.34 kilometers east of the city hall.

Tumalutab, is an island barangay located 40 kilometers east of the city hall, is more or less an hour-long ride by motorboat from the Sangali Fishing Port where residents usually dock their motorboats and goods for sale.

Galvez said the arresting team confiscated from the suspects’ possession the following: six pieces blasting caps; two pieces commercial time fuse (10 and six inches long); two kilos ammonium nitrate; two pieces plastic tubes (three and two inches long); and a sandpaper.

She said investigation continues in a bid to determine whether the suspects have ties with the extremist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

The arrest of the suspects came as the police and military authorities placed its forces on alert following reported bombing threat.

Galvez said the suspects were detained while appropriate charges are set to be filed against them.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=866342

Malaysian peace monitors in Mindanao leave, new team comes in

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14): Malaysian peace monitors in Mindanao leave, new team comes in

Malaysian military officials today ended their one year tour of duty as peace observers of the government peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) even as they welcomed another team of peace monitors to continue its mission in southern Philippines.

In simple turnover ceremonies here, Major Gen. Dato Sheik Mokhsin, head of International Monitoring Team (IMT-01), handed over the IMT mission banner to his successor, Major Gen. Datuk Wira Zamrose.

Zamrose will lead 15 Malaysian military officials to be deployed in various areas in Mindanao to continue Malaysia's role in bringing genuine peace in Mindanao.

He is a Malaysian Army division commander until his assignment here.

The IMT is composed of unarmed military and civilian representatives from Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia, Japan, Norway and the European Union.

Malaysia has been the "third party" facilitator of the peace process since 2001, hosting several meetings of government and MILF peace panels in Kuala Lumpur.

Before today's ceremonies, Mokhsin also met with leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the rebel group's main base - Camp Darapanan in Barangay Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

In that meeting, MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim asked the outgoing IMT officials to convey his message of gratitude and appreciation to Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Najib Razak.

“The continuous sending of the IMT contingent is a clear manifestation that both parties and the facilitating country, Malaysia, are very much committed to continue the peace process,” Murad said during the IMT's exit call to the MILF leadership.

Murad told the outgoing peace monitors he was saddened by the fate of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in the Philippine Congress.

According to Murad, the draft bill, once it becomes a law, will be the final stage of the peace process because it will implement what has been agreed in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

"A political agreement cannot be implemented unless it is translated into law," he told the Malaysians.

Despite the fate of the BBL, Murad said the MILF leadership and the Bangsamoro people are elated with the commitment shown and expressed by Prime Minister Razak.

In his February 26 meeting with the Malaysian head of state, Murad said Razak renewed his commitment to continue helping both sides in achieving the goal of the peace process.

Murad said the MILF will also give the same support and commitment it has given to new set of peace monitors.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=866386

Butuan City, Agusan del Norte declared 'Conflict-Manageable and Ready for Further Development'

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14): Butuan City, Agusan del Norte declared 'Conflict-Manageable and Ready for Further Development'

Due to improving peace and order conditions, the City of Butuan and the Province of Agusan del Norte were declared "Conflict-Manageable and Ready for Further Development" on Sunday.

The declaration, which took place at the Provincial Training Center, Provincial Capitol, was made possible through the cooperation of security and civilian stakeholders of the two local government units (LGUs).

Agusan del Norte Province and Butuan City serve as the primary gateway for business and tourism activity for the CARAGA Region, said 4th Infantry Division public affairs office chief Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez.

With infrastructure development in place, the city and province are in a position to propel growth in the region.

In the past, lawless armed groups like the New People’s Army remnants had been sabotaging economic growth in the region.

“This ceremony is our seal of our commitment of working together to ensure a better environment for growth for the people of this province. Nevertheless, our journey has just begun. Let us continue on our advocacy to sustain the gains of our convergence. The armed struggle is irrelevant, now that the people are given ample opportunity to take part in socioeconomic development,” said Eastern Mindanao Commandhead Lt. Gen. Leonardo Rey Guerrero.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=866470

PAF Bell 412 helicopter up for repairs

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14): PAF Bell 412 helicopter up for repairs

In line with efforts to ensure that all of its aircraft are airworthy and mission-capable at all times, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has allocated the sum of PHP3,692,000 for the acquisition of spare parts needed for the upcoming maintenance of one of its Bell 412 helicopters.

Submission and opening of bids is scheduled for March 31, 9:00 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

Prospective bidders should have an experience in a similar project within the last five years.

The Bell 412 is a twin-engine utility helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It is a development of the Bell 212 with the major difference being the composite four-blade main rotor.

The PAF has an estimated 12 Bell 412 helicopters in its inventory.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=866167

Filipino WWII book to be formally launched Tuesday

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14): Filipino WWII book to be formally launched Tuesday

As part of this year's commemoration of the Philippine Veterans Week and 74th Araw ng Kagitingan, a book entitled “For Love of Freedom: Pursuit of Freedom From Want” Book Two is set to be launched at the Tejeros Hall, AFP Commissioned Officers' Club, Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday.

The book was penned by Dr. Senen R. Asuan who served as an intelligence officer during the Second World War.

The former was his personal narrative of his experiences at the time of the great global conflict in the Philippines.

Asuan was then a student at the Ateneo High School in Camarines Sur when the Japanese declared their attack in the Philippines on the Dec. 8, 1941.

He then enlisted into the 53rd Infantry Regiment with base at Mount Isarog on Dec. 9, 1942 with the rank of 2nd lieutenant, serving initially as an intelligence operative in Camarines Sur.

In Nov. 2, 1944, he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and was eventually discharged honorably from his guerilla unit on April 30, 1945.

It was in 2001 when Asuan wrote and published the Book One of “For Love of Freedom: Memoirs of a World War II Philippine Resistance Fighter” with the assistance of author John Levi.

This time, Asuan will formally unveil the sequel of his book entitled “For Love of Freedom: Pursuit of Freedom from Want”, which paints a chilling description of the horrors of the Japanese occupation in his province.

At 1:00 p.m., a Symposium on the Images of Valor and Victory will be held at the same venue.

It will feature unsung heroism of soldiers during and after the World War II in the Philippines.

The first part will discuss “Heroism at War: Selflessness of Filipino Soldiers during the Japanese Occupation and the Liberation Period”, while the second part will present “Medal of Valor Awardee: Testimonials of Gallant Defenders of our Country.”

The observance of the Philippine Veterans Week and Araw ng Kagitingan is pursuant to Proclamation No. 499 series of 1989 and Executive Order No. 203, series of 1987 that aim to promote, preserve, and memorialize the principles, ideas, and deeds of Filipino veterans and consequently deepen the citizen’s love for country and strengthen a collective sense of national pride, especially among the youth.

The week-long observance is an occasion which honors not only the Filipino Veterans who had served or died for the nation but also those who render honorable military service in defending the country in times of war or peace, to gratefully acknowledge their contributions in preserving the country's sovereignty and defending national security.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=866269

Arrival of USCGC Boutwell to boost PN capabilities

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14): Arrival of USCGC Boutwell to boost PN capabilities

The capability of the Philippine Navy (PN) to secure the country's vast maritime domains will get a much-needed boost with the pending arrival of the USCGC Boutwell, the Hamilton-class cutter earlier pledged to the PN by US President Barack Obama.

The latter is the sister ship of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (formerly the USCGC Hamilton) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (ex-USCGC Dallar) which were decommissioned in 2011 and 2012, respectively.

The USCGC Boutwell will be decommissioned from US Coast Guard service on Wednesday in San Diego, California after 48 years of service.

"We are expecting the delivery of this ship this year. (It will be an) additional asset for the PN and will be a big boost to our capabilities once it enters our inventory," Navy public affairs office chief Capt. Lued Lincuna said.

The USCGC Boutwell is the seventh high endurance cutter to be decommissioned, with five remaining in service across the Pacific.

The US Coast Guard is working with the State Department to transfer the ship to the PN as part of a Foreign Military Sale Program through the Foreign Assistance Act.

Obama announced that the US is donating the USCGC Boutwell to the PN along with the research vessel, R/V Melville during his visit to the Philippines last November 17, the height of the APEC Leaders' Summit in Manila.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=866293