HOT OFF THE PRESS: The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper April 2-8, 2018

HOT OFF THE PRESS: The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper April 2-8, 2018

For all your publication needs and advertisements, please call Sales and Advertising Department at telephone numbers (062) 992-5480 in Zamboanga City and (082) 296-0658 in Davao City or mobile numbers (0995) 520-2358 and (0947) 482-3453. Or you may e-mail us at mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com

See media rates: http://mindanaoexaminer.com/ad-rates/
Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read Our News on: http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/
Share Our News
Digital Archives: http://issuu.com/mindanaoexaminernewspaper

Suspected terror leader killed in clash in North Cotabato

KIDAPAWAN CITY – Policemen foiled a possible terror attack after killing a suspected bomber in a clash at a roadblock in North Cotabato’s Aleosan town in southern Philippines, officials said Saturday.

Officials said the suspect who was travelling on a motorcycle had opened fire on policemen manning the roadblock in Dualing village in an attempt to evade arrest late Friday. The man was later identified as Buds Basilan, a sub-leader of the militant group called Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Policemen recovered an automatic pistol and an improvised explosive from Basilan’s bag and safely disarmed the device. The militant was said to have come from Midsayap village on his way to Aleosan.

Basilan, officials said, was also on its most wanted list and is facing a string of criminal charges in connection to the violent and deadly campaign of his group that police and military claimed is tied to the Islamic State.

Police said it has tightened security in North Cotabato following the clash and due to the Lenten season. (Rhoderick Beñez. Mindanao Examiner)

Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read Our News on: https://www.mindanaoexaminer.com and  https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/
Share Our News
Digital Archives: issuu.com/mindanaoexaminernewspaper

5 NPA rebels surrender in Sultan Kudarat province

COTABATO CITY – Five communist rebels have surrendered to the military in Lebak town in the southern Philippine province of Sultan Kudarat, officials said Friday.

Officials said the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels - Ariel Udas Apang, 29; Iyoy Lebeg Nayam, 31; Nicanor Nayam Apang, 38; and Ariel Matog Apang, 36; and  Uwi Sulay Kulam -  are all residents of Sultan Kudarat. They surrendered to the Marine Battalion Landing Team-2 under Lt. Col. Jose Marie Santos on Wednesday.

The group also surrendered one M1 rifle, an improvised Uzi sub-machinegun, one fragmentation grenade and two improvised explosive, according to 6^th Infantry Division chief Major General Arnel dela Vega.

The rebels, all members of the Manobo tribe, are currently being interrogated. The NPA has been fighting for many decades now for the establishment of its own government in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)

Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read Our News on: https://www.mindanaoexaminer.com and  https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/
Share Our News
Digital Archives: issuu.com/mindanaoexaminernewspaper

Austrian man murdered in Philippines

CEBU – A 61-year old Austrian man was murdered in the Philippines and authorities have launched a manhunt for his killers, including a Filipino woman who was with him before the attack, police said Friday.

Police said Franz Kremser was driving a motorcycle with the woman in Balugo village in Negros Oriental’s Valencia town when two gunmen attacked him on Wednesday. Kremser died on the spot from the shooting.

Kremser’s companion has disappeared and police were searching for her to shed light on the murder.

It was unclear whether the woman was taken by the gunmen or part of them as police continue to investigate the killing of the foreigner. Police said it could not provide details on Kremser’s background while investigation is going on.

The motive of the killing is still unknown. There was no immediate statement from the Austrian embassy. (Cebu Examiner)

Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read Our News on: https://www.mindanaoexaminer.com and  https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/
Share Our News
Digital Archives: issuu.com/mindanaoexaminernewspaper

Sulu Governor thanks Duterte for visit

President Rodrigo Duterte is welcomed by former Sulu Governor Sakur Tan and his son, Governor Totoh Tan, during a recent visit in Sulu province where the president inspected weapons surrendered by Abu Sayyaf militants. Also in the photo is National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon. (Mindanao Examiner)

President Rodrigo Duterte presides over a meeting with Sulu provincial officials led by Governor Totoh Tan. Also in the photo is the President's grand son Omar Duterte. (Mindanao Examiner)

SULU – Governor Totoh Tan thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for his recent visit to Sulu province where he inspected surrendered weapons and Abu Sayyaf militants who yielded to authorities.

Tan and his father, former Sulu Governor Sakur Tan, welcomed Duterte upon his arrival in Patikul town on March 26. Authorities presented to Duterte over 650 assorted guns, mostly illegal weapons; and Abu Sayyaf militants who surrendered to the military and local governments in the province.

“We thanked the President for gracing this ceremony and for his utmost concern for our people,” Tan said.

The governor led municipal mayors and the military in the ceremony attended by Mayor Hatta Berto of Pandami town, Mayor Arthur Muksan of Siasi; Mayor Al-Frazier Abdurajak of Panamao; Mayor Allayon Arbison of Luuk; Mayor Hadar Hajiri of Lugus; Mayor Nasser Daud of Tapul; Mayor Benshar Estino of Panglima Estino; Mayor Amilhamja Taib of Pangutaran; Mayor Abraham Burahan of Panglima Tahil; Mayor Peping Halun of Kalingalan Caluang; Mayor Wahid Sahidula of Tongkil; Mayor Madzhar Loong of Parang; and local residents.

“This showcases the harmonious relationship and trust built between local government units and the security sector as principal actors in building peaceful and progressive communities in Mindanao amid our sustained campaign to end lawless violence and demilitarize armed groups in the regions.”

“Notwithstanding this success, we will continue to employ a diplomatic approach in calling for the involvement of local officials and other partners for peace. I attribute this to the efforts exerted by our troops in conducting dialogues and tapping local officials in Western Mindanao,” said Army Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez, Jr., chief of the Western Mindanao Command.

Duterte also held a closed door meeting with Tan, who are all praises for the President. The Tans broke away from the Liberal Party during the presidential campaign in 2016 to support and campaigned for Duterte - which earned the ire of then President Benigno Aquino and presidential candidate Mar Roxas. The Tans are now one of the most ardent supporters of Duterte in Mindanao. (Mindanao Examiner)

Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read Our News on: https://www.mindanaoexaminer.com and  https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/
Share Our News
Digital Archives: issuu.com/mindanaoexaminernewspaper

Sayyaf leader surrenders

ZAMBOANGA CITY - A notorious Abu Sayyaf leader, who was reported by Malaysia to have been slain in a clash with security forces in Sabah, turned out to be alive and has surrendered to authorities in the southern Philippine province of Basilan, various sources said on Wednesday.

ARMM kicks off ‘Pakaradjaan 2018’

COTABATO CITY – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao's (ARMM) kicked off its 29th founding anniversary with various activities participated by civil workers led by Governor Mujiv Hataman in Cotabato City.

The year-long celebration dubbed “Pakaradjaan 2018” began on Monday with Hataman highlighting the gains of good governance in the region and the diversity of heritage of the Bangsamoro people. "The year-long commemoration of the ARMM’s history features events and activities showcasing the diversity of the region’s cultures and traditions, connected by its people’s shared passion for peace and justice in the region," he said.

The Pakaradjaan 2018 bears the theme “The ARMM Legacy: Exemplifying Good Governance in the Bangsamoro,” he said.

The line-up of events and activities include the following: Launching and Ribbon Cutting of ARMM Villages on April 16; Ramadhan Trade Fair on May 15 - June 15; Food Festival on July 23; Master Chef Competition on August 24; ARMM Debate Competition on September 21-23; Lanao del Sur Cultural Night on October 17;  Tawi-Tawi Cultural Night on October 24; Sulu Cultural Night on October 31; Sheikh Makhdum Celebration on November 7; Basilan Cultural Night on November 14; Sayaw Street Dance Competition on November 19; Maguindanao Cultural Night on November 21; Moro Film Festival on December 4-7; Sports Peace Festival on November 7-December 9; Shariff Kabunsuan, Closing Program and Awards Night and Fluvial Float Competition on December 19.

"Hindi na lamang tayo “Muslim Mindanao” kundi Bangsamoro. Moro tayo: mulat sa magkakaugnay nating kasaysayan; patuloy na kumikilala sa magkakarugtong nating kinabukasan," Hataman said.
Hataman, together with the different ARMM officials, led the banging of the gong which signalled the opening of the 29th ARMM Anniversary celebration.  Similar ceremonies were also held earlier in the five component provinces of the region, which were attended by thousands of employees and residents.

The regional government will again put up five mock cultural villages representing the provinces of the ARMM inside the ARMM compound in Cotabato City, which will be opened to the general public inside. The cultural villages would feature the traditions, heritage, products, the people and the arts of communities in Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Each village will be headed by a chieftain. Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Kahal Kedtal will serve as the Maguindanao Chieftain; Agrarian Reform Secretary Dayang Carlsum Jumaide as Tawi-Tawi Chieftain; Education Secretary Rasol Mitmug as Lanao del Sur Chieftain; Executive Secretary Laisa Masuhud Alamia as Basilan Chieftain; and Public Works and Highways Secretary Don Mustapha Loong as Sulu Chieftain. (Bureau of Public Information)

Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read Our News on: http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/
Share Our News
Digital Archives: http://issuu.com/mindanaoexaminernewspaper

'Kagahub, mga talan-awon ug mga balita' Ni Jun Ledesma

Mga Sulat gikan sa Davao
:

NING-ABOT NA na mi diri sa makasaysayanong syudad sa Vienna. Pagtungtong gyud namo sa teritoryo sa Austria gikan sa Hungary nga nagmora og dakong wanang sa bag-ong gikultibar nga kaumahan nga makadani sa atensyon. Human na ang winter apan wa pa magmata ang kabungturan ug kaumahan. Wa pay ningbukhad nga kabulakan sa spring apan hapit na kay wala na may snow. Di na madugay ang kakahuyan manahon og berde.

Daplin sa dakong sapa sa Danube ang Hilton Danube Hotel. Og wa ko kasuroy karon sa Uropa, dili ko masayud nga kining sapaa ningsubay diay sa pipila ka nasud sa Uropa. Niadtong niaging duha ka gabii sa Budapest, ninglabigar mi sa sapa sa Danube ug sa restawran sa barko na mi nangaon. Karon, kada abli nako sa bintana sa among kwarto sa Hilton, sugaton ko og kahingangha ug pagdayeg sa asul nga sapa sa Danube.

 

Ang mantalaan nga USA TODAY dunay usa ka espesyal nga edisyon dinhi. Duha ka butang ang ningdani dayon sa akong pagtagad. Si US President Trump ningkopya sa giyera kontra sa droga sa Pilipinas, Singapore ug China. Nakiggubat si Trump kontra sa manngilngig nga hulga sa droga sa America nga nagapatay og di momenos 30,000 ka biktima kada tuig ug nagapaantos sa mga bag-ong natawo nga mga bata og mga upat ka tuig gikan sa pag-anak. Segurado ni kun ang ilang mga ginikanan adik sa mga synthetic nga opioid o kemikal nga droga nga ginapayuhot pinaagi sa lungag-lungagon nga utlanan sa Estados Unidos ug Mexico. 

Nanawagan sab si Trump sa silot nga kamatayon sa mga tigpayuhot og droga. Matud pa niya, ang tigtulak og droga nagabiktima og daghan og nagabuno (murder) og gatusan ka tawo bisan og wa siya mogamit og pusil. Naalarma si Trump ug kun tugotan lang siya, idasdas niya ang giyera kontra sa mga sindikato sa droga nga way kukaluoy.

Ang ikaduha mao ang pagbabag sa nangulo sa sanga sa human rights sa UN, si Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, aron dili siya makahatag og pakigpulong atubangan sa UN Security Council. Basig kuyapan ang mga sabaan ug alingugngog nga mga kritiko ni Presidente Duterte ug ang Commission on Human Rights kun makahibalo niini. 

Daghang mga miyembro nga nasud nga suportado sa Russia ug China ningprotesta batok sa pagtuki sa isyu sa human rights sulod sa Security Council. Nakakaon lagi siya og tagam. Wa siyay kalainan sa ICC prosecutor nga nagahukom base sa hulohungihong lamang sa mga tabian og baba. Ang Vienna ang sentro sa classical music ug mga bilding nga pwerteng nindota. Sama sa syudad sa Budapest sa nasud sa Hungary, ang Vienna ningpahiuli sa mga bilding nga nadaut sa mga giyera. Ang mga palasyo ug ang parliament gipreserba ug magpanon ang libo ka libong turista ug mga estudyante sa mga nagkalainlaing universidad sa Uropa aron pagbisita ug pagsud-ong sa katahum sa nagatagbo nga karaan ug moderno nga kasaysayan.

 May pito ka Filipino-American nga apil niining among Imperial Europe Tour. Naghimaya sila sa mga dagko kaayo nga mga proyekto nga seryoso gyud nga ipursige sa administrasyong Duterte. Gipasaligan nako sila nga kining mga proyektoha buhi nga realidad sa di pa mahuman ang termino sa administrasyong Duterte. (Jun Ledesma)

Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read Our News on: http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/
Share Our News
Digital Archives: http://issuu.com/mindanaoexaminernewspaper

Government backs ARMM’s reintegration program for former Sayyaf militants

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) reintegration program for Abu Sayyaf group (ASG) members received a positive message of support from Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Lorenzana said the ARMM's reintegration program will be supported by the national government. The statement came after the program delivered positive results from its initial interventions.

He, along with Alexander Macario, Assistant zsecretary for Peace and Order of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), attended the ARMM’s Regional Peace and Order Council meeting recently at the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City.

The reintegration program dubbed Program Against Violence and Extremism (PAVE), was initiated by ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman’s office. PAVE is designed to provide opportunities to members of the ASG who surrendered and returned to the fold of law for reintegration in society. The program is expected to result in more ASG members surrendering in the coming months.

A total of 173 former Abu Sayyaf members from the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi have recently surrendered to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), or to their local government units (LGUs).
John Louie Balagot, Cabinet Secretary of the ARMM Governor’s Office and current PAVE manager, said the ASG members must also give up their firearms upon surrendering.

Balagot said a series of interventions were piloted involving the 89 returnees from Basilan since July 2017. The interventions include psychosocial sessions, medical check-ups, introduction to farming systems, and expository tours outside the island provinces, which are designed to usher the complete reformation of the former combatants into decent and productive members of society.
The returnees will also be provided with farm implements as livelihood support and housing from the ARMM-Bangsamoro Regional Inclusive Development with Growth and Equity Program. “After hearing Secretary Lorenzana’s support, we will be able to expand and enhance our program to deliver more services to the returnees,” Balagot said.

Assistant Secretary Macario said the national government, through the DILG, is also making a reformation program dedicated to the ASG. “We commend the regional government for the initiatives it has taken to stabilize peace and order in ARMM,” Macario said.

In the coming months, the returnees from Sulu and Tawi-Tawi will undergo interventions similar to those in Basilan. In Sulu, there were 61 returnees, and 23 in Tawi-Tawi. PAVE has been running in cooperation with LGUs in Basilan, AFP Joint Task Force, Basilan provincial government, Basilan Young Leaders Program, Nagdilaab Foundation, Inc., and Eisenhower Fellows Association of the Philippines. (Bureau of Public Information)

Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read Our News on: http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/
Share Our News
Digital Archives: http://issuu.com/mindanaoexaminernewspaper

'Sounds, sights and news' By Jun Ledesma

Letters from Davao: 

WE ARRIVED here in the historic city of Vienna. The moment we crossed the border between this country and Hungary vast expanse of what look like freshly cultivated fields immediately caught my attention. Winter seemed to have finally come to an end but neither hills nor fields have yet to come alive. Spring has yet to yield some buds or flower bulbs but considering that snow is no longer visible here, it will not be long when deciduous trees will be green again.

Hilton Danube Hotel is right along the riverside of the Danube river. Until I traveled in this part of Europe did I realise that this river cut across countries in Europe. Just two nights ago in Budapest, we cruised along the river Danube and dine there too. Today however, when I opened our room window at the Hilton I was awed wth the blue water of the Danube.

USA TODAY has a special edition here. There were two items which caught my immediate attention. US President Trump emulating the drug campaigns in the Philippines, Singapore and China. Trump is waging a war against the menace of drugs in America which kills no less than 30,000 victims annually and subjects infants in extreme pain for at least four years after they are born. This happens as their parents are addicted to either synthetic opioids or chemical drugs that are smuggled through the porous border of USA and Mexico. Trump calls for death penalty on drug traffickers. He says a drug pusher victimises not a few people and that while that trafficker may not be using guns he or she murders hundreds just the same. Trump is alarmed and if he has his way, it will truly be one hell of a campaign against drug cartels.

The other item which should shock the Commission on Human Rights and other vociferous critics of President Duterte is the blocking of the notorious UN human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein from speaking before the Security Council. Several member countries backed by Russia and China protested asserted that human rights issues should not be discussed in the UN body. He had it coming. He is no different from the ICC prosecutor who prejudges based on pure hearsay.

Vienna is the Mecca of classical music and of architectural marvel. Like Budapest of Hungary, Vienna has restored what had been ravaged by wars. The grand palaces and parliaments were preserved and thousands of tourists and students from various universities in Europe flock to these places where ancient and contemporary histories meet in anachronistic splendor.

There are seven Filipino-Americans in this Imperial Europe tour. They are ecstatic over the mega-projects which the anticipate will finally happen under the Duterte administration. I assured them that many of these will be pulsating realities within four years of the Duterte regime. (Jun Ledesma)

Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read Our News on: http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/
Share Our News
Digital Archives: http://issuu.com/mindanaoexaminernewspaper

Military apprehensive over NPA truce

DAVAO CITY – The Philippine military on Tuesday expressed apprehension over the suspension by the New People’s Army of attacks against military targets over the holy week and security officials branded the action as a “desperate attempt” by rebels to gain moral ground.

The order to suspend rebel attacks coincided with celebration of the NPA’s 50^th anniversary, but a military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Garcia said the unusual declaration by the NPA is another ploy to deceive security forces, the Duterte government, and especially the people “so that the government will be forced to declare SOMO in order for them to reconstitute forces, recruit new members, extort money, and rest from the unceasing focused military operation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).”

“This is a desperate attempt of the NPA to gain the moral high-ground by seizing the opportunity to paint religiosity in their organization while the basic principle of Communism by which their fake revolution is anchored, does not believe in God and reject religion. The NPA anniversary which is usually marked by violent attacks against government forces and atrocities against the people incidentally falls within the holy week this year,” Garcia said.

He said the NPA truce is suspicious. “Whatever the decision of the political leadership, the AFP will follow legally mandated orders. Rest assured that our troops will continue to monitor and conduct appropriate security measures to protect the people and vulnerable communities,” Garcia said.

The 6^th Infantry Division also said that at least 81 NPA supporters from the Dulangan Manobo tribe surrendered to the military in Sultan Kudarat province. “The effort of the military to convince our brothers and sisters to turn their backs from the terrorist group is clear manifestation we should promote peace,” said Major General Arnel dela Vega. “History has taught us that no issues can be resolved by any form of armed struggle but rather win the peace than go to war.”

Dela Vega said the tribesmen had supported the rebels for 2 years until their surrender following a combined focused military operation and government reintegration efforts. The rebels have been fighting for decades now in an effort to put up a separate state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)

Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read Our News on: http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/
Share Our News
Digital Archives: http://issuu.com/mindanaoexaminernewspaper

HOT OFF THE PRESS: The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper March 26-April 01, 2018

HOT OFF THE PRESS: The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper March 26-April 01, 2018

For all your publication needs and advertisements, please call Sales and Advertising Department at telephone numbers (062) 992-5480 in Zamboanga City and (082) 296-0658 in Davao City or mobile numbers (0995) 520-2358 and (0947) 482-3453. Or you may e-mail us at mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com

See media rates: http://mindanaoexaminer.com/ad-rates/
Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read Our News on: http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/
Share Our News
Digital Archives: http://issuu.com/mindanaoexaminernewspaper

Kidnapped Muslim teacher released in Sulu

SULU – Kidnappers have released a school principal after her family paid ransom in exchange for her freedom in Sulu province in southern Philippines.

Marjorie Abdul, who was seized on Thursday inside the Liang Elementary School in Patikul town, has been reunited with her family Friday.

It was unknown how much ransom her family had paid to the kidnappers, who are believed to be allied with the Abu Sayyaf. At least five gunmen barged into the school and dragged Abdul to a waiting vehicle.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the latest abduction. The military's Western Mindanao Command did not release any statement on Abdul's release.

Just this week, kidnappers also freed another Muslim teacher, Doris Hamsirani, who was recovered in Liang village, also in Patikul town.
The teacher was snatched on March 7 in Timbangan village in Indanan town, but details surrounding her abduction were unclear. It was unknown whether her family paid ransom or not, or whether the Abu Sayyaf or other group was behind her abduction. Police provided no other details.

The Abu Sayyaf is still holding over a dozen hostages, mostly foreign sailors, in the troubled region. (Mindanao Examiner)

Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read Our News on: http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/

Thousands of NPA rebels yield in Mindanao

DAVAO CITY – Thousands of communist rebels and their supporters have surrendered to the military in the first quarter of this year in southern Philippines and more are expected to yield in the coming months to take advantage of the government’s amnesty offer, officials said Friday.

Army Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Garcia, chief of Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Public Affairs Office, said more than 4,350 New People’s Army rebels and communist supporters have actually surrendered to the military and that majority of those who yielded were from the regions of Davao and CARAGA, which are all known NPA strongholds in Mindanao.

“The massive surrenders of NPAs and their supporters were attributed to the combined focused military operations, intelligence efforts, civil-military operations, re-integration efforts, peace and development programs of the military and police; and the intense campaign of local governments in convincing their constituents who are members and supporters of the NPA to go back to mainstream society,” Garcia said.

“The AFP expects more surrenders as former rebels and supporters divulge corruption and deception inside the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the NPA. Revelations from former rebels during investigations disclosed that most of them were deceived into believing the propaganda and false promises of their leaders,” he added.

Major Ezra Balagtey, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command in Davao City, said over 300 rebels, including 17 commanders, had surrendered to them during the first quarter as the government continues its campaign to lure insurgents to return to the fold of the law. Aside from those who yielded to the military, at least three dozen New People’s Army leaders and fighters have also been arrested in separate operations.

He said some 240 assorted rebel weapons were also recovered by soldiers in the first three months of the year. “We are expecting more to surrender in the region,” Balagtey said.

Army Lieutenant General Benjamin Madrigal Jr, the regional military commander, has attributed the mass surrender of rebels to the extensive combat operations and intensified community support programs, and also the call of President Rodrigo Duterte for insurgents to return to the fold of the law and live peacefully with their family.

“We attribute this to the extensive security operations being conducted by our units to protect the communities. Furthermore, being popular in all strata and sectors of the country, the call of the President for the NPA to surrender reverberates and continuously sinks into the minds of the rebels which greatly contributes to the snowball of surrender including some of their leaders," he said.

The NPA has been fighting for nearly 5 decades now in an effort to overthrow the democratic government and install a Maoist state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)

Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read Our News on: http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/

‘The Bong Go fever’ By Jun Ledesma

Letters from Davao: 

HE WAS and still is dubbed as the (supreme) photo-bomber. But in the life of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte he is more than what anybody could imagine he is. Heads of states as well as the ordinary hoi polloi who want to to talk to or seek the former mayor of Davao City and now President of the Philippines has to first talk to Christopher T. Go before getting to his boss.

Short wonder why he gets the enviable privilege to have selfies with heads of states. In first encounters they would always recall the name of Bong Go, the President’s all around man… private secretary, runner, sub-memory data bank, the gate keeper and everything.

Bong, as we all call him, fits his job to the T. The most intimate person to the President but nary a hint would one hear him take pride of that enviable post. His lips is almost perpetually zipped when it comes to matters involving the President, politics and his own role as Presidential Assistant (with a rank of secretary) and head of the Presidential Management Staff. The only time he bares himself is when he dons his basketball uniform. Bong is a mean basketball player.

But don’t mistake Bong’s extremely reserve mien for anything less than what he is. He is a graduate of Business Management from La Salle University. That should explain why he systematically imbibes and manages the voluminous data which he could dish out on the spot when Duterte asks one.

How he handles calls and SMS from more than 6,000 daily callers and texters is a wondrous mystery.

In less than two years on his present job he has travelled to all nooks and crannies of the country than any of the incumbent senators. And like his boss he has been in places where most of the senators fear to trek. He learned his lessons in politics the hard way and yes you can bet … he learned this hands on.

He is neither a movie star nor a son of a famous name. But his name Bong Go resonates with Digong Duterte. Maybe just the only thing he hasn’t learned is the litany of expletives that his boss is quite famous with.

But I have known Bong up close. Simple, extremely polite and, like his boss, he is a very compassionate man.

I have gone this length writing about Bong’s persona. I have to admit I was beaten into it by the rabid opposition and Rappler’s Pia Ranada who thought that placing the most intimate man to the President in the senate grand inquisition to answer questions about his alleged involvement in the frigate deal would earn them a slam dunk. Bong only spoke of the truth and he was unflinching. He became extra famous. From then on Bong became his own man. His boss, the President, is really proud of him and so are we. (Jun Ledesma)

Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read Our News on: http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/

‘Kahinam kang Bong Go’ Ni Jun Ledesma

Mga Sulat gikan sa Davao: 

GIBUNYAGAN SIYA og numero unong tigpamomba sa mga litrato. Apan sa kinabuhi ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte mas labaw pa siya sa makaya ninyo og handuraw. Ang mga dagkong tawo sa laing nasud ug gustong makigkita sa kanhi Mayor sa Davao ug karon Presidente na sa Pilipinas kinahanglan nga makig-istorya una kang Christopher T. Go sa di pa sila makaatubang sa iyang boss. Di na ta mahibulong kun ngano nga duna siya’y pribilihiyo nga mokuha og mga selfie kauban ang mga dagkong tawo sa ubang nasud. Sa unang kita pa lang ila dayong mahinumdoman ang pangalan ni Bong Go, ang tawo sa Presidente nga bisa’g unsa lang ang isugo, private secretary, runner, tigtigum ug tigpasa sa mga impormasyon nga kinahanglan sa Presidente, tig-abli ug tigsira sa ganghaan, ug uban pa.

Si Bong, ang tawag namo niya, haum kaayo sa iyang trabaho. Siya ang pinakasuod sa Presidente, apan di jud ka makabati gikan sa iyang baba nga ipanghambog niya ang paggunit niya sa gikaiban nga posisyon. Halos serado ang iyang baba sa mga butang nga may kalabutan sa Presidente, sa politika ug sa iyang papel isip Presidential Assistant (ranggo og kalihim) ug tigdumala sa Presidential Management Staff. Masil-ip lang nimo siya kun mag-ilis siya og uniporme sa basketball.

Superyor siyang magdudula sa basketbol. Basin og makaminos ka ni Bong tungod kay di siya mahilig makihalubilo ug seryoso kanunay ang iyang nawong. Gradweyt siya sa Business Management sa La Salle University. Mao na ang rason ngano nga sistimatiko niyang masabtan, matipig ug mahulbot diha-diha ang grabe kadaghan nga mga datos ug impormasyon nga gikinahanglan ni Duterte.

Kun giunsa niya paghandol sa mga tawag ug mga SMS gikan sa lampas 6,000 ka libo ka manawag ug mga motext usa ka misteryo nga makahingangha. Wa pa siya’y duha ka tuig sa iyang trabaho sa Malacanang apan nakatravel na siya sa tanang suok sa Pilipinas nga labaw pa sa mga nagalingkod nga mga senador karon. Ug sama sa iyang amo nakaabot na siya sa mga lugar nga ang mga senador hadlok motaak. Natun-an niya ang mga leksyon sa politika sa lisud ug praktikal nga mga pamaagi.

Dili siya sikat nga bida sa sine o anak og bantugan. Apan ang iyang pangalan naglanoglanog kauban ni Digong Duterte. Tingali ang wa lang niya matun-i mao ang litaniya sa mga pamalikas nga gibantog ug gikaintapan nga abilidad sa iyang amo. Kaila kaayo nako si Bong. Simple, matinahuron ug, sama sa iyang amo, manggiluy-on. Daghan na ko og nasulat ug isulat pa bahin kang Bong.

Moadmitir ko nga naunhan ko sa paghimo niini sa mga mora og mga irong buang nga oposisyon ug ni Pia Ranada sa Rappler nga nagtuo nga ang pagbutang sa pinakasuod sa Presidente ilawom sa halos way utlanan nga imbestigasyon sa senado bahin sa mga alegasyon sa pagkalambigit kuno niya sa kontrata sa prigata mohatag kanila og sayon ug daghan nga puntos. Gibatbat lang ni Bong ang kamatuoran nga way paglipudlipod. Mas ningsikat siya human ini. Gikan niadto, nailhan na siya isip siya, si Bong Go. Ang iyang boss, ang Presidente, mapagarbohon kaayo sa iyaha, sama sa gibati natong tanan. (Jun Ledesma)

Gunmen storm school, seize teacher in Sulu

SULU – Gunmen barged Thursday morning into a government school in Sulu province in southern Philippines and seized its head teacher, security officials said.

Officials said at least 5 gunmen were involved in the abduction of Marjorie Abdul at Liang Elementary School in Patikul town, a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf group blamed for the spate of ransom kidnappings in the restive region.

Captain Jo-ann Petinglay, a spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command, said security forces were deployed in the town to track down and rescue Abdul.

“The Western Mindanao Command is exhausting all efforts and means to track down the captors and rescue the hostage who was forcibly taken by five armed men in the school premises. Lateral coordination with the police and the provincial government has been established to intensify all pursuit operations, identify the perpetrators, and trace their hideouts,” she said.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the latest abduction, but Petinglay, who condemned the attack, said all intelligence resources are being utilized to obtain further information about the gunmen.

“We strongly condemn any kidnapping ploys employed by lawless groups in the province. Rest assured that we will sustain our operations in coordination with law enforcement agencies,” she said.

Just this week, kidnappers freed a Muslim teacher, Doris Hamsirani, who was recovered in Liang village, also in Patikul town. The 45-year old teach was snatched on March 7 in Timbangan village in Indanan town, but details surrounding her abduction were unclear.

It was unknown whether her family paid ransom or not, or whether the Abu Sayyaf or other group was behind her abduction. The Abu Sayyaf is still holding over a dozen hostages, mostly foreign sailors, in the troubled region. (Mindanao Examiner)

Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read Our News on: http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/

Abducted Muslim teacher freed in Sulu

SULU – Kidnappers have freed a Muslim teacher barely 2 weeks after she was seized in the southern Philippine province of Sulu.

The 45-year old Doris Hamsirani was recovered Tuesday in the village of Liang in Patikul town, police said.

Hamsirani was snatched on March 7 in Timbangan village in Indanan town, but details surrounding her abduction were unclear. Police said she was brought to a hospital in the capital town of Jolo for a medical check-up.

It was unknown whether her family paid ransom or not, or whether the Abu Sayyaf or other group was behind her abduction. Police provided no other details.

The Abu Sayyaf is still holding over a dozen hostages, mostly foreign sailors, in the troubled region.

The military did not release any statement on Hamsirani’s release. (Mindanao Examiner)

Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read Our News on: http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/

Troops pursue rebels who snatched civilians in Mindanao

PAGADIAN CITY – Government soldiers pursued Wednesday a band of communist insurgents who briefly seized 3 civilians and used them as shield while they escaped a military campaign in Misamis Occidental province in southern Philippines, officials said.

Captain Benjie Jimenez, a spokesman for the 1^st Infantry Division, said the operation was an offshoot on an earlier clash with New People’s Army in Aloran town where they snatched a farming couple and a villager. The trio was later released unharmed and recovered by soldiers.

This was also confirmed by the town’s mayor, Junie Roa, and Roxas village chieftain Marieta Dologaog who claimed the victims were seized from their homes. “The two local officials reported that three of their constituents were forcibly taken from their home and used as human shields by ten communist NPA terrorists while retreating after their armed encounter with 10^th Infantry Battalion troops in Sinampongan (village),” Jimenez said.

“The 10^th Infantry Battalion immediately conducted rescue operations for the kidnapped civilians. The kidnapped civilians were released after the communist NPA terrorists were able use them as human shields to scamper away from the army’s rescue operations,” he added.

Major General Roseller Murillo, the army division commander, condemned the NPA for holding civilians hostage and used them as shield against pursuing soldiers. “This terroristic act of kidnapping innocent civilians for use as human shields is a crime against international humanitarian law and act of desperate criminal cowards who care nothing about the welfare and safety of the people,” he said.
The NPA has been fighting for many decades for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)

Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read Our News on: https://www.mindanaoexaminer.com and  https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/
Share Our News
Digital Archives: issuu.com/mindanaoexaminernewspaper

3 soldiers wounded in roadside explosion in Philippines

DAVAO CITY – Three government soldiers were injured in a roadside explosion Tuesday in the southern Philippine province of Compostela Valley, a known stronghold of communist insurgents in the restive region.

The soldiers were travelling in a truck in Kingking village in Pantukan town when suspected New People’s Army rebels remotely detonated the bomb. The blast wounded Corporal Michael Tabanao, Privates First Class Jerome Penaranda and Albert Cahepe, all members of the 46^th Infantry Battalion.

The wounded soldiers were rushed to hospital in Tagum City. Their medical condition is unknown and the military did not release any statement on the daring attack.

Last week, rebels also strafed a low-flying agricultural plane and fatally wounded its pilot Captain Lynbert Laguda Sr in Surigao del Sur province, also in southern Philippines. Despite his wound, Laguda managed to safely land his aircraft and rushed to the hospital, but eventually died due to loss of blood from a gunshot wound he sustained in the body.

Laguda, a seasoned pilot from Dana Farms Aviation Inc. based in Davao City, was spraying fertilizer over a farm in Tagbina town when rebels targeted his plane. He was flying a single-engine biplane Grumman G-164 Ag Cat agricultural aircraft and a member of the Agricultural Aviator Association of the Philippines. The plane bore 3 bullet holes – on the fuselage near the cockpit, wings and on the nose near the engine of Laguda’s aircraft.

NPA rebels have previously threatened to attack agricultural aircrafts in the restive region where the communist group had been extorting money from aviation firms. The rebel group has been fighting for a separate Maoist state in the country for many decades now. (Mindanao Examiner)

Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read Our News on: https://www.mindanaoexaminer.com and  https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/
Share Our News
Digital Archives: issuu.com/mindanaoexaminernewspaper