Task Force Davao ordered: Strengthen drive vs terror

THE Philippine Army (PA) chief ordered Tuesday Task Force Davao (TFD) to strengthen its campaign against anti-terrorist and continue the implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan in its area of responsibility.

Lieutenant General Emmanuel Bautista, PA chief, issued the order anew to TFD personnel and other Army troops in entire Davao Region to maintain the security and stability in the area.

Bautista, during Monday's "Give Us This Day" program of the Pastor Apollo Quiboloy's Kingdom of Jesus Christ, said he believes that through the IPSP Bayanihan, which focuses on the welfare of the people, the country will be able to attain peace step-by-step.

He said the campaign is a nationwide approach that needs everybody's cooperation.

"We at the Armed Forces strive to protect the Filipinos, that is why we are committed to adhere to the Human Rights International Humanitarian Law and the rule of law. The intent really is to win the peace rather than fighting," Bautista said.

He also reminded his troops on the moral transformation of the Army, which is part of the IPSP Oplan Bayanihan, for them to fully implement the internal security and peace plan.

Bautista said the soldiers have to be credible and effective, that they have to prove to the people that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are professional forces and well dedicated to serve the public.

"We've been getting a lot of criticisms every now and then, and we need to change all of these. We need to improve the image of the AFP, and therefore we need to transform," Bautista said, as he also appealed to the public to support the AFP.

Colonel Marcos Norman Flores, chief of the Task Force Davao, in response to Bautista's order vowed to strengthen their campaign against anti-terrorism and double their efforts in implementing IPSP. 

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Ivy C. Tejano | SunStar.Com.Ph | April 26, 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

Task Force Davao to stay

DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio wants Task Force Davao (TFD) to stay even if there have been no terroristic attacks since the special army group was formed almost a decade ago.

Duterte-Carpio made the statement after another TFD commander is set to assume post on Saturday taking over TFD chief Colonel Rey Leonardo Guerero.

"Sa pagkakaron, dili ma feel sa uban ang importansya sa TFD kay wala may nahitabo na dautan (As of now, people cannot feel the importance of TFD because there has been no attacks on the city)," the mayor said.

But Duterte-Carpio stressed the role of TFD in keeping the peace.

"Makita lang sa ubang ang TFD kung naay nahitabo (People can only notice the TFD when something bad happens)," Duterte-Carpio said.

TFD was created after the bombings at the Davao airport and Sasa Port in March and April 2003.

The mayor gave Guerrero an outstanding grade of 9.5, with 10 as the highest, in his one-and-a-half year as chief of TFD.

Army Colonel Marcus Norman Flores will assume the post on February 25.

Both Guerero and Flores are members of the Philippine Military Academy batch 1984.

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By Jereco O. Paloma

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

SunStar.Com.Ph

Link

Mayor gives outgoing task force chief 9.5 grade

DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio gave the outgoing Task Force Davao (TFD) chief Wednesday an outstanding grade of 9.5, with 10 as the highest.

Duterte-Carpio said the City Government was pleased with the performance of Colonel Rey Leonardo Guerero, who assumed the TFD post from Colonel Oscar Lactao on August 24, 2010.

Guerero is set to officially turn over the command to Army Colonel Marcus Norman Flores on February 25.

The mayor thanked Guerero for keeping the city safe and free from any terrorist threat.

"Your success will be measured pag-humana imung serbisyo (once you are done with your service)," the mayor said when asked of her tips for the incoming TFD chief.

Flores, who like Guerrero is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1984, is commander of the Army's 61st Infantry Battalion based in Capiz.

After Guerrero's stint in Davao City, he will be assigned as commander of the Army's 701st Infantry Brigade in Caraga Region.

The Task Force Davao is military unit created in 2003 tasked to prevent terrorist attacks similar to the airport and Sasa wharf bombings in Davao City in March and April 2003, respectively that killed 38 people and injured several others.

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By Jereco O. Paloma

Thursday, February 16, 2012

SunStar.Com.Ph

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Task force chief bids goodbye to council

THE outgoing chief of Task Force Davao (TFD) bid goodbye to members of the City Council before he officially turns over his post to the new commander.

In his speech during Tuesday's regular session, Colonel Rey Leonardo Guerero, outgoing TFD commander, said his one-and-a-half year as TFD chief has been very fruitful.

Though he did not go into details on the reason of his relief, Guerrero thanked the city, particularly the City Council, for its support to all TFD's programs and endeavors in safeguarding the city.

"I will treasure the partnership and the friendship that we have shared together as I am and will always be proud to have served Dabawenyos as commander of the TFD," Guerero said.

Guerero will officially turn over the post to Colonel Norman Flores on February 25.

"Until then, I will continue to perform my duties diligently and work even harder for the Dabawenyos," he said.

Guerrero, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class 1984, assumed the TFD chief post in 2010.

TFD was created after the bombing at the Davao International Airport and Sasa wharf in 2003

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Jereco O. Paloma

SunStar.Com.Ph

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

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AFP: No V-Day bomb threat

MANILA, Philippines - The military said yesterday it has not monitored any threat on the eve of the seventh anniversary of the 2005 Valentine’s Day bombing.

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said they will continue to monitor crowded areas like malls and bus terminals.

At least eight persons were killed and dozens injured in separate but successive bombings staged in Makati, Davao and General Santos on Feb. 14, 2005.

In Makati, a passenger bus had exploded, killing four persons. Explosions also occurred in a mall in General Santos and a bus terminal in Davao on the same day.

The Abu Sayyaf, a local terrorist group, had taken responsibility for the incident, saying it was their “Valentine’s Day gift” to then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

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By Alexis Romero

The Philippine Star

February 14, 2012 12:00 AM

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Military protests school’s propaganda against it

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—The military decried Friday what it termed as “malicious propaganda” by the administration of a college run by Roman Catholic nuns accusing the Armed Forces of killing religious leaders such as the Italian missionary priest Fausto Tentorio.

Colonel Leopoldo Galon, spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command, protested that the administration of the Assumption College on Cabaguio Avenue here had strung a streamer across its gate reading, “Stop killing religious leaders under Oplan Bayanihan.”

The streamer was put up during demonstrations protesting the killing of Tentorio in North Cotabato last October and remains at the school’s entrance to this day.

Galon  said the streamer insinuates  that the military had something to do with Tentorio’s murder, and unless the nuns running the school took it down, the military would mount a campaign urging parents not to enroll their children in the school.

Tentorio was felled by an assassin’s bullet while preparing to leave his convent in Arakan, North Cotabato. Militants have accused the military of ordering the killing because the priest allegedly supported communist rebels.

The authorities eventually arrested a man, who claimed he shot and killed Tentorio on orders of landowners affected by the priest’s opposition to a hydropower dam project in Arakan.

Galon said that what was  particularly disheartening to the military was that the streamer remains at the entrance to Assumption College even after the arrest of the suspected gunman.

“We appeal to the school administrator to tear down this malicious propaganda material as soon as possible,” Galon said in a text message. “If not, we will direct our appeal to all parents or guardians to think twice before re-enrolling their children next school year in this academic institution that allows the spreading of false information about the AFP and helps the cause of propagandists of the CPP-NPA-NDF.”

Sister  Julieta Encarnacion, an Assumption official, said that the arrest of the suspect did not mean that the Tentorio case has been closed.

“The suspect’s statements and testimonies must be carefully evaluated and verified. Any development following the arrest may be an attempt by the authorities to fan off the growing movement condemning the state and the military’s accountability,” Encarnacion said.

As to Galon’s statement the military will campaign against the school, Encarnacion said, “It’s the height of militarist intervention of an academic institution that stands for social justice and democracy.”

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By Germelina Lacorte
Inquirer Mindanao

3:17 pm | Friday, February 3rd, 2012

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Bombing suspect moved back to Davao

DAVAO CITY (Updated) -- The suspect in the May 2009 Patikul bombing, who was transferred to Sulu on Tuesday, was flown back to Davao City on Wednesday following a Supreme Court (SC) order.

The SC ordered Judge Peter Eisma, executive judge of the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 9 in Zamboanga City, to move Remogen Sahipa Tulawie back to Davao City.

On Tuesday, Tulawie was transferred from Davao City Police Office (DCPO) jail to the Sulu provincial jail following an order of RTC, Branch 3 in Jolo, Sulu, Judge Betlee-Ian J. Barraquias.

Tulawie boarded a Cebu Pacific commercial flight from Davao to Zamboanga City at 1:55 p.m. Tuesday with the Special Action Force and Regional Intelligence Division escorts. But upon reaching the Zamboanga International Airport, the escorts were ordered to bring back the suspect to Davao City.

Tulawie, tagged in the bombing incident in Patikul, Sulu, that left 12 people wounded, including Sulu Governor Abdulsakur Tan, is now detained at the Davao City Police Office where he was first brought when arrested last Sunday.

Commission on Human Rights regional Director Alberto Sipaco said SC deputy administrator Raul Bautista Villanueva on Tuesday issued an order directing Eisma to ensure that custody of the suspect must be retained in Davao City.

The court order of Villanueva showed that the order of Barraquias is contrary to the resolution of the Third Division of the Supreme Court on June 13, 2011, detaining Tulawie in Davao City.

Sipaco said the SC released two orders in the form of letter, first was directing Eisma not to comply with the order of Barraquias because the motion for reconsideration of the complainant Tan to hold Tulawie’s trial in Sulu has been denied, thus order to transfer Tulawie back to Sulu is no longer valid; second was bringing back the suspect in Davao City.

The Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC), meanwhile, hit Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Pelagio Paguican for allowing Tulawie to be transferred to Sulu.

But Paguican said he was just following the rules of court. 

“Ang instruction sa ako sa Supreme Court, upon receiving the records from RTC Sulu akong ipa-raffle ang kaso ngadto sa different court diri sa Davao. Mao ra na akong participation sa kaso, (The Supreme Court’s instruction is only to raffle the case among the branches here in Davao as soon as we receive the records from RTC Sulu. That is only my participation in the case),” he said.

He said he cannot issue any order, especially that the records of Tulawie’s case have yet to be transferred to the Davao courts and the raffling of the case has not yet commenced. 

Abdul Malik Cleofe of MPC said on Wednesday they are disappointed that Paguican failed to stand for justice and the rule of law by not acting on the decision of the SC. 

Paguican, on the other hand, stressed that a commitment order cannot be issued unless court records from the RTC in Sulu are already transferred in Davao. 

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(With Arianne Caryl N. Casas of Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on January 19, 2012.

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Rights worker nabbed for ’09 slay plot vs Sulu gov

DAVAO CITY—Former Jolo Councilor Temogen “Cocoy” Tulawie was arrested by police and military agents from his house in Barangay Mintal here before dawn Saturday.

Tulawie, a human rights activist, had been ordered arrested by a Sulu regional trial court in connection with the 2009 assassination attempt on Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan.

Tan narrowly escaped death when a bomb exploded just outside the provincial capitol in Patikul town as his car passed by but 12 others were injured in the attack.

Tulawie had repeatedly denied a role in the assassination attempt on Tan, saying the charges brought up against him were politically motivated.

Tulawie had openly criticized Tan for his peace and order policy, which he said, had resulted in massive human rights violations in Sulu.

But two suspects, Juhan Alihuddin and Muhammad Sulayman Muin, had testified that Tulawie masterminded the explosion, according to Ricardo Cabaron, Western Mindanao state prosecutor.

Claiming political persecution, Tulawie fled Sulu last year but pledged to face the charges as long as the hearings were held outside the province.

Carlo Cleofe, also a human rights activist based here, said police and military men in full battle gear broke into the house where Tulawie and his two sons were sleeping and arrested Tulawie.

Tulawie, he said, did not resist arrest.

He was first brought to the Talomo police station and later to Camp Catitipan, Cleofe said.

He the Mindanao People’s Caucus was set to question the arrest warrant. Germelina Lacorte, Dennis Jay Santos and Julie Alipala, Inquirer Mindanao

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9:16 pm | Saturday, January 14th, 2012

Inquirer.Net

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Sulu bombing suspect arrested in Davao City

ZAMBOANGA CITY ,Philippines  – Government operatives yesterday arrested a former councilor in Jolo, Sulu tagged in bombing incidents in 2009 and 2010.

Southern Mindanao regional police director Chief Superintendent Jaime Morente identified the suspect as Temogen Sahipa Tulawie, 40, married with five children and a resident of Scott Road in Jolo, Sulu.

 Lt. Col. Randolf Cabangbang, spokesman for Western Mindanao Command, said Tulawie was arrested at around 1 a.m. in his safehouse at Lot 17 Block 33, Phase 2 in Barangay Catalunan, Davao City.

Cabangbang said Tulawie was immediately brought to the police intelligence headquarters for interrogation.

A warrant for Tulawie's arrest had been issued in connection with the roadside bombing in Patikul, Sulu on May 13, 2009, allegedly aimed to liquidate Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan.

Two of Tulawie’s alleged cohorts – Solaiman Mohamad Muin and Julhan Albani Alihuddin – who were captured in an encounter with policemen in 2010, tagged the former councilor in the failed assassination attempt on Tan.

Tulawie, who ran but lost in the 2007 congressional elections, was likewise implicated in the August 2010 bombing at the arrival area of the Zamboanga International Airport that also targeted Tan and members of his family.

Two persons were killed, including the man who brought the bomb while dozens were wounded in the incident, including Tan. – With Edith Regalado

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By Roel Pareño The Philippine Star Updated January 15, 2012 12:00 AM 

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NPAs attack Davao City outpost; 2 soldiers hurt

DAVAO CITY – Two soldiers were wounded when New People’s Army (NPA) rebels swooped down on an Army detachment in Paquibato district this city yesterday morning, authorities said.

Police said the guerrillas attacked the detachment of the Army’s 72nd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Malabog.

A firefight ensued, lasting for almost three hours and leaving two soldiers wounded.

The NPA attackers were reportedly led by Leoncio Pitao, alias Commander Parago.  

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By Edith Regalado The Philippine Star Updated January 13, 2012 12:00 AM

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3 Army soldiers killed in land mine blast in Davao City

Three Army soldiers were killed following a land mine explosion in the southern Philippine city of Davao Tuesday morning, a military officer said.

In a text message to reporters, Major Jacob Thaddeus Obligado, commander of the 10th CMO (civil-military operations) Battalion, said the explosion occurred 8:30 a.m.

At the time, elements of the 69th Infantry Battalion had just left their patrol base in Guinobatan village to conduct a community outreach program. The explosion occurred about 300 to 400 meters away from the patrol base.

The identities of the victims were not disclosed pending notification of their respective families.

Authorities believed the land mine was planted by communist rebels.

Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, spokesman for the Army's 10th Infantry Division, said the incident was a violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law [CARHIHL].

Peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines remain stalled since August 2004. — RSJ, GMA News

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November 29, 2011 11:21am

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4 dead in clashes between soldiers and leftist rebels in Davao

(philstar.com) Updated November 16, 2009 08:01 PM

DAVAO, Philippines (Xinhua) - A government troop and three leftist guerrillas were killed in separate clashes over the weekend in the restive southern Philippines, a military official said on Monday.

Soldiers belonging to the Army's 103rd Division Reconnaissance Company encountered around 40 New Peoples Army on Sunday in the village of Salvacion, Mawab township in Davao del Norte province, regional military spokesperson Maj. Randolph Cabangbang told reporters.

A soldier named Private Joevert Camacho and a young guerrilla fighter were killed in the exchange of gunfire.

Lt. Jersom Butt, a commander of Special Forces, said two soldiers were also wounded.

A day before the incident, two leftist rebels died in an encounter with authorities in the nearby township of New Corella.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been waging a guerrilla campaign in the countryside for four decades.

Military estimates placed the NPA strength at more than 5,000 men scattered in more than 60 guerrilla fronts throughout the country.
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http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=523992&publicationSubCategoryId=200

24 NPA child combatants give up armed struggle

11/09/2009 3:05 PM

DAVAO CITY - The military on Monday said 24 child combatants of the New People's Army operating in Davao region surrendered to the government last month.

Capt. Emmanuel Garcia, spokesman of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said five of the child warriors belonged to the NPA Front Committee 51. They surrendered to the 39th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Binaton, Digos City, Davao del Sur last October 22.

Barangay Binaton made headlines 20 years ago following the massacre of a Lumad community in Sitio Rano on June 25, 1989 allegedly perpetrated by rebels.

The former NPA child warriors said they would like to avail of the government’s Social Integration Program (SIP) being implemented by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process now headed by Secretary Annabelle T. Abaya.

Under the program, the government extends livelihood assistance to rebels who surrendered with an outright grant of P20,000 cash each as seed money for them to start a small business of their own, Abaya said.

A rebel who surrenders an M16 assault rifle or the equivalent firepower will receive an additional P50,000, and if he qualifies to undergo a livelihood training program, he will get another P50,000 in kind such as hand tractor, working animal, a tricycle or sari-sari store.

Last October 18, a young female combatant of the NPA voluntarily surrendered to soldiers operating in Compostela Valley.

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http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/11/09/09/24-npa-child-combatants-give-armed-struggle