Military updates: 9/24/13

I took this photo of the Liguasan marsh in Central Mindanao during my visit here early this year. I once served as a combat leader in this area in the late 90's.

I started my day hearing some bad news from Central Mindanao today. 

At 6:30am, an improvised bomb was detonated by unknown perpetrators near a military outpost in Pinantao village, Parang town in Maguindanao. Two innocent civilians were wounded including Abraham Tiburon and Erlinda Bulagues, both 54 yrs old. Investigators from both the AFP and PNP have inspected the site of the blast. 

At 7:30am, heavily armed gunmen led by  Sukarno Husain and a certain Commander Brudy attacked the processing plant of Delenanas Banana Plantation in Sitio Mangco, Dungos, Tulunan, Cotabato. Army troops were sent to defend the civilians who are employed in the said banana plantation.

At 8:00am, Army soldiers found the decapitated body of Mr Ricardo Dionio in Dimapulot village in Midsayap town. Another victim, Mr Erwin Viloan was found in Sitio Babonao, Bgy Agriculture of the same town.

The series of attacks had started about 3 weeks ago. The perpetrators are believed to be part of the 'spoilers' of the peace process, particularly the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro that is currently worked out by the peace negotiators from the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. 

The soldiers are deployed to defend the communities and serve as a credible deterrence against armed threats who intend to derail the peace process. 

Soldiers have remained committed in observing the primacy of the peace process. 

We are one with the people in their ultimate goal of attaining lasting peace for their children and future generations. 

The Army has the upper hand against the NPA in Compostela Valley

MONKAYO, Compostela Valley--Through the help of civilian informants, the Army is having the upper hand in its fight against NPA bandits here as indicated by the series of successful combat operations.

Responding to a 'hot info' provided by a resident in Tubo village of this town, Army soldiers conducted   security patrol to check the presence of NPA bandits who were extorting money from local villagers. 

A clash broke out at 5:20am today when the bandits started firing their guns upon seeing the soldiers. 

The soldiers engaged the bandits in a running gun battle that lasted at least 10 minutes, inflicting casualties on their side. 

The bandits fled to various directions carrying wounded comrades with them. 

The soldiers found a dead bandit and an M16 Rifle near the vicinity of the encounter site.

No one was harmed among the soldiers who belong to the 25th Infantry Battalion.

They have brought the dead bandit to the village to be turned over to local officials and be given decent burial.

It can be recalled that 4 high-powered firearms and 3 bandits were arrested in the series of clashes in this town starting on Saturday (June 1).

More and more people are fed up by the oppressive extortion activities carried out by NPA bandits in the far-flung communities of this town. 

Outgunned and losing the support from its mass bases, the NPA has resorted to abductions, robbery, murder and arson in order to make their presence felt in the area. 

The local authorities have filed a string of criminal cases against known bandit leaders including the violation to Republic Act 9851 that punishes transgressions to the International Humanitarian Law. 

Army soldiers clash with NPA bandits in Ifugao, 5 rifles seized

MANILA- Army soldiers belonging to the 54th Infantry Battalion clashed with NPA bandits in Aguinaldo town, Ifugao at around 5:20am today.

 The platoon led by 2nd Lt Barrio was conducting security patrol in the upland village of Butac when they spotted at least 20 heavily-armed bandits led by a certain Artus Talastas, triggering a heavy exchange of fires that lasted several minutes. 

Outgunned by the soldiers, the bandits escaped with heavy casualties but were pursued by the soldiers in a running gun battle.

A bandit member lay dead in the immediate scene of the firefight. The soldiers found five high-powered firearms that the bandits left behind.

The dead bandit was brought by the soldiers to the village center for turn-over to local officials.

No one was harmed among the operating troops. 

In another development, an injured NPA bandit named Jonathan Bustamante was arrested in a checkpoint in Purok 9, Sitio Logdeck, Laak, Compostela Valley at 11:45am on Saturday (June 1). 

Bustamante revealed that he was among those who figured in the firefight with Army troops in Baluarte village a day earlier (May 31). He guided the troops to the location of his AK-47 rifle that he hid in the bushes.

It can be recalled that soldiers belonging to the 60th Infantry Battalion led by Lt Ugaddan and Lt Fernandez clashed with NPA bandits in Laak town on Friday. 

The first clash occurred at 1:40pm in Baluarte village that resulted to the killing of one bandit and the arrest of his wounded comrade. Two highpowered rifles were seized from the said bandits. 

The second clash that day happened at around 4:00pm when the troops under 1st Lt Puhayon encountered at least 20 bandits in Sitio Minsua of Baluarte village.

The soldiers captured another bandit and confiscated his firearms.

 No one was hurt among the soldiers who are now conducting pursuit operations together with the local police.

While confronting the lawless elements, soldiers are required to strictly observe human rights and the rule of law. 

Bandits who raise their arms to surrender during firefights are spared by the soldiers.

Two NPA bandits killed in latest clash with Army soldiers

CLAVER, Surigao del Sur--Two NPA bandits were killed in the latest clash with Army soldiers in a remote village in Surigao del Norte early afternoon on Friday (May 16). 

A platoon of soldiers led by Cpt Henry Pang-ay was conducting security patrols when they encountered at least 15 heavily armed bandits in Bgy Cabugo, Claver town at around 1:30pm.

The bandits traded fires with the soldiers for about 30 minutes before deciding to flee with their casualties. 

Pang-ay and his men discovered two dead bandits along with two high-powered firearms near the site of the clash. 

No one was harmed among the soldiers who all belonged to the 42nd Division Reconnaissance Company. 

More soldiers coming from the 30th Infantry Battalion were dispatched to pursue the bandits who were seen by villagers carrying dead comrades with them.

The local civilians have continuously provided information to the soldiers regarding the presence of bandits who are extorting money from them.

Marines clash with Guingona ambushers, 6 hurt

GINGOOG CITY--Six Marines were injured after a brief firefight with NPA bandits in the outskirts of this city early morning today (May 11).

Reports reaching the AFP headquarters stated that a platoon of Marines led by Lt Japson was conducting security operations in support to SAFE when they encountered undetermined number of bandits in Lawit village.

The bandits dispersed after 5 minutes of trading gunshots with the Marines who assaulted their positions. 

The members of the patrol found pools of blood along the route of withdrawal, indicating heavy casualties on the enemy side. 

A bandit lay dead while two others were wounded during the clash. 

The wounded military personnel were transported to a local hospital for initial treatment before being transferred to a military hospital.

The engaged troops were part of the Marine unit that was sent to hunt down the bandits who are believed responsible for the deadly ambush on a vehicle convoy carrying Mayor Ruth Guingona of this city a few weeks ago.

In another incident, one person was killed while another was wounded after the vehicle carrying Upi, Maguindanao mayoralty candidate Baba Omar, was ambushed by heavily armed men  along the road in North Upi at around 5:30pm today.

The local police is still investigating the motive of the crime.

Election violence claims 3 lives, 7 hurt

Three members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines were killed by the latest election-related violent incidents that transpired today.

In Agao-ao village in Ragay town, Camarines Sur, the security patrol led by Sgt Emberto of the 49th Infantry Battalion was engaged by suspected NPA bandits at around 4:00am. 

A militiaman lay dead while two others were wounded in the said early morning clash. The soldiers were deployed to prevent violent attacks during the election period. 

In Kalinga province, two soldiers were killed while 5 others were wounded when the KM 450 truck carrying PCOS machines was waylaid by heavily armed gunmen at around 9:30am. 

The military escorts led by Cpt Dominador Tarranza retaliated to defend themselves and to extricate the casualties. 

The wounded soldiers were brought to a local hospital in Lubuagan town for treatment. 

Army soldiers are directed to take extra measures in order to prevent atrocities during the election period. 

Despite the incident, the soldiers remain committed in performing their mandate of serving the people.

Two NPA bandits killed in armed clashes, 1 soldier injured

CATBALOGAN, Samar-- Two members of the NPA bandit group perished in the clash with Army soldiers in Albalate village here early afternoon on Thursday (May 2). 

2nd Lt Pil-o of the 87th Infantry Battalion was leading a security patrol when they encountered at least 5 heavily armed bandits. 

The heavy exchange of fires lasted 15 minutes before the bandits fled with their casualties. They abandoned two of their dead comrades who were still carrying their firearms with them. 

The soldiers seized an M16A1 Rifle and an M653 Rifle (Baby Armalite) from the dead bandits. 

In Masbate, a soldier belonging to the Charlie Company of the 9th Infantry Battalion was hurt in an ambush staged by NPA bandits in Bgy Rizal, Dimasalang town at around 4:00 pm of the same day. 

The bandits immediately fled after a brief firefight with the soldiers.

The wounded soldier is now in stable condition after being treated in a local hospital.

The NPA bandit group has carried out small-scale attacks against 'soft targets' while extorting money from political candidates. 

Gunmen kill Gingoog mayor's escorts

GINGOOG CITY-Heavily armed men stopped the vehicle carrying Gingoog City Mayor Ruth Guingona while returning home from an event in Bgy Alagatan at around 10:45pm on Saturday (April 20).

A police official said that the incident happened in Binakalan village here. He said that the city official and her companions were brought to an unknown place against their will. 

Initial reports indicated that the gunmen shot and killed her bodyguard and escort. There were no reports whether the lady mayor was also hurt in the incident.

At around 6:45am, Guingona was brought by concerned residents to Gingoog Sanitarium Hospital. 

The local police and the military authorities in the area are now conducting investigation to determine the motive and identities of the perpetrators. 

It can be recalled that one member of the Army unit based here was hurt in a clash with NPA bandits who were extorting money from the people in the outskirts of the city.

Army soldier murdered by bandits in front of his son

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur- Suspected NPA bandits murdered an Army soldier who was having lunch with his son inside his home in Magsaysay village here at around 12:30pm on April 17. 

Corporal Bonifacio Piedad, 46, of the 29th Infantry Battalion was on a short leave to spend time with his family when the incident happened, police reports said.

Armed with M16 Assault Rifles, the suspects barged into the home of Piedad and shot the helpless victim in front of his 15-year old son. 

On the same day, the bandits also released 4 unarmed off-duty militiamen whom they abducted in San Luis town.

San Luis town Mayor Ronald Corvera led the negotiations that resulted to the release of the victims at around 8:30am in Mahayahay village of the said town.

Gradually decimated by armed encounters with government troops, NPA bandits have resorted to robbery and murder of unarmed members of the government security forces.

Military Report 4/15/2013

14 0600H April 2013

QUEZON CITY- At least 50 young school children participated in the sports and fun activities called the Olympeace which were held in Camp Aguinaldo of this city.

As part of the event, the children conducted a 'Walk for Peace' holding placards bearing peace messages starting from the historic People Power Monument at around 6:30am.

A simple opening ceremony was held at the AFP Grandstand at around 8:30am with Brig Gen Rolando G Jungco, the Commander of Civil Relations Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines (CRSAFP) as guest speaker representing AFP Chief of Staff Gen Emmanuel T Bautista.

The day-long sports activities followed at the parade ground. Among the games enjoyed by the children include centipede race and kiddie obstacle course.

The activity was a joint undertaking by the Asia America Initiative, JCI-Manila and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. 

The main purpose of the event is to increase awareness of the children and the general public as a whole about the importance of peace in our land.

14 0920H April 2013

SURIGAO DEL SUR-A group of NPA bandits attacked a small CAFGU detachment located in Bgy Sta Juana, Tagbina town of this province at around 9:20am on Sunday. 

A militiaman was wounded  while 4 others were abducted by the bandits including a civilian resident who happened to be in the scene. 

The wounded militiaman was treated in a local hospital and was reported as in 'safe condition' by attending physicians. 

Pursuit operations are underway to hunt down the notorious criminals who were responsible for the recent attack. 

Two people perish in armed clashes in Mindanao

Surigao Del Sur

Troops of the 36th Infantry Battalion led by 1st Lt Elmer Sangria clashed with at least 10 NPA bandits in Bgy Dayoan, Tago, Surigao del Sur at around 1:40am on April 4, 2013.

The soldiers outmaneuvered the bandits, forcing the latter to flee with their casualties. The soldiers recovered  a dead bandit who was still clutching his rifle.

Nobody was harmed among the soldiers.

Pursuit operations are underway for bandits who have intensified their extortion activities in the area.



Compostela Valley

A soldier was killed while two others were  wounded in an encounter between troops of the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion and unspecified number of bandits in Bgy Libudon, Mabini, Compostela Valley Province at around 4:30pm on April 3, 2013.

Troop reinforcements were promptly sent to recover the casualties from the encounter site and to pursue the bandits who were spotted carrying several of their dead comrades. 

The wounded soldiers are now in safe condition at a local hospital in Davao City. 

The identities of the casualties are withheld pending notification of their immediate relatives.

NPA bandits are still roaming around mine-rich areas in Compostela Valley to collect extortion money from mining companies and agricultural business firms in the area. 

Banditry is the source of income of extortion gangs who usually introduce themselves as NPA rebels.

The people in the hinterlands have denounced the forcible collection of 'donations' like food stuffs by the NPA bandits from every household.

Army soldiers seize highpowered rifle in Isabela gunfight

SAN MARIANO, Isabela-- Army soldiers seize an M16 Rifle after a 30-minute gunbattle with NPA bandits in the hinterland village of Cangalan here at around 6:30am today.

A 35-man platoon of soldiers led by 2nd Lieutenant Ranola was conducting security patrol in the area when they were fired upon by least 9 heavily armed gunmen who extorted money from the villagers.

The troops responded with selective gunfire, hurting the bandits who gradually scampered to various directions carrying their casualties.

No one was hurt among the soldiers who had continuously pursued the bandits, following the blood traces along the escaped route.

A small number of bandits are still roaming around the hinterland villages here.

21 Filipino peacekeepers held hostage by Syrian rebel forces

PEACE MONITORS. When I was deployed as a UN military observer in 2008, I experienced the countless travels to remote areas controlled either by rebel or government forces. One of the Filipino officers who was assigned in an adjacent area was ambushed by a drunk rebel soldier. He escaped unhurt but his buddy sustained a head wound.

 



Twenty one peacekeepers belonging to the Philippine Battalion, United Nations Disengagement  Observer Force were held hostage by Syrian rebels early afternoon on Wednesday (March 6, 2013).

 

The soldiers were conducting supply operations on board UN marked vehicles when they were blocked by heavily armed gunmen somewhere in the vicinity of Al-Jamlah at around 12:30pm.

The senior officials of UNDOF had negotiated  for the release of the peacekeepers.

The rebels had demanded  the removal of  five battle tanks and infantry soldiers belonging to the Syrian Arab Armed Forces from the said village.

The soldiers who were held hostage narrated by phone that they were being treated humanely by their captors.

 

Previous attack

 

Also in January this year, a UN marked vehicle carrying a Filipino officer of the UNDOF came under fire amidst the fighting between the opposing forces. No one was hurt in the said incident.

 

Filipino peacekeepers are widely known in the United Nations for their highest standards of professionalism, integrity and competence.

 

As one of the founding members of the United Nations, the Philippines has continued its deployment of peacekeepers in some troubled regions since the 1950s. 

 

The past and present UN deployments include Kashmir region, Sudan, South Sudan, Korea, Congo, Afghanistan, Burundi, Cambodia, Cote d’ Ivoire, Darfur, Georgia, Haiti, Iraq, Liberia,  Kosovo, Nepal, and Timor Leste. 

There are also a separate deployment of unarmed Filipino UN military observers who help monitor the implementation of the peace agreement in these areas.

A UN patrol is composed of UN military observers, a language assistant and representative from both the government and rebel forces. This photo was taken during our visit to a remote town in Unity State in South Sudan. There was a time when I and 5 others were held hostage by a young officer manning a checkpoint near the border with Abyei. We did not have the two representatives from the opposing forces during that time. We were saved by the Arab-speaking Jordanian officer who was also a member of our patrol.

North Cotabato vehicular accident claims 5 lives, 10 injured

PIKIT, North Cotabato-- At least 5 people were killed and 10 others were heavily injured (3 killed, 13 injured as earlier reported) in a road accident here at around noontime yesterday.

A Toyota passenger van  driven by Mohammad Ali was cruising the national highway in Bgy Talepan here when it collided with a Lawin passenger jeep which was heading towards Cotabato City.

The van eventually rammed the M35 6x6 truck of the 5th Special Forces Battalion which was tailing the passenger jeepney.

Among those killed was the van's driver, Mohammad Ali. The other fatalities were not yet identified.

The 7th Infantry Battalion sent a group of soldiers to assist in giving first aid to the injured passengers before transporting them to a hospital in Midsayap town.

No one was reported hurt among the soldiers of the Special Forces.

NPA bandits kill a militiaman, injure 4 including a non-combatant in Northern Samar

Another innocent civilian was shot and wounded by NPA bandits who attacked a gathering of people attended by members of the 8th Infantry Division's Peace and Development Team (PDT) in Northern Samar at 12:00nn on Tuesday, Feb 12.

 

The attack occured while the soldiers were conducting 'pulong-pulong' (dialogue) with local residents of Guindaluan village, Rosario town. 

 

Three people were wounded including a local resident named Raul Estellero, of Brgy 3 of the said town.

A militiaman was also killed while three other military personnel were  hurt during the brief firefight which ensued. 

 

Lt Col. Noel Vestuir, the Commanding Officer of the 20th Infantry Battalion identified the wounded soldiers as  Ssg Dionald Opilanda and Sgt Arnold Miranda,  and militiaman Jonar Estellero.

The name of the dead militiaman was not released pending notification of his nearest kin.

 

The NPA bandits have recorded a growing number of human rights violations such as attacking non-combatants and abducting innocent civilians.

 

In January 2013, eight civilians were massacred by NPA bandits in La Castellana town in Negros Occidental.

 

The NPA bandits have also masterminded extrajudicial killings all over the archipelago, victimizing state forces and civilians who were accused of supporting the military.

 

As the communist armed group insist to use armed violence, more innocent people will fall victims to their atrocities.

 

Military Report (2/12/13)

Davao City

Four soldiers were injured in a clash with NPA bandits in Sitio Basak, Lumiad village, Paquibato District, Davao City at 6:00am today. 

The troops of C/69IB led by 2nd Lt Brian Malinao was conducting security patrol when they spotted heavily armed bandits, triggering a brief clash. The bandits fled upon incurring casualties on their side.

The wounded soldiers were evacuated to a local hospital for treatment. They are now in stable condition according to the attending physicians.

Bulacan

The First Scout Ranger Regiment of the Philippine Army has welcomed its new commander, Col Eduardo 'Ed' Davalan, in a simple Change of Command ceremony presided by Army chief Lt Gen Noel Coballes at 9:00am today.

Brig Gen Abraham Bagasin, the outgoing commander, was elevated to the post as Deputy Commander of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM). 

Davalan had served the First Scout Ranger Regiment in various capacities starting as a Platoon Leader up to the time he commanded the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion in Sulu Province. 

Aside from finishing the tough Scout Ranger Course, Davalan also finished the US Special Forces Qualification Course and the US Ranger Course. 

Among his combat awards is the Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in action against NPA bandits.

 

Albay

One NPA bandit was killed while many others were injured after a clash with soldiers belonging to the Bravo Company, 2nd Infantry Battalion and a contingent of the local police force in Bgy Tobgon, Oas, Albay at around 9:25am today.

Four soldiers were also slightly injured in the said clash. The government forces confiscated a low-powered firearm in the encounter site. 

Zamboanga del Sur

Troops of the 14th Scout Ranger Company led by Cpt Wilvin Custodio clashed with at least 30 NPA bandits in Bgy Lantawan, Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur at around 1:15pm today.

The bandits withdrew in disarray, leaving behind traces of blood along their escape route. The soldiers have continuously pursued the bandits.