Bomb components recovery prevented bombing

The recovery of bomb-making materials on Wednesday has prevented the possible loss of lives and destruction of properties in Zamboanga City, military officials said.

Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) chief Major General Noel Coballes said Thursday that the materials once assembled into bombs could cause big destruction as well as kill or inflict injuries.

The recovered bomb-making materials include blasting caps; ammonium nitrate placed in a 1.5 liter container; electronic tester, nine-volt batteries; printed circuit boards; mini-drill; transistors; capacitors; light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs; soldering iron; soldering lead; diodes; and wires.

Task Force Zamboanga commander Colonel Buenaventura Pascual said it is possible that the Pingli Akilan group was the ones responsible in the bombing on October of last year in the village of Sangali, 25.3 kilometers east of the city.

The explosion that took place outside an eatery killed a construction worker and injured eight others.

This as the findings of the explosive ordnance demolition (EOD) of the local police showed that the bomb components used in the Sangali bombing are similar to the ones recovered Thursday in Landang Laum village, Sacol Island, according to Pascual.

The bomb-making materials were recovered when the four members of the Pingli Akilan group fled and abandoned their “jungkung-type” motorized banca following a brief firefight with government forces.

The bomb components were concealed in a tool box the troops found aboard the motorized banca.

The military and police forces were alerted and ordered to undertake proactive measures to prevent lawless elements from carrying out bomb attacks.

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Bong Garcia

Thursday, February 9, 2012

SunStar.Com.Ph

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NOLCOM, WESTMINCOM will have New Commanders

CAMP GENERAL EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomes LtGen Anthony J. Alcantara and MGen Noel A. Coballes as its new Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) and Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Commander respectively.

LtGen Alcantara will take over as the new Commander of NOLCOM which is currently being headed by General Officer-in-Charge, MGen Ricardo C. Banayat. Alcantara is the current The Deputy Chief of Staff, AFP. He is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Matapat” Class of 1979.

Alcantara assumed the position as TDCS, April 28 last year. Prior to this designation, he was the Commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army in Central Mindanao. During his leadership in the 6ID, he ably led his Command in conducting security & stability operations in Central Mindanao especially during the aftermath of the infamous Ampatuan Massacre on November 2009, particularly the implementation of Martial Law & State of Emergency. These operations successfully led to arrests of those who were implicated in the massacre; resumption of Law and Order in entire area of responsibility; and the government machineries to go back to function.

Alcantara’s significant assignments include: Commander, Presidential Escort Battalion at PSG; Commander, 16th Infantry Battalion in Quezon Province; Commander, 702nd Brigade in Luzon; and Commander, Training and Doctrine Command of the Philippine Army. He finished his Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering at the University of the Philippines and Development Management at Asian Institute of Management.

Meanwhile MGen Coballes is set to replace LtGen Raymundo B. Ferrer who will retire as the Commander of WESTMINCOM on January 23. Coballes currently serves as the 41st  Commander of 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, Philippine Army. He is a member of the PMA “Mapitagan” Class of 1980.

Coballes is a seasoned combat officer who began his military profession as platoon leader of Delta Company, 26IB, 4ID, PA and spent most of his career under First Scout Ranger Regiment where he was honed and tested as a highly potential junior officer. His first tour of duty brought him to the jungles of Mindanao to where he fearlessly led his troops in their fight against insurgents and lawless elements.

Among the command duties which Coballes held are: Company Commander of Bravo and Charlie Companies of 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion; Assistant Chief of Staff for Training and Education, G8 of FSRR; Group Commander of Task Group Panther, FSRR; Battalion Commander, 2nd SRBn; Commanding Officer of Philippine Battalion, Peacekeeping Force, United Nations Transition Assistance to East Timor; Executive Officer of OJ3; Commanding Officer of 105th Infantry Brigade used to be under 1ID; Commanding Officer of 1003rd Infantry Brigade, 10ID; Regiment Commander of FSRR and General Officer in Charge of Special Operations Command.

“The AFP upholds its professionalism which has brought us into a more effective and competent military organization. We are likewise confident that LtGen Alcantara and MGen Coballes are more than able to take charge of their new tasks and responsibilities as they embark on a more sensitive position in the organization,” AFP Chief of Staff, LtGen Jessie D. Dellosa said.

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Created on Friday, 20 January 2012 14:01

Last Updated on , 30 November -0001 08:00

Published on Friday, 20 January 2012 14:01

Written by PAO, AFP

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Change of command ceremony up

A CHANGE of command ceremony has been scheduled by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for the top position of its Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

Westmincom information officer Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Cabangbang said the change of command ceremony will be held Saturday as Wesmincom chief Lieutenant General Raymundo Ferrer is bowing out from the military service two days before he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Ferrer, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Masikap” Class of 1977, will be 56 on Monday, January 23.

Cabangbang said Ferrer will be replaced by Army's 1st Infantry Division commander Major General Noel Coballes, a member of PMA of 1980.

The 1st Infantry Division, based on Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, is one of the operating units under Westmincom.

Ferrer's most notable achievement is the Presidential Legion of Honor Award, which he received for his “meritorious and valuable service” in the conduct of Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan” operations as the Westmincom chief.

Ferrer is also a recipient of numerous military awards, including Distinguished Service Stars, Bronze Cross Medals, Military Merit Medals, and Military Commendation Medals.

Westmincom, under Ferrer's leadership, was able to put in the bar of justice 349 personalities who are wanted by the government, including those who surrendered and those who were apprehended; recovered 241 assorted firearms and 21 Improvised Explosive Device; and seized 19 enemy camps.

The AFP rendered last Monday a testimonial parade and review at the parade grounds of Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in honor of Ferrer.

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Thursday, January 19, 2012

Bong Garcia - Sun Star Zamboanga

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