PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT RALLY MATAGUMPAY NA NAILUNSAD SA
Humigit kumulang sa sampung libong (10,000) mga Bicolano ang lumahok sa isang Peace and Development Rally na ginanap sa
Ang nasabing Peace and Development Rally ay magkatuwang na inilunsad ng 901ST Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army at ng Local Government Units, Line Government Agencies, mga Non-Government Organizations na Nagtipon-tipon sa tatlong Grupo at sabay sabay na nag marcha patugong Ligao City Plaza upang ipakita ang kanilang supporta na matamo ang Kapayapaan at maisulong ang Kaunlaran ng Bicol, particular ng Probinsiya ng Albay.
Ang nasabing pagtitipon ay nilahukan ng, SK Federation sa Albay, Religious Sector, mga miembro ng Barangay Defense System, mga dating rebeldeng NPA na nagbalik loob na sa pamahalaan, LGU ng Ligao at lahat ng lokal na pamahalaan sa Tercio Distrito ng Albay, at iba pang mga Sector at sa nasabi ng lalawigan.
Ayon kay Col Ariel Bernardo Commanding Officer ng 901ST Infantry Brigade ang layunin ng nasabing Peace and Development Rally ay ang magkaisa ang lahat ng mga Albayano upang matamo ang tunay na Kapayapaan, maisulong ang pagunlad, matugonang ang problema sa Insurhinsya, at mapigil na ang patuloy na paglabag ng mga rebeldeng NPA sa karapatan ng mga mamamayan. Iginiit pa ni Col Bernardo na buong suporta ang ipinakita ng mga mamamayan, lalo na ng mga kabataan at ng butihing Gov. Joey Salceda at ng lahat ng kanyang mga Alkalde sa Ika Tatlong Distrito ng Albay sa kampanya ng pamahalaan laban sa Kahirapan, at mapaigting pa ang programang pang Kalikasan, Kaunlaran, Kapayapaan, Kakayahan, Karunongan, at Kalinga sa ating bansa.
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2 NPA PATAY AT DALAWANG MATATAAS NA KALIBRENG BARIL NASAMSAM
Villahermosa, Daraga, Albay - Dahil sa patuloy na pakikipagtulungan ng mga mamamayan, patay ang dalawang rebeldeng New People's Army (NPA) habang marami pang iba ang pinaniniwalaang nasugatan makaraang makasagupa ang mga ito ng tropa ng pamahalaan sa lalawigan ng Catanduanes.
Inihayag ni Col. Ariel Bernardo, Commanding Officer ng 901st Brigade ng 9th Infantry Division ng Philippine Army na dakong alas-5 ng umaga noong Nov 19, 2008 nang maka-engkwentro ng 12-man team na pinamumunuan ni 2nd Lt. Liquido ang humigit-kumulang nasa 20 kasapi ng rebeldeng NPA sa Bgy.
Tumagal ng 45 minuto ang sagupaan ng magkabilang panig na nagresulta sa pagkamatay ng dalawang NPA at ikinasugat ng maraming iba pa dahil sa dugong nakita sa lugar ng enkuwentro habang wala namang nasugatan o nasawi sa panig ng militar.
Narecover sa lugar ang isang M16 armalite rifle, isang M14 rifle, mga magazines, bala, dalawang radyo, mga subersibong dokumento.at personal na kagamitan.
Patuloy ang hot pursuit operation ng tropa ng pamahalaan laban sa nakatakas na mga rebelde. Nagpasalamat naman ang lokal na pamahalan ng San Miguel, Catanduanes at mga risedentes sa mga militar sa patuloy nilang pagtugis sa mga rebeldeng NPA na namimirwisyo sa kanilang lugar.
Tagumpay ang Operasyon ng Scout Ranger sa Sitio Buraburan, Brgy Sta Cruz
Casiguran, Sorsogon—Nagtagumpay muli ang mga Scout Rangers noong November 01, 2008 alas onse ng umaga nang makaenkwentro nito ang humigit kumulang labinlimang rebeldeng CPP/NPA sa Sitio Burburan Baranggay Sta Cruz, Casiguran, Sorsogon.
Ayon sa operating troops, nagbigay ng impormasyon ang mag resedente dito sa kanila, na pabalik-balik ang mga nasabing rebelde sa kanilang lugar sa kadahilanang pangongotong, kayat ito’y inaksiyonan kaagad ng mga Scout Rangers para matugunan ang mga hinaing ng mga mamamayan sa nasabing lugar.
Ayon sa mga Scouth Rangers, habang sila ay nagpapatrolya napansin nila na tila may mga armadong grupo sa taas ng bundok, kaya’t agad nilang tinunton ang kinaroroonan ng mga nasabing rebeldeng grupo. Nang sila’y papalapit na ay napansin sila ng isang guwardia ng mga kalaban at agad silang pinaputukan, kaya’t napilitang gumanti ng putok ang tropa. Pagkatapos ang mahigit kumulang apatnapung minuto na palitan ng putok tumakbo ang mga rebelde. Kaya narecover ng mga Scout Rangers ng isang 1-M635 rifle (baby armalite) na may SN 002760 dalawang improvised claymor mines, pitong magazine ng M-16, dalawang bandoleer, mahigit isandaang bala ng M-16, kalahating sakong bigas, mga kagamitan, at mga subersibong dokumento. Samantala isa ang nasawi sa panig ng mga rebeldeng CPP/NPA ang nasawi ay kinilalang si Joseph Endraca y Espenada 23 anyos na taga Brgy Bentuco, Gubat, Sorsogon, Sa panig naman ng pamahalaan ay walang napaulat na nasugatan o namatay.
Nagpapasalamat naman ang mga taga Sta Cruz at karatig Brgy sa ginawang pagtugis sa mga grupo ng rebeldeng CPP/NPA dahil sila ang nagpapahirap sa kanilang lugar at pumapatay ng mga taong walang kalaban-laban. Nagpapasalamat din ang tropa ng mga Scout Rangers dahil sa pakikiisa ng mga mamamayan ng Casiguran at sa mga impormasyon na ibinibigay ng mga barangay officials partikular ang Brgy Sta Cruz at Brgy Burgos dahil sa matagumpay na resulta ng kanilang operasyon.
Mariin naming ipinapahayag na ang hangarin ng CPP/NPA ay hindi lamang sumisira ng kapayapaan, kabahayan kundi sumisira din ng isang tahimik na pamilya, Ang PHIL. ARMY ay nakahandang ipaglaban ang kapayapaan ng ating bayan sa ano mang oras at pagkakataon, handang magbuwis ng buhay makamtan lang ang kapayapaan ng ating bayan.
Army Scores Anew in Bicol
Firefight ensued for about 20-minutes that resulted in the killing of one (1) Communist Terrorists (CTs) rebel member identified as Joseph Baraca, a residents of Barangay Bentuco in the
Recovered war materials from the encounter site were one (1) M653 (Baby Armalite); one (1) improvised claymore mines, and Communist documents.
Earlier, a separate encounter, a combined elements from 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion and 508th Provincial Mobile Group of the Philippine National Police while conducting strike operations encountered a group of Communist Rebels in Barangay Jamislagan, Bacon District,
COL ARIEL B BERNARDO INF (GSC) PA, Commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade who has jurisdiction of the area stated that “the series of encounter were results of the intensified internal security operations to rid out the area from the Communist Terrorists (CTs) armed groups who were long time exacting money from the populace”.
“Several reports received from the civilian residents that this group is also responsible in conducting extortions in the guise of revolutionary tax”, he added.
He also recognized the patriotic acts of the concerned communities who helped the government forces in locating the exact locations of the rebels in the area who were a long time victims of extortions and encouraged the peace loving citizen of Bicol Region to continuously support the government efforts in counter-insurgency in order to weed out the CPP/NPA/NDF threat in the area.
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RP – US BALIKATAN CMO Technical Working Group Conducts
CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur – Bicol Region is being considered as one of the possible sites for the conduct of BALIKATAN 2009, a humanitarian mission initiated by the Philippine and United States government that could be beneficial to the Bicolanos.
On October 8 – 11, 2008 the Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Technical Working Group of the RP – US BALIKATAN 2009 and contingent from 9th Infantry Division, Philippine Army have conducted a site survey at the calamity prone areas in Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate and Camarines Sur. This is in connection with the preparation for the humanitarian activities during the BALIKATAN in the 2nd Quarter of Calendar Year 2009. The activity will mainly focus on Medical and Dental Mission, Veterinary and some Engineering activities like construction of water system, school buildings and repair of roads.
Major Christopher A. Morales (QMS) PA, Spokesman and Chief of the Division Public Affairs Office, 9th Infantry (Spear) Division, Philippine Army, said that “BALIKATAN” is an annual bilateral RP/US exercises committed in promoting interoperability, security and stability. RP and US have a long relationship which includes more than 57 – years Mutual Defense Treaty which was signed in 1957, currently the longest in RP/US history. In cooperation with the GRP under the Visiting Forces Agreement, the
According to Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Sodusta, Commander of 9ID, the feasible conduct of humanitarian activity as part of BALIKATAN 2009 (shoulder – to – shoulder) here in Bicol Region will bring improvement to the community particularly in uplifting its living and health condition. He further explained that the “BALIKATAN” here in the region is not a Military Training Exercise and could not even violate and abuse the human rights of an individual, but it is a merely charitable venture that will gain great appreciation from the masses especially to underprivileged.
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New set of High Powered Firearms arrives at 9ID Hqs.
ISO in Bicol Region Strengthened
CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Cam. Sur – New sets of assorted high powered firearms from the Headquarters, Philippine Army in
Major Christopher A. Morales, spokesman, 9ID, said the assorted high caliber firearms – consist of squad automatic rifles and machineguns – were intended for the use of the five maneuver infantry battalions organic to the 9ID. The internal security operations within the Bicolandia will be intensified in order to defeat the communist terrorism by 2010.
This year, Major General Jeffrey S Sodusta, Commander, 9ID, ordered the massive coordination with other government agencies and private organizations in the fight against the communist terrorists. Aside from new firearms, ammunitions and equipment, one battalion is being reactivated to help in defeating the communist terrorists.
Graduation of 200 Philippine Army Trainees highlighted with the visit of
Candidates for Miss Capital Town of Pili
CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur – 200 Trainees of Candidate Soldier Course Class 185-08 “MAGITING” successfully graduated today (October 11) and was highlighted by the visit of gorgeous candidates for 2008 Miss Capital Town of Pili at the 9th Infantry Division Headquarters.
The ceremony was witnessed by the parents, relatives and loved ones of the trainees, local and barangay officials of Pili, Camarines Sur together with the beautiful candidates of Miss Pili who added attraction to the activity. A silent drill was performed by the “MAGITING” Class that entertained the public while waiting for the graduation proper where Maj Gen. Jeffrey S. Sodusta, 9ID Commander, was the Guest of Honor and Speaker.
Part of the visit of the candidates for Miss Pili was a tree planting activity which was conducted at the 9ID headquarters. This is the second time that was Ms. Pili Candidates promoted their advocacy of preserving our nature at Camp Elias Angeles.
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Government Troops Recover NPA’s 30 Caliber Light Machine Gun
Rebel Returnee to Receive Cash Reward under AFP’s Balik-Baril Project
CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Cam Sur – After a series of negotiations from a former member of the New Peoples Army and the civilian agent who have knowledge in the underground movement, joint forces from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police 5 (PNP5) and Bureau of Fire Protection successfully recovered a high powered firearm buried in a secret place in Barangay Tanawan, Malinao, Albay at 2:30 in the morning of October 20, 2008.
Major Christopher A. Morales, 9ID spokesman, said that the accomplishment resulted from negotiation with a civilian asset who decided to cooperate with the government troops and revealed the location where a 30 Caliber Light Machine Gun (LMG) was buried. Prior to the recovery of the said crew – served weapon, numerous efforts were exerted by the AFP, PNP and BFP personnel for the possible retrieval of said war materiel.
On March 15, 2000, an encounter between government troops and communist terrorists occurred in the province of Albay which resulted to the neutralization of six members of Kilusang Seksiyon sa Platon KSPN, L1 – KOM, KOMPROB Albay and the recovery of five M16 rifles, one Cal .30 Garand Rifle, one M79 Grenade Launcher and 15 link ammunition of Caliber 30 LMG. After receiving information that the CTs were able to hide a 30 Caliber Light Machinegun, government troops immediately initiated and activated all available intelligence networks which resulted to this accomplishment.
Violation of Human Rights: Non-negotiable in the Military
The 2nd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army today issued a new directive on its personnel to always adhere and respect human rights.
In the said written policy, Lieutenant Colonel Rodrigo T Gregorio INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer, 2nd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, said that in the past four(4) months of the military’s campaign against the communist-terrorist NPAs, the government have already gained substantial headway in the eradication of insurgency that burdens the people of Albay Province. Based on their gathered reports a number of armed regulars (communist-terrorist NPAs) in the area are already leaving the communist-terrorist movement and going on “lie low” status.
Furthermore, Ltc Gregorio said that there are series of human rights abuses allegedly committed by military personnel that were reported in the media. “Consequently, even if these allegations are unfounded, the Communist-Terrorist Movement members are blatantly using these issues to increase their propaganda efforts in discrediting the military up to the extent of exaggerating these incidents to gain particular media mileage,” he said.
The directive clarified that military offensive actions are directed ONLY against the armed enemies of the state who pose threat to the lives and well-being of the communities and even military troops. It also emphasized that unarmed civilians, regardless of affiliation, religious belief, ethnicity, gender, or ideology should be treated with UTMOST respect for their human rights and dignity.
“A simple use of threatening words or even a —pitik sa ilong— already constitutes human rights violations,” the policy stated.
The unit encourages the media not to entertain anonymous complaints especially in text messages. Likewise, it also welcomes any media to investigate any report of military abuse in the barangays.
The 2nd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army will always uphold its sworn duty—it will never condone any act committed by its personnel that violates basic human rights and will impose heavy penalty against any violator. This reminds all military personnel to be more cautious in all their actions.
Isang Amasona Patay sa Engkwentro sa Ligao City
Isang miyembro ng New Peoples Army ang namatay at isang kasamahan nito ang malubhang nasugatan matapos ang engkwentro sa pagitan nang tropa nang pamahalaan at mga rebelde sa Sitio Baligang, Barangay Pinamanihikan Lungsod ng Ligao noong nakalipas na Nobyembre 23, 2008.
Ayon Sa Ulat habang nagpapatrolya ang pinagsanib na pwersa ng 2nd Infantry Battalion at 22nd Infantry Battalion sa nasabing lungsod ng maka engkwentro ang humigit kumulang humigit kumulang limang mga Rebelde Na Pinamunuan Ni Beltran Rellama @Jun/Tano na nagresulta Ng Pagkamatay Ng isang Amasona.
Narekober ng tropa ng mga militar ang isang 45 Caliber. Wala namang nasugatan o namatay sa panig ng Militar. Patuloy naman ang isinasagawang pagtugis ng mga militar sa naturang mga rebelde