Alleged abduction occurred in Zamboanga City

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (February 27, 2017) - An alleged abduction incident took place at about 6:00 PM Saturday along the street of Thomas Claudio St, Zamboanga City, officials said.

PRO9 Information Officer PSupt Rogelio C. Alabata disclosed that the victim was identified as Benazar Bulusan Sirajani, 19 years old, male, single of Barangay Sinunuc, Zamboanga City.

Accordingly, the victim was walking along the street of Thomas Claudio St, Zamboanga City when a group of male person allegedly took him and boarded him to a four wheeled vehicle sedan type black color. While he was on board the vehicle he lost consciousness then when he woke up, the said persons dropped him at the street of Barangay Sinubong, Zamboanga City.

Alabata said, based on the investigation conducted by Zamboanga City Police Station and according to the victim, while walking at said street a male person who was then standing on the bushes called his attention that allegedly there was something strange in the bushes at said vacant lot which the complainant complied to verify, that upon approach said male person placed a folded handkerchief covering his nose and mouth which caused the complainant to lose his consciousness then allegedly boarded him on a said vehicle, further the investigator on case verified for possible presence of CCTV camera but to no avail.

Moreover, the investigator on case is still conducting investigation for the possible identification and whereabouts of the suspect/s.

DTI-ZDS Youth Entrepreneurship Symposia 2017

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (February 27, 2017) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)–Zamboanga del Sur, in line with the objectives of RA 10679 to promote entrepreneurship and financial literacy among the Filipino youth, is set to conduct a Youth Entrepreneurship Symposia (YES) 2017 on Tuesday, February 28, 2017, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Abrenica Hall, Sta. Maria District, Pagadian City.

The symposium will be participated by graduating students and their teachers from the top universities and colleges in Pagadian and Zamboanga del Sur.

DTI-9 Provincial Director Maria Socorro M. Atay, CESO V disclosed that the activity aims to advocate and promote entrepreneurial mindset amongst the graduating youth and to promote savings consciousness and financial competency through basic know-how in investing in financial instruments and through sound financial management.

PD Atay said, that the symposium will take the form of lectures, workshops, sharing of best practices and tips, and open forum. It will be facilitated by a professional speaker on entrepreneurship and an adviser in investment/financial management. Young entrepreneurs from the province who are successfully running their own businesses will also be invited to talk on their experiences.

Through this event, the students are expected to have a deeper appreciation of the need for more youth entrepreneurs to affect inclusivity in economic growth and social empowerment while helping address the problem of unemployment and widespread poverty, as well as learn the value of financial literacy and more importantly help them draft their planned businesses, PD Atay added.

DTI-9 Regional Director Sitti Amina Jain, Ph.D. once postulated, that even if 25 per cent of our graduates will pursue entrepreneurship, that automatically translates to 25% less graduates joining the ever-growing members of the students who go after for jobs instead of creating their own businesses.

She added, that if this 25% will become successful businessmen, then they might be able to absorb the 75% who will be looking for a job.

DTI-9 launches 2017 Negosyo Center Trainings and Seminars for batch 2

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (February 27, 2017) - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Zamboanga del Sur, through its Negosyo Center have scheduled a series of in-house trainings for calendar year 2017.

The training is scheduled on March 2, 2017 (Thursday) at the DTI-ZDS Conference Room, Capitol Site, Pagadian City. The training will start from 8:30am until 12nn and the registration is free.

DTI-9 Provincial Director Maria Socorro M. Atay, CESO V disclosed that the center is a one-stop shop of services to support startup and existing business enterprises. It also offers capability building and mentorship, as well as the following services: business registration, business advisory, and business information & advocacy. These trainings are for free and are scheduled in selected Thursdays of the month.

PD Atay said, that this week, with DTI’s primary advocacy of promoting entrepreneurship to the public, the Negosyo Center will be holding its 2^nd part of the seminar entitled “Building Business, Promoting Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy”. This will cater another batch for the discussion on Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy. Entrepreneurial mind setting will be discussed among the participants, as an important factor in the success of the business.

The seminar will also cover and impart financial literacy to our Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, PD Atay added.

PD Atay encourages both start-up and existing entrepreneurs to attend the seminar. Potential entrepreneurs and those who are still planning to open their business are also welcome to participate. For more inquiries they may call or confirm their attendance soonest at telephone numbers (062) 214-3326, (062) 214-2516 or text 09988630825 (SMART)/09177047169 (GLOBE).

DTI-ZDS holds a Seminar on Social Entrepreneurship for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (February 27, 2017) - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)- Zamboanga del Sur, through its mandate of promoting entrepreneurship and financial literacy among the Filipino youth, in line with the objectives of RA 10679, has conducted a seminar on Social Enterprises and Corporate Social Responsibility for Young Entrepreneurs during the Junior Philippine Council of Management Academic Day 2017 organized by the College of Business Education of Saint Columban College on February 25, 2017 (Saturday) at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Balangasan District, Pagadian City.

DTI-9 Provincial Director Maria Socorro M. Atay, CESO V disclosed that the seminar was attended by 200 3^rd year college students from the school, who are members of the Junior Philippine Council of Management (JPCM). This was in coordination with their JPCM adviser Ms. Marry Jane Manuales and the Dean of the College, Dr. Susan M. Ramirez.

Mr. Jason Jao, the Trade and Industry Development Specialist from the DTI-Zamboanga del Sur, discussed how the economy today is being participated by social entrepreneurs, from the traditional businessmen of the past era who don’t have any contributions when it comes to social changes. The seminar emphasized the characteristics of social enterprise and how it provides alternatives to current practices of businesses that has social impact to the society.

Through the seminar, the DTI-ZDS envisions to produce new graduates who are equipped with skills in venturing to businesses that will not only produce more jobs to the community, but also has positive contributions to their localities.

WestMinCom's statement on the deadline given by the ASG to produce the ransom on their German hostage at 3pm today

By Jong D. Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (February 26, 2017 AFP)- With deadline or no deadline, the WMC troops are exerting all effort and means in order to go after the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf and to rescue all kidnap victims, foreign and local, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the recent successes of the troops that resulted to the capture of two ASG members in Bongao, Tawi-tawi two weeks ago and the killing of 8 ASG members after an encounter in Capual, Sulu last February 7, indicate that the terrorist group have been badly reeling from these series of setbacks due to the government troops' operations and no longer have safe established encampments for them to hide their victims.

Petinglay added that the timeline given maybe due to the shortness of their funds and the need for them to establish new hiding areas. Nevertheless, the government forces in the entire WestMinCom together with the local government units and the communities are jointly addressing the problem brought about by the common enemy, the Abu Sayyaf group.

"Our troops are continuously conducting focused military operations to rescue the remaining hostages", MGen Galvez, the WestMinCom Commander said.

"We are calling for the people of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi for renewed cooperation in order to stop the un-Islamic and barbaric activities of the Abu Sayyaf particularly on the kidnapping of innocent civilians", he added.

Two members of the Local Terror Group Maute were killed, while one was captured in a law enforcement operation launched by operatives of the military and police in Iligan City

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (February 26, 2017) - Initial report disclosed that the group engaged in an armed confrontation with personnel of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Forces (PNP) after reports were received that the perpetrators flagged down and forcibly drove away a white Ford Ranger XLT pick-up owned by a businessman Othelo Adiong, 36 who was driving the car when they were stopped. With Mr. Adiong in the vehicle were his mother Elvira Adiong, 62, his wife Esthepanie Adiong and their son, who are residents of Iligan City and are on their way to their store when they were ordered to step down from the car by the armed Maute members along C3 road Brgy. Ubaldo Laya in Iligan City, Friday morning, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay said responding SAF members chased the white Elantra vehicle of the carnappers and eventually intercepted the said vehicle along Camague Road and arrested the driver who was identified as Eyeman Alonto from Marawi City. Meanwhile, the Ford Ranger which was driven towards the opposite direction by the carnappers was intercepted along the boundary of Iligan and Tagoloan, Lanao del Norte by the responding personnel from the CAA patrol base under 4Mech Battalion, Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine Army. Suspects fired at the government forces who were on checkpoint and blocking positions after they were alerted of the incident hence, the shootout.

Petinglay said, as a result, the enemy incurred two casualties who were later identified as Azzam Ampua Tahir and a certian Wowie, both from the Local Terror Maute group. Also, the arrested suspect was immediately turned over to the PNP Iligan City.

Also recovered by the troops were an M4 rifle with three magazines and 60 rounds of ammunition and a Caliber .45 pistol belonging to the group, Petinglay added.

“The prompt response of the government forces, as well as the quick coordination made by the police with the military, have led to the successful neutralization and  arrest of the members of the terror group and the recovery of their firearms,” said Major General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command.

“I would like to laud the forces for the readiness and professionalism they have manifested. And I am assuring the public that the government forces will continue to look after cities and communities so that these bad elements will not be able to freely conduct any atrocities", MGen Galvez added.”

Another sea jacking in Tawi-Tawi foiled

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (February 24, 2017)– Another sea jacking attempt by suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Tawi-Tawi thwarted when patrolling navy ships responded on the distress call from MV Dong Hae Star, officials said Wedsnesday morning.

Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) Spokesman Lt. Jose F. Covarrubias Jr said MV Dong Hae Star, a Panamanian flag ship transiting the Sulu Sea from China to Indonesia, reported to Littoral Monitoring Station (LMS) Bongao that suspicious black speedboats with 5 persons each on board was pursuing them in sea waters off Pearl Bank.

According to said MV, the suspicious speedboats desist from chasing them and maneuvered to open sea upon sighting responding navy ships, Covarrubias added.

LMS Bongao continued to monitor said vessel while transiting in Tawi-Tawi. Navy ships under JTF Tawi-Tawi also continue to patrol the area.

The Commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao, Rear Adm. Rene Medina had deployed additional vessels to JTF Tawi-Tawi and Sulu for maritime interdiction and to support the law enforcement operations in the area.

The AFP condemns the abduction perpetrated by these criminal groups who continuously compromise the peace and order in Western Mindanao.

Abu’s high-powered firearm, war materiel seized by troops in Sulu

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (February 24, 2017)- Elements of the Joint Task Force Sulu recovered a high-powered firearm and other war materiel belonging to the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in a clearing operation launched in Barangay Paligi, Indanan, Sulu Southern Philippines yesterday morning, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that recovered by troops of the 16^th Infantry Battalion were an M16A1 Armalite rifle with eight (8) magazines and 123 rounds of ammunition; two (2) hammocks; a pair of combat boots; and a bandoleer belonging to the Abu Sayyaf members.

Petinglay said that military troops were scouring the area after a 10-minute clash with the group of Aldin Bagadi in Indanan. The troops continue to conduct pursuit on the evading Abu Sayyaf members,who brought with them their casualties.

“The recent seizure only proves that the Abu Sayyaf members are hiding their armaments because their corridors have already been narrowed,” said Major General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command. “They are guising as civilians to evade government forces and civilians who report their whereabouts.”

Intensified military operations are ongoing against the Abu Sayyafs in the province of Sulu.

WestMinCom, DOH launched fun run in Zamboanga City

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (February 24, 2017)- Around 300 personnel of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) and other medical institutions in the City of Zamboanga joined the Color Fun Run and Zumba exercises launched early morning yesterday in Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that in line with the Heart Month celebration, the activity was held as part of the Go4Health strategy of the Department of Health to promote physical fitness, and was made possible through coordination with the WestMinCom. Participants had a three-round runaround the grandstand oval in Camp Navarro and Zumba exercise afterwards.

Lieutenant Colonel Joel Q. Mamon, Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Civil-Military Operations, on behalf of the WestMinCom Commander, Major General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., expressed his gratitude to the DOH for choosing the headquarters of the Command as venue of the said activity and said the Command is looking forward to another collaboration with the DOH.

Petinglay added that gift raffles were also awarded to the participants during the Zumba exercise. Among those who participated were personnel of the DOH, WestMinCom,Zamboanga Central Sanitarium, and Labuan Station Hospital.

Ms. Virginia B. Galaretta, DOH Health Education and Promotion Officer III, also thanked the WestMinCom for its support to the health advocacy of the department.

4 students injured in 40-mm grenade explosion in Zambo Sur school

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Feb. 22 (PNA) -- Four students were injured, two of them in critical condition, when the 40-milimiter (MM) grenade they were playing with exploded at a school in the nearby town of Lakewood.

Lt. Col. Virgilio Hamos, Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion commander, disclosed the incident took place around 7:20 a.m. Wednesday, February 22, in the Comprehensive National High School, Barangay Poblacion, Lakewood municipality.

Hamos identified the victim as follows: Rodulfo Halius, 17; Jonny Daluyon, 13; Alona Fe Cabral, 14; and Treshea Mae Calmonte, 13.

They were taken to the Provincial Medical Center in this city. Halius and Daluyon were in critical condition.

Hamos told the Philippines News Agency that investigation showed Daluyon on Tuesday brought to the school the 40-mm grenade coming from Mount Serungan, Lakewood.

According to Wikipedia, a 40-mm grenade is a military grenade caliber for grenade launchers in service with many armed forces.

Hamos said Daluyon and his classmates played, tinkered and buried the grenade before they went home Tuesday afternoon.

He said the 40-mm grenade exploded after they unearthed and played with the explosive upon arrival in school Wednesday morning.

“They unwittingly dropped it that caused its explosion,” he added. (PNA)
LAP/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION

Follow up report

One of the 4 wounded victims of explosion in Zambosur died

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (February 23, 2017) - One of the four wounded victims died, this was confirmed by provincial information officer Marivic Jongco that Rodulfo Halius was seriously wounded declared dead by his attending physician few hours after his medication at the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center.

Jongco said the provincial government through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office is conducting assistance to the assistance to the victims.

Lt. Col. Hamos also said that the said ammunition believed to be owned by the New People’s Army (NPA) and was abandoned by them since the place is identified as red area.

In police investigation P/Senior Inspector Avelmar Renan U. Garambas, Lakewood Municipal Police Station Chief disclosed that on July 2016 an encounter between the military and NPA happened in Mount Serungan where the grenade launcher was found on February 21, 2017(Monday) by Rodulfo Halius and believed to be a dud ammunition.

Halius brought the grenade launcher to the school and played, tinkered and buried the grenade before they went home Tuesday afternoon.

Police said the 40-mm grenade exploded after they unearthed and played with the explosive upon arrival in school Wednesday morning in the Comprehensive National High School, Barangay Poblacion, Lakewood municipality.

Troops pursue Abus after clash in Sulu

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (February 22, 2017)- Elements of the Joint Task Force Sulu (JTF Sulu) engaged in an armed confrontation with members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Indanan, Sulu yesterday morning, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that soldiers of the 69th Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division under the JTF Sulu were conducting focused military operations when they encountered an estimated 20 Abu Sayyaf members under AldinBagadi of the ASG Indanan Base in BrgyPaligi, Indanan, Sulu.

Petinglay added that after the 10 minute firefight, the Abu Sayyaf members fled, bringing with them their fatalities and their wounded members  while troops immediately conducted pursuit on the evading bandits. One of the soldiers was slightly wounded and was immediately evacuated to the nearest medical facility.

"Our troops are currently on the ground to pin down the Abu Sayyaf who are on the run and are evading military forces,” said Major General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command. "It is obvious that the corridors of the bandits have already been constricted due to their inability to hide in populated areas after the locals themselves resisted their presence within the communities", MGen Galvez added.

As of press time, the troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu continues to intensify the conduct of focused military operations to contain the ASG and to possibly rescue the hostages in Sulu.

OPAPP, 6ID Host Shoot for Peace with Love

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Abu’s spotter slain in Tawi-Tawi operation

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (February 22, 2017) - A member of the Kidnap for Ransom Group(KFRG) and spotter of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was slain at 2:00pm Sunday in a joint law enforcement operation launched by the military, police, and coast guard in Tawi-Tawi, Southern Philippines, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the KFRG member Al Abdullah was killed in a fire fight with Government forces who were conducting maritime security patrol off the waters of Bakungan, Turtle Island in Tawi-Tawi.

Reports from the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi disclosed that the troops were acting upon reports on the presence of armed KFRG members in the area and invited Abdullah for questioning. Upon verification, Abdullah admitted that he is the owner of the house where the armed men stayed and was among the reported armed men sighted at the said place.  He further disclosed that the names of his companions are Absar, MusubBaudin, and Man Baudi.

At 5pm of the same day, Abdullah asked permission to go home and was allowed by the government troops. However, the subject returned armed with an M16 Rifle and fired towardsthe operating troops. A fire fight then ensued that resultedto the death of Abdulla.

Recovered by the troops were an M16 rifle and several ammunitions found in the possession of Abdullah. His remains were turned-over by the troops to his family.

“This is a big setback on the Abu Sayyaf Group as we continue to intensify the conduct of law enforcement operations along with the police and maximize intel monitoring to pre-empt kidnappings within our joint area of operations,” said Major General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command. 

“Then again, it is proven that the direct involvement of the communities would put up pressure on the ASGs and constrict their movements. This will further help stop the group from creating havoc in the Province,” he added.

Dapitan City in DRT Show Singapore

By Jong Cadion

DAPITAN CITY, Zamboanga del Norte (February 20, 2017) - Following Dapitan's series of participation in the Dive Resort and Travel Shows in Hongkong and Taiwan last year wherein it effectively captured the diving markets in those countries, Dapitan City is participating this month in Singapore where there is a big market for the diving industry.

Office of the City Tourism Officer Apple Marie Agolong disclosed that their DRT Show participation is their 3rd major offering this month under the City Tourism Office wherein Dapitanons are so amazed with how the City is handling its Events and Promotions Programs as it embarked on activities which may not be called unique but definitely not the usual type of entertainment which are common in almost all cities.

The Local Government Unit through its Mayor, Rosalina G. Jalosjos is hoping to bring in Singaporean divers in our shores so that they will be able to enjoy the healthy marine environment in the sea triangle of Dapitan City. Its main proof is the recent sightings of more than 500 turtle hatchlings in some of its white sand coves and the more than 200 species of whales and dolphins as already being documented by the national agencies concerned.

Agolong added, after the historic FMC2 RAGE Night, it followed up with another big event which is the First Shrine City Fashion Runway where glamour, beauty and expression took center stage when Mindanao's Finest Designers met in Dapitan dubbed as the Shrine City of the Philippines.

Agolong said, with its very aggressive tourism marketing from both the local government unit and the private stakeholders, it is now a very famous tourist city having the only theme park in Visayas and Mindanao, the seat of the famous Dakak Park and Beach Resort, equipped with various ecotourism wonders and popular for introducing a lot of activities which is a level higher than the usual standards.

Afterall, Dapitan is indeed unique per se as it is the only place of exile of our national hero, Dr.Jose P. Rizal.

One NPA killed in military encounter anew in Zamboanga del Sur

 

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (February 20, 2017 ) – One (1) member of the New Peoples Army (NPA) was killed in encounter between the troops of 53^rd Infantry Battalion, Saturday February 18 at 11:30 in the morning in Sitio Lanayan, Purok 3, Barangay Gasa, municipality of Lakewood of this province.

53^rd IB Commander LtCol. Virgilio Hamos Jr disclosed that the troops of Charlie Company led by 1LT Rhoderick H. Alcantara encountered about thirty (30) New People’s Army (NPA) rebels resulted to one (1) NPA member killed, recovery of one (1) cal. 38 revolver with defaced serial number and ammunitions, subversive documents, personal belongings and several foodstuffs while troops from the government side were unscathed.

LtCol. Hamos added that the military action was in response to the reports by residents of Sitio Lanayan of forced collection of revolutionary taxes by the NPA led by Roger Maghinay aka “Marlon” and Jonathan Cruz aka “Nathan”—the military and political leaders of the communist’s SYP KARA, a guerrilla unit operating in the province.

Hamos said the NPA member killed is still unidentified as of this writing but is noticeably young about 16 years old. He stands about 5’0”, medium built and has fair complexion. His remains is now in Gamalinda Funeral Homes in Barangay Tubod, Lakewood waiting for any family member to claim.

LtCol. Hamos said that the encounter site was a temporary encampment of the NPA that can accommodate at least thirty (30) persons. Said site is believed to be used as training area based on the wooden structures made by the rebels such as kitchen, lecture area, bathing area and guard posts.

Sitio Lanayan is a subanen community situated six (6) kilometers north of Barangay Gasa, Lakewood and three (3) kilometers northwest of Barangay Lison Valley, Pagadian City and can only be accessed by foot. The residents’ livelihood rely on upland rice and corn farming and labor services during planting and harvest season in the vast rice fields of Barangay Lison Valley.

Hamos added, based in their initial investigation that according to their tribal leaders, Timuay Gawason Balibis and Timuay Dangkel Becsala, the NPA rebels stayed in the vicinity of Sitio Lanayan and other neighboring communities near the municipal boundaries of Bayog, Lakewood and Midsalip since October of the previous year during the unilateral ceasefire between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front (NDF). The timuays added that the rebels recruited able-bodied boys and girls, including minors, to join the NPA promising them a monthly salary of ten thousand pesos (Php 10,000.00) and other monetary benefits to their immediate family but eventually were not given to their members fully and regularly.

Based on the conversations of the residents with Jonathan Cruz, the NPA will still continue to strengthen their ranks and firepower even with the peace negotiations ongoing. Cruz, an NPA cadre from Davao region, told the residents that they will have the edge to demand and own enormous areas of land if the rebel movement will grow stronger. However as they stayed longer in the periphery of their sitio, collection of the rebels’ revolutionary tax levelled up wherein residents have to contribute to the logistical requirements such as food, clothing, medicines and ammunitions of the group including their new recruits. The residents even have to contribute their harvest and livestock during the celebration of the 48^th Anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) held in their sitio on the later part of December 2016. These circumstances urged the residents to report the presence of the group to the 53^rd IB.

Hamos said, with the persistent reports of extortion from the locals and the lifting of Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) against the NPA last February 3, 53^rd IB immediately launched offensive operations to isolate the communities from the extortion activities of the communist rebels. An armed engagement was immediately tallied by elements of the Bravo Company led by 1LT Justin Michael C. Rabino in the boundary of Puroks 3 and 4 of Barangay Mate, Tigbao on February 8 against at least ten (10) NPA rebels leaving behind their personal belongings and subversive documents. According to the residents, an NPA member was wounded during that said encounter.

Hamos expressed his sadness to the death of the young man. “His death was unnecessary because he was one of the many young locals enticed by the empty promises of the CPP-NPA-NDF that use minors to fill in their ranks. In fact, their members only serve as pawns of high-ranking communist leaders who receive large amount of money from their collection of revolutionary taxes and extortion to businessmen, politicians and contractors,” he said. He urged all Zambosurians to unite and take necessary actions to stop the activities of the NPA that aim to deprive development to a particular community. “It’s a cycle. Kung maraming naghihirap sa kabundukan, marami silang mare-recruit kasi nalilinlang nila ang mga tao na pinapabayaan sila ng gobyerno. Kaya ayaw talaga nila na umuunlad ang isang lugar at isa ito sa mga dahilan kung bakit nila sinusunog ang mga heavy equipment na gumagawa ng mga projects sa mga barangay o sitio,” he added. “The goal of our military actions is to isolate the communities within our area of operation from the presence of the NPA in order to prevent them from hampering the livelihood of the locals and eventually facilitate the delivery of developmental projects by the LGUs,” further explained LTC Hamos.

MILF disengages young combatants

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (February 20, 2016) - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) released about 50 children, who were previously engaged directly or indirectly in armed confrontations acting as couriers and support staff to their fathers and relatives who are members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the MILF in Mindanao, in a symbolic turn-over ceremony yesterday with the representatives of the Government, UNICEF and MILF in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, in the nearby province of Maguindanao, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the said turnover was witnessed by OPAPP Secretary Jesus Dureza; Major General Carlito Galvez, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command; Major General Zamrose, Head of Mission of the International Monitoring Team; and some local officials of Mindanao. The activity was facilitated by UNICEF and the MILF Vice Chairman Gadzali Jaafar along with the different Base Commanders of the BIAF.

Jaafar, who was representing MILF Chairman Al Hadj Murad Ibrahim, said that the MILF is doing this to show its sincerity in supporting the peace process and that the MILF wants the next generation to benefit from today's peace efforts.

"We need to unite for a better tomorrow because we believe that there is a better tomorrow," said Jaafar.

On behalf of the President, OPAPP Secretary Dureza lauded the efforts of the MILF, saying that "the government is happy that the endeavor has finally come to reality." He said he will talk to the other secretaries on how the government can provide support to the children in order to improve their social well-being and their communities.

According to the UNICEF country representative Lotta Sylwander, the ceremony was a historical event since the BIAF is the first and only armed group in the world that successfully turned-over children who were involved directly or indirectly in previous armed engagements.

The UNICEF which is responsible in profiling and identifying children among the BIAF members said that 60% of the children in their list are boys, while 40% are girls.

Petinglay added that the group is actively helping countries which has internal and external conflicts, specifically looking into the welfare of the children who are commonly the victims of war. The initial number of 50 is the first batch of children out of the 1,858 yet to be released from the statistical data of the international organization.

The WesMinCom Commander, Major General Galvez who had been working closely with the MILF being the former Chairman of the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), attended and witnessed the event.

"We must work hard today in order to ensure that the future will be peaceful. We must invest in the children because they are the ones who will be responsible for a peaceful and harmonious future", MGen Galvez said. "The Armed Forces sees this as a welcoming development and will be very supportive in the implementation of activities intended to develop the welfare of these children", he added.

Gadzali further commended Galvez for the tremendous achievements brought about by the successful collaborations made by the AFP and the MILF then and now. "Major General Galvez is genuinely working closely and actively in understanding the problems and finding means to be able to contribute to its long-term solution," said Jaafar.

During the turnover, certificates of disengagement were also accorded to the children indicating their-in their release from the organization.

Next batches of children are expected to be turned-over in the coming days after parents and relatives give their consent.