Philippine Navy opens independent film competition

by Jell E. Guzman

Philippine Information Agency, Saturday, June 04, 2011

MANILA, June 4 (PIA) – The Philippine Navy in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is inviting film enthusiasts to join the independent film competition in celebration of the Navy’s 113th founding anniversary.

The contest is open to all Filipino filmmakers, including Philippine Navy personnel and their dependents focusing on the theme “Philippine Navy: A Vital Partner for Peace, Security, and Development of our Maritime Nation.”

According to the Naval Public Affairs Office, the independent film contest aims to feature the Philippine Navy as a partner of the Filipino people in nation building, upholding peace and security, and development.

All entries should be in digital video format, not exceeding 60 minutes, and must be strictly independent works, not to be produced or released for commercial screening.

Winners will get a chance to win P40,000 for the first prize, P25,000 for the second prize, and P15,000 for the third prize.

Deadline for submission of entries is on October 14, 2011, before 5:00 p.m. at the Office of the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Civil Military Operations, N7, Philippine Navy Headquarters, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

All winners will be announced on December 17, 2011. Entry forms may be downloaded at the Navy website at www.navy.mil.ph.

For more information, please visit the Navy website or call the N7 office at (02) 525-6267 or 524-2061 locals 6130, 6112, 6373 or email cmo_hpn@yahoo.com.

PIA

Malaysian ‘terrorist’ captured

By Lee Ann P. Ducusin

Journal Online, Friday, June 3, 2011

IMMIGRATION and naval intelligence operatives captured a Malaysian believed to be a member of an international terrorist group operating in the south.

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David, Jr. said members of the BI’s Mindanao intelligence unit and the Navy’s intelligence command in Region 11 arrested Abdul Aziz Usman, also known as Aziz Bin Othman in Bgy. Inawayan, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

Usman, 50, was nabbed together with his aide Omar Abu, who is likewise believed to be a Malaysian national.

They were arrested after months of intensive surveillance by authorities.

The BI chief added that the Malaysian is suspected of working as a finance officer for a terrorist group, which is closely associated with the Abu Sayyaf bandit group and the Al-Qaeda network of slain terrorist Osama Bin Laden.

“He could not present any travel documents, thus we will deport him for being an undocumented alien,” he said.

According to the report, Usman was also the object of complaints for his involvement in the trafficking of Filipino Muslim women to Malaysia, some of whom are forced into prostitution and white slavery.

Maria Antonette Mangrobang, BI acting intelligence chief, said Usman was about to marry a Filipina in a ceremony at a mosque when he was picked up by the arresting agents.

Earlier, the Philippine Navy said at least five foreigners with links to Bin Laden are hiding in the south.

Topping the list is US-trained engineer named Zulkifli Bin Hir, alias Marwan, a Malaysian who reportedly trains the Abu Sayyaf in bomb-making.

Also being hunted is Mauwiyah, a Singaporean; Indonesians Saad and Qayyim; and Malayian Amin Baco, a Malaysian.

Journal Online

Raps filed vs 122 Vietnamese nabbed for poaching

By Abigail Kwok

InterAksyon, Friday, June 3, 2011

MANILA, Philippines - Police on Thursday filed charges of illegal fishing and illegal entry against 122 Vietnamese fishermen caught poaching Monday off Balabac in Palawan.

Chief Superintendet Artemio Hicban, Mimaropa regional police director, said Friday the charges were filed before the Puerto Princesa City regional trial court.

The Vietnamese, onboard seven fishing vessels, were arrested May 30 by a composite team of police and Philippine Navy personnel.

Asked if the Vietnamese fishermen would be deported, Hicban said: "It all depends on the results of the negotiation with the Vietnamese embassy if they will be deported or they will serve their sentence here."

InterAksyon

Philippine troops nab suspected Malaysian terrorist

by Xinhua

China Daily, Thursday, June 2, 2011

MANILA, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Philippine troops arrested a suspected Malaysian terrorist and his Filipino companion in the province of Davao del Sur, a military spokesman said Thursday.

Philippine Navy Spokesman Lt. Col. Omar Tonsay said Navy intelligence operatives and Immigration officers nabbed Abdul Aziz Usman while he was getting married last Saturday at Kalagan mosque.

Usman's companion, Omar Abu, was also arrested. Abu is a member of the Tausug tribe and a resident of Sulu province.

Tonsay said Usman "was not able to present any document regarding his entry to the Philippines" when arrested by elements of the Naval Intelligence Security Group and the regional Bureau of Immigration.

A military report said Usman "advocates the belief of (slain al- Qaida leader) Osama bin Laden." Usman is also suspected of working for a finance officer for a terrorist group affiliated with the Abu Sayyaf and the al-Qaida.

China Daily