Versoza is the next PNP Chief - Palace
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has appointed Philippine National Police (PNP) Deputy Director General Jesus Versoza as the next PNP chief, vice Director General Avelino Razon who is retiring on Sept. 27 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age for military and police personnel of 56.
Versoza’s promotion to the top PNP post was announced by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 (NAIA 2) after the send-off ceremony for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who left for New York at 10:30 last night (Sept. 21) to address the 63rd United Nations (UN) General Assembly.
“I have the authority of the President to announce that PNP Deputy Director General Jesus Versoza shall be the incoming Chief of the Philippine National Police,” Ermita told reporters who covered the President’s departure.
He added that the turnover ceremonies will be held at the PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Sept. 27, the same day the President is scheduled to arrive from her five-day US trip.
“The President is precisely coming (back on the 27th) to officiate the turnover (ceremonies),” Ermita stressed.
Versoza will be the 15th chief of the PNP since its conversion on Jan. 29, 1991 from the now defunct Philippine Constabulary-Integrated National Police (PC-INP) under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to its present status as a civilian police organization.
Versoza, whose three-star rank is equivalent to lieutenant general in the AFP, is currently the deputy PNP chief for administration.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1976, he formerly headed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) after serving as director of PNP-Region IV (Southern Tagalog).
PGMA arrives in New York
NEW YORK CITY (via PLDT) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo arrived here early this morning (5 p.m. Manila time) to join other world leaders at the 63rd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for high-level discussions of the impact of rising food and fuel prices and the US financial turmoil on the advances made under the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).
During her five-day visit here, the President will also seek to further bolster the Philippines’ bilateral relations with other UN-member states and other organizations, including the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), on the sidelines of the UN High-Level meetings.
The President and her lean delegation arrived from San Francisco at 5 a.m. (New York time) at the Atlantic Aviation Teterboro after the almost 19-hour flight from Manila.
The presidential party boarded the Philippine Air Lines (PAL) flight 104 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City for San Francisco at 10:30 p.m. Sunday (Manila time).
From San Francisco, she took a connecting flight for New York.
From the Atlantic Aviation Teterboro in New York, the President was whisked to the Plaza Hotel on Fifth Avenue, her official residence while she is in the Big Apple for a brief rest.
The President’s Day 1 in New York started with a meeting with Citibank Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bill Rhodes at the Presidential Suite of the Plaza.
Citibank is the largest bank in the US as of March 2007, and the largest foreign bank in the Philippines.
The President’s first day engagements ended with her attendance at the reception for the heads of delegation to the 63rd UN General Assembly hosted by US President and Mrs. Laura Bush at 7 p.m. at the Starlight Room of the posh Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
Day 2 will be very hectic: The President starts her day at 9 a.m. when she addresses the 63rd UNGA. She will be the fourth speaker in the morning session, after the President of Brazil, President Bush, and the French President Nicolas Sorkozy.
The President of the 63rd UNGA is Father Miguel Escoto Brockmann, also the Foreign Minister of Nicaragua. Brockman and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon will open the UNGA with their statements.
The President will meet OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu at 11:30 a.m. to express her appreciation to the OIC for its continuing support for the Mindanao peace process.
She will also brief the OIC secretary general on the Philippines’ new paradigm in negotiating peace in Mindanao, from holding dialogues with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to consultations with the communities and other stakeholders.
The President is also expected to reiterate the Philippines’ commitment to harmonious relations with the Islamic world, as reflected in its request for OIC observer status.
For the rest of the day, the President will hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of St. Vincent and Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Andorra, San Marino and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon. She will also receive Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov at the UN Headquarters.
The President is scheduled to attend an art exhibit hosted by Argentina President Christina Fernandez, and a dinner hosted by the UN Secretary General, also at the UN Headquarters; and another dinner hosted by the President of Costa Rica and the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea.
Day 4 starts with bilateral meetings with the leaders of Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Iceland, Belgium, Slovenia and Comoros. She will receive the Foreign Minister of Libya at the Bilateral Meeting Room at the UNHQ.
She will also interact with the Filipino employees at the UN.
On her last day in New York, the President will attend the Women’s Leaders Working Group led by US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel before participating in the High Level Event on the MDG: Round Table on Poverty and Hunger.
She will then meet the leaders of Senegal, Cyprus Antigua and Barbuda and receive Foreign Minister of Norway Nikolay Vassilev before leaving for San Francisco en route to Manila.
The President is expected to arrive in Manila at 2:25 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 (Manila time).
Tampinco named PSALM president vice Del Callar
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has appointed Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) vice president for asset management and electricity trading Froilan Tampinco as the new president of the National Power Corp. (Napocor), Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita announced today.
Tampinco will replace Napocor president Cyril del Callar, whose resignation takes effect on Sept. 30. Del Callar resigned on Sept.8, citing health problems.
Ermita said the President informed him of Tampinco's appointment before she left Manila Sunday evening (Sept. 21) for New York to address the 63rd United Nations General Assembly.
A career executive, Tampinco has a long experience in public service, Ermita noted.
Statement of Deputy Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo Re: Fear-mongering on term extension
THE President intends to vacate her office when her term ends in 2010 and does not know where such fear-mongering is coming from.
Let’s stay focused and help the President make the best of the remainder of her term. ###
PGMA declares Oct. 1 as national holiday in celebration of Eid'l Fitr
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared Oct. 1 as a regular holiday nationwide to promote cultural understanding and give Filipinos the opportunity to join their Muslim brothers and sisters worldwide in the observance of the Eid’l Fitr or the Feast of Ramadhan.
The President signed Proclamation No. 1625 last Friday (Sept. 19) declaring Oct. 1, 2008 (Wednesday), as a regular holiday throughout the country “to promote national consciousness on the religious and cultural significance of the Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan).”
A three-day festival known as "Eid" or "Eid ul-Fitr," which literally means "the feast of the breaking/to break the fast," ends the observance of the holy month of Ramadhan.
Eid’l Fitr is the first day marking the end of the 30-day fasting period of Ramadhan.
The Office of Muslim Affairs (OMA) has determined Oct. 1, 2008 as the main date for the celebration of the Eid’l Fitr in accordance with the lunar calendar or the Islamic calendar (Hijra).
As part of her efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding, the President graced the 4th Iftar sponsored by the World Islamic Call Society (WICS) last Saturday (Sept. 20) at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Manila.
Last year, the President also joined the celebration of the Iftar, the evening meal which breaks the daily fast from sunrise to sunset during the Islamic month of Ramadan that started last Sept. 1 this year.
The Eid’l Fitr is the culmination of the month long Muslim struggle towards spiritual purification which is achieved through fasting, self-sacrifice and prayers.
Malacañang scoffs at report of alleged move to extend President's term beyond 2010
MALACANANG today scoffed at efforts by administration critics to resurrect the bogey of term extension, saying President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has no intention to stay beyond her term which ends in 2010.
“I do not know whoever said anything about term extension of the President. As of now, I don’t recall having heard anyone, at least here in the Cabinet, talking about term extension of the President,” Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said.
Ermita was reacting to plans by the President’s critics to launch a signature campaign against alleged efforts to extend her term of office.
The Executive Secretary said the signature campaign was apparently intended to preempt any move to extend the President’s term, “but I don’t known if indeed there is any such move being contemplated by anybody in the administration.”
Likewise, Presidential Management Staff (PMS) head Cerge Remonde said that there’s “no attempt to keep the President in power beyond 2010.”
He asserted that “since the price of liberty is eternal vigilance, we won’t begrudge anybody doing just that (signature campaign) for as long as these are not just publicity stunts designed to demonize the President.”
For her part, Deputy Sokesperson Lorelei Fajardo lamented the new round of “fear-mongering” being conducted by the usual critics of the President, adding that the Chief Executive “intends to vacate her office when her term ends in 2010.”
President Arroyo is at a loss as to where the opposition is sourcing such extension canard. The President “does not know where such fear-mongering is coming from,” she said.
Fajardo called on the public to “stay focused and help the President make the best of the remainder of her term.”
The President has time and again disavowed any intention to extend her term.
ASEAN Secretariat enters into strategic partnership with the Islamic Development Bank Group
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the ASEAN Secretariat and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group on 13 September 2008 at the IDB Group headquarters in Jeddah. The Memorandum was signed by Dr Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General of ASEAN, and Dr Ahmad Mohamed Ali, IDB Group President.
The MoU outlines the framework of partnership between the two institutions in promoting economic and social development in their common constituencies. The areas of cooperation include capacity building in the areas of health, education, halal food supply and agriculture, investment promotion, and economic cooperation.
Dr Surin expressed his enthusiasm with working alongside the IDB Group and emphasised the mutual benefits that will materialise from the partnership. “ASEAN can be one of the vehicles IDB can use to implement its 1440H (2020) Vision,” he said.
In a meeting held between Dr Surin and Dr Ali, Dr Ali was hopeful that the bilateral cooperation efforts between the ASEAN Secretariat and the IDB Group will bring about substantial improvements within the common constituents. Dr Ali said, “There is great potential of cooperation between our institutions. We appreciate your continuous help and support of IDB and look forward to building a very strong and active partnership.”
Of the ten ASEAN Member States, Indonesia , Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam are members of the IDB.
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Military, rogue MILF rebels clash anew
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (22 September 2008) – Military authorities reported that firefight erupted anew between government troops and the lawless elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) believed to be under the leadership of Adbullah Macapaar alias Commander Bravo.
Col. Benito De Leon, 104th Infantry Brigade commander based in Iligan City, told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Region 10 that at nine o’clock this morning (September 22) the 32nd Infantry Brigade led by Lt. Col. Edwin Respecio, under the 104th IB, again engaged around 20 members of the lawless group in the town of Poona Piagapo, Lanao del Norte province in Mindanao .
De Leon said the battle lasted for 15 minutes with the enemy withdrawing into the deep forested areas.
The military disclosed that pursuing troops clearing the rebel positions recovered a bloodied FN FAL (Fusil Automatique Léger - Light Automatic Rifle), M203 grenade launcher tube, RPG (rocket propelled grenade) rounds, rifle grenade rounds, a damaged hand guard of an M16 rifle, assorted ammunitions and rebel uniforms.
De Leon said that the government troops suffered no fatality and their forces are currently scouring the area for enemy casualties, which are often retrieved by withdrawing rebels.
He stressed that it is just a matter of time that the lawless MILF group will be decimated and their leader, Commander Bravo, taken by government forces.
Commander Bravo, one of the rogue MILF commanders who committed atrocities in the towns of Kauswagan and Kolambugan in the province, which left scores of civilians dead, several wounded and thousands of families displaced.
The incident is the fourth reported encounter between the two groups since a faction of the lawless MILF harassed a Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) detachment, an auxiliary group of the military, at dawn Friday (September 19) in the town of Kauswagan and after government troops occupied one of the rebel groups’ biggest camp last Thursday (September 18) located in the tri-boundaries of Madalum and Piagapo in Lanao del Sur province and Munai, Lanao del Norte province.
Three clashes occurred on Sunday, September 21, starting in the morning when operating troops of the Bravo Company, 43rd Infantry Battalion and the Scout Platoon engaged in a 30-minute firefight with some 30 lawless MILF elements where one rebel died.
In the afternoon, two more separate encounters took place at the villages of Tanglaw and Nunungun, both at the town of Poona Piagapo in Lanao del Norte province.
Lt. Col. Agane Adriatico, spokesperson of the 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army, said in a press briefing that the encounters since Sunday happened during the conduct of their pursuit operations against Commander Bravo and his men.
“They didn’t attack us, but we engaged them,” he clarified.
He said the military is expecting encounters with the group every now and then, “but we’re always ready to face them,” he added.
“We are closing in on Bravo, we’re zeroing in on him. He and his men are slowly running out of places to hide,” Adriatico said. (Brent M. Bravo, PIA-10)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Army says clashes not expected to worsen after Ramadhan
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (22 September 2008) - The Army says they do not foresee that the rogue Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) under Adbullah Macapaar alias Commander Bravo will intensify its efforts after the Muslim holy month of Ramadhan ends.
Lt. Col. Agane Adriatico, spokesperson of the 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army, explained that because of the recent accomplishments in the military’s pursuit operations against the rogue MILF leader and his men, he believes the rebel group has limited resources left.
Adriatico was reacting to reports that the clashes between the government troops and the rebel group will worsen after the Muslim fasting season ends.
“These are just speculations,” he said during a press briefing at the Information Command Center of the Philippine Information Agency in Iligan City in Mindanao, adding that the information they receive on this matter are all unconfirmed.
He said there are even rumors circulating that some soldiers are going AWOL (absence without leave).
“This is not true. This is because some of our Muslim soldiers are allowed to take an official leave of absence so they can practice their faith in observance of Ramadhan.” He stressed.
Adriatico also told reporters that with the recent developments in their hunt for Bravo and his men, the group does not appear to be getting stronger.
The military recently occupied a vast lawless MILF camp located in the tri-boundaries of Madalum and Piagapo in Lanao del Sur province and Munai, Lanao del Norte province.
“They’re getting weaker and their world is getting smaller. They are now scattered and are always on the run,” he said..
Commander Bravo and his men committed atrocities in the towns of Kauswagan and Kolambugan in Lanao del Norte province, leaving scores of civilians dead, several wounded and thousands of families displaced. (Brent M. Bravo, PIA-10)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Transco assures power supply to Mindanao
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (22 September 2008) - The National Transmission Corporation (Transco) is doing its best to maintain a continuous and reliable supply of power to the whole island of Mindanao.
Transco has contingency plans in place, and initiates a set of standard operating procedures that would ensure continuous power service while its affected facilities are being restored.
This was stressed by Beth Ladaga, Transco corporate relations officer, who assured the public that in the event of interruptions, Transco always aims to have power back up and running the soonest possible time.
Earlier today at dawn, strong winds and rains brought about by Typhoon “Nina” triggered the automatic tripping, or service interruption, of the Lugait-Tagoloan 138 kilovolt line in Mindanao, which supplies power to central, northeastern and southern parts of the island.
Power was restored a couple of hours later.
Meanwhile, two transmission towers were simultaneously attacked by lawless elements at 12:13 AM of September 21, 2008 in Barangay Lanipao, Iligan City.
Tower 41 had all of its four columns strapped with explosives; only two exploded but were enough to topple the tower.
Meanwhile, Tower 39 had three of its columns strapped with IED but were not detonated.
All of the unexploded IED retrieved from both towers were safely defused by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit.
The attacks also caused tripping, but Ladaga maintained that no customers were reported to have been affected during the incident.
Despite these challenges of foul weather and lawless elements, Ladaga emphasized that Transco remains true to its mandate of providing continuous and reliable power.
She further said that linemen and hired laborers are currently undergoing restoration to facilitate immediate energization of the affected line.
Ladaga also cited the agency’s close coordination between the AFP, PNP, as well as the support of local government officials in the municipalities and barangays hosting the transmission lines, for ensuring the towers’ safety and providing immediate feedback on the status of their towers. (Dante E. Coloma, PIA-10)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Iligan’s ‘Pagpakanaug’ draws big crowd
ICC-ILIGAN CITY (22 September 2008) - Despite ongoing pursuit of the government forces on the capture of the renegade leader Abdullah Macapaar alias Commander Bravo and rouge Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) group, some 10,000 devotees were not affected as they witnessed the “Pagpakanaug” of the San Miguel figure, Iligan’s Patron Saint, held recently at the St. Michael’s church, Iligan City in Mindanao.
The Pagpakanaug, which is held every 20th of September every eight in the morning, is the ritual transfer of the image of San Miguel from the main altar to the side altar for his bath and change of clothes.
This is conducted after a holy mass upon which devotees and city officials take over for the conduct of the ritual.
The Pagpakanaug is also the start of the first novena of the feast of the city’s Patron Saint and the event has drawn devotees and visitors to essentially witness the traditional ritual where the City officials receive the saint’s helmet, spear and shield.
P/CInsp. Arniel Catarata, Iligan City Police Office said that while it is true that the City is on high alert because of the atrocities in the neighboring province, we have proven that the Philippine National Police (PNP), together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other forced multipliers have intensified the implementation of security measures, and that we reported a zero crime rate on the day of the event, said.
“Unlike the previous years, we had reports on petty crimes. We deployed our men a day before the activity and have sanitized the St. Michael church,” he added.
He said that mobilizing the Task Force San Miguel, composed of 21 organizations, has indeed contributed to the peaceful and orderly celebration of one of the activities that highlight the feast of San Miguel on September 29. (Lorry V. Gabule/PIA Iligan)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Bravo's men suffered heavily in Poona Piagapo clash
ICC-ILIGAN CITY, Sept 22 (PNA) – Soldiers of the Army's 32nd Infantry Battalion have caught up over the weekend with a group of Commander Bravo's followers and engaged them in a firefight in Poona Piagapo town, Lanao del Norte.
Military authorities believed it was the same group that tried to blow up a power transmission pylon in Kauswagan town, Lanao del Norte on early morning Friday, but, were repulsed by militiamen.
Pounded with artillery fire, the band of Bravo's followers fled towards Poona Piagapo town leaving behind packs of explosive devices that were supposed to be used on a power pylon, said Lt. Col. Agane Adriatico, spokesman of the Army's First Infantry Division.
In the 20-minute clash in the jungles of Poona Piagapo town, Adriatico said soldiers inflicted heavy casualty on the rebels who were seen fleeing with their injured and dead comrades.
The soldiers found in the encounter site shells for B40 rocket propelles grenade, a FAL rifle, parts of damage armalite rifle and packs containing MILF uniforms and paraphernalia.
Blood were all over the place indicating that the rebels suffered heavily in the firefight, Adriatico said.
No one was reported hurt among the soldiers. (PNA)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Hunt for Bravo continues: Pajarito
By Rommel G RebollidoICC-ILIGAN CITY (Camp Darol Hoda, Lanao del Sur), Sept 22 (PNA) – The hunt continues for fugitive Moro rebel leader Abdulrahman Macapaar alias Commander Bravo even as government forces already captured two of his camps in the Gurain mountain ranges in this province.
This was stressed by Army's First Infantry Division chief Major General Nehemias Pajarito over the weekend when he visited government troops who captured this camp last week from Bravo's followers with less resistance.
"There is still along road ahead of us," Pajarito told soldiers of the Army's 15th Infantry Battalion, referring to the campaign to get Commander Bravo who is being hunted for pillaging several villages in Lanao del Norte province.
Pajarito also reminded soldiers to be conscious of their conduct as soldiers otherwise they become like Bravo and lose every reason to go after and get him.
"We should always remain disciplined and be of service and kind to all people in every community that we visit," he said.
This camp, which served as Commander Bravo's headquarters after his main camp (Camp Bilal) was overran by soldiers, has well entrenched bunkers linked by deep trenches.
It is located atop a hill and has a water facility, a rice farm, a fishpond and wide area that can land five huey helicopters.
He then commended the soldiers for a job well done even as he relayed to the soldiers a congratulatory message of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who announced perks for soldiers involved in the hunt for Commander Bravo.
The President, in her visit to Mindanao last week, handed over to Pajarito sleeping bags and other items that will be distributed to the 5,000 soldiers who are running after Bravo in the hinterlands of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte.
Pajarito then flew by helicopter to nearby Camp Darol Hanan, another camp of Bravo which also fell to the hands of soldiers last week.
In that camp, the Tabak Division commanding general exhorted soldiers of the 65th Infantry Battalion for capturing the camp which served as a training facility of Bravo's followers.
The camp boasts of large capacity barracks that can accommodate hundreds of trainees, a very wide area for ground drills and huts which serve as quarters of Bravo and his followers. (PNA)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Soldiers enjoy "gourmet lunch at Bravo's camp
By Rommel G RebollidoICC-ILIGAN CITY (Camp Darol Hoda, Lanao del Sur), Sept 22 (PNA) – It was a "gourmet" lunch on Saturday for soldiers who earlier captured two camps of fugitive rebel leader Abdulrahman Macapaar who is being hunted by soldiers for pillaging communities in Lanao del Norte last month.
"Gourmet" is actually fresh fish, which was flewn in by helicopter when Major General Nehemias Pajarito visited the soldiers in the two camps over the weekend.
"Enough of canned sardines, you might get scabies already eating that for weeks now," quipped in vernacular the commanding general of the Army's First Infantry Division as he announced to soldiers that they have brought in food and other items for the soldiers.
Just as the general finished his announcement, the soldiers roared in unison, "Thank you, sir," smiles painted on their unshaven weary faces.
"So, we will have good eat today," remarked a soldier of the 15th Infantry Battalion who was guarding a sentry post as he told a buddy to prepare charcoal to grill the fish they will get.
He said they have been eating canned food for weeks now since they arrived in the vicinity of this camp which is surrounded by ridges and slopes, overlooking the foothills of the Gurain mountain range in Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte.
A bearded young officer lugging his M16 said food has become a second priority for them, "but, it is nourishment that we need in order to last in this campaign to get Commander Bravo."
On one hand, he said, Bravo may not have the food he needs to survive a fight.
He said "Bravo could be eating wild fruits now like a monkey and pretty soon he will lose energy and could die."
The officer, who asked not to be named in deference to military protocol, said they received information that Bravo is nursing a wound which aggravates his suffering of diabetes and other ailments.
"We heard that Bravo also loves eating Cloud 9, a chocolate bar, but, he may not have such kiddy stuff anymore this time," the officer said laughing as he took from his pocket a bar of Cloud 9.
This would be my dessert after my "gourmet" lunch today, he quipped. (PNA)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Kidnapped kids freed, 2 suspects seized in Sulu
ICC-PAGADIAN CITY (Sulu), Sept.22--Operating elements of the 6th Marine Battalion Landing Team rescued Sunday two (2) kidnapped infants, who were held in captivity for five days, while captured two suspects in a rescue operation launched in the vicinity of Brgy Anuling, Patikul, Sulu, prompting the kidnappers to release their victims.
3rd Marine Brigade Commander Col Eugenio N Clemen PN (M) said that the rescue operation was launched after the parents of the kidnapped victims sought military assistance and provided the authorities with information on the possible whereabouts of the victims.
According to the parents, who are businessmen here, their children – Ben Austine and Benedict, with ages three and two years old respectively, were purportedly snatched by Hajal Hatae’s group at the victims’ residence in Kakuyagan Village in the morning of September 16.
The kids were accordingly brought by Hajal at his residence in Brgy Anuling, Patikul. He demanded for the amount of one million pesos (P1,000,000.00) in exchange for the safe release of the children.
Upon the receipt of the said information in the afternoon of September 20 at around 3:00 p.m., MBLT -6 immediately planned for the said rescue operations. At exactly 4:30am of the following day, the two (2) kidnapped victims were finally brought to safety. The said rescue was accomplished in less than 24 hours, since the parents helped out and reported the kidnapping to MBLT-6.
Col Clemen identified the two suspects as Jamiri Jalisan, the father of Hajal’s wife and Julmina Hatae, Hajal’s wife.
Meanwhile, Joint Task Force Comet Commander Maj Gen Juancho M Sabban congratulated Col Clemen and the operating troops under Mblt-6’s Commanding Officer Lt Col Jimmy Larida for successfully accomplishing their objectives.
Moreover, he attributed the success of the said operation to the trust and cooperation by the parents towards the military.
“Because of their full trust and cooperation, the children were released unharmed,” he said.
The arrested suspects are currently in the headquarters of the 3rd Marine Brigade. (42CRU, 4CRG, CRSAFP/PIA-BASULTA)
ICC-ILIGAN CITY DISPATCH
Civilians wave on, salute arriving Army troops
ICC-GENERAL SANTOS CITY (Maitum, Sarangani), 22 September–Hundreds of residents at the coastal highway from Maasim towards Kiamba and Maitum waved on a column of truckloads of soldiers and armored personnel carriers passing by Saturday afternoon (September 20).
Children lining the road were clapping and saluting. People filled the national highway to look at the next arriving military truck or armored personnel carrier.
"Makaturog tayon ti nasayaat (We can sleep well now)," a storekeeper said.
Another resident said "their (military) presence boosts security. I am happy. I feel secured."
"We are just here to enhance the security of the province. That's the reason why the 10th Infantry Division sent us, also to help in the law enforcement operations of the PNP and the AFP in going after those responsible for the last month's atrocities," said Major Rolando R. Rodil, battalion commander of 25th Infantry Battalion.
"We are not really up against MILF as a whole. We are only going after those who were responsible for the atrocities, those who have warrants of arrest," the battalion commander said.
The 40-vehicle military convoy was the biggest deployment seen here since the Moro secessionist war of the 70s.
"I am very pleased that they are here and I welcome them to the municipality of Maitum They have stated that they are here to protect and preserve the peace of the municipality," said Mayor Elsie Perrett. "I'm very grateful and thankful that they are around."
In June 25, civilians in Maitum were held hostage by rogue elements of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Firefights broke out when heavily-armed men ambushed government troops who were on their way to a crime scene where a civilian volunteer was killed by rebels in barangay Ticulab.
The MILF-triggered evacuation of civilians in three barangays came as villagers were returning to their homes in the aftermath of flashfloods caused by typhoon Frank.
In August 18, rogue MILF forces ransacked Maasim public market as they simultaneously attacked the town hall and police station. Policemen repulsed the attackers.
The rebels also killed two innocent civilians and wounded another.
A warrant of arrest for the crime of murder, destructive arson, arson, robbery with violence against and/or intimidation of persons was issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 38 on September 16 for at least 50 respondents.
According to the information sheet the accused "members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)" committed the crimes "while armed with high powered rifles, conspiring, confederating and mutually helping one another… with deliberate intent… with treachery, abuse of superior strength with the aid of armed men."
Named in the warrant of arrest were Alu Binago alias commander Binago, Samir Malik, Jayon Saligan alias commander Aguilar, Muslimin Suib, Manawi Ibrahim alias commander Lawin, Manso Dimasangkay, Herman Capina alias commander Herman, Tikboy Maguid, Taha Maguid Sapal, Aser Demalon, Jamer Sadabao, Ming Demalon alias Mistah, Bondi Binago, Fata Abduljalil, Kadio Ibrahim alias Alas, Ustadz Absila, Alo Binago Tacbil, Nas Abad, Nasaro Rashid, Masaro Rashid, alias commander Dutch Adtud, Foxton Alisarbe, Arpio San Diego, alias Boy, Morsad Taya, alias Rambo, Samir Maulana, alias Ronnie, Mando Leonsily, alias Pod, Jover Leonsily, alias Aladin, Pelon Leonsily, Alias Mad, Bata Leonsily, alias Taruc, Norasin Ibad, alias Anwar, Mando Dimalankay, alias Nasser, Norsadin Ibad, Yasser Benito, Bata Jalil, Malinog Jalil, Jamer Benito, Mohamad Osop, Abdulrahim Mustafa, Harry Pata, Anwar Mustafa, Berbel Martin and several other unidentified persons. (PIO Sarangani/Serafin Ramos Jr.)
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