Philippine military deter NPA harassments, and Marawi City 30 percent cleared from IED's

AFP troops deter harassment of communities by NPA units

File photo by Mark Balmores/MANILA BULLETIN

Combat troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue to protect and defend village communities against harassment perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists, disclosed regional Army spokesman on Saturday.

In a statement to The Manila Bulletin, Capt. Jerry S. Lamosao, regional Army spokesman of 10th Infantry (Agila) Division (10th ID), said the NPA terrorists attempted to harass some far-flung village communities in Compostela Valley (ComVal) and Davao Oriental provinces but were prevented by the combat maneuvering battalions of the 10th ID.

Combat maneuvering troops of the 71st Infantry Battallion (71st IB) recovered 2 units (Anti-Tank) of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), weighing 30 kilos each, believed to be emplaced by members of SECOM 27 and SRC 2 of the CPP-NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) at the vicinity of Sitio Lower Mahayag, Barangay Nuevo Iloco, Mawab, ComVal province at 8:20 a.m. on Wednesday(Dec, 27), the 10th ID spokesperson claimed.

At 1:50 p.m. on Thursday (Dec. 28), elements of 66th IB were deployed to respond and verify the information from the local residents that there were armed men believed to be NPA terrorists roaming around in their community, prompting the security patrol to proceed to the reported area. They encountered an undetermined number of NPA terrorists for 20 minutes at vicinity Sitio Mabugnao, Barangay Las Arenas, Pantukan town of the same province, the regional Army spokesman said.

As the situation progressed, at 4: 35 p.m. on the same day (Dec. 28), another section of 28th IB encountered some 10 NPA terrorists at the vicinity Sitio Bato-bato, Barangay Tubaon, Tarragona, Davao Oriental, he said.

At about 7:45 p.m. of the same day (Dec. 28), a team of 28th IB on board a Military Utility Elf, while traversing Tarragona-Barangay Tuboan road to fetch the slightly wounded soldier was land mined at vicinity Sitio Guibaan, Barangay Tubaon of that same town. The Elf Truck was slightly damaged at the rear portion, he said.

At around 7:50 p.m. on the same day, one Platoon of 67th IB encountered another 10 NPA terrorists believed to be members of Pulang Bagani Command 8 (PBC 8), SRC 1 of the CPP-NPA-SMRC while reinforcing the beleaguered troops of 28th IB onboard the Elf truck that was land mined, he said.

The firefight lasted for about 10 minutes. At about 10:45 p.m. on the same day, another one Platoon of 67th IB cleared the road from Maitum area of that same province to the encounter site and linked-up with the Scout Platoon at location of the land mined Elf truck, he said.

“All of the troops are still in the area to prevent or thwart any hostile plan of the enemy to go to the center of the community,” Capt. Lamosao added.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Noel S. Clement, commanding general of the 10th “Agila” Division condemned anew the harassments by the NPAs.

This post has been compressed, for the original article - AFP troops deter harassment of communities by NPA units - Manila Bulletin

 30 percent of Marawi City cleared of booby traps, IEDs

Soldiers have already cleared 30 percent of the battle zones of Marawi City from booby traps and other improvised explosive devices (IED) planted by Maute gunmen.

Maj. Gen. Arnold Rafael Depakakibo, the chief engineer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said the clearing operation was being undertaken as part of the rehabilitation process of the affected areas of Marawi City which was devastated by five months of gun battle.

The military’s Joint Engineer Task Group (JETG) is continuing with its rehabilitation efforts in the city.

“The JETG continues its main mission of clearing explosives completing around 30 percent of the whole most affected area,” said Depakakibo.

Military data disclosed that as of December 15, a total of 2,853 assorted unexploded ordnance and 415 improvised explosive devices were recovered by the JETG.

The JETG, he said, is being assisted by Explosives and Ordnance Disposal Company and K-9 Teams from the Philippine Army and Philippines Air Force.

Depakakibo said the JETG also completed the clearing of more or less 20 kilometers primary and secondary roads, three major bridges, a school, and three places of worship immediately after the liberation of Marawi.

As a result, the official said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was able to conduct timely post-conflict needs assessment in Marawi City.

“We also continue our limited construction support to government agencies involved in supporting the maintenance of evacuation centers,” said Depakakibo.

Aside from construction support, the JETG also assisted the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) in the construction of 500 temporary shelters for the evacuees.

More than 500 military engineers are currently deployed in Marawi City as part of the JETG. The task group is supporting the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation operations being led by Task Force Bangon Marawi.


This post has been compressed, for the original article - 30 percent of Marawi City cleared of booby traps, EID's - Manila Bulletin

10th Infantry Division chief laud residents for timely tips on landmine cache

The 10th Infantry Division commander, Major Gen. Ariel B. Bernardo, on Tuesday expressed his thanks to the civilians who provided his troopers with the location of the New People's Army (NPA) landmine cache in Sitio Mampait, Barangay Mansanitas, Loreto town, Agusan Del Sur.

This resulted in a successful operation with the recovery of 44 landmines and eight sacks of PVC pipes, batteries, detonating cords, improvised firing devices and several other explosive components Sunday morning, he added. 

"It is through cooperation like this that we will finally put a stop to this and win the peace for our people," Bernardo stressed.

It could be recalled that the 163 landmines and the manufacturing facility captured last December were in the same area. 

President Benigno Aquino III lauded the achievement stating that it will prevent death and injury of non-combatants. 

Article Source: PNA

Philippine Army: One of the first responders in 'Yolanda' disaster

Aside from its usual national security role, the Philippine Army was among the first responders or agencies that gave prompt assistance to the people of Tacloban City, Leyte and other parts of the Visayas who were severely affected by the onslaught of super typhoon "Yolanda" last Nov. 8.

According to Capt. Anthony Bacus, Army spokesperson, the PA deployed 155 military vehicles and 4,000 soldiers to render humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts in Tacloban and other typhoon-affected areas.

He said that major units coming from the 10th and 4th Infantry Divisions based in Mindanao sent battalions of carpenter-soldiers to help rebuild schools, hospitals and other government buildings severely damaged by the super typhoon.

Bacus added that water search and rescue (WASAR)– capable and collapsed structure search and rescue (CSSR)– capable teams from the 525th Engineering Battalion were also deployed to Tacloban.

Troopers from the 48th Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division; 80th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division and the 1st Special Forces Battalion were also sent as augmentation forces.

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Troops recover high-powered firearms

AT LEAST five high-powered firearms and an unidentified cadaver of the New People's Army (NPA) member were recovered following an encounter between government troops and the rebels at Pasian in Monkayo, Compostela Valley on Saturday.

Lieutenant Colonel Cesar Molina, commander of the Philippine Army's 25th Infantry Battalion, said their troops recovered one M16 rifle, one M14 long firearm, one Garand rifle and an improvised landmine.

"We are yet to identify the cadaver left by the communist rebels after the encounter. As of now, la pang pamilya’ng nagpunta dito to claim him," Molina said in a text message.

He said the dead rebel is now at the barangay hall for a decent burial.

The firearms and the cadaver of a rebel were recovered after their clash around 1 p.m., he added.

He said their troops, along with the Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC), conducted a security patrol on the area after receiving reports from concerned citizens about the presence of armed men when they were fired upon. The encounter lasted around 15 to 30 minutes.

"According to the reports, these armed men were forcing them to join a group conducting a massive action like rallies and demonstrations against the government. After learning the reports, we send a team to conduct a security patrol when they encountered those armed men," Molina said.

"Fortunately, wala namang natamaan sa mga kasamahan namin o nadamay an ibang tao sa ginawa nila. But still we are conducting hot pursuit operation against them," he added.

Colonel Angelito de Leon, commander of the Army's 1001st Brigade, described the incident as a manifestation that the NPAs are taking advantage of the civilian populace that was badly stricken by the Typhoon Pablo.

De Leon said the rebels are now using their force in intimidating people for them to join in the massive action against the government.

He said what the NPAs did know is that their tactics would never prosper as there are still many people who are into the government, like those who reported the pressure made by the armed group. 

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Sun Star Davao | March 4, 2013 | Article Link

Soldiers are first responders during calamities in Davao Region

CAMP MANUEL YAN, Mawab, Compostela Valley -- A top military officer has designated one platoon of soldiers for every battalion as the first responders during calamities in Davao Region and in the provinces of Sarangani and South Cotabato.

Brig. General Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, disclosed the move is aimed to immediately address emergency situations brought about by abnormal weather conditions due to climate change.

He affirmed that risk reduction and management is one of the missions of the military in its peace and development effort characterized by linking up with all stakeholders in local government units and the private sector.

“We are training our soldiers to be first responders. And part of the first responder training is the establishment of the incident command system where all information about the disaster at hand is put in place before turning it over to the local government unit in a given area,” Bernardo said.

He said the information covers the type and extent of the calamity, initial appreciation of the number of victims, search and rescue and relief operations.

Bernardo said as first responders, the military will immediately assume as incident commander to ensure that the needs of affected communities are attended to immediately.

“Based on the hazard map provided for by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, we designate one platoon for every battalion in a given area to dispatch immediately when calamities either natural or man-made occur,” he said.

Bernardo said Davao Region is prone to landslides and they are also identifying the fault lines in their respective areas to prepare themselves whenever earthquakes occur.

Bernardo said all priorities on disaster response are coordinated with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). 

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Agence France-Presse/InterAksyon.Com | August 13, 2012 | Article Link

Military increases visibility in Davao Or. to prevent shooting incidents

MATI CITY, Davao Oriental -- The military has increased its visibility in the communities in this east coast province of the Davao Region to prevent the occurrence of shooting incidents that already claimed the lives of several people, including media practitioners.

Col. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the 701st Infantry Brigade, said the soldiers will support all efforts of the police to keep communities safe and maintain sustainable peace.

He issued the statement after several members of the local media expressed fear for their lives following the killing of Nestor Libaton, a radio announcer of Catholic-run DXHM in Mati City, last week.

“We are here, together with the police, not only to maintain peace and security in the province, but also to share with you the precautionary measures that you can use for your own safety and security,” Guerrero said.

Meanwhile, members of the local media here urged authorities to give them training to protect themselves from experiencing the fate of Libaton.

Fr. Roland Sayman, a member of the local clergy and a media practitioner, conveyed his desire to undergo training on self-defense to protect him from any assault.

He deplored the killing of Libaton, whom colleagues described as a mild-mannered broadcaster who never discussed hard-hitting issues on air.

“We are hopeful that threats on our fellow journalists will be handled knowing that our law enforcers are with us. May the justice of our fallen brothers be attained soon,” Sayman said.

Sr. Supt. Perpetou Macion, director of the Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office, said the local police is establishing the identity of the two perpetrators whose respective composite facial profiles were described by witnesses.

He said several angles are being pursued in the killing of Libaton.

Macion said police are also looking for possible clues in the personal life of the victim that might have led to his murder.

He also urged other media practitioners with death threats to coordinate with authorities. 

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Philippine News Agency InterAksyon.Com | May 15, 2012 | Article Link

Militiamen build up in coal-rich village

KORONADAL CITY -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is training militiamen to thwart alleged growing infiltration of communist rebels in a far-flung village in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato that is rich in coal deposits.

Lieutenant Colonel Alexis Noel Bravo C. Bravo, chief of the Army's 27th Infantry Battalion, said more than two dozens of villagers have volunteered to become members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit.

"They want to join to fight the communist guerrillas now operating in [Barangay] Ned," he said, noting the New People's Army Front 73 has established a foothold in the area.

Bravo said the AFP has "token forces" in Ned, a government resettlement area, since they are more focused in the towns of Columbio in Sultan Kudarat and Magsaysay in Davao del Sur where communist presence is more intense.

Columbio forms part of the Tampakan copper-gold project of foreign-backed Sagittarius Mines Inc.

Bravo earlier classified the Tampakan project as "potentially highly at risk" from NPA attacks.

In Lake Sebu, San Miguel Energy Corp. has set up a base camp in Ned in a bid to extract massive coal deposits in the area.

Claiming increased NPA presence in the area, Bravo said in a separate statement that 27th IB troops recently captured a communist rebel there.

The rebel was identified as Marlon Donayre, 25, of Pantukan, Compostela Valley.

Donayre confessed that he belongs to the NPA Guerilla Front 73, according to the military statement. He was captured by 27th IB troops at Sitio Tasufao in Barangay Ned after he detached from his group to gather firewood.

Taken from his possession were a hand grenade and a rifle magazine with ammunition.

Bravo said the captured rebel was working to organize a mass base for communist rebels in the area.

The captured rebel's revelations on NPA activities in Barangay Ned coincided with the information provided by an alias Estoy, a former NPA Front 73 member who yielded to the 27th IB last February, Bravo said.

Charges of illegal possession of explosive and ammunition have been filed against Donayre at a court in this city, Bravo said.

The military official accused humans rights group Karapatan of having a link with the NPA after members of the former allegedly tried to help Donayre.

In March, the 27th IB and members of the Taboli Manubo S'daf Claimants Organization, which is opposing the coal mining project, met here to discuss the military presence in Barangay Ned.

Members of the tribal organization feared harassment from the military on account of the ongoing campaign against the NPA rebels in the area.

Tamasco said their members are not sympathizers of the communist rebels.

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Bong S. Sarmiento | SunStar.Com.Ph | May 8, 2012 | Article Link

No red tagging, harassment of Benedictine nun: Army

THE Philippine Army in Davao Oriental denied Tuesday accusations hurled against them by environmentalist groups that they harassed and tagged a Benedictine nun as member of the New People's Army (NPA).

The soldiers brought with them some barangay leaders to back up their denial.

In the Armed Forces of the Philippines/Philippine National Police (AFP/PNP) press conference at Task Force Davao (TFD) headquarters, Lieutenant Colonel Leopoldo Imbang, commander of the Army's 28th Infantry Battalion, described the accusation as "just intrigues and all lies" to mislead the people who have supported the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) of the government.

"In my experience as battalion commander and former junior officer, such deceptions, lies, intrigues, and propaganda have been always there. It never changes. It is obvious naman that these groups are just sowing intrigues, mas mabuti sana na alamin muna natin ang katotohanan before we jump into conclusions," Imbang said.

He said government troops are actually grateful and supportive on the advocacy of Sr. Stella Matutina for environment protection, and that none of them accused her as member of the communist group.

First Lieutenant Hermie V. Montelibano, Civil Military Office (CMO) chief of the 28th IB, said he vehemently denied the same accusations, adding he never said a word against the nun.

He said the issue started when the barangay officials invited the 28th IB in an assembly to discuss Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) of the Army in the area. 

"Along the discussion with the barangay officials, nihangyo si sister na muistorya siya, so we gave her the floor to speak. But we were surprised because what she wanted is to remove the troops in the area," Montelibano said.

"The barangay officials answered them back and told them that there was a resolution for us to remain and continue our PDOP in the area. After she talked in front of us, I even thanked her for their advocacy. I didn't say anything against them," Montelibano said.

Three barangay officials from Lupon in Davao Oriental echoed the same sentiment with the soldiers. 

Emelita Gastardo, barangay councilman of San Isidro in Lupon, said they never heard any Army official in the area accusing Sr. Matutina as NPA member.

"We are there. We know the agenda of the barangay officials with the 28th IB, and I can assure that Sir Montelibano and Sir Lingat did not say anything against them. It was Sis. Matutina and the groups, who insisted that issue," village chief Arlene Luzon, of Lantawan in Lupon, said.

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SunStar.Com.Ph | May 8, 2012 | Article Link

New task force chief vows to protect unit's gains

THE new chief of Task Force Davao (TFD) vowed to protect the gains of the nine-year-old anti-terrorist unit and work from there.

Army Colonel Marcos Norman Flores, during Tuesday’s turnover ceremony at the TFD headquarters, vowed to continue the programs that his predecessor, Colonel Rey Leonardo Guerrero, has started.

"Hindi po natin pababayaang basta na lang mapunta sa wala (We will not allow the gains to just go down the drain)," Flores said, referring to the outstanding job of Guerrero.

"I know there are a lot challenges and I vow to confront them head-on in making Davao City terrorist-free," Flores said.

"TFD's accomplishments under my watch may be less compared with other TFD commanders but this a product of diligence and hard work and may the new TFD chief continue to pursue them relentlessly," said Guerrero.

"I leave Davao City with a promise fulfilled. I may be in Davao Oriental but I will be guarding Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal from the other end of the Davao Gulf. I will also be leaving a capable unit, competent men and women," Guerrero added, who led TFD helm since August 2010.

He owed his performance to the drive and work ethics of Major General Jorge V. Segovia, chief of the Army's 10th Infantry Division.

Guerrero recognized the TFD troops, who are mostly non-regular Army personnel, for enduring the heat, rain, dust and smog, and scorn of irate motorists just to keep Davao City and Samal terrorist-free.

He also thanked partners in the local government, business sector and media partners for their support.

Guerrero urged the men and women of TFD to accord Flores the same support given him during his more than one and a half year as TFD chief.

It is the third time that Flores and Guerrero were involved in turnover ceremonies -- the two others were when Flores replaced Guerrero as commander of the Army's 6th Infantry Battalion in Negros Oriental and Chief of Staff of the 3rd Infantry Division in Jamindan, Capiz.

As the 8th TFD chief aims to excel in assuming the post from a predecessor who was given a high score by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, Flores vowed to enhance the security system that TFD has been implementing.

"We will be active in calamity response and include risk reduction management in improving the capability of TFD, aside from anti-terrorism," Flores said.

The top man of the Army's 10th ID, meanwhile, lauded TFD under Guerrero's watch.

"It is now a regular part of Davao City's landscape and a source of pride for the 10th ID. Jagger (Col. Guerrero) is a humble officer who refuses to brag about his accomplishments," said Segovia, who is guest speaker in Tuesday's turnover ceremony.

"The loss of Davao City is a gain for Davao Oriental," Segovia said referring to Guerrero's assignment as commander of the Army's 701st Infantry Brigade based in Mati City, Davao Oriental.

He said Guerrero's reassignment has long been overdue.

Meanwhile, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio thanked Guerrero for his dedication.

Dutert-Carpio also thanked Segovia for the 10th ID's support to the City Government of Davao.

She also lauded men and women of TFD for their efforts in doing their job of safeguarding the peace and serenity of Davao City.

With Flores as the new TFD head, Duterte said she expects excellence. "We do not have to remind you always the reason why TFD was created."

TFD was created in 2003 by virtue of an Executive Order with the explicit function to prevent terrorist attacks similar to the Davao International Airport and Sasa wharf bombings in March and April of the same year, respectively that killed 38 people and injured several others.

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By Gigie Arcilla-Agtay

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

SunStar.Com.Ph

Article Link

6 killed rebels named

AUTHORITIES named on Thursday six suspected New People's Army (NPA) members killed in Monday's encounter with the government troops in Barangay Malinawon, Mawab, Compostela Valley.

The fatalities were identified as Romeo T. Vender, 34; and Mario Ocay, 37, both residents of New Corella in Davao del Norte; Ener Rosquetes Etol, 22, and Vicente P. Libre, 40, residents of Asuncion in Davao del Norte; Juan Paloma, 27, resident of Monkayo in Compostela Valley; and Jose M. Elac, 50, resident of Montevista in Compostela Valley.

Superintendent Jose C. Carumba, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Davao Region, said the suspects were identified after the families claimed the bodies at the Landa Funeral Parlor in Mawab.

Brigade General Ricardo Rainer Cruz, assistant division chief of the Army's 10th Infantry Division, said soldiers chanced upon the rebels who were planning to attack a banana plantation of Sumifru Philippines in Mawab.

Cruz said the rebels' plan to attack the banana plantation has been thwarted after several concerned residents reported the presence of armed men onboard a carnapped Sadam truck on their way to the area.

Carumba said based on Mawab police investigation, the green Sadam truck with plate number LGE-862 was registered under the name of one Wilmar Maraat Contreras, resident of Nabunturan in Compostela Valley.

Carumba added four other rebels were tagged in the foiled attack. He, however, refused to identify them.

"But we already filed charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms before the Provincial Prosecution Office against the four rebels who are still at large," Carumba said.

Government troops also recovered six high powered firearms – a machinegun, a caliber .45 pistol, two M14 and two M16 rifles – and other personal belongings of the rebels.

Major Jacob Thaddeus Obligado, chief of the 10th Infantry Division's Civil Military Operation Battalion, said they do not celebrate the death of the six rebels because the latter are victims of lies of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

"Those killed who fought for lost and unlawful causes were all Filipinos. They could have been more productive citizens had they not fallen into the lies and empty promises of their recruiters," Obligado said.

Obligado estimated a total of 316 rebels neutralized in 2011. Of the 316, 19 were killed in clashes, 16 were captured, and 237 surrendered.

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Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on January 20, 2012.

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6 'extortionists' killed in Compostela

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Army soldiers killed six suspected members of an organized crime group engaged in extortion activities in Mawab town in Compostela Valley.

 

Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Battalion, said the incident occurred around 3 p.m. Monday when government soldiers sighted a group in Barangay Malinawon.

 

Paniza said the armed men were on board a stolen Saddam truck heading towards a banana plantation to harass residents to give in to their extortion demands when they encountered the government troops.

 

The soldiers were earlier informed by the local residents about the extortion activities of the armed group, Paniza said.

 

He said five high-powered firearms, including a .30 caliber machine gun, were recovered from the slain suspects.

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January 17, 2012 12:44 PM

PhilStar.Com

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6 NPA rebels killed in ComVal clash — military

Six suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed Monday afternoon in an encounter with government troops in Compostela Valley in southern Philippines, a military official said.
 
The soldiers were conducting security operations in Mawab town when more or less 20 to 30 rebels, on board a civilian dump truck, attacked them, according to Col. Roberto Domines of the Army’s 1001^st Brigade.
 
"Our soldiers put up a good fight by manning their defensive positions and engaged the overwhelming enemy force,” Domines said.
 
Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson Col. Leopoldo Galon said the troops got wind of the attack through a civilian tipster. He said they were informed the rebels were planning to burn down the facilities of a local banana plantation in the area.
 
Troops backed by armored vehicles came to reinforce the outnumbered soldiers, Domines said.
 
The clash lasted for about 30 minutes, after which the rebels fled, leaving behind their six dead comrades with five high powered firearms — two M16 Armalite rifles, two M14 rifles and an M19 cal. 30 machinegun, which was mounted on top the dump truck.

No soldier was hurt in the attack, Domines said. — KBK, GMA News
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January 16, 2012 9:41pm
GMA News Online
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Troopers eyeing purchase of emergency equipment

THE Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division is planning to purchase several pieces of emergency equipment in 2012 for immediate response to calamities following Tropical Storm Sendong that hit Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities on December 17.

Brigade General Ricardo Rainer Cruz III, assistant division commander of the 10th Infantry Division, said their first plan for 2012 is to purchase rubber boats, first aid resources, hand-cracked torch with LED lights, jumper cables, and other disaster equipment that will be used in rescue operations.

"Most of the time our troops are already in the area of the incident, but our problem is we don't have the equipment to use, so ang mangyari hihintayin pa namin ‘yung rescue operations for the materials," Lieutenant Colonel Lyndon V. Paniza, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division, said.

Cruz said they will request such equipment from their higher headquarters so in case of some calamities, they have the materials for the rescue and relief operation. He added they will also establish a search and rescue team for emergency purposes.

The military’s lack of equipment, however, has not prevented them from assisting victims of calamities, Major Ma. Christina Rosa Manuel, executive officer of the Civil Military Operation Battalion (CMOBN) of the 10th Infantry Division, said.

For “Sendong” survivors alone, the 10th Infantry Division gathered around 75 tons of foodstuff, drinking water, medicines, clothing, and footwear from those who responded to their Bayanihan Call. The relief assistance was delivered last December 23.

Another Pagtinabangay Caravan with eleven M35 trucks and two Forward cargo vans were sent to Iligan City on December 26. They also delivered relief supplies for their soldiers who were affected in flash floods.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that around 6,200 families with 29,730 individuals are currently staying at evacuation centers in those two cities alone.

The 10th Infantry Division also provided support to the flood victims in Davao del Norte. After two days of heavy rains, three rivers triggered flooding in eight barangays in Kapalong town, while the Bingcungan River flooded on barangay in Carmen and two barangays in Tagum City. (Ivy C. Tejano)

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Friday, December 30, 2011

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Rebels dared: Extend ceasefire to entire 2012

THE Army's 10th Infantry Division dared Thursday the National Democratic Front/Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army (NDF/CPP/NPA) to declare ceasefire for the entire 2012.

Brigade General Ricardo Rainer Cruz III, assistant division commander of the 10th Infantry Division, said it could be better if the communist rebels will extend their ceasefire in 2012, instead of the 13-day ceasefire for Christmas and the victims of Tropical Storm "Sendong", which hit Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities.

"It is time for the communist rebels to take a break and return to their families. Let's declare 2012 ceasefire so for the community to develop their living, and not only because there is a disaster. This is great kasi magkakaroon tayo ng katahimikan starting next year," Cruz said in a press conference Thursday.

Lieutenant Colonel Lyndon Paniza, 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, expressed his gratitude as Christmas celebration has been peaceful in Davao Region, except for the disasters in some areas.

Paniza said the 10th Infantry Division also welcomes the declaration of ceasefire of the communist rebels so they can conduct search and rescue and relief operations for the victims of flash floods in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities and other areas in Davao Region.

"We are happy to note that so far, there were no atrocities the past few days. And we hope for the NDF/CPP/NPA since kaya naman nila, gawin natin tahimik at mapayapa ang 2012 and let's focus for the development of our community," Paniza said.

The 10th Infantry Division challenged the NDF/CPP/NPA to join them in strengthening the Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) instead of exchanging unnecessary statements and fighting each other.

In earlier report, the communist rebels in Northern Mindanao declared a regional ceasefire from December 21 to January 3, in deference to the victims of Sendong and other affected areas due to heavy rains and flash floods.

The CPP central leadership also declared a two-schedule Yuletide truce from December 24-26 and the other from December 31 to January 2, as they urged all NPA units, especially in the most affected areas of flash floods, to temporarily cease offensive military operations and help mobilizing the people to carry out rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

Recently, the communist rebels donated around P1.3 million for the victims of Sendong in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City as directed from their leader to raise resources for relief and rehabilitation efforts for the affected families of the disaster.

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By Ivy C. Tejano

Thursday, December 29, 2011

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AFP ships, choppers, trucks bring flood aid

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—Uniformed men in Navy ships, Air Force helicopters and Army trucks brought relief goods for victims of Tropical Storm “Sendong” here, playing Santa Claus to people brought to their knees by the country’s deadliest disaster in recent years.

The first to arrive was BRP Dagupan, of the Philippine Navy, at the port of Macabalan bringing 400 coffins and tons of relief goods and thousands of bottles of water.

Lt. Gen. Victor Felix, head of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said victims who refuse to go to evacuation centers were priority in water distribution.

As BRP Dagupan docked, a 25-truck convoy from the Eastern Mindanao Command in Davao City arrived with relief goods, too.

Maj. Jacob Obligado, civil-military operations chief of the 10th Infantry Division, said the goods were collected from donors in Southern Mindanao.

“Everyone gave their share. This is the true spirit of bayanihan,” said Obligado.

In Iligan City, two government helicopters delivered relief goods to hinterland village Digkilaan.

Brig. Gen. Roland Amarelli, deputy commander of the Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry Tabak Divison, said delivery of relief goods to upland communities would continue.

Two trucks of the Philippine Navy were also in Iligan City to bring relief goods.

At the City Hall here, however, only a handful of officials were present during the distribution of relief goods.

Lito Wapin, social welfare project officer, said each family was expected to receive a package of bread, sandwich spread and juice. “Hopefully, there will be some slices of ham,” he said.

Some of the victims, however, said they were just happy they were alive. “Our neighbors were not so lucky,” said evacuee Angelie Soria.

Some others were overcome with sadness. “It’s as if there’s nothing to celebrate,” said Delfina Ranara, 79.Bobby Lagsa, with a report from Richel V. Umel, Inquirer Mindanao

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Philippine Daily Inquirer

11:25 pm | Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

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