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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Hybrid battalions in the works for AFP

MANILA, Philippines—The military looks to have “hybrid” battalions in the future, as a pilot case combining reservists and militiamen with regular soldiers in an Army battalion has worked out well.

 

The Army’s reclassified 24th Infantry Battalion under the 7th Infantry Division has passed the Army’s technical evaluation with flying colors after a year in operation.

Lieutenant Colonel Michael Samson, commander of the military’s first “territorial battalion,” said the successful pilot test might mean the setup would be replicated in other units.

“We hope that since the first-ever territorial battalion gained positive evaluation from our technical working group, this undertaking by the Armed Forces of the Philippines will be expanded to other peaceful and development-ready areas like Zambales,” Samson said.

The 24IB was reclassified last May 1, 2011, as a territorial battalion to integrate reservists and Cafgu [Citizens’ Armed Forces Geographical Units] active auxiliary (CAA) paramilitary troops, whose task is to conduct civil military operations (CMO) and other support missions.

Aside from the regular soldiers, Samson’s battalion has 16 reservist officers, 121 reservist enlisted personnel and 334 CAA personnel who all come from the area.

Evaluators from the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio found that the fusion of reservists and CAA personnel to the regular members of the 24IB has increased the number of effective CMO activities in the area.

CMO activities refer to community services including disaster rescue and relief operations.

The added manpower, meanwhile, allowed soldiers in the active service to conduct “focused and deliberate combat operations” against insurgents and other armed groups.

The Army has turned to reservists and paramilitary troops as “force multiplier” due to the deficiency in the number of ground troops.

Launched on December 20, 2010, the concept of integrating Army reserve and active components in selected units was seen as a solution to “low personnel fill-up.”

The setup is said to be the brainchild of Army chief Lieutenant General Emmanuel Bautista when he was still the AFP deputy chief of staff for operations (J3).

AFP Chief of Staff General Jessie Dellosa recently directed the AFP Reserve Command to give priority to the development of reservists as territorial forces.

He said community-based military reservists serve as the backbone of first responders during calamities.

“I hope that this success can be replicated in other battalions in every part of the country,” Dellosa said in a statement.

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Dona Z. Pazzibugan | Philippine Daily Inquirer | May 6, 2012 | Article Link

Military won’t pull out forces from Luisita

MANILA, Philippines - The military will not pull out forces from the Hacienda Luisita despite demands from several farmer groups.

The Philippine Army’s 7^th Infantry Division spokesman, Major Enrico Gil Ileto, said no less than the barangay officials themselves have asked that the military remain there. “They support our presence.”

The Alyansa ng Manggagawang Bukid sa Asyenda Lusita, the Luisita Unyon ng mga Manggagawa and the Luisita Peasants and People's Alliance have started a signature campaign for the pullout of the military.

They said the Aquino administration wants the presence of military there as a psychological war. They said the military reminds them of the “Luisita massacre,” where seven of their companions died.

The farmer beneficiaries are still waiting for a final resolution of the Supreme Court in connection with the distribution of the land in the Cojuangco-led sugar estate. They said the case is one of the reasons why Malacanang supported the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Ileto noted that the barangay officials have signed an affidavit in connection with their need for military presence.

"They believe that the presence of the military in that area is necessary in order to maintain the peace and also serve to monitor and immediately respond to security, disaster and development concerns on a day to day basis,” he said.

He said the military’s presence is also a "testament of our commitment to protect the rights of the people" in line with the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan, the military's blueprint in winning the peace.

"The affidavit also stated that the presence of the military neither institute fear nor creates anxiety among the barangay chiefs and their constituents," he said.

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Ernest Vidal | ABS-CBN News Central Luzon | March 12,2012 | Article Link

Soldiers committed to peace, development

MANILA, March 11 (PNA) -The Philippine Army's 7th Infantry Division said that the deployment of soldiers in Hacienda Luisita, in Tarlac is a just a testament of its commitment to protect the rights of the people and aid in further development efforts.
7th Infantry Division spokesperson Major Enrico Gil Ileto said that this was in line with the military's Internal Peace and Security Plan.


"We owe it to the people, an evidence to that is the support which was also stated in an affidavit by ten barangay chiefs supporting the presence of our soldiers for community-based peace and development efforts," he said.


The affidavit Ileto was referring to states that barangay chiefs are supportive of the "military in its efforts to address insurgency and recognizes it's support to the local government's effort of timely delivery of basic services and implementation of developmental programs for the improvement of the quality of life of the people."
The affidavit, dated Jan. 21, has the signature of chiefs of barangays situated in the area covered by Hacienda Luisita land under the municipalities of Concepcion, Lapaz and Tarlac City.


"We believe that such favorable feeling towards the military, as expressed and duly attested by all the elected representatives of the barangays in Hacienda Luisita, are the true sentiments of the people in the area," Ileto said.


The affidavit also claimed that "the presence of the military in that area is necessary in order to maintain the peace and also serve to monitor and immediately respond to security, disaster and development concerns on a day to day basis."


It also stated that the presence of the military neither institute fear nor creates anxiety among the barangay chiefs and their constituents.


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RMA/PFN | Philippine News Agency | March 11,2012 | Article Link

Another Top NPA member falls in Nueva Ecija

Brgy Digmala, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija—Four New People’s Army (NPA) members, remnants of the insurgency free provinces of Nueva Ecija and Aurora, were killed in a five-minute fire fight after firing at government forces at Sitio Tamale Thursday 9 p.m. here.

One of the killed NPA members was identified as Benjamin Peralta alias gani/otoy/onil, was usually called as the “Secretary” or the highest ranking leader in terms of maintaining the ideological capacity of the said NPA unit. Also killed is a certain alias Sara.

Recovered, by troops of the 81st Infantry Battalion under 1Lt Saturnino Enofre from the encounter site were, one M16 rifle, one Carbine rifle, one cal. .45 pistol, two improvised explosive device, two fragmentation grenades, food stuffs, assorted medicines and documents with high intelligence value.

Troops are still scouring the area. Soldiers in the area are now coordinating with local government units and agencies for the identification of the other two and disposition of the dead NPA members who were left behind by their comrades.

Bgen Alan R Luga, Commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division said, “This is definitely another big blow in their leadership and organization. Your Army here in Central Luzon will make sure that armed groups will be unable to use force to threaten our citizens.”

“While we conduct focused military operations, the government is ready for the influx of NPA members joining mainstream society,” added Luga.

It was in February 6 when 7ID’s 48th Infantry Battalion had major encounter with the same NPA remnant unit. Government troops were fired upon by the NPA which resulted to the death of Antonio Layco alias Berto and Remy Huego alias Russel and the recovery of an M16 rifle with an M203 grenade launcher, an M14 rifle, an M79 grenade launcher and documents of high intelligence value. Berto is the highest ranking leader in terms of running the armed component of the remnant NPA unit. Russel was second in command.

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7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army | ‎09 March 2012 | Article Link

123 New Soldiers Join Army

LAUR, Nueva Ecija, Philippines — Some 123 new soldiers will join the strong force of the 7th Infantry Division Training Unit (7DTU) of the Philippine Army as they graduated from the Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) and Jungle Warfare Mountain Operation Course (JWMOC).

“Each aspirant undergoes the CSC and JWMOC in order for one to have a basic foundation expected of a soldier of the Philippine Army. The training prepares the candidate soldier for his future role of performing duties in an Infantry Squad,” the Army here said.

It said that the training also molds an individual to be physically fit, well-disciplined, and properly motivated to fill-in the enlisted rank requirements of the Army.

“With one objective of instilling discipline, the CSC and JWMOC aims at having the candidate soldier adept in military doctrines, policies, Standing Operating Procedures; and skilled in basic weapon and war materiel operations; and resolute in Army Techniques Tactics and Procedure, in order for an Infantry Squad to have a reliable and responsive member,” it added.

Lt. Col. Rynell More, 7th Infantry Division’s (7ID) Assistant Chief of Staff for Education and Training, G8, said, “Our role here is to make the training conducive to learning and close to the real scenario. I’m proud to say that the DTU has performed its mandate.”

Brig. Gen. Alan R Luga, Commander 7ID said, “As they join the regular force, these new breed of soldiers are to live by and banner proudly what ‘Kaugnay’ Division is all about, an army that adheres to the rule of law, the international humanitarian law, human rights, governance, and excellence”.

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By MARK ANTHONY N. MANUEL

February 25, 2012, 6:43pm

Manila Bulletin

MB.Com.Ph

Article Link

11 World War II-vintage bombs found in Nueva Ecija

MANILA, Philippines -- Eleven World War II-old bombs were recovered by authorities in Nueva Ecija last Friday, the military reported.

The vintage bombs were discovered at a construction site in T. Delos Santos St., Poblacion North Science of Muñoz City consisting of  four cartrigdes of 155mm High Explosive (HE), two cartridges of 40mm HE, four pieces of 57mm projectile, and one 4.2mm projectile.

The bombs were turned over to the 81st Infantry Battalion (81IB) under the 7th Infantry Division of the military.

Ltc. Orlando Suarez, commander of the 81IB, said the World War II items are now for proper disposal.

These unexploded bombs, if not handled properly, can explode without warning.
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26-Feb-12, 10:20 AM | Abigail Kwok, InterAksyon.com
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Army Brig. Gen. Roland C. Amarille As Chairman of AHJAG

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has designated Army Brig. Gen. Roland C. Amarille, who was at the forefront of the disaster response and relief operations following the devastation wrought by typhoon Sendong in Iligan City, as chairman of the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG),  the peace mechanism for the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) talks.

Two other senior military officers were likewise designated to vital positions in armed forces,  Col. Carlos F. Quita and Col. Felicito Virgilio M. Trinidad.

AFP spokesman, Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos, Jr. said Amarille will assume the post vacated by Brig. Gen. Allan Luga who is now the 7th Infantry Division (7ID) commander. AHJAG is a bilateral committee that allows the government’s security authorities to conduct law enforcement operations in the far-flung areas of Mindanao.

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By ELENA L. ABEN

February 19, 2012, 4:44pm

Manila Bulletin

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Rifles seized from communist rebels in Bulacan

MANILA, Philippines—Soldiers from the 56th Infantry Battalion unearthed a cache of high-powered rifles allegedly owned by communist rebels in Doña Remedios Trinidad in Bulacan, a military spokesman said Wednesday.

Major Enrico Ileto of the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division said troops recovered an upper receiver for an M14 rifle, six magazines for M14 rifle, three short and one long magazine for M16 rifle and four pairs of combat boots Tuesday afternoon.

“One would only need a skilled wood carver to build the lower receiver of an M14 rifle and connect it with its upper receiver and operate it just like a normal rifle,” Ileto said.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Alan Luga, commander of the Army’s 7ID said that soldiers were conducting “further search at the general vicinity for possible discovery of other war materials.”

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By Frances Mangosing
INQUIRER.net

6:18 pm | Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

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2 AFP officers get new posts

MANILA, Philippines - Two senior military officers assumed as commanders of vital units of the Armed Forces yesterday.

Brig. Gen. Alan Luga, a graduate of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1981, took over the leadership of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division based in Nueva Ecija.

On the other hand, Col. Raul del Rosario was installed as the new chief of the Air Force’s Air Defense Wing based in Floridablanca, Pampanga. 

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By Alexis Romero 

The Philippine Star 

February 09, 2012 12:00 AM

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2 suspected NPAs killed in Quirino clash

Two suspected communist rebels were killed following with government security forces in Quirino province in northern Philippines, a regional military spokesman said Monday. 

Citing field reports, Maj. Enrico Gil Ileto of the Army's 7th Infantry Division, said the clash erupted at 9:18 a.m. when patrolling troops from the 48th Infantry Battalion chanced upon an undetermined number of suspected New People's Army rebels at Sitio Sibbagan in Barangay Landingan in Nagtipunan town.

The operating troops also recovered two M16 rifles, an M14 rifle, an M79 grenade launcher and documents the military described as having "high intelligence value."

No casualties were reported on the government side. 

"They have been on the run for several days now. They are the same group which we hit last year and suffered the same losses," Ileto said, quoting Col. Felicito Trinidad, commanding officer of the Army's 702nd Brigade.

The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. The outlawed group will be observing its 43rd founding anniversary on March 29. 

Peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines have remained stalled since August 2004.  — RSJ, GMA News
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February 6, 2012 5:11pm
GMA News Online
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Security forces hold consultation with stakeholders

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — Security forces in Central Luzon (CL) under the 7th Infantry Division (7ID) conducted a one-day stakeholders’ consultative meeting over the weekend in a bid to address issues and concerns in local peacekeeping and counter-insurgency efforts here.

The meeting was under the ambit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan” and was held at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija province.

Major General Jose Z. Mabanta Jr. of the 7ID, in an interview with Sun.Star Pampanga, said the meeting followed the theme: “Winning the Peace through ‘Bayanihan’” wherein the inputs from the consultative meeting will be used in crafting 7ID’s “Bayanihan” plan in support to the socio-economic activities and to uplift the quality life of the people in the provinces under the Division.

The meeting was aimed at soliciting inputs from the Church, local chief executives, local government units and agencies, civil society organizations, the academe, business sector, human rights advocate groups, and the Philippine National Police.

The Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” was born out of a series of consultations and an intensive workshop with representatives from civil society groups, the academe, and government agencies.

“That stakeholder consultation continues. While we confront the armed threats, we also want to know as to how we can contribute to the society’s battle to other threats.

These are the threats to the basic way of life of our people”, Mabanta said.

“We will have a campaign plan for ‘Winning the Peace’. This plan will be shared, co-authored, co-crafted with other stakeholders,” Mabanta added.

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Published in the Sun.Star Pampanga newspaper on January 29, 2012.

By Ian Ocampo Flora

Saturday, January 28, 2012

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Army division denies hiding Palparan

CITY of San Fernando—The Army’s 7th Infantry Division on Friday denied coddling retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan, who has eluded arrest since Dec. 20 on charges of kidnapping two University of the Philippines students in Bulacan in 2006.

“The [Armed Forces] is a professional organization composed of disciplined and law-abiding soldiers,” the 7th ID said in a statement. “It is not the policy of the AFP to coddle and provide safe harbor to any person wanted by law.”

Maj. Enrico Gil Ileto, the unit’s public information officer, said the statement was in reply to allegations published recently by the media.

Until his retirement on Sept. 11, 2006, Palparan commanded the unit, which operates in Central Luzon, the region north of Metro Manila.

Palparan should “turn himself in and answer all allegations hurled against him,” the 7th ID urged in its statement.

“It would be better for him to face the case and take the opportunity of proving that he is not guilty and that he is innocent,” it said.

Soldiers have been instructed to “inform proper authorities if they will spot General Palparan in their duty assignments,” according to the statement.

But the Army has intensified its surveillance efforts, this time in Aurora, because of reports that Palparan had been sighted there this time.

On Dec. 19, immigration personnel at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport stopped Palparan from boarding a plane bound for Singapore.

Judge Teodora Gonzales of the Bulacan regional trial court issued on Dec. 20, 2011, the arrest warrant on Palparan and three soldiers still in active duty, who were implicated in the abduction of Sherylyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño.

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 Tonette Orejas, with a report from Armand Galang, Inquirer Central Luzon.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

3:58 am | Saturday, January 21st, 2012

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AFP, PNP to help ensure orderly polls in Zambales

MANILA, Philippines–Law enforcement agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, have been deputized to assist the Commission on Elections in holding an orderly and honest elections in the second district of Zambales scheduled on February 4, a military spokesman said Tuesday.

Major Enrico Ileto of the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division said that the election period has already started on Dec. 21 last year and will end 15 days after the election day. Combined elements of the police and military are now regularly conducting checkpoints under the Joint Security Coordinating Comittee.

The commander of the 703rd Brigade, Col. Greg Catapang, and Lt. Col. Mike Samson of  the 24th Infantry Battalion recently attended a conference held by the Comelec in Subic, Zambales on Jan. 12 together with the regional and provincial commanders of the PNP to assess the present peace and order situation in the province, he added.

“(The) 24th Infantry Battalion under 703rd Brigade of the 7th Infantry Division is now monitoring developments to ensure that our citizens are guarded and protected where so far no election related violence has been reported”, Ileto said, quoting Major General Jose Z. Mabanta Jr., the commander of the 7th Infantry Division.

A special elections will be held in the second district in Zambales after the post was vacated by Representative Antonio Magsaysay Diaz who died August last year.

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By Frances Mangosing
INQUIRER.net

5:53 pm | Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

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