NPA Landmine Kills an Army Soldier

IMPROVISED BOMBS are used by communist rebels to inflict maximum casualties among the soldiers. The shrapnels that fly aimlessly after an explosion have claimed the lives of innocent civilians.

COMPOSTELA VALLEY- An improvised bomb that was planted by NPA rebels exploded as soldiers passed by in a remote village of Compostela Valley, killing one soldier at around 5:30 p.m. today, 27 February 2012.

The Army's Peace and Development teams belonging to the Bravo Company of 25th Infantry Battalion, 10th Infantry Division, were conducting security patrols in Brgy San Vicente, Montevista town when a landmine suddenly exploded, sending shrapnel and debris all over the blast site.

As soldiers rushed for cover, the at least 15 rebels opened fire, triggering an intense firefight that lasted several minutes.

The rebels fled with their casualties when met with overwhelming fires from the soldiers.

Four soldiers who sustained shrapnel and gunshot wounds were promptly evacuated to a local hospital. One of them expired due to a fatal head wound.

The other casualties were declared out of danger by attending physicians. 

The Army has deplored the rampant use of the banned landmines by the NPA rebels, which is a violation to the laws of armed conflict.

The use of landmines also violates the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law which was signed by the GRP and the NDF.

Most importantly, any violation to the IHL is also punishable by domestic laws, particularly the Republic Act 9851 which was signed into law in 2009.

R.A. No. 9851 is a special law which is not simply criminal law but also international criminal law, international humanitarian law and international human rights law. 


Civilian death toll

Civilian deaths had been recorded as a result to the continuous employment of improvised landmines by the NPA in Region 11 and CARAGA region.

 Early this year, an elderly woman was killed by an NPA landmine in the CARAGA region. 

Last year, a civilian was killed and four others were wounded when they were attacked by armed rebels using the killer landmine, after taking part in a rally for peace and development in Maco, Compostela Valley.

In December 2010, the rebels detonated landmines which claimed the lives of 10 Army soldiers and a nine-year old boy in Northern Samar  

In 2009, communist rebels ambushed and wounded former Masbate Governor Elisa Kho.

Kho was riding a vehicle in a convoy along the national highway towards Masbate City when NPA rebels detonated two explosive devices, wounding her.

More and more people have expressed anger over the NPA's insistence to use the banned landmines in  its attacks against government forces.  

Brave Soldiers Receive the 'Purple Heart' Award

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The Philippine Army has awarded its version of the 'Purple Heart' to the soldiers who survived a bomb attack by suspected terrorists in Zamboanga del Sur.

Brigadier General Ricardo Rainier Cruz, the Commanding General of the Army's 1st Infantry Division, awarded the two soldiers who survived the bomb shrapnel which tore parts of their body.

Cruz awarded the Wounded Personnel Medal (WPM) to 2^nd Lieutenant Mark Joseph A Facaltan and Private First Class Boy Sarab, during his visit at their ward in Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City on February 23.

"I am very proud for your heroism and dedication in this particular incident. You did not hesitate to proceed to the scene of the explosion despite the risks that you were confronting," said Cruz in a statement.

Named as the Wounded Personnel Medal (WPM), the award is equivalent to the U.S. Army's popular award of the Purple Heart granted to its wounded soldiers.

Soldiers receive the WPM award for 'wounds sustained while in actual conflict with the enemy'.

It can be recalled that  Facaltan and  Sarab were wounded when an improvised bomb exploded as their vehicle passed by at around 7:20am on February 17, 2012.

They were members of the team which responded to an urgent call for help when another bomb explosion claimed the life of Rey Collamat, 42, in Usokan village, Labason town.

Soldiers and policemen are the first responders during bomb explosions that sometimes occur in some rebel infested areas.

The latest bomb attack was blamed to a former secessionist rebel who has turned into a notorious criminal.

Gen Rainier Cruz awards the Wounded Personnel Medal to Pfc Boy Sarab who was wounded by an improvised landmine in Zamboanga del Sur on Feb 17, 2012. (Photo by 1st Division Public Affairs Office)

Armed Clash Erupts in Cam Norte, 4 Dead

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur--Four people lay dead in a clash between Army soldiers and a band of NPA rebels in a hinterland village of Camarines Norte early afternoon yesterday, Feb 25. 

Lt Col Epimaco Macalisang, the Commanding Officer of the 49th Infantry Battalion, said that he sent a platoon of his unit after receiving a 'hot information' regarding the extortion activity of the rebels in Malaya village, Labo town.

"Our informant told me that the rebels were asking for food and extortion money from them. I readily dispatched my soldiers to check the veracity of the report," said Macalisang.

The clash broke out when the rebels started firing as soldiers approached their location at around 1:00 PM. The soldiers traded fires with the rebels who were positioned in concealed places around the encounter site.

The rebels fled after about 10 minutes of exchange of fires, leaving behind two of their dead comrades. There were no casualties among the soldiers who pursued the remnants of the armed rebels.

The soldiers confiscated two highpowered rifles including a Cal 5.56mm M4 Commando and a US Cal 7.62mm M14 Rifle from the slain bandits.

Residents who rushed to the scene identified one of the dead as Rafael Llanto a.k.a. Gopi, the second highest leader of the communist rebels in the region (Rehiyonal Yunit Gerilya).

They said that Llanto is a familiar face in the village during their extortion activities.

Another dead rebel was identified as Benjamin Manzera, 54, a resident of the said village.

Crossfire victims

Moments later, the soldiers who scoured the area discovered another two lifeless bodies of young boys who were caught in the fighting.

Macalisang identified the two as Michael Manzera,10, and his brother Richard, 7.

Another sister, Leoneza, 14, sustained a gunshot wound in her wrist and was promptly treated by the Army's combat medics. She is now recuperating in a hospital in Daet town.

Initial report states that the victims are the children of the slain rebel.

"I am saddened by this incident. I blamed it to the rebels who fired automatic shots at my soldiers, sending countless bullets to various directions," said Macalisang.

Another group of soldiers have proceeded to the area with SOCO operatives to conduct thorough investigation.

Major General Josue Gaverza, the Commander of the 9th Infantry Division, has condoled with the grieving relatives of the crossfire victims.

"I have offered the Army's assistance to the bereaved family members of the slain civilians. I am equally saddened by this unfortunate incident wherein these innocent children are caught in the crossfire. I have requested the PNP authorities in Camarines Norte to conduct a thorough investigation regarding this encounter," said Gaverza.

The Alumni Homecoming of the Philippine Military Academy

This is the premier military school in the country, the Philippine Military Academy. I spent my 4 years as a cadet in this institution from 1990-1994.

Graduates of the PMA flock to their alma mater in Loakan, Baguio City every February to attend the Alumni Homecoming events. 

Let me share my thoughts about this event.

Every cadet has his own fond memories about cadetship. I have plenty of these. All of the Cavaliers (as what PMA graduates are called), have their share of memorable experiences when they struggled to survive both the rigid military training and the difficulties brought about by their academic requirements. 

Graduates and former cadets are bonded by these common experiences. Those who belong to the same corps of cadets in a given period of time tend to be closer to each other due to these shared experiences. For example, I can relate my own unique experiences with those who belong to the PMA Classes of 1991 up to 1997.

This is the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines. They are  formed at the Borromeo Field. The Brigade Commander and his staff is shown in the foreground.

There are eight companies that comprise the CCAFP. These companies are called by their alphabetical and traditional designations. Alpha Company is also known as the 'Alpha Indians', with the Apache Indian as its mascot. I belong to the Hawk Company, also known as the 'Hawk Hunters'. Our company mascot is the hawk.

When I was a first class cadet, I popularized the term 'Mabangis' referring to the Hawk Hunters. This term is still used up to this day. If you see a cadet from Hawk Company, simply growl at the top of your lungs this way, "Hunteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrs!"; they will reply, "Mabangis!".

Other companies have their own traditions related to this as well. For example, if  you see a guy from Foxtrot Company, the 'challenge' is 'Foxtrooooooooooooooooot!', you will get the reply, "Coooooollllll!". These are examples of PMA cadet traditions. I could not enumerate all of them in one sitting.

While negotiating the winding road towards Loakan, I was trying to spot for the tarpaulin bearing the name of our class. Near the entrance gate, I finally saw one of the tarps. Ask any of my 'mistahs' (PMA classmate), he will proudly declare that this is the best tarpaulin. He will also say that our class is the best among all other classes since PMA was established, without batting an eyelash.  

This is the beautiful entrance gate of Fort General Gregorio Del Pilar. This is named after the hero of Tirad pass, 'Ka Goyong', the brave young soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice against the attacking American forces.

About 10 meters in front of this gate is a metal that covers a canal that crossed the road. It has a distinctive sound "clang! clang!" when this metal is rolled over by the PMA bus that carried us outside camp during parades in Manila or during field training exercises in nearby province of La Union.

 When I was a plebe, our upperclassmen usually said, "Plebes, back to normal. Head up!", everytime this distinctive sound is heard. I sometimes react to this 'clang! clang!' sound by performing the neck-aching 'head-up' everytime I visit our beloved institution years after my graduation.

This is the location of the Sundial where the traditional 'dunking' is done during birthdays, victory parties and graduation day. In the traditional 'dunking, senior cadets are 'tickled', 'punched', and thrown to this pool by junior cadets as part of the tradition. There is a fountain which bears the logos of the cadet companies around its column.

This is the Sundial. According to tradition, plebes belonging to the Alpha Company, are responsible for its daily maintenance. During our plebehood, mistahs from that company polish the brass parts before sunrise. Ask an 'old' Alpha Indian, he will share the story, especially the funny experiences about this tradition.

When I saw a female cadet, I directed her to come near me to 'scrutinize' her. When I was a graduating cadet in 1993, the first batch of female cadets joined the cadet corps (whether we liked it or not).

Present cadets still look snappy and I am proud of them. Do you know that the small black 'purse' that is attached to their uniform used to contain white handkerchief and candies? When we were plebes, we put some candies like the  Snow Bear and Curly Tops inside this container.

This is the office where our Tactical Officers are lurking. I met two of my immediate seniors from the PMA Class of 1993, Sir Levi (2nd from left), and Sir Louie (3rd from left) who gladly granted a photo ops with me and my mistah, Jake. Both seniors are my companymates, therefore they are 'Hunters' like me.

In the grandstand, the VIPs are watching the events together with the Guest of Honor. DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin of the PMA Class 1968 graced the occasion. With him are the senior leaders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines including the CSAFP, CG PA, CG PAF, FOIC PN. The Chief PNP and Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard were there too. As part of the tradition, the oldest surviving alumnus is given a special seat at the grandstand.

Some of the PMAers are still fond of 'tackling' their juniors just for the fun of it. I heard about the stories that circle around, telling the scene when the late Col Mapagtapat Ongchangco of PMA Class 1942, directed then DND Secretary Renato De Villa of PMA Class 1957, to carry his suitcase sometime in the 1990s.. 

Homecoming uniforms

Different PMA classes have their style of uniform. Some presented themselves like cowboys while others wear part of the cadet uniform, the corps jacket. (Photos by SSg Cesar Cuenca)

Others came in their coat and tie.

Some prefer to come in blue colored barong

Some wear the famous Barong Tagalog

The PMA Class 1997 is the first batch with female cadets. We were the firstclass (4th year) cadets when these ladies 'invaded' the men-dominated CCAFP.

The PMA Class of 1993 cavaliers are our yearling buddies (2nd year cadets).

I proudly marched with my mistahs, recalling the times when we formed in the same grounds during parades and inspections. Like all other PMA classes, a cadet is assigned as a color bearer, carrying the banner of the snappiest class (according to all members of PMA 1994).

During our parade, my son took this photo from behind a pine tree. All attendees had the chance to come near the cadet formation and 'tackle' the juniors! (Photo by Mikhail Harvey Cabunoc)

Color bearers are formed in the middle of the formation area. The building in the background reminds all attendees about the PMA Motto: Courage, Integrity, Loyalty.

To most of us, the Alumni Homecoming is also about refreshing the ideals taught to every cadet. It is about remembering that our institution has not failed in honing us to be among the  excellent leaders in this country.

Caramoan's Rock Formation (Gayon Bicol)

I took this photo when I visited Catanduanes Island which is just across the Caramoan peninsula. I contributed it to the Philippine Daily Inquirer. They used it as the  banner photo of Bandera.

Girl,21, recants 'gang-raping' testimony against Army Soldiers

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The woman who accused Army soldiers gang-raping her withdraws the charges that she filed before a Masbate court, a military official said.

Lieutenant Colonel Jun Pacatan, the Commanding Officer of the 9^thInfantry Battalion, said that the rape case filed by a certain "Lanie" (name withheld) was withdrawn by the complainant in her Affidavit of Desistance that she signed on February 20 (Monday).

Pacatan said that Atty Richard Riveral, the Assistant Provincial Prosecutor of Masbate, was present during the signing.

“The affidavit states that that allegation that she was raped or sexually abused by the respondents on January 30 and February 2 inside the military camp located in Puro village, Milagros town is not true,” said Pacatan.

Pacatan disclosed that the alleged rape victim followed her conscience and voluntarily withdrew the charges against her friends who invited her inside camp.

"The woman said that her accusations were not true, and that in the interest of justice, she prayed for the dismissal of the complaint," added Pacatan.

It can be recalled that "Lanie" engaged in a drinking spree with the soldiers inside the camp late evening on January 30, 2012.

Her soldier-friends allowed her inside the camp premises of Bravo Company/9th IB in Puro village, without the knowledge of the officers and senior enlisted men who are responsible over them.

She returned in the same camp on February 2 where she was again welcomed by one of the soldiers. Together, they went strolling in the nearby village of Calachuche.

The investigation conducted by the 9th Infantry Battalion disclosed that, "there were no indications of commotion or noises" during the time that the woman was inside camp.

The investigating body was also wondering why Lanie returned to the camp on February 2 after she was allegedly 'raped' by the soldiers.

She never complained to the military authorities about the alleged rape.

Administrative sanctions

Despite the withdrawal of the case against them, the soldiers will face administrative cases filed against them.

Pacatan said that he will never condone the wrongdoing of his soldiers who violated Army regulations by secretly allowing a civilian inside camp for a drinking session.

"I have relieved all the accused soldiers from their posts, including their Company Commander and the First Sergeant who will face sanctions for command responsibility. The six soldiers are now facing charges (Articles of War) filed before the Army's Provost Marshall Office in 9ID headquarters," he said.

Meanwhile, Major Harold M Cabunoc, the Army Spokesperson, said that the Philippine Army will never tolerate any transgressions to existing regulations.

"Our efforts to transform the Army is a continuous process and a daunting task that we must fulfill. We will not tolerate any wrongdoings by our personnel. We are a professional organization led by competent leaders who want to make the Army the source of national pride," said Cabunoc.

Walang Barya sa Jeep

Galing Fort Bonifacio, nakakagawian na ni Sgt Boloy na sumakay ng jeep papuntang Guadalupe kung saan sya nakatira. 

Eksena sa Sarao jeep na kanyang sinakyan ay 'tikalan' (yabangan). 

Ang pulis ang unang nagpa-abot ng kanyang pamasahe. Makinis, mabango at tigasing P100.00 ang inabot.  "Manong, galing sa Gate 3. Sensya na walang barya, bagong sweldo sa amin eh."

Ayaw naman patalo ang isang mapormang mama at sinundan ang pulis. Mabango at matingkad na P500 ang pinasa. "Manong, sensya na. Walang ring barya, seaman ako eh. Kakapalit ko ng aking dollars  sa Money Exchange". 

Nakakunot noo na si drayber at tila wala na syang pambarya. 

Ayaw magpatalo, nagpakitang gilas si Sgt Boloy. Dadagdagan ang problema ni manong drayber. Nag-abot ng kumakaluskos na tunog nyang P1,000 na bagong-bago pang labas at amoy imprenta pa.

"Manong, sensya na. Ako si Sgt Boloy. Galing akong AFPSLAI nag-loan!". 

Aerial View of Guinobatan Albay's hills

I was flying on board a military chopper when I chanced upon this excellent view of Guinobatan's hills. The town is located north of these hills.

3 NPA rebels captured in Quezon encounter

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – Three communist rebels were captured after a clash with Army soldiers in Quezon province Wednesday, February 22, a military official said.

Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Maquiling, the Commander of the 85th Infantry Battalion based in Gumaca town, said that a 9-man squad of his unit encountered more or less 10 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Brgy. Canda, Ilaya, Lopez town at around 12:15 p.m.

“I sent my soldiers to the area based on a report by concerned citizens regarding the presence of armed men who allegedly extorted money from the people in the area,” he said.

Maquiling also said, "the rebels fired the first shots when my soldiers approached their location", triggering the clash between the two groups.

The rebels fled after a 5-minute firefight, leaving behind three of their comrades who were cornered by the soldiers.

Three high-powered firearms including two M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, claymore mines, and the rebels’ personal belongings were confiscated by the soldiers.

The captured rebels have not given their true identities and their rights were respected, following the rule of law.

They are now undergoing custodial debriefing at the 85IB headquarters.

Following the legal procedures, Maquiling had coordinated the the local authorities for the identification and the disposition of the captive NPA rebels.

 "I have made coordinations with the local PNP and the LGU officials of Catanauan and Lopez towns about the disposition of the captured rebels who are residents of the said place," added Maquiling.

No one was hurt among the soldiers who have continued to pursue the remnants of the armed groups.

 

Maquiling also revealed that IPSP Bayanihan is working in his AOR as indicated by the cooperation extended by the local folks in the area.

“There is a growing number of civilian tipsters that provide information to government troops on the presence of NPA rebels in their localities. I urge the other residents to emulate the people in these areas by providing us with timely and accurate information so that the military can thwart any attempts of the NPAs to disturb  the peace,” he concluded.

Good Shepherd Convent, Baguio City

I liked the taste of the various 'sweets' made by Good Shepherd Convent the first time I tried it several years ago. Due to time limitations everytime I got the chance to visit Baguio, I failed to take a glance at this place.

To go there, we negotiated a circuitous, uphill road towards Mines View village. Since nobody among us knew the exact location, I relied on my GPS Map60 Csx for my navigation. I also counterchecked directions using mapa (as in mapagtanungan). Its entrance is along Gibraltar road, where you can find an arc which bears the signage of the convent.

Near the parking lot, visitors are welcomed by this signage. There is a pathway for visitors, making it safe to walk towards the store premises without worrying about the vehicle traffic.

One of the facilities inside the compound. The place is well-maintained and orderly.

It has its own parking area inside the compound. Arriving there at around 10:00am, the carpark is almost full with vehicles. Oooopps, no stray dogs please. Tie down your Bantay.

Seeing hordes of people who queued for the much sought after products, I came near the display window to investigate. Hoooooah!!! Everything looked mouth-watering!

An attendant took our orders and packed them right away while we were waiting at the cashier.

My son was excited upon seeing that there was a snack bar a few steps away. We tried the strawberry-lemon juice. It was very tasty!

I also tried the proud product of domesticated civet cats known as 'kapeng musang'. As a Scout Ranger (Musang), I felt the honor of savoring our mascot's sh_t! It tasted fine. I didn't like the price (P75/cup) :-)

When we paid our bill, we were convinced that we were helping a child go to school through the convent's charity programs. The products satisfied our taste buds and at the same time, we were also able to help the needy in one way or another.

I took a glimpse of the Cordillera mountains from a view deck about 25meters away. I saw the same terrain where I walked during our foot marches during my PMA cadetship. My trip to the Good Shepherd Convent also brought back good memories about my younger years. :-)

Army in Zamboanga recruits new batch of soldiers

CANDIDATE SOLDIERS undergo the physical fitness test under the supervision of Army PT trainers. (Photo by Cpl Marco Balinia) 

KUTA SANG-AN, Zamboanga – The Philippine Army in Zamboanga peninsula is announcing the recruitment and training of candidate soldiers for this year, a military official said.

Lieutenant Colonel Bagnus P Gaerlan, the Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel (G1) of the 1^st Infantry Division, said that the Command needs 142 males and eight female soldiers for the year 2012 as replacements to those who have retired in the military service.

“Normally, there is a decrease in the number of soldiers in the Army force due to retirement attrition, and dismissal. Every year, we fill up these gaps with our continuous recruitment efforts. The recruitment in the Zamboanga peninsula area started this February,” said Gaerlan.

Interested Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) applicants must submit the following requirements neatly organized in one folder:

Tab A- Whole body picture (white shirt and colored)

B- Bio-data with 2x2 ID picture

C- Original copy of NSO Birth Certificate with attached official receipt

D- Original copy of NSO marriage contract of parents (with official receipt)

E- Certificate of Legal Beneficiary

F- Original Transcript of Records (College/Vocational) or Form 137 & 138 (High School) with visible School Dry Seal

G- Diploma (with school dry seal)

H- PAATB Result (Official Result authenticated by the examiner)

I- PME Result (Authenticated and signed by the CO, ASH)

J- PFT result (Authenticated and signed by the PFT Officer)

K- Drug Test Result

L- Hepa Test Result

M- Local Clearances (shall be from the place of residence for at least ten (10) years) to include a. Barangay, b. Police, c. Mayor, d. RTC and e. NBI clearances

                      N- Affidavit of being single

O- Original Copy of NSO CENOMAR (with official receipt).

The following are the scheduled dates, activities and venues relative to CSC processing:

Stages	Date	Activities	Venue
Stage 1	01-10 Feb 12	Registration	MP gate 2
Stage 2	27-29 Feb 12	Diagnostic Examination	Division Gymnasium
Stage 3	06, 08, 13, 15 March 12	PFT	Division Gymnasium
Stage 4	26 March – 13 April 12	Skill Test	(SSBN, 1SIGBN, 1PED)
Stage 5	03 May 12	PA CS Validation/Inspection of Documents	Division Grandstand
Stage 6	07-30 May 12	Physical and Medical Examination (PME/Dental/NP Exam)	KCSSH
Stage 7	06-08 June 12	Board Interview	Officers Club House
Stage 8	12-13 June 12	Final Board Deliberation (Final Command Approval)	DCR
Stage 9	26 Jun 12	Final Call for male and Female CS	Division Grandstand
Stage 10	28-29 June 12	Rehearsal for Opening	Division Grandstand
Stage 11	01 July 12	Tentative Opening	Division Grandstand

Brigadier General Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz, the Commander of the 1^st Infantry Division, encourages all interested qualified applicants in the Division’s area of responsibility to join the Army thru Team Tabak in order to significantly contribute in the attainment of lasting peace, particularly in the Southern  Mindanao region. 

"I am inviting all able-bodied and qualified individuals to enlist in the Army. It is very rewarding to help our countrymen in this part of the country through the military service," said Cruz.

  

VALIDATION TEAM members from the Army headquarters scrutinize the documents submitted by applicants for enlistment. (Photo by Cpl Marco Balinia)