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Another chance for ex-PNP chief’s bashers
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Camilo Cascolan is apparently giving another chance to police officers who were reassigned to Mindanao years ago for criticizing former PNP chief Oscar Albayalde......»»
New DCPO chief to focus on personnel morale, asset optimization
THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) bid farewell to PCol. Alberto Lupaz and welcomed its new City Director, PCol. Richard Bad-ang, in a turn-over ceremony at the Camp Captain Domingo E. Leonor on March 22......»»
Marcos Jr. at PNP command conference: Not a loyalty check
It was not a loyalty check but an admonition to strengthen focus on addressing criminality, the country’s national police chief said yesterday of his first command conference with President Marcos at Camp Crame, amid rumors of destabilization attempts......»»
PBGEN DIZON ASSUMES POST AS NEW REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF PNP BICOL
Camp BGen Simeon A Ola, Legazpi City—The Commander, Area Police Command-Southern Luzon, PLTGEN RHODERICK C ARMAMENTO as the representative of PGEN BENJAMIN ACORDA JR, Chief, PNP presided the turnover ceremony of office of the 42nd Regional Director of Police Regional Office 5, PBGEN ANDRE P DIZON , today December 19, 2023 held at the PRO5 […].....»»
More training, education mulled for Filipino soldiers
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Thursday met with Rear Admiral Peter Gumataotao (Ret), Director of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, to discuss more training and education opportunities for Filipino soldiers. Following the courtesy call of Gumataotao to Brawner at the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, the two officials exchanged perspectives on present and emerging security issues in the Asia Pacific region. AFP Public Affairs Office chief Lt.Col. Enrico Gil Ileto said both officials also tackled ongoing threats and agreed on positions on how to address these security challenges. “The CSAFP, being an alumnus of the APCSS, also expressed his appreciation of such advanced studies on defense and security strategy in developing military officers,” Ileto said. The Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies is an institute of the United States Department of Defense based in Hawaii that provides a comprehensive program of executive education, professional exchanges and outreach events, both in Hawaii and throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The post More training, education mulled for Filipino soldiers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Model by day, gangster at night’
The Bureau of Immigration reported yesterday that a Belgian male model wanted for terrible crimes has been arrested by BI Fugitive Search Unit operatives. BI-FSU Chief Randel Sy identified the fugitive as Kristof Debie, 38, who was arrested last Tuesday, 17 October at a hotel in Parañaque City. Debie claimed that he worked as a model and a bartender, but according to reports from the European authorities, he was actually part of a criminal organization involved in narcotics. Sy said that after receiving information on Debie’s criminal acts in his home country, the Bureau tagged him as an undesirable alien. Debie was the subject of an interpol red notice requesting nations to locate and arrest him, issued in March of this year. The Court of First Instance of East Flanders, Ghent Section, in Belgium issued a European warrant of arrest against him for a number of serious offenses, including the torture of minors, involvement in a criminal organization, and serious drug-related charges in violation of the Belgian Penal Code. In addition, reports from foreign news sources have described the heinousness of his actions, including one in which he amputated the ear of a 17-year-old teenager after misplacing a cocaine stockpile. In anticipation of his deportation procedures, Debie is now being held at the BI Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco reiterated that fugitives are not welcome in the country. “Fugitives are not welcome in the Philippines,” Tansingco said. “We are committed to upholding the law. We will not allow our country to be a safe haven for those who seek to escape justice,” he added. The post ‘Model by day, gangster at night’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec gains troops, resources for BSKE
The Commission on Elections on Monday has received additional personnel and resources from the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard and the Department of Education ahead of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections slated on 30 October. The ceremonial turnover was held in Camp Crame, Quezon City where over a thousand PNP, AFP and PCG contingents who will be deployed for the conduct of security operations and DepEd personnel who will facilitate the voting were physically present while the others attended virtually. The PNP is set to deploy over 187,000 personnel during the BSKE while the AFP will field more than 117,000 troops and the PCG with over 30,000 personnel. DepEd, on the other hand, said 494,662 personnel will serve as board of election inspectors. The PNP, AFP, PCG as well as the DepEd all committed to the Comelec their full support to ensure a safe, peaceful and clean BSKE 2023. Meantime, the PNP reminded their men to be extra wary on the happenings on the ground to thwart any possible threats in relation to the elections. “To all the personnel who will be deployed to guarantee the success of the BSKE, I offer my heartfelt guidance and support. Your devotion to this duty is vital, but it must be matched with the same level of care and responsibility for yourselves,” said PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. “Prioritize your well-being, both physically and mentally. We are at our strongest when we care for ourselves and each other. By safeguarding your health, you enhance your ability to fulfill your duties effectively,” he added. The DepEd also appealed to the PNP and AFP to ensure their security considering incidents in the past where teachers experienced harassment and intimidation by some groups especially on the election day. The post Comelec gains troops, resources for BSKE appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Model by day, gangster by night: Belgian apprehended by BI
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported that a Belgian model wanted for terrible crimes was arrested by BI Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU) operatives. BI-FSU Chief Randel Sy identified the fugitive as Kristof Debie, 38, who was arrested on 17 October at a hotel in Parañaque City. Debie claimed that he worked as a model and a bartender, but according to the reports from the European authorities, he was actually part of a criminal organization involved in narcotics. Sy said that after receiving information on Debie's criminal acts from his home country, the bureau tagged him as an undesirable alien. Debie was the subject of an Interpol red notice requesting nations to locate and arrest him, issued in March of this year. The Court of First Instance of East Flanders, Ghent Section, in Belgium issued a European warrant of arrest against him for a number of serious offenses, including the torture of minors, involvement in a criminal organization, and serious drug-related charges in violation of the Belgian Penal Code. In addition, reports from foreign news sources have described the heinousness of his actions, including one in which he amputated the ear of a 17-year-old teenager after misplacing a cocaine stockpile. In anticipation of his deportation procedures, Debie is now being held at the BI Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco reiterated that foreign fugitives are not welcome in the Philippines. “We are committed to upholding the law. We will not allow our country to be a safe haven for those who seek to escape justice," he added. The post Model by day, gangster by night: Belgian apprehended by BI appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
First relief convoy enters Gaza devastated by ‘nightmare’ war
The first aid trucks arrived in war-torn Gaza from Egypt on Saturday, bringing urgent humanitarian relief to the Hamas-controlled Palestinian enclave suffering what the UN chief labelled a "godawful nightmare". Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas after the Islamist militant group carried out the deadliest attack in the country's history on October 7. Hamas militants killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot, mutilated or burnt to death, and took more than 200 hostages, according to Israeli officials. Israel has retaliated with a relentless bombing campaign on Gaza that has killed more than 4,300 Palestinians, mainly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. An Israeli siege has cut food, water, electricity and fuel supplies to the densely populated and long-blockaded territory of 2.4 million people, sparking fears of a humanitarian catastrophe. AFP journalists on Saturday saw 20 trucks from the Egyptian Red Crescent, which is responsible for delivering aid from various UN agencies, pass through the Rafah border crossing from Egypt into Gaza. The crossing -- the only one into Gaza not controlled by Israel -- closed again after the trucks passed. The lorries had been waiting for days on the Egyptian side after Israel agreed to a request from its main ally the United States to allow aid to enter. UN chief Antonio Guterres warned Friday that the relief supplies were "the difference between life and death" for many Gazans, more than one million of whom have been displaced. "Much more" aid needs to be sent, he told a peace summit in Egypt on Saturday. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed the aid and urged "all parties" to keep the Rafah crossing open. But a Hamas spokesman said "even dozens" of such convoys could not meet Gaza's needs, especially as no fuel was being allowed in to help distribute the supplies to those in need. 'Reeling in pain' Tens of thousands of Israeli troops have deployed to the Gaza border ahead of an expected ground offensive that officials have pledged will begin "soon". As international tensions soar, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was hosting a peace summit in Cairo on Saturday attended by regional and some Western leaders. "The time has come for action to end this godawful nightmare," Guterres told the summit, calling for a "humanitarian ceasefire". The region "is reeling in pain and one step from the precipice", he said. Guterres said "the grievances of the Palestinian people are legitimate and long" after "56 years of occupation with no end in sight". But he stressed that "nothing can justify the reprehensible assault by Hamas that terrorised Israeli civilians". "Those abhorrent attacks can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people," he added. Egypt, historically a key mediator between Hamas and Israel, has urged "restraint" and the relaunch of the long-frozen peace process. But diplomatic efforts to end the violence have made little headway, without the participation of Israel and its enemy Iran, a supporter of Hamas and other armed groups. 'Sliver of hope' A full-blown Israeli ground offensive carries many risks, including to the hostages Hamas took and whose fate is shrouded in uncertainty. So the release of two Americans among the hostages -- mother and daughter Judith and Natalie Raanan -- offered a rare "sliver of hope", said Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross. US President Joe Biden thanked Qatar, which hosts Hamas's political bureau, for its mediation in securing the release. He said he was working "around the clock" to win the return of other Americans being held. Natalie Raanan's half-brother Ben told the BBC he felt an "overwhelming sense of joy" at the release after "the most horrible of ordeals". Hamas said Egypt and Qatar had negotiated the release and that it was "working with all mediators to implement the movement's decision to close the civilian (hostage) file if appropriate security conditions allow". Traumatised families with loved ones missing in Gaza demanded more action. "We ask humanity to interfere and bring back all those young boys, young girls, mothers, babies," Assaf Shem Tov, whose nephew was abducted from a music festival where Hamas killed hundreds, said Friday. Devastation Almost half of Gaza's residents have been displaced, and at least 30 percent of all housing in the territory has been destroyed or damaged, the United Nations says. Thousands have taken refuge in a camp set up in the city of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza. Fadwa al-Najjar said she and her seven children walked for 10 hours to reach the camp, at some points breaking into a run as missiles struck around them. "We saw bodies and limbs torn off and we just started praying, thinking we were going to die," she told AFP. In Al-Zahra in central Gaza, Rami Abu Wazna was struggling to take in the destruction wreaked by Israeli missile strikes. "Even in my worst nightmares, I never thought this could be possible," he said. Israel's operation will take not "a day, nor a week, nor a month" and will result in "the end of Israel's responsibilities in the Gaza Strip", Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned on Friday. Regional tensions flare In Gaza, retired general Omar Ashour said the destruction was "part of a clear plan for people to have no place left to live". "This will cause a second Nakba," he added, referring to the 760,000 Palestinians who were expelled from or fled their homes when Israel was created in 1948. The United States has moved two aircraft carriers into the eastern Mediterranean to deter Iran or Lebanon's Hezbollah, both Hamas allies, amid fears of a wider conflagration. Fire across Israel's border with Lebanon continued overnight, with one Israeli soldier killed, Israeli public radio said. The military said it hit Hezbollah targets after rocket and missile fire. Violence has also flared in the West Bank, where 84 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The post First relief convoy enters Gaza devastated by ‘nightmare’ war appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EU mulls more engagements with Phl
The European Union is mulling to increase its engagements with the Philippines. This was confirmed by EU Ambassador to the Philippines, Luc Véron, during his meeting with Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Romeo Brawner Jr. at the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City over the weekend. AFP Public Affairs chief Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto said Véron has reiterated the EU’s desire to remain the country’s partner in cultivating the potentials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, by providing institution-building and socio-economic programs in the area. Ileto said Brawner has expressed his “profound gratitude” to the EU’s plan with the region. “The ambassador relayed their side’s intention to increase engagement with the Philippines due to its geopolitical importance to the EU and significance to the protection of its interests in the region,” Ileto said. “General Brawner Jr. in turn committed its support to EU’s programs in the Philippines and praised their clear positive effects on the development and improved security in Mindanao,” he added. The post EU mulls more engagements with Phl appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gazans await ‘life and death’ aid, Israel readies invasion
Thousands of tonnes of "life and death" aid for Gaza should be delivered soon, the United Nations said Friday, to relieve a "beyond catastrophic" situation after unrelenting Israeli bombing in response to an unprecedented Hamas attack. Some 175 lorries stuffed with vital medicines, food, and water stretched into the distance at the Rafah crossing with Egypt, which has removed concrete roadblocks and is scrambling to repair the route into besieged Gaza -- the only one not controlled by Israel. Overseeing operations personally, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters: "These trucks are not just trucks, they are a lifeline, they are the difference between life and death for so many people in Gaza." Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas after the Islamist militant group launched a shock raid from the Gaza Strip on October 7, killing at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians shot, mutilated or burned to death, according to Israeli officials. Hamas gunmen also kidnapped some 200 hostages including foreigners from around two dozen countries. The Islamist group said Friday that its armed wing had released two Americans among the captives, a mother and her daughter, the first fruit of mediation efforts by the Gulf state of Qatar. The Islamist group did not detail how or when the hostages were released. The Israeli military said earlier Friday that most of those abducted to Gaza were still alive. It said more than 20 were minors. In response to the Hamas attack, Israeli bombers have levelled entire city blocks in Gaza in preparation for a ground invasion they say is coming soon. The Hamas-run health ministry said 4,137 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have died in the onslaught. Israeli jets pounded more than 100 Hamas targets in Gaza overnight, the army said, with AFP reporters hearing loud explosions and witnessing plumes of smoke billowing from the northern Gaza Strip. Embracing front-line soldiers and clad in body armour, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged them to "fight like lions" and "win with full force". Fists clenched and voice raised, Netanyahu told cheering troops: "We will deal harsh blows to our enemies in order to achieve victory." Defence Minister Yoav Gallant told some of the tens of thousands of personnel preparing the ground invasion that "the order will come soon". 'Beyond catastrophic' US President Joe Biden said Friday he expected the first aid for Gaza to pass through the Rafah crossing from Egypt within the next two days, under a deal he clinched to allow in 20 trucks of supplies for civilians. Medicine, water purifiers and blankets were being unloaded at El Arish airport near Gaza, an AFP reporter saw, with Ahmed Ali, head of the Egyptian Red Crescent, saying he was getting "two to three planes of aid a day". But World Health Organization emergencies director Michael Ryan said Biden's 20-truck deal was "a drop in the ocean of need" and that 2,000 trucks were required. The UN says more than one million of Gaza's 2.4 million people are displaced, with the humanitarian situation "beyond catastrophic" and deteriorating daily. Refugees from northern Gaza told harrowing tales of bombs, profiteering and extreme temperatures as whole families trekked on foot to flee the violence. Mother of seven Fadwa Al-Najjar walked for 10 hours with her family from northern Gaza to reach a UN camp in the southern city of Khan Yunis, saying she saw cars hit by a strike just in front of them. "We saw bodies and limbs torn off and we just started praying, thinking we were going to die," she said. 'It's unimaginable' On the other side of the conflict, the full horror of what Israel suffered on October 7 and following days was still emerging, as traumatised residents recounted their stories. Shachar Butler, a security chief at the Nir Oz kibbutz, where Hamas militants killed or kidnapped a quarter of the 400 residents, recalls more than a dozen gunmen spraying bullets indiscriminately and lobbing grenades at homes. "It's unimaginable," the 40-year-old told AFP as part of a trip organised by the Israeli military. "Anytime someone tried to touch my window, I shot him," he said. "The people who came out got kidnapped, killed, executed, slaughtered." Butler estimated as many as 200 militants attacked the kibbutz, entering from three sides before going house-to-house. Homes there were still charred with burnt personal belongings strewn everywhere. Israel says around 1,500 Hamas fighters were killed in clashes before its army regained control. 'No safe place' Biden requested a massive $105 billion security package Friday, including $14 billion for Israel, but paralysis in the still speakerless Congress means it will hit an immediate wall. Fresh from a whirlwind trip to Israel this week, Biden is hoping to staunch the possibility of a wider Middle East war. The United States has moved two aircraft carriers into the eastern Mediterranean to deter Iran or Lebanon's Hezbollah, both Hamas allies, from getting involved. After days of clashes with Hezbollah fighters along the Lebanese border, Israeli authorities announced the evacuation of Kiryat Shmona, a nearby town which is home to some 25,000 residents, many of whom have already left. The conflict has inflamed passions across the region, with protests held in several countries. Thousands flooded into Egypt's iconic Tahrir Square in support of Gaza, an AFP correspondent said. Protests were also held outside the French and US embassies in Tunis. Following a strike at a church compound late Thursday, the Hamas-controlled interior ministry said several people sheltering at the church were killed and wounded, blaming an Israeli strike. The Israeli army acknowledged a church wall had been damaged in one of its air strikes targeting a "command and control centre belonging to a Hamas terrorist". "This place is dedicated for praying, a place of love and peace," said witness Abu Khalil Jahshan. "There is no safe place here in Gaza." The post Gazans await ‘life and death’ aid, Israel readies invasion appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
6 police in Navotas teen slay surrender
The six dismissed police officers implicated in the death of 17-year-old Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar in a case of mistaken identity have voluntarily surrendered to the authorities in Quezon province, Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. said yesterday. Caramat said that six dismissed cops namely Executive Master Sgt. Roberto Dioso, Cpl. Edmard Blanco, Pat. Benedict Mangada, and Staff Sgts. Gerry Maliban, Antonio Bugayong, Jr., and Nikko Esquillon, all formerly assigned to the Navotas City police station, voluntarily surrendered around 5 p.m. Wednesday at CIDG Quezon Provincial Field Unit, Camp Guillermo Nakar, Lucena City, Quezon. Caramat said the suspects who voluntarily surrendered themselves in CIDG Quezon PFU are now undergoing the booking process and documentation for proper disposition as all accused are not entitled to bail. The Navotas City Regional Trial Court has ordered the arrest of six dismissed police officers implicated in the death of Baltazar in a case of mistaken identity last August In an order dated 3 October and made public Wednesday, RTC Branch 286 Judge Pedro Dabu Jr. said the court found probable cause to issue a warrant of arrest against Executive Master Sgt. Roberto Dioso, Cpl. Edmard Blanco, Pat. Benedict Mangada, and Staff Sgts. Gerry Maliban, Antonio Bugayong Jr. and Nikko Esquillon. “Considering that the accused stand charged with murder, they are not entitled to bail as a matter of course,” the order added. Navotas City prosecutors filed the murder complaint against the suspects on 15 September. The National Capital Region Police Office earlier approved the Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service’s recommendation to dismiss the respondents from the service over the killing of Baltazar. On 2 August, the police officers launched a pursuit operation against a murder suspect when they chanced upon Baltazar, who was then onboard a boat. They then commanded Baltazar and his companion to surrender. However, the victim jumped into the river, prompting law enforcers to fire resulting in his death. The police officers later admitted that Baltazar was not the suspect they were looking for but a certain Reynaldo Bolivar. The post 6 police in Navotas teen slay surrender appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Philandering Quezon City cop nabbed
Members of the anti-scalawag unit of the Philippine National Police have arrested an active Quezon City cop facing a charge of concubinage in Makati City last 30 September. In a belated report yesterday, Brig. Gen. Warren de Leon, chief of the PNP Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group, said the suspect, Master Sergeant Ledesma Mollenido, 36, assigned at the Quezon City Police District was nabbed at a room at Airobez Hotel in Makati located along 5487 Boyle Street. Mollenido was arested by virtue of a warrant issued by Cavite judge Antonio Oyao Del Val last 29 September for concubinage. A P30,000 bail was set for the policeman’s temporary liberty. De Leon said the case was filed by Mollenido’s wife after discovering that her husband was cohabiting with another woman. He said Mollenido was arrested based on a tip-off of the hotel’s supervisor. Mollenido is currently detained at the IMEG custodial facility in Camp Crame “for documentation prior to the return of an arrest warrant to the issuing court,” De Leon said in a statement. The post Philandering Quezon City cop nabbed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LTO monitoring EDSA bus lane violators
Land Transportation Office chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II on Monday said he has ordered the deployment of additional personnel in some areas of the EDSA Bus Carousel amid rampant violations of motorists. Mendoza directed the LTO-National Capital Region to identify the operator and the driver of a taxi that blocked several buses when a 19-inch flood hit the Camp Aguinaldo Gate 3 portion of EDSA on 23 September. Aside from that, Mendoza said they are now conducting investigation into the incident wherein a motorist almost hit a Metropolitan Manila Development Authority traffic enforcer while trying to escape after he was caught using the EDSA Bus Carousel lane last 21 September. “It’s becoming a habit for motorists to use the EDSA Bus Carousel. We recognize the limited manpower of the MMDA to strictly enforce and while the LTO has the same problem, we will tap some of our enforcers to reinforce our brothers in the MMDA in keeping an eye on the EDSA Bus Carousel,” Mendoza said. “We assure immediate action against violators,” he added. Mendoza said the office of Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista was already informed of the request of the MMDA. The MMDA has repeatedly warned motorists that no private vehicles should use the EDSA Bus Carousel lane or the innermost lanes of EDSA that has been reserved for city buses and vehicles being used for emergency response like ambulance, fire trucks and police cars. The post LTO monitoring EDSA bus lane violators appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CIDG seizes 53 unlicensed firearms
The Philippine National Police on Monday reported the confiscation of 53 firearms that resulted in the arrest of an unlicensed gun dealer in Marikina City. In a press conference held at Camp Crame, PNP chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group busted the unlicensed firearms on Friday in Marikina City and opted not to identify the suspect. The country’s top cop said the successful operation conducted by the CIDG is part of the aggressive security measures to ensure peaceful and orderly Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. He said to prevent the use of unlicensed firearms as part of the directives to all PNP units to intensify their efforts against the proliferation of loose firearms and recognize the potential risks and threats, especially with the upcoming BSKE this month. Acorda said the CIDG armed with two search warrants issued by the Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court, National Capital Judicial Region of Marikina in collaboration with other PNP units, swooped down on the residence and store of an unlicensed gun dealer which resulted in the recovery and confiscation of 26 long firearms, 27 short firearms, assorted ammunition, as well as major and minor parts, tools, and machines used in manufacturing firearms. Acorda said the arrested person had no license to operate a firearms business and had not submitted any application to the PNP’s Firearms and Explosives Office for dealing and manufacturing firearms. He said that based on the investigation revealed that the suspect uses his establishment and social media to trade unlicensed firearms wherein among his customers are high-profile gun enthusiasts, politicians with alleged private armies, and some uniformed personnel from the police and military.” “The person arrested is also involved in online selling and some of his clients are private individuals who are maintaining PAGs (private armed groups). That is what we are afraid of. So in line with that with the intention of keeping our BSKE and also our streets safer, for every firearm that we are confiscating and reducing, for each firearm that falls under the hands of criminals or especially those that are not licensed they are perceived to be not responsible gun owners. With every accomplishment we have now it means that our streets are safer, every reduction in that gun makes our community safer,” he said. The post CIDG seizes 53 unlicensed firearms appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
4 ASG members wave white flag
ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Naval Forces Western Mindanao on Sunday revealed that four individuals believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf Group operating in Sulu province surrenders to authorities and turned over their high-powered firearms here. NFWM commander Rear Adm. Donn Anthony Miraflor said on Sunday that the surrender of the four former ASG gunmen on Friday was the result of the combined efforts of NFWM, Joint Task Force Orion and Ministry of Public Order and Safety in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Miraflor identified the four ASG members as Jimmy Ibnohajar, Jul-Amin Subuhani, Juksin Subuhani and Dhenmar Patta Jamiul, adding that they turned over one Cal. 50 Barrett Rifle, two Springfield M1 Garand Rifle, one M16A1 Rifle and assorted live ammunition and magazines. He presented the four former ASG along with their high-power firearms to Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. and was witnessed by representatives of the MPOS-BARMM. Following their surrender, the alleged ASG members underwent medical check-ups at Camp Navarro General Hospital. They were later turned over to the JTF-Orion and MPOS-BARMM, for proper documentation, and the possible inclusion in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program for ASG in Sulu province and their appropriate disposition. “The successful surrender demonstrates the relentless efforts made by the NFWM in maintaining security and peace, ensuring the safety and well-being of the people within the NFWM area of responsibility,” Miraflor said. To recall, that the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command recently activated the JTF-Orion, a multi-service, multi-domain task force task to support and participate in the implementation of various government peace programs through peace process mechanisms in Mindanao. AFP-WesMinCom chief Maj. Gen. Steve Crespillo said JTF-Orion was organized to address and provide unity of command in confronting the remnants of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu and in other parts of Mindanao. The post 4 ASG members wave white flag appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New mission: BuCor reform
Following his tenure as chief of staff in the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 2015, retired four-star General Gregorio Pio Catapang chose to settle in Pampanga. Here, he embraced a simpler life as a farmer, relishing in the delights of native chicken, fresh produce, and the serene natural surroundings. “I am an environmentalist, so I decided to stay in Arayat, Pampanga, to be a farmer upon my retirement in October 2015, and I prayed, ‘Lord, it has been mission accomplished, so give me a new mission,’” Catapang narrated. The former military chief, the AFP’s 45th from July 2014 to 2015, is not a stranger to close encounters with mortality. Throughout his extensive service in the Philippine Army, from graduating from the Philippine Military Academy in 1981, he has endured several clashes with enemies, even more than one could count with the fingers. He held major positions in the AFP as commander of the 2nd Infantry Division — the Army’s largest unit, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, 703 Infantry Brigade, and 28th Infantry Brigade, among others. He also served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. His rise to prominence was not without hitches because he barely survived nine brushes with death. His strong faith in the Lord enabled him to be alive today. “The first incident that I encountered that almost ended my life was when I fell from the second floor of our house when I was just a kid; the second was when I was in the field where a provincial bus liner rammed the car I was in,” Catapang said. He was airlifted from Basa Airbase to V. Luna General Hospital and eventually transferred to Quezon City Medical City as he continued to bleed due to his severe injuries. “The doctor told me not to sleep because I might turn into a coma. So I fight on as the doctors continue to treat me,” he added. While still recovering, with his facial wounds still not yet fully healed, he was called by his commander to report back to work. “Nakangiwi pa ako dahil sa sugat (I was still grimacing in pain), but as a soldier, I followed the order, and that was then I realized that he was teaching me how to become chief of staff,” Catapang said, adding that as a good soldier, he had to endure the pain. He recalled that a chopper ride in the mountains of Cagayan also nearly took his life as it flew at 1,000 feet and traveled 18 knots. “The chopper is already old. I just have to make the sign of the cross as the chopper made a low-altitude flight due to poor visibility. We plunged downward, and I thought it was the end for me. But thankfully, the chopper normalized, and we safely landed,” he said. While in a restaurant in Angeles, Pampanga, Catapang said he was informed that NPA (New People’s Army) rebels would ambush him. “We ate at a chicken restaurant in Angeles and received information that I would be ambushed on returning to our camp. It was retaliation for the death of eight commanders of the NPA after movement patterns were detected based on information from barangay chairpersons,” he said. He cannot forget, too, that during the Pinatubo eruption in 1991, the roof of the building they were occupying collapsed due to the accumulated volcanic ash. Catapang, named after two generals — Gregorio del Pilar and Pio del Pilar — led his soldiers in helping the indigenous peoples in the area, giving them food, clothing, and other necessities. “The natives very loved us because of that,” he added. He said he is thankful to have emerged victorious and alive from the all-out war against Muslim secessionists in Mindanao. It almost ended his life, but he survived with solid faith in the Lord. Throughout his life, he consistently believed that prayers are always answered, particularly when reciting the rosary. Proof was when he fervently prayed to the Lord to allow him to marry his first girlfriend, and his request was granted. He married Maria Lourdes and has three children. Catapang’s early life lacked the excitement it later encompassed. He was a typical teenager. He attended high school at the Claret School of Quezon City. Shortly after graduating from PMA, he pursued graduate courses at the University of the Philippines. He is the second of four children of Gregorio Catapang Sr., a lawyer for the Securities and Exchange Commission, and Lourdes Punzalan, an accountant at the Department of Finance, from whom he learned the value of public service. As a military officer, Catapang rallied the troops to strictly adhere to the AFP’s slogan of “Kawal DISIPLINADO, bawal ABUSADO, dapat ASINTADO” — three key words that spell out the Do’s and DON’T’s to become proficient in fire and maneuver and avoid collateral damage; be respectful of human rights, adhere to international humanitarian law and the rule of law, and the rules of engagement. Catapang moved on with his career and retirement life, carrying an excellent performance standard, exemplary leadership and a keen vision. Answered post-retirement prayer After retiring from active military service spanning 34 years, he received a divine blessing through a new mission. Following seven years of working as a farmer, he experienced a life-altering moment on the evening of October 19, 2021. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla gave him an offer to lead the Bureau of Corrections. Unaware of the challenges that awaited him within the BuCor, especially at the New Bilibid Prison, he accepted the offer. It was only later that he discovered the appalling issues of corruption among the prison staff and the dire condition of the overcrowded facilities. Under the guidance of Secretary Remulla, Catapang’s mission to reform the BuCor is yielding positive results. They are actively organizing culminating activities to release eligible individuals who have been deprived of their liberty. To alleviate the overcrowding in the jail facilities, the BuCor is actively organizing and implementing various reforms. The main goal is to transfer all persons deprived of liberty from the maximum security compound of the NBP to new facilities outside of Metro Manila. Catapang is confident plans will come to fruition, as they have already presented their long-term reform plan to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for approval. “At present, the reformation of BuCor is in full swing. I am confident we will accomplish and make things happen,” he said. The NBP, he said, is undergoing a significant transformation. The plan is to shut down the NBP in Muntinlupa and repurpose the area into a new business district similar to Bonifacio Global City in the southern part of Metro Manila. Explaining the reason behind the decision, he said high-end residential communities surround the current location of the NBP in Muntinlupa. To align with the surrounding environment, the intention is to close down the NBP and relocate all inmates to regional jail facilities nationwide. Catapang shared plans to dedicate eight hectares of land within the NBP to improve the living conditions of the settlers and provide them with opportunities for reintegration into society. “We will build condominium units for the settlers at the NBP, complete with amenities like a swimming pool, multipurpose facilities, and the like. Repair of residential houses is no longer possible, including power lines, so we decided to allocate the lands for them,” he added. The government will optimally use the land area by developing it into a business and government center, aligning with the DoJ’s plan. To support the food security initiatives of the President, he said they have already started the cultivation of approximately 10 hectares of land at the Iwahig Penal Colony. The aim is to grow rice and high-yield crops, contributing to the government’s long-term food security plans. “Hopefully, this will be done also to other penal farms of BuCor because we have ample lands for cultivation,” Catapang said. For the BuCor Director General who refused to be defined by limitations and setbacks, the relentless spirit and passion for reforms radiate triumphs against the most formidable odds. The post New mission: BuCor reform appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AFP to redesign reserve force to complement regular force
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said there’s an ongoing redesign of the reserve force paradigm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to “fit in the current security situation” confronted by the country. Teodoro made the statement during the culmination of the National Reservist Week held at the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Saturday, 30 September. The defense chief cited the calibration should be based on what the country needs to further improve its credible deterrent posture and the ability to protect its interests, “not only on the ground but particularly in the maritime domain.” “In doing so, this time, we have to rethink our reservists' paradigms. And so we are in the process of redesigning the reserve force based on the leads of the time and not based on an old-dated paradigm…that may not be valid anymore,” he added. Teodoro has ordered the “designing of future reserve force” that should complement the regular force of AFP and ensure service continuity, in which civilian parallels business service continuity “so that there’s a subdivision of functions.” The redesigning, he said, also includes effectively tapping of reserve force’s various human skills and building up land military civil defense units within communities. “This is to secure our communities through the benefits of the laws of war that they may not be combatants’ end-targets for hostile actions,” he added. Teodoro said he already tasked the Office of the Civil Defense to merge and synergize the development of the civil defense units which will be based in the communities, municipalities and provinces. These CDUs will manage local disaster risk reduction systems, provide security, and enhance first responders' capabilities in communities, in cooperation with military forces as well as the inclusion of the reserve forces. “We encourage our reservists to help in formulating plans for our strategic development in the future as this is a collaborative effort,” he added. Meanwhile, AFP Chief Gen Romeo Brawner Jr. said the military organization is open to the redesigning reserve force paradigm. “Well, we welcome that. Because we saw that the problems we are confronting now in our country are really different from the previous problems we faced before—this time, we are facing more challenges that are global in nature,” he said in a media interview. Brawner pointed out that the AFP is not only focusing on improving the reserve force organization but also working on the enhancement of the military’s regular force. “We wanted to develop our total force. That means the reserve force and regular force are not separated from each other. We are one Armed Forces of the Philippines, if ever that emergency or any threat comes to our country…reserve forces, even the citizens of our country should get together, and work together for the defense of our country and for the promotion of our national interest,” he said. This effort would help the entire country in addressing emerging security threats, whether internal or external, he added. Further, Brawner confirmed the AFP still plans to tap fishermen in the West Philippine Sea to become part of the military reserve force. “Yes. In fact, many fisherfolk have already expressed willingness to help us. It doesn’t mean that have to fight because they were in the area. That’s not the concept,” he said. “But they can help us in terms of gathering information and making sure that we have a presence in those areas so we can say that those areas are ours,” he added. Earlier, AFP Western Command Chief Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos the military is exerting key efforts to further improve the country’s presence in its territorial waters. Carlos said AFP is eyeing to increase Filipino boats and fishermen in the country’s exclusive economic zone in WPS. “We have ongoing efforts to convince our Filipino fishermen to fish in the WPS para ma-exercise natin ‘yung atin (so we can exercise our) sovereign rights to fish,” he said. Carlos said among these efforts include the effective control of all islands now occupied by the Philippines in the WPS, establishing a stronger naval presence, and enhancing maritime domain awareness in these areas. The AFP previously reported more than 400 foreign vessels are swarming in the features of WPS, including the massive destruction of corals in Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal after the resurgence of foreign ships in the area. The post AFP to redesign reserve force to complement regular force appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DND, AFP, Comelec sign pact for orderly barangay, SK elections
The Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Thursday signed an agreement with the Commission on Elections to ensure peaceful and orderly barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections nationwide on 30 October. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. signed the pact with Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia at the DND headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The signing was also witnessed by AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and Comelec Commissioner Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr., who is in charge of the Committee on Kontra Bigay. The Committee on Kontra Bigay aims to combat the “deplorable practice of vote buying”, which Teodoro said continues to pollute the country’s democracy. “Ang tao, naiimpluwensyahan ng mga bagay na hindi kanais-nais. Kaya po ang fault niyan ay nasa namimigay,” he said. On the other hand, Brawner signed a separate memorandum of understanding with Garcia allowing Comelec to deputize AFP personnel to ensure free, orderly and peaceful barangay elections. At the sidelines of the MOA signing, the Comelec handed over a check to AFP amounting to P40 million in support of the military’s administrative, operational and logistical needs "as they perform their functions relative to the upcoming BSK elections." The post DND, AFP, Comelec sign pact for orderly barangay, SK elections appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DFA confirms Azurin’s awry Canada issues
The Department of Foreign Affairs shed light on reports that retired Philippine National Police chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. had encountered issues with Canadian immigration. During the House 2024 budget deliberations Wednesday, House Minority Leader Rep. Marcelino Libanan asked Nueva Ecija Rep. Joseph Violago, DFA budget sponsor, if the reports were accurate. Violago confirmed that Azurin encountered issues but added that the Canadian government regretted the “misunderstanding and miscommunication.” Azurin voluntarily returned to the country after traveling to Canada. The DFA was unable to assist him since it was a personal trip. Due to confidentiality issues, the Canadian government has yet to submit an official report to the Philippine government on the incident. “This incident happened a few days ago. General Azurin voluntarily went to Canada and he suddenly returned to the country,” Violago said during the budget debates. Azurin denied he was deported and blamed his former colleague, PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, P/Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia for spreading disinformation. In a statement Tuesday, he said Sermonia was the source of the disinformation. “Sermonia had been spreading lies about my alleged deportation. Maybe he knows something that everyone in our country does not know. Maybe it was him who tipped off Canadian Immigration by concocting half-truths and many lies and was hoping that I would be deported. He had been sending messages about my deportation,” Azurin said. He said the truth will come out in due time. He urged current PNP chief, Gen. Benjamin Acorda, to investigate Sermonia’s alleged participation in the defamation campaign. Sermonia’s denial Meanwhile, Sermonia denied Azurin’s claim. In a press briefing at Camp Crame Wednesday, Sermonia said he had no idea why his name was being dragged into the controversy regarding the supposed deportation of Azurin. “Former Chief PNP Azurin may have been fed false stories again to drag my name into the unverified reports of his alleged deportation. There is no reason for me to do what I am being accused of,” said Sermonia, whose wife is the sister of Azurin’s wife. He added: “I’d rather not dignify the accusations with a reply that may be construed negatively. My advice is to directly ask the Canadian Embassy what the reason for the questioning was, which made Azurin decide to return to the country as he stated, and not deported.” He said Canada has its own rules and regulations on border control. “So, it is best to secure the report from them. The truth will speak for me,” he added. Sermonia said he plans to discuss the issue with their entire family. Azurin and Sermonia are members of Philippine Military Academy Class 1989. The post DFA confirms Azurin’s awry Canada issues appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»