Philippine Army seizes NPA camp

A week after improvised explosive devices were recovered in northern Negros, the 11th Infantry Battalion troopers discovered a large encampment of the New People’s Army in Brgy. Tan-awan, Kabankalan City, Sunday.
 
Maj. Rey Tiongson, 3rd Infantry Division spokesman, yesterday said the camp, that can accommodate about 100 persons, is believed to have been abandoned several days before it was discovered.

The fleeing rebels left behind a CPP-NPA red flag, subversive documents, a handbook for the Batakang Kursong Pampartido and personal belongings, he said.

1Lt. Von Ryan Gomez, 11th IB Civil Military Operations Officer, said the discovery of the NPA training camp, was a result of ongoing military operations in the area.

Two weeks ago, suspected NPA assassins shot and killed CAFGU member Ricky Camacho in Brgy. Magballo, Kabankalan City. It was followed by the killing of a Bukidnon tribe member in Brgy. Riverside, Isabela, military records show.

Gomez said the abandoned rebel camp, which is located in a forested area, has two makeshift huts and a comfort room, with an estimated area of 2,185 square meters. 

Last week, six IEDs with blasting caps and a fragmentation grenade were recovered by military intelligence operatives in an abandoned NPA makeshift hut in Hacienda Begonia, Brgy. Purisima, Manapla, the military reported.

Article Source: The Visayan Daily Star

US Air Force members arrive in Negros for joint training

ABOUT 40 members of the US Pacific Air Force under the US Pacific Command (USPACOM) headed by Lieutenant Colonel Alvin Alana arrived in Negros Oriental on Saturday in separate local flights from Metro Manila and through the Philippine Airforce's C130.

Major Ray Tiongson, spokesman of the 3rd ID, said the USPACOM will be here in the region from March 3-11 2013 to conduct a joint and combined Humanitarian Civic Assistance/Civil-Military Operations (HCA/CMO) between the Armed Forces of the Philippines, specifically the 302nd Bde, and PNP through the Negros Oriental Provincial Police.

He said the joint activity dubbed as the Pacific Angels 13-1 is an annual Humanitarian Assistance (HA) program sponsored by the USPACOM and implemented by the US Pacific Air Force (PACAF) in partnership with the AFP.

The objective of this exercise is to enhance the response capability of the AFP and stakeholders during disasters and calamities.

The seven days activity covers HCA/CMO programs such as medical, dental, optometry and school repair and other engineering programs and also lectures on various subject matter expert changes between the AFP-PNP and USPACOM forces that aim to enhance interoperability and preparedness among different forces during calamities and disasters.

The 302nd Infantry Brigade Commander, Col Francisco Patrimonio, said that the unit will support this humanitarian mission primarily in providing security to the contingents, facilitate the transportation of people affected by the previous earthquake to and from their location and assist in the construction and repair of selected school beneficiaries here in the region.

Aside from the USPACOM, AFP and PNP, Pacific Angels 13-1 will be participated by the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental and Non-Government Organizations led by the Oriental Negros Children's Advocacy Network (ONCAN) MGen Jose Z Mabanta Jr, Commander of 3ID, stressed that Negros has suffered from previous calamities and disasters.

"Our ability to mitigate, prepare, respond and recover from the effects brought about by these calamities is necessary to be enhanced. This is an opportunity for all stakeholders to learn and enhance our interoperability during disasters and calamities," he said.

"Bayanihan" - United States Airforce of the US Pacific Command, members of the 302nd Infantry Brigade and Negros PNP unloaded medical, dental and engineering equipment at Dumaguete City Airport.

These equipment will be used for the Pacific Angels from March 3-10, 2013.

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Teresa Ellera | Sun Star Bacolod | March 4, 2013 | Article Link

Rebel leader behind Army camp attack nabbed

THE leader of the New People's Army (NPA) group, which attacked an Army detachment in northern Negros more than two years ago, was arrested in Calatrava town last Saturday.

Arrested by elements of the 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) and the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Special Action Force was a certain Joel Danioso alias Ewen, commanding officer of the Yunit Milista (YM) of Barangay Malatas, Calatrava town.

Danioso was arrested in Sitio Minatipik, Barangay Winaswasan, Calatrava by virtue of a warrant of arrest for the crime of robbery with homicide and physical injuries issued by presiding judge Katherine Go of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 59 in San Carlos City.

Danioso, a resident of Sitio Minatipik, Barangay Winaswasan, Calatrava, Negros Occidental, 34, led the raid of Polopangyan detachment in Barangay Bug-ang, Toboso Negros Occidental on August 28, 2010.

He was brought to Calatrava PNP after the arrest and further brought to Toboso PNP for detention.

"We will continue to help the PNP in implementing arrest warrants issued by courts. We are serious in enforcing our laws. Let the rule of law apply to these people who are menace to the society," said 62IB commander Efren Morados.

3rd Infantry Division Commander MGen Jose Mabanta Jr said, "This is a continuous law enforcement operation as part of your Army's commitment in protecting the communities, government and private establishments so that the people will live in a more secure and peaceful environment."

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Teresa Ellera | Sun Star Bacolod | February 26, 2013 | Article Link

Soldier displays honesty and concern during VP’s visit

Iloilo– In an another display of honesty and concern, a soldier from the Army’s 301st Infantry (Bayanihan) Brigade chose to turn-in a wallet found around 9:00 a.m. on June 13 at the Iloilo Airport.

Sergeant Wenceslao Pabito Jr was tasked to secure the arrival of Philippines’ Vice President Jejomar Binay at the airport when he found a wallet near the garbage area containing a cheque.

Pabito immediately turned-in said wallet to Mr Arnel Lumbo, GMA Super Radyo field reporter who was covering the event. 

When asked for comments, Pabito remarked that he immediately thought of what might be an immediate need the owner had to utilize the cheque. He said that if it did had money on it, he would have not afforded to keep and use it for his family’s needs thinking that the said money could be much needed by the owner.  

The wallet with a cheque inside amounting to 4,500 pesos is owned by Anthony Cortel from Pandac, Pavia, Iloilo and an employee of Hotel Del Rio in Iloilo City. According to Mr Lumbo, Mr Cortel was so happy that his wallet picked-up by kind  hearted person otherwise it will no longer be returned to him.

According to Major Enrico Gil Ileto, Public Affairs Officer of the 3rd Infantry (Speadhead) Division, this is the latest inspiring story of honesty displayed by Army soldiers since the start of this year.

Privates Danny Faigane and Marlon Vera from the 3ID’s 32nd Division Reconnaissance Company handed to its owner, Virginia  Callora, P90,000 in cash found in the retrieval site in Brgy Solonggon, La Libertad, Negros Oriental following the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that severely hit said area last  February 6, 2012.

Last March 3, 2012, Corporal Fernando Samperoy of 3ID’s 47th Infantry Battalion also found a bag left at the parking area of the Kabankalan Cathedral at Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental. The bag containing an amount of P50,000 cash is owned by Rev. Father Leopoldo Cahilig, parish priest of Isabela of the same province.

“These stories which tells our soldier’s honesty continues to inspire the entire Army and it portrays how we value honesty in the organization,” said Major General Jose Mabanta Jr, Commander of the Army’s 3ID.

 “It is part and parcel of the Army’s transformation effort to develop the character of our soldier to be able to internalize the core values of Honor, Patriotism and Duty,” added Mabanta.

For Colonel Arnold Quiapo, Commander of the 301st Bde and the immediate commander of Pabito, this act of honesty is worth emulating.

“We continue to inculcate in our soldiers the importance of honesty. I would like to personally congratulate Sgt Pabito for giving honor and pride to the Army,” added Col Quiapo.   


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Philippine Army Spearhead Troopers | June 19, 2012 | Article Link

Philippine Army reaches out for peace dialogue with rebels

A DIALOGUE for the permanent and peaceful closure of all armed-conflicts at the regional level of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is now at the forefront by the military hierarchy in the region.

While pertinent government agencies are talking peace, the Army's 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID) will start an all-out effort to reach out for a dialogue with the CPP in Western Visayas.

Major General Jose Z. Mabanta Jr., 3ID commander said, "We at the lower echelon of government see that it is essential to have a dialogue with the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People's Army and the National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF)."

"While we continue to adhere to agreements and talks entered into by the government, 3ID together with peace advocates in this region of the country, believe that among us, the Army and the CPP/NPA/NDF, at our level here in Western Visayas, there should be an effort of the same kind of dialogue. A would be bottom-up approach of looking for answers to the challenges of the nation's human security."

"As we do a parallel effort with the national government to restart peace talks with the CPP/NPA/NDF, we will continue with our mandate of protecting the citizens of this region, employing military capabilities only when necessitated by the security situation," added Mabanta.

"With the snowballing call for peace as advocated by the majority in this region, we call on the CPP/NPA/NDF for a dialogue. Our immediate concern is to how non-combatants should be spared from armed conflict," he said.

"Together with our partners in the Army, we wish to pursue peaceful means towards attaining a settlement with the CPP/NPA/NDF and bring peace for the people. It's time to sit down and look for better ways to address socio- economic issues," he said. 

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Teresa Ellera | SunStar.Com.Ph | June 5, 2012 | Article Link

96 new soldiers add up to Army’s strength in Panay and Negros

Camp Gen Macario Peralta Jr., Jamindan, Capiz - The 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID) will strengthen its human resource capability with the graduation of 96 new soldiers today.

To mark the end of a 6-month rigid Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) and Jungle Warfare Mountain Operation Course (JWMOC) training, a closing ceremony, which will be witnessed by representatives from different stakeholders, their friends and family, will be held at Camp Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz.

Major General Jose Mabanta Jr, 3ID Commander, said that this ceremony is conducted to instil nationalism and service-oriented attitude among soldiers upon their entry to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“The ceremony is also aimed to instil among them their responsibilities to the Nation and the Filipino people being the government’s instrument in the maintenance of peace in this part of the country,” Mabanta said.

Mabanta added that these new soldiers will be immediately assigned in the different battalions here in Panay and Negros Islands to perform peace and development works and to strengthen Army units in these areas. 

At present, the 3ID is conducting training to 142 candidate soldiers who took their oath last May 15, 2012. They are currently undergoing the same rigid training after qualifying the selection process and after passing the competitive Physical, Neurological, and Psychological examinations.

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Philippine Army Spearhead Troopers | May 23, 2012 | Article Link

Army chief, guv invite rebel leader to talk peace

PHILIPPINE Army chief Lieutenant General Emmanuel Bautista and Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. invited anew Ka Frank Fernandez, head of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), to come out and sit down with a negotiating panel for a peace talk.

"I respect Ka Frank, a former priest. If given a chance, I am willing to sit down with him for possible peace talks. We are inviting him to sit down and discuss with him problems and possibly come up with a solution," Bautista said.

Bautista made the statement after he paid a courtesy call on Marañon at the governor's office Wednesday with Colonel Oscar Lactao, commanding officer of the 303rd Brigade and Major General Jose Mabanta, Commanding General of the 3rd ID. 

Baustita said that Ka Frank has been issuing statements to the media.

"I believe that he is still alive. I hope I would be given a chance to see him in person and talk peace with him," he said.

Marañon, on the other hand, emphasized that he has been extending his invitation to Ka Frank and the NPA for local peace talks.

"That has been my long standing invitation. I am very much willing to sit down with him and, if he is sick, I will bring him to be the first patient of the newly-built extension of the Teresita Jalandoni Provincial Hospital," Marañon said.

Marañon started extending his invitation to Ka Frank and the NPA for localized peace talks since his inaugural speech after he won the governorship in 2010. He has been reiterating this in his speeches during relevant occasions in the province.

Marañon, in fact, said that under his administration, the Provincial Government has been giving support to the rebel returnees by giving them livelihood projects, sources of income, jobs and scholarships for their dependent children.

There are already about 40 rebel returnees in the province under the Marañon administration and under the leadership of Lactao in the 303rd Brigade.

Bautista also bared that in as much as the government would like to pursue peace talks with the NPA, there are still obstacles hounding the peace process which he did not elaborate on.

"I hope that we can iron out problems because it is only through peace talks that we would be able to resolve the long armed conflict," he said. 

He also said more Filipinos have already realized that the long struggle should be put to an end through peaceful solutions.

"I believe that we are gaining the peace in the sense that more people realized that this has been a long struggle. That violence is not the answer. Let's give peace a chance," Bautista said. 

However, he said is it unfortunate that the rebels reply to the government's invitation by sowing violence, citing the recent encounters that claimed a number of lives of the soldiers and the rebels.

Bautista also described the peace and order in the province as gaining improvement and that, he said, he also expects more improvement in the coming days.

Marañon also described the army's performance in the province under Lactao as satisfactory.

Two top NPA leaders were already apprehended under Lactao's term, namely Romeo Nanta and Hernando Llorente.

However, the two were released from jail after they posted bail, which according to Bautista is part of the rule of law.

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Teresa Ellera | SunStar.Com.Ph | May 3, 2012 | Article Link

Honest soldier returns P50,000

Another soldier became a face of honesty in the ranks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines when he returned the P50,000 in cash he had found Sunday at the vicinity of a church in/ Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

Cpl. Fernando Samperoy, a member of the 47th Infantry Battalion, who attended a Sunday mass, found a bag left at the parking lot of the Kabankalan Catholic Church, while on his way to his headquarters in Cauayan, Negros Occidental.

Capt. Reylan Java, spokesperson of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said the bag, that was picked up by Samperoy, out of curiosity, contained P50,000 in cash.

Finding no identification card in the bag, Java said Samperoy decided to give the bag and the money to Fr. Recon Dagunan. Parochial vicar of the Kabankalan Catholic Church.

It was later found out that the bag and the cash were owned by Fr. Leopoldo Cahilig, parish priest of Isabela town in Negros Occidental.

Last month, two soldiers from the 32nd Division Reconnaissance Company of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division also returned the P90,000 in cash they had found at the landslide area in Brgy Solonggon, La Libertad, Negros Oriental.

Privates Danny Faigne and Marlon Vera were part of the retrieval teams who were deployed in La Libertad, after the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Negros Oriental on February 6.

Veronica Callora, the owner of the money, thanked Faigne and de Vera for returning the money.

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Gilbert Bayoran | The Visayan Daily Star | Thursday, March 8, 2012 | Article Link

Army lieutenant killed by sniper fire

MANILA, Philippines -- A junior Army officer was killed by sniper fire when the unit he was leading was ambushed by New People’s Army guerrillas in Negros Occidental province Tuesday morning, the military said.

And in Samar, Army troops overran what the military described as a heavily fortified NPA “landmine factory.”

Captain Reylan Java, spokesman of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said 2nd Lieutenant Jose Angelo Esguerra was leading troops of the 47th Infantry Battalion on their way to Barangay Basak, Cauayan town in Negros Occidental, ostensibly for “peace and development work,” when they came under sniper fire before noon in Sitio Manluya, Barangay Tuyom.

Esguerra was brought to Kabankalan Doctors’ Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

On the same day, soldiers from the 32nd Division Reconnaissance Company clashed with NPA rebels in Sitio Avocado, Brgy Talalak, Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental.

In Samar, Lieutenant Colonel Niceforo Diaz Jr., spokesman of the 8th Infantry Division, reported that informants tipped them off to the explosives factory at the boundary of Barangays Santo Nino and Pagsanjan in Paranas town.

“Guided by concerned residents, the soldiers reached the vicinity of the suspected camp at about 5 a.m. on March 5. The NPA rebels who were heavily armed manning the camp were caught off-guard with the arrival of the soldiers prompting them to engage in a brief fire fight as they escaped,” Diaz said.

Sergeant Freddie Gusoso was wounded in the thigh during the fighting.

Found inside a big makeshift shelter and other smaller structures were 44 improvised landmines, a machine used to make them, 20 blasting caps with detonating cords, assorted “explosive production paraphernalia,” a B40-type rocket launcher with an improvised round, and an M16 rifle.

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07-Mar-12, 11:25 AM | Abigail Kwok and Jaime Sinapit | InterAksyon.com | Article Link

Soldier ambushed in Negros Occidental

MANILA, Philippines – A junior officer of the Philippine Army was ambushed by an unidentified gunman in the town Cauayan, Negros Occidental on Tuesday.

According to Major General Jose Mabanta, 3rd Infantry Division commanding general, 2nd Lt. Angelito Esguerra was on his way back to base when he was gunned down by a sniper.

Esguerra was instantly killed in the attack.

Mabanta said there was no encounter between government forces and the assailant because they were not able to locate the gunman. He also said the gunman is a suspected member of the New People's Army.

Esguerra was a graduate of Philippine Military Academy class of 2010.

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Edwin Sevidal | dzMM | ABSCBN News Online | 03/06/2012 | Article Link

Army eyes transfer of 3rd ID headquarters in Negros

IF THE Provincial Government’s donation of at least 50 hectares to the Philippine Army pushes through, the military eyes to transfer the headquarters of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID) to Negros.

Major General Jose Mabanta, 3rd ID commanding general, said this is one of the options being considered by the division.

He confirmed that Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. imparted to him during his courtesy call that the Provincial Government will donate 50 hectares of land in Bago for the use of the Philippine Army.

Mabanta, together with 30rd Brigade commander Colonel Oscar Lactao and Lieutenant Colonel Efren Murados, called on the governor at his office Monday.

He said the lot may also be used as a headquarters for a brigade or a battalion of the Philippine Army if the 3rd ID will not utilize it.

He said it will also take a lot of resources in transferring the 3rd ID headquarters in Negros.

Mabanta said the Philippine Army will decide on it when the donation is realized.

At present, the 3rd ID is based on a 33,000 hectares military reserve in Jamindan, Capiz..

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Thursday, March 1, 2012

SunStar.Com.Ph

Article Link

3 Army battalions get new commanders

THREE Philippine Army battalions in Negros under the 303rd Brigade are set to have new commanders.

Today, Thursday, the 62nd Infantry Battalion will hold the installation of Lieutenant Colonel Efren Murados as its incoming commanding officer.

The battalion based in Barangay Bato, Sagay City was formerly headed by an officer-in-charge after Lieutenant Colonel John Ely Alberto was promoted to a full-fledged colonel early this year.

The installation will be administered by 3rd Infantry Division Commanding General Major General Jose Mabanta.

On Friday, the 11th Infantry Battalion based in Guihulngan, Negros Oriental will hold the turnover ceremonies between outgoing commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Ramil Bitong and his replacement Lieutenant Colonel Wilfredo Isaac.

Bitong has completed his almost two-year stint as battalion commander.

On the other hand, the First Scout Ranger Battalion based in La Carlota City will also have a new commander on March 1, according to Colonel Oscar Lactao, 303rd Brigade commander.

Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Felicidario will be promoted to a new position in the elite force of the Philippine Army.

His successor has not been named yet.

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Teresa Ellera

Thursday, February 23, 2012

SunStar.Com.Ph

Link

Honesty not buried in landslide-hit village

LA LIBERTAD, Negros Oriental— Virginia Callora was worried when she approached Privates Danny Faigane and Marlon Vera while they were digging with other Army soldiers in a landslide area in Barangay Solonggon here last week.

Her house was among the 60 buried in the rubble caused by the Feb. 6 earthquake, and the woman had been keeping her cash savings of P70,000 in a tin can inside the house.

Responding to Callora’s appeal for help, Faigane and Vera continued shoveling through the mounds of rocks and soil until they struck what had remained of the woman’s house. They finally found the can containing the rolled money bills.

They looked for Callora to give her her savings but could not find her. So they decided to hand over the tin can to her relative.

For their honesty. Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta, 3rd Infantry Division commander, commended Faigne and Vera, according to a press release posted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Central Command on its blog. The two soldiers belong to the 32nd Division Reconnaissance Company (32DRC) of the 3rd ID.

After turning over the money, Vera was brought from Solonggon to the 302nd Infantry Brigade headquarters at Camp Leon Kilat in Tanjay, Negros Oriental, for treatment of a cut in his right hand that he had after hitting a galvanized iron sheet during the retrieval operation.

He said he was happy they were able to help Callora.

Vera and Faigane also informed 1st Lt. Gerald Deles, commanding officer of the 32DRC, about the P70,000 they found from the landslide site.

Undersecretary Benito Ramos, executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said he would write a letter addressed to the AFP recommending that Faigane and Vera be promoted as reward for their good deed.

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By Florence Baesa
Inquirer Visayas

10:00 pm | Monday, February 20th, 2012

Link

Kapampangan is new commander of 3rd Infantry Division in Visayas

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Rotary Club of Central Pampanga (RCCP) member and present 7th Infantry Division (ID) commander Major General Jose Mabanta will take over as the new commander of the 3rd ID in Western Visayas.

Brigadier General Alan Luga will take command of the 7th ID that will be vacated by Mabanta in turnover ceremonies to be scheduled soon, said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a statement.

Mabanta is former deputy chief of staff for operations, J3 of the AFP. He was also the commander of the AFP’s Civil Relations Service and a member of PMA “Dimalupig” Class of 1981.

From 1992 to 1998, Mabanta served with distinction in Mindanao in various capacities, both as an intelligence and infantry officer.

He is former AFP spokesperson and a recipient of various military honors, including a Bronze Cross Medal, Gold Cross Medals and the Distinguished Service Star.

Before being delegated to high-ranking positions, Mabanta served as commander of the 703rd Infantry Brigade of the AFP based in Mt. Arayat. During such time, he became a part of RCCP and served in many of the programs of the Rotary club.

AFP Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Jessie Dellosa, meanwhile, welcomed the appointments, saying this is an indication of the AFP’s continuing commitment to strengthen its leadership and in further professionalizing the military organization.

“Every security situation is unique and oftentimes requires new sets of approaches where the commander's appreciation and insights of his area of operation play a crucial role. The AFP will never stop pursuing organizational growth and advancement,” said Dellosa.

Mabanta is set to meet with Luga for the turnover rites.

Luga is currently the chairman of the Government Ad Hoc Joint Action Group and was formerly the commander of 802 Brigade, 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army. (IOF)

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Wednesday, February 1, 2012

SunStar.Com.Ph

Link