EastMinCom happy Guerrero now the chief of staff of AFP

From the Mindanao Times (Oct 27): EastMinCom happy Guerrero now the chief of staff of AFP

THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (East Mincom) welcomed the announcement of Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero replacing Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año as the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Maj. Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of EastMinCom, said in an interview at the sidelines of the arrival ceremony of 2nd Scout Ranger battalion at Naval Felix Apolinario station, Camp Panacan, clarified that there’s no final decision yet on who will be their next commander.

 

“The one who will recommend for the next replacement for EastMincom commander is the incoming chief of staff, Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero,” Balagtey said.”For now, he still has no relief order from EastMinCom so he also remains the commander,” he added.

Meanwhile, in a separate interview, Guerrero, thanked the President for the trust and confidence given to him.

“I am humbled by the confidence given by no less than PRRD,” he said in a text message to TIMES.

The name of Maj. Gen. Rafael Valencia, the former commander of 10TH Infantry Division, has been floated around as the next EastMinCom chief.

Guerrero is the strong contender for the next AFP Chief with the rest of the generals submitted to the President. It is also not clear if he will serve for two months or he will be extended as he will also reach the requirement age of retirement on Dec. 17.

Before his assumption as the AFP Chief, he was the commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), 701st Brigade commander in Davao Oriental, commander of Task Force Davao, commander of 3rd Infantry Division in Capiz and senior military assistant of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Año, who already reached the mandatory retirement age of 56, expressed confidence that Guerrero can do his job well as the head of the AFP. “I know that the next AFP Chief can run the AFP to the best that he can,” Año said. “

His designation was approved by President Rodrigo Duterte on Oct. 25. He is a member of Philippine Military academy “Maharlika” class of 1984.

Meanwhile, Año will be appointed as the next Department of Interior and Local government (DILG) as announced by President Rodrigo Duterte last May.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/eastmincom-happy-guerrero-now-the-chief-of-staff-of-afp/

DWDD: OPEN FORUM | 33IB talks with former NPA members

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 28): OPEN FORUM  |  33IB talks with former NPA members

PRESIDENT QUIRINO, Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat (DWDD) – Lt Col Harold M Cabunoc, the Commanding Officer of 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion and Cpt Rogelio M Agustin Jr, the commanding officer of Charlie Company, met former New People’s Army rebels situated in Bagumbayan town to hear their thoughts and experiences.

The Makabayan Battalion has engaged the people to gain popular support in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign against the communists. Video editing by Pvt Henrich Burata/MCAG

https://web.facebook.com/makabayan33ib/videos/755630424628793/

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/28/open-forum-33ib-talks-with-former-npa-members/

DWDD: REINTEGRATION | 33IB visits fmr rebels acting as Lagbasan Cave tour guides

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 28): REINTEGRATION  |  33IB visits fmr rebels acting as Lagbasan Cave tour guides

PRESIDENT QUIRINO, Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat (DWDD) – The 33rd Infantry “Makabayan” Battalion visited Lagbasan Cave at Sitio Sukong, Brgy Kuden, Sen Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat together with former NPA rebels as tour guides.

Lt Col Harold Cabunoc, the Commanding Officer of the 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion, supports the reintegration of former rebels by mentoring them as future tourist guides. 33IB/MCAG

https://web.facebook.com/makabayan33ib/videos/755628101295692/

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/28/reintegration-33ib-visits-fmr-rebels-acting-as-lagbasan-cave-tour-guides/

DWDD: COMMUNITY OUTREACH | 33IB engages residents of Sitio Kilogib

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 28): COMMUNITY OUTREACH  |  33IB engages residents of Sitio Kilogib

PRESIDENT QUIRINO, Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat (DWDD) – The 33rd Infantry “Makabayan” Battalion continued its community outreach activity in Sitio Kilogib, Bgy Midtungok, Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat.

The activity was participated by Sultan Kudarat Tourism Office, Local Government Unit-Sen Ninoy Aquino and civilian volunteers.

Kilogib is one of the communities that hosts former NPA rebels.

The Makabayan Battalion facilitates the reintegration of former rebels back to their communities. Photos by S7, 33IB





http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/28/community-outreach-33ib-engages-residents-of-sitio-kilogib/

DWDD: CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS | Com 33IB talks with Community Leaders

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 28): CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS  |  Com 33IB talks with Community Leaders

PRESIDENT QUIRINO, Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat (DWDD) – Lt Col Harold M Cabunoc engaged the people to resolve community issues through the support of their local leaders.

Communist insurgents have exploited the prevailing issues to recruit armed members and community supporters. Photo by Pfc Salbidin Maulana/MCAG



Lt Col Harold M Cabunoc listened to the concerns raised by the people of Sitio Kamanga, Laguilayan village, Isulan, SK. The communist recruiters of Guerilla Front 73 had recruited NPA members among the Manobo tribe using the community problems as tools of agitation. Lt Col Cabunoc coordinated with the village officials to submit a council resolution to the battalion.



Lt Col Harold M Cabunoc presented the council resolution to Gov. Sultan Pax Mangudadatu, requesting an access road, health center, and day care center for the Manobo tribe in Sitio Bulawan, Laguilayan village.



Sultan Pax Mangudadatu, the Governor of Sultan Kudarat, reads the resolution and directed the Provincial Engineers Office for the project implementation.



Lt Col Harold M Cabunoc presented the council resolution to Engineer Ed Maaya, the Provincial Engineer of Sultan Kudarat for the implementation of the project.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/28/civil-military-relations-com-33ib-talks-with-community-leaders/

DWDD: TOURISM SOLDIERS | 33IB assist advocacy groups

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 28): TOURISM SOLDIERS  |  33IB assist advocacy groups

 

PRESIDENT QUIRINO, Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat (DWDD) – Troops of Alpha Company of the 33^rd Infantry MAKABAYAN BAttalion spearheaded by 1Lt Cesar Ballado assisted the local government of Senator Ninoy Aquino during the visit of mountaineers at the 21 Falls in Sitio Paraiso, Lagubang, Sen. Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat.

The Makabayan Battalion engages the civilian sector by supporting advocacy groups. Photo by A/33IB/MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/28/tourism-soldiers-33ib-assist-advocacy-groups/

DWDD: PEACE AND SECURITY | New CSAFP turns sights on Reds, terrorists

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 28): PEACE AND SECURITY  |  New CSAFP turns sights on Reds, terrorists



“The priorities in the area of peace and security are clear — finish the remaining terrorist groups, neutralize the communist threat, and support law enforcement agencies in efforts against lawless armed groups.”

LtGen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero
Chief of Staff, AFP

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/28/peace-and-security-new-csafp-turns-sights-on-reds-terrorists/

DWDD: SUPPORT OUR TROOPS | Families of fallen heroes to receive P330M from SMC

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 28): SUPPORT OUR TROOPS  |  Families of fallen heroes to receive P330M from SMC

CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – San Miguel Vice Chair, President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon S. Ang and the outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff, Gen. Eduardo Año, on Thursday signed a memorandum of agreement that would provide P2 million to each family left behind by 165 soldiers and policemen killed in action.

In his speech, Ang said the grant was a gesture of gratitude for the “ultimate sacrifice” of the fallen heroes of Marawi.



“Because of your skill, dedication, patriotism, bravery, Marawi is free and our country is much safer,” Ang said, addressing the AFP.

“While we celebrate this historic victory we are also in mourning. Many of our soldiers had to make the ultimate sacrifice and die fighting for our country. They gave up their lives so that we could live free,” he added.

“It is because of them and their stories that we want to become better people.”

“We cannot replace them nor can we repay them for their sacrifice but we can honor them and help fulfill their dream of better lives for their families,” CRSAFP/MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/28/support-our-troops-families-of-fallen-heroes-to-receive-p330m-from-smc/

DWDD: NEW LIFE | 22 NPA surrenders to 33rd Infantry “Makabayan” Battalion

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 28): NEW LIFE  |  22 NPA surrenders to 33rd Infantry “Makabayan” Battalion



PRESIDENT QUIRINO, Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat (DWDD) – The AFP reiterates its call to members of the terror group New People’s Army who were misled to the violent path, to surrender and give peace a chance and totally abandon the armed struggle.

A total of 22 members of the terror group NPA voluntarily surrendered to the troops of 33rd Infantry “MAKABAYAN” Battalion and local officials of Sultan Kudarat on October 26, 2017.



According to Col Harold Cabunoc, Commander, 33rd IB, the NPAs were members of Guerilla Front 73 operating in Senator Ninoy Aquino town, Sultan Kudarat. At the same time, they also surrendered their firearms and some Improvised Explosive Devices (IED)

As of the latest, almost 50 NPA terrorist have already returned to the fold of the law through the efforts of the 33rd IB since May this year.

Col. Cabunoc added that the surrenderees have already adjusted back to their normal and peaceful lives and have also received financial and livelihood assistance from the government. 33IB/MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/28/new-life-22-npa-surrenders-to-33rd-infantry-makabayan-battalion/

DWDD: FINANCIAL SUPPORT | P2.3-M ECC Benefits for Marawi Soldiers, Cops

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 28): FINANCIAL SUPPORT  |  P2.3-M ECC Benefits for Marawi Soldiers, Cops

MANILA (DWDD) – The Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) is giving a total of P2,392,479.62 benefits for soldiers / policemen wounded or killed during the Marawi siege.

According to ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis, the financial assistance covers uniformed personnel deployed in Marawi and it covers the month of January up to September 2017 of which P1,752,479.62 is for the EC Disability Benefits while P640,000 is for the EC Death Benefits and this will be distributed through the Government Service Insurance System.

The ECC issued Board Resolution No. 17-06-22 for the fast processing of EC benefit for members of the AFP and PNP who were killed or wounded in Marawi.



“Ang ECC Board Resolution No. 17-06-23 ay ipinalabas hindi lamang para sa mabilis na pag-proseso ng EC benefit ng mga kasapi ng AFP at PNP na nasaktan o nasawi sa pagsasagawa ng military at police operation, gayundin para sa agarang pagbibigay ng tulong sa ilalim ng programa ng ECC na Katulong at Gabay ng Manggagawang May Kapansanan,” Banawis said.

The KaGabay Program or Katulong at Gabay ng Manggagawang May Kapansanan of the ECC provides assistance to persons with work-related disabilities (PWRD) through skills or entrepreneurial training and gives rehabilitation services and appliances in preparation for their immediate return to their community.



Another program of the ECC is the Quick Response Program that has provided services to 192 uniformed personnel, composed of 170 from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 20 from the Philippine National Police, and two from the Bureau of Fire Protection

“Ang ECP benefit ay bahagi ng benepisyong ipinagkakaloob sa mga kawani ng AFP at PNP na nasaktan o nasawi habang naglilingkod, sa ilalim ng Comprehensive Social Benefits Program,” accordng to Banawis.

He added that the ECC will continue to provide various benefits and services to all workers who have fallen ill, injured or have died while fulfilling their duties. They are also promoting the importance of staying fit and safe in the work-place. ECC/MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/28/financial-support-p2-3-m-ecc-benefits-for-marawi-soldiers-cops/

DWDD: SB 1607 | Job Security for AFP Reservists

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 27): SB 1607  |  Job Security for AFP Reservists

MANILA (DWDD) – A senator has filed a measure seeking to protect the employment rights of members of the reserve force of our Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) when they render military service for the country.



“The measure aims to ensure that Reservists will be reinstated to their civilian careers by the end of their required military service, whether for training or deployment purposes,” said Sen. Bam Aquino in his Senate Bill No 1607 or the Reservist Employment Rights Act.

Under Sen. Bam’s measure, reservists shall be entitled to their original position, or to a substantially equivalent position, without loss of seniority rights, and diminution of pay.





“This bill also ensures that companies cannot require reservists to use their standard leave credits entitled them for absences, for the military service they are required to render,” added Sen. Bam.

During the Marawi siege, around two battalions from the reserve command were mobilized alongside the regular soldiers of the AFP to fight the terrorists who held the city under siege for five months.

Sen. Bam said some of the reservists temporarily left their jobs behind when they were mobilized to Marawi City. Unfortunately, some of them never regained their old positions or were reassigned to other offices due to their long absence from work.



“This bill also ensures that companies cannot require reservists to use their standard leave credits entitled them for absences, for the military service they are required to render,” said Sen. Bam.

Furthermore, the bill protects reservists who suffered any injury or disability as they would still be entitled to reinstatement as long as they can perform the essential function of their original employment.

The measure also gives adequate training for reservists, compensation for non-reinstatement and military service and penalties for discriminating current and prospective reservists.

“We owe it to these courageous Filipinos to professionalize the Reserve Force. Let’s reward our Reservists the legal rights and protections they deserve,” Sen. Bam pointed out. SENATE/MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/27/sb-1607-job-security-for-afp-reservists/

MILF: Marawi siege and the bangsamoro struggle

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Oct 28): Marawi siege and the bangsamoro struggle



Marawi siege is over but left the city devastated with hundreds of thousands of people staying in evacuation centers with no income since they left the comfort of their homes.
The Marawi siege by all intents and purposes could not be likened to Bangsamoro struggle. As admitted by the security forces and no less than the Secretary of Department of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana that the siege started when the combined law enforcers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines ( AFP ) and Philippine National Police ( PNP ) were serving the warrant of arrest for Isnilon Hapilon , the elusive leader of Abu Sayyaf Group with ties from the ISIS and proclaimed Amir ( leader ) of ISIS - Daesh of Southeast Asia Group in a certain house in the outskirt of Marawi City.

As the PNP and AFP arrived to serve the arrest warrant, the armed group fought back that resulted to a lengthy fire fight with the Maute group wearing a black clad in a full battle gear that appeared in all strategic location of the city waving a black ISIS flag and raided the hospitals , city jail , Dansalan College and other public places and threatening to kill all Christians and Muslims who will go against them.

The Maute group promised to liberate Marawi City of fitna ( tribulations ) of illegal drugs , usury , zina, illegal activities , criminalities and other social evils contrary to the teachings of the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet ( PBUH ).

It cannot be said that the Maute group invaded Marawi City because most of them if not all are residents of the city and their activities are of public knowledge among the local officials , traditional leaders and the people of the area. The only problem in this incident is that they are over confident that the battle will not last long as they experienced in the previous military engagement in other areas of Mindanao.

The Marawi siege is now recorded as the longest urban battle in the Philippine history that cost the lives of thousand people , the displacement of thousand families , destroyed billions of pesos worth of public and private properties , billions pesos of taxpayers money in the more than five months of fighting using all military assets.

The people of Marawi City until now were into disbelief that the president whom they voted , claimed to be their relative and their Bangsa , are the one responsible in destroying their city by turning them into ashes. They stood firm in defending their homeland during colonial times , undefeated from Spain down to the Americans. These traumatic events will continue haunting the people of Marawi and will be part of their cultural history that will pass on to the next generation and beyond.

The question that lingers on with other people who criticized the Moro Islamic Liberation Front leadership of doing nothing in defending the people of Marawi is a farce and with malice. Perhaps , just to boost their agenda on Federal Bangsa Ranaw and likewise , with the newly organize armed group known as , Marawi Victim Movement ( MVM ) that tend to discredit the legitimacy of MILF as the defender of bangsamoro people. Whatever their motives and intentions , Allah knows best.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front with the collective leadership of Central Committee who fought for more than 40 years defending the bangsamoro cause are firm in their commitment to be the defender on the rights of the bangsamoro people without mental reservation whatsoever.

The MILF Central Committee are into belief and conviction and with consultation from the Ulama ( Islamic Scholars ) that the Marawi siege is a trap to disunite the bangsamoro people. It is bait for disunity that might bring Fitna to all of us by " divide and rule " scheme of the enemies of peace.

What happened in Marawi is very unfortunate and painful to us but serve as lesson for the entire bangsamoro.

The MILF intervention in Marawi siege was in the form of humanitarian engagement known as " peace corridor " as agreed by both panels of GPH and MILF Peace Implementing Panel.They initiated the giving of relief goods to the IDPs and helped rescuing civilians trapped in the battle areas.

The MILF leadership issued a directive order to the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces ( BIAF ) to protect the civilians in their AOR and prevent the escalation of the ensuing battle in Marawi City to nearby area and provinces.

The Marawi incident is the result of mismanagement of the local government sector and the security sector. The military admitted that they already recieved an intelligence information prior to the siege that the Maute group was planning to cause havoc in the heart of the city , but failed to act counter - measures to prevent the occurence of the same.

Likewise , the local government officials knew the activities of this extremist group considering that most of them are their relatives and common sense dictates us that as a leader you know every person in your area, but did nothing to prevent this from happening.

With all these failures and negligence , it is unfair on the part of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front ( MILF ) to take the blame and cudgels due to irresponsibilities of the leaders who was mandated by law to serve and protect its people.

The MILF as a revolutionary organization is commited to peace and adhere to the terms of reference of the GPH - MILF peace process and will continue to pursue the path of non - violent assertion of the bangsamoro aspiration.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1062/marawi-siege-and-the-bangsamoro-struggle

MILF: MILF mourns the death of MILF PIP Member Mahmour Estino

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Oct 28): MILF mourns the death of MILF PIP Member Mahmour Estino



Hajji Mahmour Estino (near left) attended the Panel Meeting on Oct. 20, 2017 in Davao City.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is mourning the death of Hajji Mahmour Estino, a member of MILF Peace Implementing Panel on October 25 while being treated at Sulu Hospital after he collapsed while on board a boat bound for Zamboanga.
Hajji Mahmour devoted his life for the liberation of the Bangsamoro People from injustices and oppression. Until his death, he held the positions of Vice Presidency for Western Mindanao in the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the political party organized by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as a result of the peace negotiation.

Hajji Mahmour attended the 10th GPH-MILF Panel Meeting on October 20, 2017 in Davao City, and was his last.

The MILF is asking the Bangsamoro people to include him in their prayers that Hajji Mahmour will be admitted to Jannatul Firdaus among the Shuhadaa. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once said: "Whoever sincerely asks Allah for martyrdom, Allah will cause him to attain the status of martyrs, even if he dies in his bed."

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1063/milf-mourns-the-death-of-milf-pip-member-mahmour-estino

Marines seize materiels in southern Palawan

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 27): Marines seize materiels in southern Palawan

The military under the Joint Task Group South (JTGS) recovered a new set of war materiels recently in a remote village in southern Palawan following a focused military operation against insurgency.

Capt. Wanel Ansa, environmental unit and civil affairs officer of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-4 (MBLT-4), on Friday said assorted warfare tools and supplies were recovered in Sitio Tibag, Barangay Bono-Bono, Bataraza on October 24.

“The JTGS continues to cripple the capabilities of the NPA in Bataraza and in the whole of southern Palawan with the discovery of this new set of war materiels through information and sincere cooperation of the local community,” Ansa said.

These include one unit shotgun with 12 pieces ammunition, one piece MK2 grenade, one unit homemade .22mm pistol, caliber .45 and 9mm ammunitions, one piece M14 magazine, improvised explosive device components, one generator set, a global positioning system, and subversive documents.

Ansa said the discovery and seizure of the new war materiels in Bono-Bono came after troops from the MBLT-4 operating in Brooke’s Point also recovered war materials on September 21 and September 24 in barangays Malis and Salogon.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1014077

Alert up as NPA rebs kill cop, militiaman

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 27): Alert up as NPA rebs kill cop, militiaman

Military authorities have alerted its force multiplier in North Cotabato and South Cotabato as communist rebels intensified offensives against soft targets.

Capt. Silver Belvis, speaking for the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion based in North Cotabato, said New Peoples Army (NPA) hitmen killed an off-duty militiamen in Barangay Tumanding, Arakan, North Cotabato on Wednesday.

Angelito Lamana, a member of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU), was killed inside his house by rebels under Guerilla Front 53. He was the third CAFGU member killed in Kabacan within the period of five weeks.

Lamana was assigned at a CAFGU detachment in Salasang area in Barangay Tumanding where communist rebels are active in the collection of protection money and revolutionary taxes.

“He was hog-tied before he was shot dead,” Belvis said.

On Sept. 20, the rebels also killed CAFGU member Joel Batawan in an ambush in Barangay Santo Niño, also in Arakan.

Moreover, communist rebels shot dead three days earlier Jeffrey Bitonio, also a CAFGU member, in Barangay Anapolon, Arakan.

Police are also looking in the possibility that the NPA is behind the murder of Police Officer 2 Charlie Liva in Tupi, South Cotabato on Thursday.

Sr. Supt. Franklin Alverto, provincial police director, said that Liva was driving his motorbike going to Gen. Santos City when gunmen, in a separate motorbike, shot him in the head and body along the highway in Tupi town.

Earlier, the NPAs said it would launch tactical offensives against law enforcement personnel after talks between the government and CPP/NPA bogged down.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1014104

ECC releases P2.3-M aid for wounded, slain troops in Marawi

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 27): ECC releases P2.3-M aid for wounded, slain troops in Marawi
The Employees Compensation Commission (ECC) has released more than PHP2 million worth of financial assistance for soldiers and policemen who were either wounded or killed in action during the Marawi siege.

ECC executive director Stella Zipagan-Banawis said Thursday that a total of PHP2,392,479.62 in benefits would be provided to the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP).

“The releases only represent the assistance provided to the uniformed personnel from January to September 2017,” the ECC official said in a statement.

She noted that PHP1,752,479.62 was allotted for EC disability benefits, and PHP640,000 for EC death benefits.

The releases were made through the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

The ECC issued Board Resolution No. 17-06-22, which provides for the facilitative processing of the EC benefits for members of the AFP and the PNP who were wounded or killed in action in the war in Marawi.

“Similarly, ECC Board Resolution No. 17-06-23 was issued to provide, not only for the speedy facilitation of EC benefits of the members of the AFP and PNP who were wounded or killed in military and police operation, but also for their immediate enrollment under the ECC’s Katulong at Gabay ng Manggagawang May Kapansanan (KaGabay Program),” Banawis said.

The program provides special assistance to persons with work-related disabilities (PWRD) in the form of either skills or entrepreneurial training and the provision of rehabilitation services and appliances.

Likewise, it primarily aims to facilitate their reintegration into the mainstream of the society.

Meanwhile, she reported that the Quick Response Program, another program of the ECC, has served 192 uniformed personnel. This is composed of 170 from the AFP, 20 from the PNP, and two from the Bureau of Fire Protection.

“The benefits also form part of the benefits granted to AFP and PNP battle and duty casualties, under the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program,” Banawis said.

She added that the ECC continuously assists workers with benefits and services in the event of work-related sickness, injury, or death, and further emphasized the importance of keeping workplaces safe and healthy.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1014052

AFP upgrades in tactics, equipment to continue

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 27): AFP upgrades in tactics, equipment to continue

Efforts to transform the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) into a world-class military force will continue, newly-appointed Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero said.

"Operationally, we will continue to improve our capability to address current and future challenges. We will revisit our war fighting doctrines to consider new battlefield environments and subsequently train and equip our soldiers to operate in the same," said Guerrero, in his speech during the change of command ceremony held in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Thursday.

He was referring to the AFP’s urban warfare capability, a lack of which was demonstrated in the just-concluded campaign against the Maute Group terrorists in Marawi City.

Urban warfare refers to specialized tactics and maneuvers used in fighting in built-up areas and cities.

Guerrero also said that the AFP Modernization Program will continue to give the military the necessary land, air and naval platforms needed to enable it to fulfill its various security missions.

"We will aggressively implement our modernization program and fast-track the procurement of advanced weapon systems that provide cost-effective and precise target engagement, long-range and high-endurance unmanned systems, and modern air and naval platforms for strategic lift, interdictions, surveillance and reconnaissance," the new AFP chief said.

Guerrero succeeded Eduardo Año, who retired Thursday upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 for uniformed personnel.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1014115

AFP probes beating of suspected Maute member

From the Sun Star-Manila (Oct 27): AFP probes beating of suspected Maute member

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has launched a formal investigation after a television station released a video of government troops beating a suspected Maute terror group member in Marawi City.

 

The video obtained by GMA News showed some soldiers deployed in Marawi ganging up on alleged Maute fighter while in their custody.

 

The video shows the suspected extremist, only clad in underwear and covered with mud and blood, being beaten by government soldiers.

 

The alleged Maute group fighter was still physically assaulted after he was handcuffed, even after some were trying to pacify their fellow soldiers and even calling for a medic.

 

One of the Marawi soldiers was even heard saying in Filipino, "You have killed many [of our comrades], stupid."

 

It was not clear, however, when the video was taken.

 

 Padilla, in a press conference, said the troops' action was a clear violation of human rights, thus, needed to be investigated.

 

"He (suspected Maute member) was being taunted so some [soldiers] could not hide their emotions perhaps because he was believed to be part of the enemy who killed some of our soldiers. We’re not sure yet when and how this came out when it was taken," the military spokesman said.

 

"But what is certain there is we will need to launch an investigation to ascertain the veracity of this video, as well as ascertain who are involved. The armed forces is very strict, regarding the treatment of captives in a conflict situation. They are supposed to be decently treated and respected, which did not happen in this case," he added.

 

Padilla said what happened was an "isolated case."

 

He also assured that those who are involved in the physical assault of suspected Maute fighter would face appropriate sanctions if they will be proven to have committed an abuse of human rights.

 

"Once we have any result, we will share it with you and definitely, those responsible will be held accountable," Padilla said.

 

The battle in Marawi, which erupted on May 23, prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to place Mindanao under martial rule.

 

Islamic State-inspired Maute terror group attacked war-torn Marawi City in an attempt to establish caliphate for Southeast Asia fighters.

 

After five months of battle with Islamic State supporters, Duterte declared the southern city's liberation on October 17 following the deaths of extremist leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute.

 

The crisis had claimed over 1,000 lives, including more than a hundred security forces.

 

Following the release of the video, Padilla said the public should understand that the troops might have become emotional over the deaths of their comrades.

 

"Our appeal it to please understand our colleagues because in this case, they are deeply emotional and we don’t know when did it happen. So when it was recorded after an encounter and recovery of the bodies of slain soldiers who were burnt and decapitated, it could be understandable,” he said.

 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2017/10/27/afp-probes-beating-suspected-maute-member-571674

Año’s term marked by successes in anti-terror war

From the Philippine Canadian Inquirer (Oct 26): Año’s term marked by successes in anti-terror war

 

FILE: Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año (Photo By Philippine Army – Armed forces of the Philippines, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Eduardo Año’s 10-month term can be characterized by a series of successful campaigns against terrorists and lawless elements.

This was stressed by AFP Public Affairs Office chief, Col. Edgard Arevalo, in a statement Thursday.

“General Año’s term as Chief-of-Staff was characterized by a series of successful campaigns against armed groups, particularly the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), the Daesh-inspired Maute Group, and the New People’s Army,” Arevalo said.

The outgoing AFP chief, who took over the military’s helm last Dec. 7, 2016, is a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983 and has served 38 years in uniform before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 on Thursday.

He will be succeeded by Eastern Mindanao Command head, Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, a member of PMA Class of 1984.

One of the highlights of Año’s term as AFP chief is the successful neutralization of the ASG threat in the province of Bohol last April where government troops foiled a kidnapping attempt by 11 terrorists.

To date, the AFP has neutralized 343 ASG personalities since December 2016 and recovered 267 weapons .

Arevalo added that Año’s term was also marked by significant numbers of mass surrenders from terrorist groups which is attributed to the intensified employment of combat intelligence and civil-military operations.

Likewise, the AFP has also neutralized 192 Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and 1,010 Maute-ISIS members including those involved in the five-month battle in Marawi City.

The outgoing AFP chief also increased the tempo of focused military operations against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“He has dealt thus far the severest blow against the CPP-NPA-NDF hierarchy by neutralizing high-value targets and personalities such as the Tiamzon couple, NPA (leader) Leoncio Pitao alias Kumander Parago, and members of the Alex Boncayao Brigade,” Arevalo added.

Consolidated reports from field units also revealed that 660 NPA rebels were killed, captured, or surrendered from Feb. 4 to Oct. 25 this year.

A total of 548 high-power and low-power weapons were also recovered from rebel forces during the period.

“Finally, General Año’s 38 years, six months and 25-day career was capped by the liberation of Marawi City. A total of 942 invading Daesh-inspired Maute-ISIS terrorists led by Isnilon Hapilon and the dreaded Maute brothers — Omar, Abdullah and Maddi — and more than 20 foreign fighters were neutralized in one single operation,” Arevalo stressed.

Also notable during Año’s term is the zero-human rights violation cases against AFP during the implementation of Martial Law in Mindanao and the military’s support operations in 434 anti-drug operations led by the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

http://www.canadianinquirer.net/2017/10/26/anos-term-marked-by-successes-in-anti-terror-war/

BIFF kills 2 farmers in North Cotabato

From the Manila Times (Oct 27): BIFF kills 2 farmers in North Cotabato

Two Visayan farmers in a peasant enclave near the Liguasan Marsh in Mlang town in North Cotabato were killed by suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) on Thursday.

Chief Insp. Aldrin Gonzales, spokesman of the Police Regional Office-12, identified the victims as Mario Vesera and Raymon Patibu who were working in their neighboring farms in Barangay Gaunan in Mlang when two groups of gunmen arrived and peppered them with assault rifles. Both farmers were killed on the spot.

Local residents believed members of the outlawed BIFF were behind the attack.

Sources said the BIFF has been forcing Vesera and Patibu to pay “protection money” or revolutionary tax on a regular basis.

Barangay Gaunan is not too far from the 220,000-hectare Liguasan Marsh, a known haven of Islamic State-inspired groups and criminal syndicates.

Gonzales said village officials are now helping to identify the culprits with the help of local Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commanders.

The MILF is obliged to help maintain law and order in potential conflict affected areas in Mindanao in accordance with its interim ceasefire accord with the national government, the 1997 Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities.

http://www.manilatimes.net/biff-kills-2-farmers-north-cotabato/359032/

Due to bitter internal squabbles, 18 NPA rebels surrender

From the Philippine Star (Oct 25): Due to bitter internal squabbles, 18 NPA rebels surrender

The 18 guerillas decided to surrender through the efforts of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion, a unit of the 6th Infantry Division. STAR/John Unson

Eighteen communist rebels surrendered Tuesday in Senator Ninoy Aquino town and turned in firearms and four powerful roadside bombs.

They agreed to renounce their membership in the New People’s Army through the intercession of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion and the peace and order council in Senator Ninoy Aquino town in Sultan Kudarat.

Major Gen. Arnel Dela Vega of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division told The STAR via mobile phone Wednesday that the 18 rebels complained of “difficult life in the hills” due to the government’s continuing campaign against the NPA and the bitter squabbles for power among their leaders.

 

“We are glad that they have decided to return to the fold of law and pledge loyalty to the Philippine Flag. It is not too late yet,” Dela Vega said.

Besides assault rifles and pistols, the 18 NPAs yielded four newly-assembled roadside bombs, each weighing more than two kilos.

The 18 NPAs were presented on Tuesday to Senator Ninoy Aquino Mayor Randy Ecija, who promised to help in their assimilation into mainstream society.

Ecija told reporters he is thankful to the commander of the 33rd IB, Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, for having convinced them to avail of the government’s amnesty program for NPAs.

The 33rd IB has negotiated the surrender of 50 NPAs in Sultan Kudarat province in the past seven months.

 

Three of the 18 rebels who surrendered Tuesday are from Sultan Kudarat’s seaside Kalamansig town, all under the NPA’s Guerilla Front 73.

 

The group raided upland agricultural enclaves in Kalamansig early this year to collect protection money from settlers, sparking deadly clashes with responding servicemen of the Philippine Marine Corps.

Cabunoc said the three men, one of them a commander named Tirso Sakudal, shall be turned over to Kalamansig Mayor Ronan Garcia and Lt. Col. Jose Marie Santos of the 2nd Marine Battalion based in the municipality.

“The Kalamansig local government unit also has a rehabilitation program these three former NPAs can avail so they can start life all over again easily,” Cabunoc told The STAR.

 

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2017/10/25/1752397/due-bitter-internal-squabbles-18-npa-rebels-surrender