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Bill makes wearing cop uniforms a crime

July 27, 2013, 1:01 pm
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From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 27): Bill makes wearing cop uniforms a crime

The unauthorized wearing of military or police uniforms could soon be a criminal act punishable by a 10-year jail term if a Cebu lawmaker’s proposed measure is enacted in the 16th Congress.

Filed by Cebu City 1st district Rep. Raul Del Mar, House Bill 368 seeks to amend Republic Act 493, which regulates the use and production of uniform of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

On top of the decade-long prison term, violators would also be slapped with a P20,000 fine. The bill also imposes a five-year imprisonment and a fine of P10,000 for the unauthorized sale of military and police uniforms to civilian and the production of textile, which is being used for the production of the uniforms.

Likewise, the bill also imposes a five-year imprisonment and a fine of P10,000 for the unauthorized sale of military and police uniforms to civilian and the production of textile, which is being used for the production of the uniforms.

In justifying the bill, Del Mar said that the indiscriminate wearing of AFP and PNP uniform by civilian has caused damage to the reputation of the military and the police, “especially by bad elements posing as good guys.”

“Unauthorized persons have taken advantage of the proliferation of imitations of uniforms bearing close resemblance to the official military and police uniforms to falsely represent themselves as members of the AFP or the PNP,” the solon said.

Del Mar noted that the wearing of police and military uniforms became “fashionable” as the uniforms sprung up in stores near military and police camps.

Del Mar cited RA 493 which regulates the wearing, using, manufacturing and selling of insignias, decorations and medals, badges, patches and identification cards prescribed for the military and police authorities by persons not in the service.

However, he said the law has no prohibition imposing penalty against civilians who will be caught wearing the military and police uniforms.

Del Mar also cited Article 177 of the revised Penal Code, which prohibits anyone from falsely representing himself as officer, agent or representative of any department or agency of the government.

“Despite all these legal prohibitions, criminal syndicates and individuals have not been deterred in using military or police uniforms in their unlawful and illegal activities,” he said.

http://mb.com.ph/News/National_News/24185/Bill_makes_wearing_cop_uniforms_a_crime#.UfQmWY7D9lY
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Sabah police: Kiram revenge letter a hoax

July 27, 2013, 1:19 pm
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From GMA News (Jul 27): Sabah police: Kiram revenge letter a hoax

A letter that threatened a revenge attack by followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III on Sabah turned out to be a hoax after all, Sabah police claimed Saturday.

Sabah police commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib disclosed this, according to a report by Malaysia's Bernama news agency posted on Malaysia's The Star Online.

The letter dated July 3 had warned of an attack by Kiram followers in Sabah this August, supposedly in retaliation of the deadly clashes in Sabah earlier this year.

"Please don't spread such rumors to scare the public," Hamza said.

He added Sabah residents should remain calm and stop speculating, and instead cooperate with the security forces to prevent such incidents.

Earlier this year, Kiram's followers engaged Malaysian forces in a standoff that lasted three weeks. The standoff ended in deadly clashes March 1 and 2.

In turn, Malaysian forces mounted offensive operations to flush out Kiram's followers from Lahad Datu.

Earlier this month, a letter circulated supposedly signed by a "Militant Commando" who claimed to be acting on behalf of Kiram's family.

But the police did not take the rumors lightly – Hamza said they took steps to tighten security.

Such steps included mobilizing 100 strike force personnel who can respond quickly to any contingency.

On the other hand, he urged the community to keep alert for any suspicious activity, and to inform security forces accordingly.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/319458/news/nation/sabah-police-kiram-revenge-letter-a-hoax
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Indonesia wary of 'spoilers' in PHL-MNLF peace efforts

July 27, 2013, 1:22 pm
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From GMA News (Jul 27): Indonesia wary of 'spoilers' in PHL-MNLF peace efforts

Saying the review process for peace efforts between the Philippine government and the Moro National Liberation Front is at a "critical" stage, Indonesia has advised Manila to ensure there is no chance for "spoilers" to disrupt the talks.

Presidential peace process adviser Teresita Deles said this was one of the points taken up during her meeting with Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa on Friday.

During Friday's meeting, Deles said they discussed the status of the Tripartite Implementation Review of the government-MNLF final peace agreement in 1996.

"Minister Natalegawa held the view that the review process had reached a critical juncture both in terms of it substance and its process. He said that, for Indonesia, there is every interest to be able to say that the process has been completed and that everyone is on board.  He said it is important to ensure that the process does not provide any opportunity for 'spoilers' to intervene," Deles said.
She said Natalegawa also advised the government to "continue to exercise patience even in the face of provocation as he reiterated Indonesia's support for the peace process in Mindanao."

However, she did not elaborate on the "spoilers."

"We thank the Indonesian Government for their sustained support in pursuit of lasting peace in Mindanao and look forward to our steadfast partnership to ensure an inclusive peace for the entire Bangsamoro," she said.

Indonesia chairs the Organization of Islamic Conference Peace Committee for Southern Philippines (OIC-PCSP), which is facilitating the implementation review of the 1996 pact.

Friday's meeting was also a follow-through of a meeting held in Jakarta last March.

During the March meeting, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario told Natalegawa the Philippine government believed it was time to bring the tripartite review process to a proper completion.

Also, Deles clarified the Philippine government's proposal had been to complete the review process, not the closure of the peace process nor the abrogation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement.

Indonesia's backing

Deles said Natalegawa "reiterated Indonesia's firm support for the efforts being undertaken by the Philippine government to ensure a comprehensive political settlement of the armed conflict in Southern Philippines."

"He was categorical in stating that Indonesia opposes any attempt to jeopardize the territorial integrity of the Philippines, and that any such move falls outside the ambit of the agreed-upon Tripartite Review Process," she said.

She said this was in light of reported plans to hold a so-called "Independence Assembly" to discuss a draft constitution for the "Bangsamoro republic."

Natalegawa also said the Philippine government's efforts should be "propagated and understood," she added.

"He said that, if needed, Indonesia would be willing to assist the Philippine government in explaining the current situation to members of the OIC-PCSP, starting with those who are also members of ASEAN."

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/319430/news/regions/indonesia-wary-of-spoilers-in-phl-mnlf-peace-efforts
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MILF, JICA sign pact for 3-year capacity dev't project

July 27, 2013, 1:27 pm
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From GMA News (Jul 27): MILF, JICA sign pact for 3-year capacity dev't project

Bangsamoro folk may soon benefit from a three-year capacity development project between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The MILF said its representatives and those of the JICA signed the landmark agreement in Cotabato City earlier this week.
“This is indeed a landmark deal that the Bangsamoro can be proud of... illustrating at this early phase the real autonomy at work,” MILF chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said.

Iqbal signed the project documents along with JICA chief representative Takahiro Sasaki, the MILF said in a news release.

MILF central committee secretariat chairman Muhammad Ameen and International Monitoring Team head Maj. Gen. Dato’ Fadzil Bin Mokhtar, as well as Marlon Deduma, Director of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), were the principal witnesses.

The project, which culminates in 2016, seeks institutional building for smooth transition, human resources development for the future Bangsamoro government officials, development planning, and improvement of service delivery.

JICA is to undertake the projects with the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) chaired by Iqbal.

“Let me therefore assure our partners in the JICA that despite our imperfections, the Bangsamoro and the BTC will see to it that, insha-Allah, we will not fail them. It is our sincerity, determination and willingness to learn that will make up for what we lack in this deal. We know that our partners in JICA, fully aware of these inadequacies, are always there to help us stand on our own feet. Besides, our people are full behind us in this endeavor,” Iqbal said.

Muhammad Ameen, the Secretary to MILF chairman Al Haj Murad, said this achievement "has been watered no less than by the holy blood of our martyrs.”

“It behooves upon us, therefore, to make every effort that we succeed not only in the peace talks but in the delivery of services to our people when the time comes. We must strive to harness our skills so that we can march together towards the realization of our vision for a developed Bangsamoro. To do this we must be strategic in our steps as well as partnerships,” Ameen said.

For his part, Sasaki said JICA is fully committed to technical cooperation with the government and MILF for the Bangsamoro.

“Japan is eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the remaining Annexes to the [Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro] and the signing of the government of the Philippines – MILF Comprehensive Peace Compact,” Sasaki said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/319437/news/regions/milf-jica-sign-pact-for-3-year-capacity-dev-t-project
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Some brgy officials linked to NPA

July 27, 2013, 1:33 pm
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From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 27): Some brgy officials linked to NPA

With the October 28 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections fast approaching, the issue of linkages between some barangay officials and the New People’s Army has again cropped up.

Col. Jon Aying, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, yesterday said they have testimonies of some former rebels who used to work with barangay officials, when they are still active in the movement.

In July 2011, a member of the NPA, identified as Edgar Sagure Lopez, who turned out to be a purok president, died in an encounter with troopers of the 6th Regional Public Safety Battalion in Brgy. Paitan, Escalante City, military records show.

A video footage showing some barangay officials and local government health workers in Brgy. Malasibog, Escalante City, was also recovered by government troopers after an encounter with rebels in the place.

If they had conspired with the rebel group, or worked with them for the objectives of the CPP-NPA, especially inciting people to work towards violence or lawlessness, they (barangay officials) should be arrested and detained, Aying said.

He, however, said they are trying to balance things, as they are also victims of the situation, while at the same time, violators of the law.

“If the barangay officials have not committed any violations, then we have to go through transformation, changing and winning back their hearts and minds,” Aying said.

We want them to integrate into the mainstream society, but if they have violated the laws, justice has to be served, he said.

Negros Occidental has 601 barangays, aside from the 61 of Bacolod City.

Brig. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, the new commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, discourages voting for barangay officials who are being supported by the NPA.

Baladad also said the Philippine Army in Negros and Panay will assist the Comelec and Philippine National Police in the maintenance of peace and order during the October 28 barangay and SK elections.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/July/27/topstory9.htm
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8 Moro insurgents dead after clash in Maguindanao

July 30, 2013, 5:39 am
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From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 30): 8 Moro insurgents dead after clash in Maguindanao

Eight rogue Moro insurgents were killed and five were wounded during clashes with government forces as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) launched a new series of attacks in Maguindanao early Tuesday morning, the military said.

6th Infantry Division (6ID) commander, Maj. Gen. Romeo Gapuz confirmed this, saying that aside from the eight slain from the enemy side, troops also recovered two firearms, two improvised explosive device (IED), and one radio.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office (PAO) Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala earlier said the first attack occurred around 4:10 when some 100 BIFF men harassed an Army detachment in Datu Piang town.

Zagala said government troops immediately retaliated. As the soldiers pursued the enemy, authorities temporarily closed the National Road in the area to prevent civilians from getting caught in the crossfire.

6th Infantry Division (6ID) spokesman, Col. Dickson Hermoso, on the other hand, said that at around 5:20 a.m. another group of BIFF men strafed a passing oil tanker at Barangay Bagan in Guindolongan town.

The driver and crew of the oil tanker managed to seek refuge at a CAFGU detachment while soldiers from the 45IB launched pursuit operations against the rogue Moro insurgents all the way to Barangay Pendililang in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town.

As pursuit operation was on-going, soldiers from the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion and EOD Team diffused an improvised bomb along the highway just about 300 meters away from a CAFGU detachment in Barangay Macasampen around 10:00 a.m.

Hermoso said at about 11:30 a.m., the Bagan-Macasampen stretch of the highway was finally cleared of IEDs laid down by the rogue Moro insurgents.

As of press time, Gapuz said the situation in the province has normalized and the National Road already open to traffic.

Zagala, for his part, said: "We cannot let this harassment go unanswered, we have to show the firm resolve of the AFP by conducting combat operations against the perpetrators."

He added the latest atrocities by the rogue Moro rebels is a clear indication that threat groups in the area are trying to derail the government's peace initiative with the MILF.

"They will continue such actions to further disrupt the peace talks," he further stated.

http://mb.com.ph/News/National_News/24772/8_Moro_insurgents_dead_after_clash_in_Maguindanao#.UfezEo7D9lY
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‘CDO blast suspect calm and cool, spoke few words’

July 30, 2013, 5:46 am
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From MindaNews (Jul 29): ‘CDO blast suspect calm and cool, spoke few words’

The man suspected to have acted alone in the blast that has so far claimed eight lives appeared calm and cool when he walked into Kyla’s Bistro at the LimKetKai Rosario Arcade, picked a table and ordered a bottle of San Miguel Light from a waiter last Friday night, police said.

Supt. Michael John Deloso of the city police said the medium-built bombing suspect, estimated to be between 36 and 40 years old and 5’4” to 5’5” in height did not stay long.

Deloso said that less than five minutes after the suspect left Kyla’s Bistro, the bomb exploded killing three persons on the spot and injuring over 40 others. The five other fatalities died in the hospital.

“Our witnesses described him as very cool. The suspect never spoke in a complete sentence. ‘Sige, San Mig Light’ were the only words the suspect spoke,” the police official said.

Police released Monday two cartographic sketches in Cagayan de Oro and three in Manila based on the testimonies of witnesses and the images of the suspect caught in five CCTV cameras at the LimKetKai Rosario Arcade.

 
Police also did a reenactment and a reconstruction of the crime scene after Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas scolded them for allowing the restaurant owners to clean the blast site less than 24 hours after the incident.

Deloso said that based on the witnesses’ accounts and CCTV images, the suspected lone bomber who was wearing a grey t-shirt and dark-colored short pants, arrived at Kyla’s Bistro before 11pm Friday.

He said the suspect, who was wearing a bull cap, picked a spot at Kyla’s and ordered beer from a waiter.

At the time, the street party along the row of upscale restaurants at the LimKetKai Rosario Arcade was in full swing. Most of the partygoers were doctors and medical representatives who were in the city to attend the national midyear convention of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians.

During the reenactment last Sunday, witnesses told police probers the suspect placed a black bag on the table as a waiter came to ask for his order.

Deloso said the suspect stood up and went to the comfort room inside Kyla’s as soon as the waiter left to get his order of beer.

When the suspect came back, the witnesses saw him transfer the black bag from the table to a chair and left, he said.

“The suspect did not even wait for his beer. He left abruptly. Less than five minutes later the bomb exploded,” Deloso said, adding the suspect’s departure from Kyla’s was recorded by a CCTV camera in one of the restaurants.

The police official said a total of five CCTV cameras were working at the time of incident.

The number of computer drawings presented by the police (three in Manila and two in Cagayan de Oro) created confusion as to the number of suspects in the blast.

“There is really one suspect only. There are many sketches because these are the general descriptions of witnesses who were able to see the suspect with or without the bull cap and pair of eyeglasses,” Deloso said.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/07/29/cdo-blast-suspect-calm-and-cool-spoke-few-words/
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AFP wraps up probe on general accused of using soldiers to build his house

July 30, 2013, 5:51 am
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From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 30): AFP wraps up probe on general accused of using soldiers to build his house
The military is wrapping up its investigation on an Army general accused of using soldiers for the construction of his house in Taguig City.

“The investigation has been ongoing for the past two weeks or three weeks, or maybe more than a month, and we are just awaiting for the completion of the report and the submission to [Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista],” military spokesman Brigadier General Domingo Tutaan told reporters Tuesday.

He added the accused, Brigadier General Dante Costes, chief of the Communications Electronics and Information Systems Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CEISSAFP) at Camp Aguinaldo, has taken a leave of absence over the conduct of investigation.

Tutaan said the investigation turns out to be “adverse,” there is a possibility that Costes will be relieved from his post.

The deputy chief of staff for CEIS (J6) Major General Crisologo Naybe is currently taking over Costes’ post while he is on leave.

Costes, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1980, is facing a complaint of using up to 30 soldiers to construct his three-storey house at AFP Officers Village Inc (AFPOVAI).

The AFP Chief ordered the investigation on the written complaint filed by an individual who identified himself as a “concerned citizen.”

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/455351/afp-wraps-up-probe-on-general-accused-of-using-soldiers-to-build-his-house
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1 hurt in Army-BIFF clashes in Maguindanao

July 30, 2013, 5:54 am
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From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 30): 1 hurt in Army-BIFF clashes in Maguindanao

One was hurt in clashes between the military and suspected Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao early Tuesday, the Office of Civil Defense in Autonomous Region and Muslim Mindanao said.

The rebels led by a certain Commander Abunasria strafed an oil tanker in Bagan village past 5 a.m., injuring the driver. Prior to the attack, they harassed an Army detachment in Bagan village, the military said.

Troops were able to recover two forward trucks held by the rebels along the stretch of Macasampen-Bagan highway at Guindulungan.

An ordnance team diffused and checked on the improvised explosive device planted within the vicinity.

The incident prompted troops from the 45th Infantry Battalion to close a portion of the Cotabato-Isulan road for cleaning and security operations. It is still not passable as of latest.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/455257/1-hurt-in-army-biff-clashes-in-maguindanao
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8 Moro rebels killed in Maguindanao clash

July 30, 2013, 5:58 am
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From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 30): 8 Moro rebels killed in Maguindanao clash

Deaths of suspected members from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters rose to eight in a firefight that ensued between the rebels and the military in Maguindanao early Tuesday.

The eight were killed during pursuit operations by the Army’s 45th Infantry Batallion, which led to the recovery of a 5.56mm calibre M653 rifle, Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesman Col Dickson Hermoso said.

Five of the rebels were also injured.

The clash erupted after an oil tanker was strafed by the rebels in Bagan village in Guindolongan at 5:20 a.m.

A report from the Office of Civil Defense in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said the driver of the oil tanker sustained gunshot wounds.

The incident prompted the military to close the Macasampen-Salbo route.

Troops from the 2nd Mechanized Infnatry Brigade diffused an improvised explosive device along the highway, or 300 meters away from a militia detachment.

At about 11:30 a.m., troops from the Army’s 68th Infantry Batallion and 62nd Division Reconaissance Company cleared the Bagan-Macasampen stretch of the highway and also diffused an IED on the road.

Pursuit operations are still ongoing, Hermoso said.

The incident prompted troops from the 45th Infantry Batallion to close a portion of the Cotabato-Isulan road for cleaning and security operations. It was re-opened at 12 noon.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/455305/3-moro-rebels-killed-in-maguindanao-clash
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Part of Cotabato road closed as soldiers, BIFF clash

July 30, 2013, 6:00 am
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From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 30): Part of Cotabato road closed as soldiers, BIFF clash

The military has closed portions of the Cotabato-General Santos highway after suspected members the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters fired at a passing oil tanker in Guindulunag town in Maguindanao at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Colonel Dickson Hermoro, spokesman of the 6th Infantry Division, said nobody was hurt in the road attack in Barangay (village) Bagan.

About 30 BIFF were sighted massing up a few meters away from the highway, but Hermoso said government troops were in the area.

“We are clearing the highway,” he said.

The incident in Bagan happened after BIFF men attacked villages in Midsayap, North Cotabato, at daybreak Monday.

A farmer was reportedly killed in the attacks.

Few families living along the highway in the villages of Macasampen and Bagan have fled to avoid getting caught in the crossfire.

Elements of 68th Infantry Battalion, backed by armored personnel carriers, are clearing the road network from possible improvised explosives left by the BIFF rebels, Hermoso said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/455177/part-of-cotabato-road-closed-as-soldiers-biff-clash
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Hundreds flee Agusan Sur villages as military ‘arrest’ suspects in village chief’s death

July 30, 2013, 6:07 am
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From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 30): Hundreds flee Agusan Sur villages as military ‘arrest’ suspects in village chief’s death

More than 500 residents from four villages in Loreto town in Agusan del Sur walked for at least three hours carrying with them some of their belongings as they left their homes after military troops arrived in their communities.

Juanita Loreto, spokesperson of the local group Kahugpungan Alang sa Kalambuan, said they decided to leave their homes in the villages of Kausawagan, Sabud, Mansanitas and San Mariano last Saturday after the soldiers conducted house searches, arrests and harassment in their area.

The government soldiers trooped to Barangay (village) Kauswagan after village chief Ramon Diaganonon was killed by suspected members of the New People’s Army last July 20.

Two days after, four boys, including a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old, were accosted by the military along the highway in the same village, Loreto said.

The minors are now under the custody of the Loreto Social Welfare Department.

Major Leo Bongosia, spokesperson of the military’s 4th Infantry Division, said the minors were arrested for their alleged participation in an ambush staged by communist guerrillas.

The target of the ambush is a military unit deployed to secure the family and the remains of Diaganonon.

“The family requested for security but the unit tasked to protect the family was ambushed,” Bongosia said.

Human rights group Karapatan-Southern Mindanao lambasted the arrest, saying that the minors were on their way to the voter’s registration to participate in the upcoming Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

The human rights group also accused the military of torturing the arrested minors.

“They were not in any way tortured. What will we get from torturing them? The military has a different approach now. We do not practice this anymore. The injuries they got were from the relatives of Diaganonon who rushed and mauled them because of their anger,” Bongosia said.

But Rolang Sanglind, one of the companions of the minors, said they were walking along the highway when the soldiers and members of a local paramilitary unit known as Bagani Force arrived.

He said they were loaded to a military truck where three of his companions, including the minors were kicked and punched repeatedly.

Sanglind said he was not hurt because he was recognized by one of the para-militarymen, a neighbor.

While they were being taken away, Sanglid said, they heard shots being fired from the place where they were arrested.

“It is very clear that the military is lying about the ambush. And the testimony of Sanglid is proof that they tortured the children,” Karapatan said.

Aside from the arrest, Loreto said the residents feared for their lives after a company of government soldiers arrived and conducted house-to-house visits.

The soldiers were looking for residents whose names were included in an order of battle list, Loreto said.

She added that the soldiers were also taking profile shots of the residents.

Bongosia brushed off the claims explaining that the soldiers were deployed for peace and development efforts under the Oplan Bayanihan program of President Aquino.

“The house-to-house visits were for the needs assessment to identify the social services needed in the communities. The results of the assessment will then be forwarded to the concerned government agencies so that they will be able to deliver the services demanded. And the pictures taken by the soldiers are purely for documentation purposes,” Bongosia said.

Bongosia said the evacuation has been orchestrated by Karapatan to discredit the government and the military.

“The people must not fear the military. They must get rid of the negative perception about the military because we have undertaken reforms. We do not do torture. We are here to look into the problems of the communities and to facilitate various agencies in bringing in services,” Bongosia commented.

But Loreto said the military has been daydreaming about security reforms in the country.

“What needs assessment? They were listing our names and their questions go around and around about the NPA. They keep on asking us if we know NPA members and if we know their locations. The reality in the communities is that we fear for our lives, there are mauling, intimidation and illegal arrests,” Loreto said.

Presently, the residents are taking temporary shelter at a public school in Barangay Kauswagan and are firm that they will only return to their villages once the military has pulled out from the area.

“We are appealing to the government to pull out the military. Our livelihoods and the schooling of the children were stalled but we are doing this for our security. Our food supplies are running low but we will stay here until the military will get out from our communities,” asserted Loreto.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/454981/hundreds-flee-agusan-sur-villages-as-military-arrest-suspects-in-village-chiefs-death
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MNLF holds off independence declaration in Southern Philippines

July 30, 2013, 6:17 am
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From the Mindanao Examiner blog (Jul 30): MNLF holds off independence declaration in Southern Philippines



A video grab of Nur Misuari while speaking in front of supporters in Indanan town in Sulu province on July 29, 2013. (Mindanao Examiner)

Libyan firebrand Nur Misuari, who heads the Moro National Liberation Front, backed off from his plan to declare independence in the southern Filipino province of Sulu, but hundreds of his followers, many of them armed, showed up to support their ageing leader.

And the military did nothing and failed to prevent the daring public display of weapons and forces, fearing any attempt to stop them would trigger a fierce battle.

Misuari, who met with his commanders in the town of Indanan on July 29, almost declared independence, but changed his mind, saying he still needs to consult with his senior leaders before making the announcement in the right time.

Surrounded by his most trusted leaders and loyal lieutenants – Ustadz Habier Malik and Khaid Ajibun – Misuari was many times interrupted by the huge crowd of MNLF members chanting “Allahu Akbar” and raising their weapons in the air as a show of support to his cause.

“We are going to find the right time to for the formal declaration (of independence. I still need to communicate with the OIC so we still have to discuss this with among us leaders,” he said in the local Tausug dialect.

OIC refers to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation which helped broker the peace talks between the MNLF and the Philippines that led to the eventual signing of the agreement in September 1996.

Misuari said it has been three decades now since the OIC mediated in the peace talks, but Manila has failed to comply with the provisions in the accord.

“It is more than 30 years now since the OIC mediated in the peace talks and up to now nothing has been achieved. And that’s why we need to carefully plan on what steps to take. Let us wait, we cannot just jump into something which will not bring good to us,” he said.

Misuari said Filipino government officials scrambled to meet with Indonesian leaders in Jakarta to ask them to intercede and stop him from declaring independence.

“I tell you Indonesia and the Philippines will again talk to us and try to stop our determination and this is to declare independence, complete, pure independence of our nation,” he said.

Misuari has accused Manila of trying to abrogate the peace accord it forged with the MNLF. He also denounced the peace talks between the Aquino government and rival rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front after negotiators signed an accord that would create the Bangsamoro state, saying it violated the MNLF-Philippines agreement.

The Muslim homeland would replace the existing Muslim autonomous region which is composed of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Lanao provinces, including the cities of Marawi and Lamitan. And several more areas in the provinces of Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato would also be included in the new autonomous region.

But Teresita Deles, the Presidential peace adviser, denied Misuari’s allegations that Manila wanted to abrogate the peace accord.

Deles explained that while the government’s position is to bring the tripartite review process to a proper completion, she said the Aquino administration will continue to engage relevant parties of the MNLF, through the existing mechanism, to find a just and comprehensive political solution in the Mindanao conflict.

Deles said after almost six years of tripartite review, a joint review process had already established consensus points and some joint mechanisms and actions particularly between MNLF representatives and the Muslim autonomous regional government.

“From the start, what the government proposed to complete was the review process, not the closure of the peace process or the abrogation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement,” she said.

The review process is being facilitated by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, specifically its Peace Committee for the Southern Philippines which is headed by Indonesia.

Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa advised Manila to continue to exercise patience even in the face of provocation as he reiterated Jakarta’s support for the peace process in Mindanao.

The MILF, a breakaway faction of the MNLF, previously branded the Muslim autonomous region as a failure. The region has been rocked by corruption scandals and remains as one of the poorest in the country.

It previously called on the government to amend the Constitution that would allow the creation of a Muslim sub-state in Mindanao. President Benigno Aquino’s allies in Congress are now pushing for the amendment of the Constitution, saying, there is a need to change many provisions in the Charter that would benefit the country’s economy, among others.

After the 1996 peace accord with the MNLF, Misuari became the governor of autonomous region. But many former rebels were disgruntled with the accord, saying, the government failed to uplift their standards of living.

They accused the government of failing to develop the war-torn areas in the South, which remain in mired in poverty, heavily militarized and dependent financially on Manila.

In November 2001, on the eve of the elections in the Muslim autonomous region, Misuari accused the government of reneging on the peace agreement, and his followers launched a new rebellion in Sulu and Zamboanga City, where more than 100 people were killed.

Misuari escaped by boat to Malaysia, but was arrested there and deported to the Philippines. He was eventually freed in 2008 after Manila dropped all charges against him for lack of sufficient evidence. He was also ousted by Muslimin Sema, the MNLF Secretary-General, but Misuari maintained that he is the true leader of the former rebel group.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/07/mnlf-holds-off-independence-declaration.html
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Number of BIFF members killed in Army pursuit operations climbs to 8

July 30, 2013, 6:26 am
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From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30): Number of BIFF members killed in Army pursuit operations climbs to 8

The number of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) killed in the ongoing pursuit operation in Maguindanao has climbed to eight with five of the brigands reported wounded, 6th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Romeo Gapuz said on Tuesday.

He added that this information is based from civilians who witnessed the fighting in Macasampen and Guindulungan, both in Maguindanao.

Gapuz said government forces also recovered two firearms and one radio in the encounter.

He stressed that the situation has now normalized.

Around 100 BIFF members were reportedly responsible for attacking troopers from the 68th Infantry Battalion which was fired upon around 5:20 a.m. while conducting routine security operations in Barangay Bagan, Guindulungan; the 45th Infantry Battalion, which was attacked by suspected BIFF members led by one "Abunastria" around 7 a.m. while conducting clearing operations along Shariff Aguak Highway and Datu Saudi Ampatuan town; and the 2nd Mechanized Battalion headquarters at Salbo, Datu Saudi which was sniped at.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=549734
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Military reopens critical section of Maguindanao highway

July 30, 2013, 4:06 pm
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From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30): Military reopens critical section of Maguindanao highway

Military reopened on Tuesday noon the section of the Maguindanao highway earlier closed due to fresh attacks launched by elements of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in at least four towns of the province.

However, nighttime travel by motorists along the highway is being discouraged, said Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesman Col. Dickson Hermoso.

Initially, six BIFF elements were confirmed killed in separate gunbattles, which occurred along the highway of Guindulungan municipality and interiors of Datu Piang, Datu Saudi and Datu Unsay towns.

The slain rebels were identified as BIFF sub-commander Dhats Amsajarie; Iskak Koto, Kidsel Manedsal, Saddam Samama, Kamad Arok and a certain Bembalan.

Earlier Tuesday, the rebels had waylaid a fuel delivery truck along the highway in Guindulungan and harassed an Army detachment in Datu Piang.

Then, the rebels strafed houses at Barangay Maitum-a-ig along the border of Datu Unsay and Datu Saudi towns that prompted villagers to flee. .

Additional military troops backed by battle tanks were deployed along the critical areas to further secure civilian communities.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=549633
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4 NPA rebels killed in Tarlac encounter

July 30, 2013, 6:54 pm
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From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 31): 4 NPA rebels killed in Tarlac encounter

Troopers from 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion killed four New People's Army (NPA) rebels following an encounter in Camiling, Tarlac Tuesday evening.

The firefight took place around 8:45 p.m..

This took place after the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion together with the Tarlac City Provincial Public Safety Company conducted an operation to verify the presence of rebel fighters in Barangay Bobon, Caarosipan, Camiling, Tarlac.

The encounter took place when the government blocking force engaged the withdrawing rebel fighters in the area.

Four rebels, one of them female, were killed while no losses were sustained by government troopers.

The bodies were recovered by Army troopers.

Also recovered were one machine gun, one M-14 carbine, a M-653 automatic rifle, three M-16 rifles and assorted rebel documents.

Brig. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri, 7th Infantry Division commander, was elated with the result of the operation and congratulated the soldiers responsible for the successful operation.

“The encounter was a result of text information from concerned civilian in the said area who is sick and tired of the extortion activity by the said armed group,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=549861
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Army pursuit operation kills three suspected BIFF members

July 30, 2013, 7:00 pm
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From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30): Army pursuit operation kills three suspected BIFF members
 
Three suspected Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) members were killed in the pursuit operations by the 45th Infantry Battalionin Barangay Pendililang, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao Tuesday morning.

Those slain are believed to be part of the BIFF group, numbering 100, which took part in a series of harassment attacks against military outposts in Maguindanao.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, said the soldiers also recovered a 5.56mm M-653 automatic rifle.

Prior to this, BIFF members strafed an oil tanker in Barangay Bagan, Guindolongan, Maguindanao around 5:20 a.m.

This prompted Alpha Company of the 6th Infantry Division to chase the perpetrators, triggering an intense firefight.

Immediately, the 6th Infantry Division temporarily closed the Macasampen-Salbo route in order to safeguard the commuting public.

Around 10:00 a.m. troopers from the 2Mechanized Infantry Battalion and explosive ordnance disposal team headed by Lt. Col. Sidney Atega defused an improvised explosive device along a highway 300 meters away from the Sawmill Detachment in Barangay Macasampen.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=549572
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Malacanang open to holding talks with several Muslim groups

July 30, 2013, 7:05 pm
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From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30): Malacanang open to holding talks with several Muslim groups

Malacañang is open to hold talks with several Moro groups that have expressed dismay over the ongoing peace deal between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

"Kahit bago pa pirmahan ang framework agreement, bukas tayo sa sentimiyento ng stakeholders natin. We're open to all stakeholders on this kasi lahat tayo may taya dito. Bukas tayo sa pakikinig lalo pagdating dito," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte told a media briefing.

The Palace reiterated its appeal for the Moro groups to give the framework agreement a chance which, it said, would benefit the entire Bangsamoro community.

"Ang apila natin sa kanila, give the Bangsamoro Framework a chance. Tignan natin ano nilalaman at aspirations ng framework agreement," Valte said.

On Tuesday, members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters waylaid a 10-wheeler fuel tanker along the highway in Guindolongan, Maguindanao, prompting military authorities to temporarily close the passage for the safety of the motorists.

The fuel tanker was on its way to CotabatoCity from South Cotabato when ambushed along Barangay Bagan, Guindolongan.

Valte said the Palace is hopeful this latest incident would not affect the ongoing peace talks.

"Sanahindi naman. Ngayon ang concern natin... at sabi ng AFP, commuters have been asked to avoid that particular highway," she said.

"Ina-assure natin ang mga tao dun that operations are continuing to make it passable at the soonest possible time," she added.

The government is in the homestretch in striking a peace deal with the MILF which is expected to result in a Bangsamoro Political Entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The BIFF is apparently hell-bent in derailing the peace talks by launching attacks against authorities and civilians.

Aside from the BIFF, the Nur Misuari-led Moro National Liberation Front also expressed dismay over the framework agreement.

Last week, Misuari threatened that they would declare Bangsamoro independence if the government abrogates the 1996 peace agreement between the government and the MNLF.

Rebels simultaneously harassed an Army detachment in Datu Piang town in Maguindanao and fired upon houses in Maitum-a-ig bordering the municipalities of Datu Saudi and Datu Unsay towns, triggering gunbattles with military forces in the area.

On Monday, government militiamen killed in an encounter Ebrahim Talenxa, a close aide of BIFF chieftain Ameril Umbra Kato who bolted out from the MILF last year to form the BIFF due to ideological differences.

Angered by the incident, the rebels bent their ire on two farming villages in Midsayap, North Cotabato, and killed a farmer before launching their attacks in Maguindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=549530
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PHL attack choppers to be equipped with 'night fighting systems'

July 30, 2013, 7:08 pm
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From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30): PHL attack choppers to be equipped with 'night fighting systems'

In an effort to make the eight attack helicopters more capable especially during nighttime operations, the Dept. of National Defense bidding and awards committee announced these aircraft will be fitted with "night fighting systems."

The latter equipment, either electro-optical or infra red system, are used by air crews in detecting or spotting targets at night time.

The DND also added that these attack helicopters must be capable of flying at speeds of 120 knots (around 138 miles per hour) while carrying a 2,000 payload.

It must be able to cruise for two and half hours and should be multi-engine in type.

Earlier, four international helicopter manufacturers have participated in the pre-bid conference of the DND's attack helicopter program.

These firms are the Boeing Company, Eurocopter Group,AgustaWestlandNVand MD Helicopters, Inc.

All four aerospace companies have acquired the required bidding documents.

The DND attack helicopter program has a budget of P3,441,460,000 and will be sourced from the General Appropriations Act and the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund of 2000.

The helicopters must have full night operation capability and complete weapon systems aside from integrated logistics support package.

"These helicopters shall be capable of performing close air support during day and night, and navigate safely during inadvertent instrument meteorological condition. Furthermore, they shall be equipped with armaments and avionics system highly suitable for said flying operation conditions. The guiding principles for this project shall be based on affordability and sustainability while conforming to the requirements of our Air Force in furtherance of accomplishing its mission," documents obtained by the PNA disclosed.

Bidders should have completed, within 10 years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project

"Delivery of the goods is required within a period of 540 calendar days from the opening of the letter of credit. Bidders should have completed, within 10 years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project," the documents stated.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=549449
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IEP: Ummah Updates (Jul 30)

July 30, 2013, 7:16 pm
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From the Islamic Emirate of  the Philippines (IEP) Facebook page (Jul 30): Ummah Updates



7-30-2013 (11:00am)

Gun battles between BIFF (Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters) and members of the government troops are ongoing in Maguindanao province and the BIFF have closed the national highway linking Cotabato and General Santos cities.

...BIFF (Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters) have blocked the highway in Barangay Bagan, Guindulungan town in Maguindanao with a water tanker and another truck.
 
The clashes broke out this morning around 4:30a.m. when BIFF
(Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters) harrassed an Army detachment in Barangay Buayan in Datu Piang town. This was followed by the harassment of another detachment in Barangay Bagan,Guindulungan Municipality at around 5:05am. BIFF also cut trees to block the highway, stranding dozens of motorists.
 
We will be updating the UMMAH for more Fresh and Accurate news. Insha'ALLAH

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