Cop killed by fellow cops in Davao

A policeman was killed by responding fellow policemen in Davao City Monday evening, April 30.

Initial report showed that policemen were responding to a reported commotion infront of Ponte Trade Master in Buhangin near the Police Regional Office 11 in Camp Quintin Merecido. It was reported to the authorities that a pedicab driver identified as Ronald Bala was being mauled by an unknown person.

When elements of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 11 arrived at the area around six in the evening, they were reportedly fired at by the suspect. The RMFB personnel readily fired back killing the suspect who was later identified as SPO1 Roger Padayogdog who was also assigned at the RMFB 11.

The responding policemen readily rushed their colleague to the Southern Philippines Medical Center for treatment where he later expired.

Police investigation showed that Padayogdog’s peers have observed lately that the suspect was emotionally distressed.

Authorities are still investigating the incident.

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SERIES OF CLASH IN LAAK, COMVAL PROVINCE AND ASUNCION, DAVAO DEL NORTE

Asuncion, Davao del Norte – Army troops belonging to the 60th Infantry Battalion, 46th Infantry Battalion and 71st Infantry Battalion under the 1001st (Pag-Asa) Brigade engaged the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in a series of clashes in the boundaries of Laak, Compostela Valley Province and Asuncion, Davao del Norte on April 29, 2018.

The troops responded to the information given by concerned residents who were fed up by the extortion activities of these armed groups.

At 03:39 PM, series of encounters took place at the boundary of Laak and Asuncion (Camadi District) involving 60IB and 71IB against undetermined numbers of Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) believed to be members of Pulang Bagani Command (PBC) 4, Sub-Regional Command (SRC) 4 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).

At 04:30 PM same day, another encounter occurred with 46IB troopers to the retreating CNTs going to Asuncion, Davao del Norte.

The said firefight resulted to one (1) soldier killed in action and two (2) soldiers injured. Likewise, troops were able to recover eight (8) High Powered Firearms and one (1) unexploded Improvised Explosive Device (IED) from the Communist NPA Terrorists.

The unit, together with PNP and CAA detachments in the area of operation (AO), has established checkpoints while clearing operations are ongoing.

60IB Commander, Lt. Col Gilbert Ombos, says that military operations will continue in areas threatened by the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs). However, Ombos emphasized that “the AFP is still open for CNTs willing to surrender and avail of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the government”. He further reiterated that “War has no victors, only victims. Winning without fighting is still the best option. The government is willing and ready to accept and help them (NPAs) return to their normal lives,” Ombos said.

Meanwhile, Major General Noel S Clement, Commander 10ID commended troops’ accomplishment and said “Our soldiers are ready and determined to do its mandated task of protecting the people and securing communities.”

“10ID remains steadfast. We will not stop until the last member of the CPP-NPA terrorist surrenders as we continue to conduct Focused Military Operations, Community Support Programs, information gathering and purposive stakeholders engagement in bringing peace and building conflict- resilient communities,” MGen Clement added.

LETTERS FROM DAVAO: Saving our OFWs

By Jun Ledesma

The diplomatic ties between Kuwait and the Philippines is in a litmus test so to speak. This after a helpless and hopeless maid was rescued by elements of the Embassy without coordinating with the local authorities, video recorded the operation and then broadcasted the episode for reasons which can only be descrbed as sublime idiocy.

Since nobody wants to own responsibility, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte took the cudgels but deeply disturbed by yet another OFW’s life was in peril he begged the Overseas Filipino Workers in Kuwait to come home.

The critics of Duterte, long hankering for issues to diminish the trust and popularity of the President, suddenly emerged from the catacombs, feast on the issue like hungry hyenas. That should make them salivate and happy for now.

We knew for a fact that Kuwait employs about 250,000 OFWs. Contrary to general perception that they are mostly domestic helpers a large number of them are in Iraqi’s vital oil and construction industustries, help man health and other technical services. I would like to believe that employing Filipinos is not only on account of the OFWs industry and capability but at one time in the most critical balance in the history of Kuwait, the Philippines sent an armed contingent to help them fight against the invading forces of Iraq and help in the restoration of peace and stability in the Gulf states, Kuwait included.

That, for me, was the tie that binds the two distant countries. There were impulsive acts, knee-jerk reactions but when passions settles down sober talks and rational decisions have to be made. The reciprocal sacrifices and favors are etched in the history of both countries.

IF President Duterte appeals to OFWs to consider coming home I want to believe that it is on account of an impending shortage of skilled labor and engineers given the mega-infrastructure projects which will be implemented soon under the Build Build Build program of the Duterte administration. The Philippines is in the fulcrum of shifting geopolitics in Asia. It has slowly weaned itself from the umbilical cord of mother America and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with China, Russia, Japan and remains a steadfast member of the ASEAN. The dramatic growth of China and the sustained economy of Japan plus a new-found friendly relations with Russia open brighter prospects for OFWs.

There is reason to recall our OFWs. Years back, then Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo wanted to recall domestic helpers so that under TESDA they can be retrained and to upgrade their skills. This, on account of the fact that our DH are English speaking and the children of their employers are taught by them not only English but Arithmetic. The program however was objected to by labor groups and non-government organizations for the flimsy reason that the DH will be displaced. It was grand stupidity.

This time however, the Duterte government can pursue that program. Rather than exporting domesting helpers, under the tutelage program of TESDA they can now find placements in countries like China, Singapore, Korea and Japan as Domestic Tutors. This will translate to raising not only their status to a professional level but conversely their take home pay. Given that credentials I am sure they will not be treated like slaves and end up in a freezer.

Broadcaster, former NUJP-Dumaguete chair critically wounded in gun attack

Motorcycle-riding gunmen shot and seriously wounded a broadcaster and former Dumaguete City chapter chairman of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines in the capital of Negros Oriental late Monday morning, April 30, 2018.

Edmund Sestoso, who hosts the daily blocktime “Tug-anan” on dyGB 91.7 FM, was on his way home to Barangay Daro after his program when he was attacked around 10 a.m., a close friend of his who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation, told the NUJP.

Between four to five bullets struck Sestoso, two in the chest, the others in the stomach and leg. The source said the gunmen also shot the tires of a pedicab whose driver had intended to rush Sestoso to a hospital.

Good Samaritans had to wait for another vehicle to take the wounded radioman to a health facility, where he was expected to undergo emergency surgery.

The motive for the attack on Sestoso has yet to be determined by authorities.

(NUJP RELEASE)

PMA Cadets to arrive for Southern Cruise 2018 Davao Leg

The Philippine Military Academy Class of 2020 will be arriving in Davao City early morning of May 1, 2018 at Sasa Wharf, Davao City for their their Southern Cruise 2018 Davao Leg.

The City Government is expected to welcome them 10:30 in the morning ar Sasa, Wharf aboard the Philippine Navy Ship LD 601.

The purpose of the tour is to orient the cadets from different AFP and PNP units in Davao and widen their perspective on the dynamics of military service.

The Davao Leg of the tour which will last until May 5, 2018 includes the conduct of Silent Drill Exhibition in Jose Maria College on May 3, 2018 at 9:30 in the morning and at University of Mindanao Matina Campus on May 4, 2018 also at 9:30 in the morning. The exhibition will be opened to the public.

The Cadets are likewise expected to engage fellow youth and students and other organizations in an interaction activities lined up for them.

Recruitment Booth in some of the malls in the city will also be put up to allow would be applicants and other stakehokders to know more about cadetship.

Meanwhile, as part of the activity, Foster Parents Association in Davao City are expected to adopt the Cadets during their arrival.