Thursday, January 11, 2018

Retired military officers want hike in pensions

From Malaya Business Insight (Jan 12): Retired military officers want hike in pensions

RETIRED military officers are not happy over government decision to suspend the indexation of their pension to active soldiers who are getting a 100 percent in their base pay starting this month.
In a phone interview, retired Army Lt. Gen. Edgardo Batenga said military officers and men who have already retired should receive pension equivalent to the base pay of their counterparts in the active service.

“That is our position – that retirees should be included (in the pay hike) because that is their vested right granted by law. When the salary of the active military personnel is raised, (retirees’ pension) should be adjusted correspondingly,” said Batenga.

Due to lack of funds, government has suspended the pay hike of retired military officers for a year.

Batenga, a former chairman of the Association of General and Flag Officers, a group of retired generals and flag officers, said AGFO sent its position to Congress when the lawmakers were still deliberating the pay increase of soldiers.

“Definitely their reaction is negative,” said Batenga. “When the budget can support, it (raise in pension) is still due to retirees.” 

AFP spokesman Col. Edgard Arevalo said: “The AFP respects the decision of Congress and the President to suspend the indexation of the new base pay to the pension of retired AFP personnel, pending further study by the legislative and executive branches of government.”

On the increase of the base pay of soldiers in the active service, Arevalo said soldiers are grateful to President Duterte “for his recognition of the sacrifices and the hazards the military service entails and his concern for the welfare of uniformed members of the AFP and their families.

“With or without the pay increase, our soldiers shall remain committed to our sworn duties to the Filipino nation and its people,” said Arevalo.

http://malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/retired-military-officers-want-hike-pensions

Peace efforts with Reds still on, but crackdown continues – Aguirre

From the Daily Tribune (Jan 12): Peace efforts with Reds still on, but crackdown continues – Aguirre

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II yesterday apparently slipped in admitting that the government is still open to resume the peace talks with communist rebels.

While there are pending motions before courts to rearrest leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) said to be “consultants” of the National Democratic Front (NDF), it would not be easy to bring them back to jail and even make President Rodrigo Duterte’s “terrorist” label on the rebels official and legal, he told a press briefing.

Aguirre pointed out that there remains to be legal battles ahead against the CPP-NPA-NDF and as well as the possibility to continue the talks “temporarily terminated” by the Chief Executive.

“Hopefully in the coming weeks, (motions to rearrest CPP-NPA-NDF leaders) can be filed. There was a last-minute consultation with the Office of the Executive Secretary, as well as with the intelligence services of the government,” he said.

“The warrants for the arrest of these consultants have not been lifted, although there are moves to resume the peace process... These consultants have been released because of the peace process,” the Justice chief added.

Among the top communist leaders released in 2016 were Benito Tiamzon and wife Wilma Austria-Tiamzon.

The Tiamzons, along with some of their comrades, were released and allowed to post bail as part of Mr. Duterte’s confidence-building measures with the CPP-NPA-NDF back when the administration was still openly optimistic in pursuing peace and ending Asia’s longest communist insurgency.

The talks between the government and the CPP-NDF went rough in 2017 as the rebels first canceled their unilateral ceasefire back in February, increasing a series of tactical operations against state security forces.

Aguirre also said he is expecting the CPP-NPA to give a good legal battle before the Supreme Court against the terrorist tag on the rebel group.

“It is going to be a full-blown trial,” he stressed.

“We cannot rush it because we have to gather all the instances of the (NPAs’) terrorist activities. And besides, they do not want to be called ‘terrorists,’” the Justice secretary added.

Unholy alliance

Meanwhile, Sen. Panfilo Lacson yesterday said it should not come as a surprise if the ranks of the communist rebels are exhausting all means, including the possibility of forming an unholy alliance with groups known to be opposed to the Duterte administration to topple the government.

“That has always been their primary objective and it will not change, (their thrust) to overthrow the government, to take over government. That’s why they’re revolutionary, they’re fighting in whatever manner to achieve their objective and if they’re trying to coalesce just so they can penetrate the mainstream, that should not come as a surprise,” he said when asked on his reaction to the statements of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana calling the CPP delusional.

Allegedly, the CPP, through its official publication, is calling for an unholy alliance with critics of the administration to bring down the President.

Such call only brings to light their bankrupt ideology and how years of propagating lies have deluded their sense of reality, Lorenzana said.

“I don’t have any intelligence intelligence information in that regard. If Lorenzana has, I’d rather believe him,” the senator said.

Sen. Gregorio Honasan, for his part, would not join those publicly slamming the communist rebels’ call on administration critics to merge forces and work on the downfall of the President.

“We cannot resolve important issues related to crucial peace process, political unity, economic development and stability through public media statements,” he said in a text message to reporters Thursday.

“Instead, we should together condemn terrorism, armed conflict, loss of lives, destruction of property, injustice and impairment of liberties as common ground to pursue lasting peace,” Honasan, who chairs the upper chamber’s committee national defense and security, stressed.

The President, last month, signed a proclamation declaring the CPP and its armed wing, New People’s Army as a terror organization and ordered the DoJ to file a petition before a regional trial court (RTC) to classify such groups as terrorists, in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 9372, or the Human Security Act, which lays down acts that are defined as terrorism.

‘Counter NPA threats’

Relatedly, the military has poured in fresh troops in Caraga Region to address threats posed by the New NPA.

Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, spokesman of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID), said the additional troops were sent by the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) on Wednesday in an effort to allay fears of the people on the threats posed by the rebels.

The 4th ID, under Maj. Gen. Ronald Villanueva, has jurisdiction over Northern Mindanao areas where NPA rebels are operating.

“Aside from their traditional military operations against threat groups, the 500 soldiers boost the Army’s capability in responding to natural and man-made calamities,” said Martinez.

According to him, the deployment of 65th IB would also help hasten the division’s operations to defeat the terrorist NPA.

“The full might of the battalion shall be employed against armed terrorist, while the battalion will also initiate community-based dialogs to enlighten the members of illegal secret associations organized by the terrorist NPAs in the villages,” the military official added.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/peace-efforts-with-reds-still-on-but-crackdown-continues-aguirre

Army foils BIFF attack in North Cotabato

From MindaNews (Jan 11): Army foils BIFF attack in North Cotabato

Government troops on Thursday foiled an attack by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in a farming village in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato.

Captain Arvin Encinas, spokesperson of Army’s 6th division said troops from 34th Infantry Battalion said around 30 BIFF rebels arrived in Barangay Malagakit, Pigcawayan at dawn but withdrew after the military fired mortars at them.



A unit of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. MindaNews file photo by FERDINANDH CABRERA

Encinas said they had monitored the movement of the armed group and learned of its plan to launch attacks in the province.

“We received a prior information about the plan of attack by BIFF so the troops positioned to block them,” he said.

Since midnight on Wednesday until the early hours on Thursday gunfire and mortar explosions could be heard in the area.

The rebels led by Commander Agila boarded a motorized boat from the marsh to Malagakit. They fired their guns upon arriving in the village but were met by mortar fire.

The BIFF had been launching attacks since last month against Teduray and Lambangian tribes in Ferris Hill in tri-boundary towns resulting in casualties on government and rebel sides.

The local government of Pigcawayan has advised residents to be vigilant and not to exaggerate information shared in social media.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/01/army-foils-biff-attack-in-north-cotabato/

New Bicol Army commander vows to raise soldiers’ morale

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11): New Bicol Army commander vows to raise soldiers’ morale

The newly installed commander of the Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry Division, the counter-insurgency unit in Bicol region, vows to raise the morale of the soldiers under his command by implementing programs that benefit them.

Major Gen. Jesus Manangquil, the 14th commanding general of the 9th ID, said his leadership was oriented towards the improvement of the morale of the soldiers operating in Bicol.

Manangquil replaced Brig. Gen. Danilo Isleta, who was promoted as chief of staff, the third highest rank in the Philippine Army. Both are members of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1985.

“I will guide the soldiers in the right way to accomplish their mission to achieve peace and prosperity in the Bicol region,” Manangquil said.

In an interview, he said he wanted to connect with the communist rebels on the agenda of peace because the region’s people would suffer if the fight continues.

“There is nothing good if the fighting between Filipinos continue. We know that any area will not prosper if there is fighting,” he said.

Manangquil said he would not negotiate with the communist rebels but he encouraged them to go down from the mountains and join the efforts to develop the region.

He also said President Rodrigo Duterte himself has not closed the doors to peace.

Manangquil said that because the communist rebels in Mindanao understood the President’s call for peace, 700 of them surrendered last year.

Before his appointment as 9th ID commander, Manangquil served as head of the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region.

He was also assigned in Mindanao as commander of the 101st Battalion and later as deputy commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

Manangquil hails from General Santos City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1021306

NPA logistics officer surrenders in Zamboanga del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11): NPA logistics officer surrenders in Zamboanga del Sur



A ranking New People’s Army (NPA) rebel surrendered to military authorities in the nearby town of Guipos, this province, an official announced Thursday.

Maj. Richard Enciso, information officer of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, identified the NPA surrenderee as Ka Jaypee, the logistics officer of Team Baking, Section Committee-Kara of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.

Enciso said Jaypee surrendered to Lt. Col. Virgilio Hamos, Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion commander, in camp Sabido, Guipos town.

He said Jaypee turned over an AK-47 assault rifle with several rounds of ammunition.

Jaypee, whose real name was withheld for security reasons, said physical hardship and hunger brought about by limited food supply were among the reasons why he decided to surrender.

He also said love and responsibility was more important to him as a family man than risking his life in the mountains fighting for a cause with no clear direction.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, 1st Infantry Division commander, has called on the other NPA rebels in the region to follow the footstep of Jaypee.

“Return to normal lives and contribute to building a peaceful and sustainable nation,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1021232

More troops deployed in Caraga, North Mindanao vs NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11): More troops deployed in Caraga, North Mindanao vs NPA

Some 500 soldiers have been added to the ranks of the Army’s Fourth Infantry Division (4ID) to help combat the New People’s Army (NPA) in Caraga and Northern Mindanao regions.

The augmentation force consisted of troops from the 65th Infantry Battalion of the 9th Infantry Division — units that were previously assigned in Lanao del Sur to handle various armed groups in the province, said 4ID spokesperson Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez.

They were formally welcomed to the 4ID camp in Barangay Patag here in a simple ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 10.

Martinez said the 65IB had been in Lanao del Sur for about 10 years and figured in numerous combat operations against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Abu Sayyaf, in the past.

Recently, the unit fought the Maute group during the Marawi siege last year.

The troops also have experienced acting as peacekeepers on some of the violent clan feud among several Maranao families in Lanao del Sur.

“These are battle-hardened soldiers,” Martinez said, adding their combat experience would help their colleagues in the 4ID in fighting the NPA within the division’s area of responsibility in Caraga and Northern Mindanao.

Martinez said that Caraga, Northern Mindanao, and Compostela Valley in the Davao region were three of the areas where the bulk of the NPA units operate, and where half of the rebels’ forces nationwide were based.

Prior to their field deployment, the soldiers will undergo a series of lectures including refresher courses on cultural sensitivity and human rights focusing on the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights (CARHRIHL).

In his message to the troops, Brig. Gen. Cristobal Zaragoza, the assistant division commander for operations, said, “We expect that you will bear the professionalism as you execute your tasks. We support the intent of [Pres. Duterte] to protect the state and the people. Again, be reminded that you have to perform only your duty as a disciplined soldier.“

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1021149

MILF help sought to protect lumads from BIFF

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11): MILF help sought to protect lumads from BIFF



The provincial government of Maguindanao is seeking help from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to support the military in protecting Teduray lumads from harassment by outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu proposed the idea during Wednesday’s meeting of Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) members in Buluan, Maguindanao, where the plight of some 800 Teduray families was prominently discussed.

Mangudadatu concurrently chairs the PPOC composed of military, police, academe, religious, and local government representatives, among others.

Since last month, the IS-inspired BIFF has been harassing Teduray communities in Mt. Firis, situated in the tri-boundary of Datu Unsay, Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Datu Hofer towns, killing two of the natives and dislodging more than 800 families from the upland villages.

Mt. Firis is the ancestral domain of ethnic Tedurays in Maguindanao.

Mangudadatu said he believed that the joint ceasefire committee of the government and the MILF could help secure Mt. Firis, an area sacred for the Teduray tribes people.

For the past several months, the MILF had been helping the military in the campaign against the BIFF in the “SPMS Box” which refers to the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi), Mamasapano and Salibo.
The area is a known bailiwick of the BIFF.

“The ongoing peace process between the government and the MILF is an inclusive kind of peace initiative, one that will benefit Mindanao’s Muslim, Christian and Lumad communities,” Mangudadatu said.

With this, he said there was ample reason for both sides to work together in protecting the Teduray communities from the BIFF.

Army officials said the BIFF wanted to regain control of Hill 224, more known among the lumads as Mt. Firis, because it was there that the BIFF was officially organized by its late founding chair, Ombra Kato.

Mangudadatu said that the joint Army and MILF offensives against the BIFF in August last year had been successful. The BIFF tried, but failed, to raise the ISIS flag in areas identified with the MILF.

A roadside bomb set off by the BIFF killed MILF fighters, triggering a month-long on and off gunbattle until the Army and MILF joined forces against the local terrorists’ organization.

Sr. Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police director, welcomed Mangudadatu’s proposal and vowed to provide the necessary manpower and resources to help the Army neutralize the BIFF.

Mangudadatu is awaiting response from the MILF leadership. He has scheduled a meeting with the MILF’s Al Mansour Gambar, chief of the group’s military arm.

Considered to be part of the government, the MILF had been providing the Army with intelligence information in its campaign against kidnappers, gunrunners and local terrorist groups.

To date, at least 12 BIFF, two soldiers and two civilians were killed in the fighting that emanated from Mt. Firis that also drove away Teduray lumads, leaving their farm produce and valuables in the process.

They are currently housed in various evacuation sites and being attended to by the Maguindanao provincial government.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1021227

5 more NPA rebels yield in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11): 5 more NPA rebels yield in Maguindanao



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Five members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) yielded on Wednesday evening to the Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion (MIB) in Barangay Kamasi, Ampatuan, Maguindanao, a report here said.

The returnees who belonged to the NPA Platoon Samsung GF 73 were identified as Sing Maquil, 30 ; Daniel Fonok, 25; Panni Sina, 18; Marvin Ginang, 30; and Taan M Ayunan, 30; all of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

The former rebels voluntarily surrendered to Ltc. Lauro Oliveros, 1st MIB commanding officer, citing the resentful system of the NPA that are merely propagating lies to T'boli communities in South Cotabato.

Accordingly, the surrenderees are tired of hiding, hunger, hardship and displeased of the NPA ideology.

The surrenderees turned over two homemade Ingram and one homemade Uzi submachine guns.

"Our intensified efforts through combat operations and information dissemination against terrorist groups with the support of all local chief executives and other stakeholders encouraged more rebels to surrender,” Major Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, said.

Dela Vega assured that the surrenderees would receive benefits under the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1021197

US envoy cites PRRD's thrust to keep PH-US alliance strong

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11): US envoy cites PRRD's thrust to keep PH-US alliance strong



Serving as United States Ambassador to the Philippines for more than a year now, Sung Kim on Wednesday emphasized how he sees President Rodrigo Duterte as a leader that keeps the country's relationship with partners strong.

In a television interview over GMA-7, Kim was asked who he prefers, a President Duterte in public or in private.

"I prefer his private. I think President Duterte is a very compelling, interesting, strong leader," he said. "He remains a very popular leader so we have to give him credit for having that leadership."

Kim said he "enjoyed" his private meetings with the president. "I think he's very smart, very knowledgeable and I think he cares very deeply about what’s happening to his country."

"And (more) importantly for me, I think he values Philippine-US relationship. I think he wants to make sure the alliance is strong," he pointed out.

To recall, the chief executive had been critical towards Washington in his first few months in the office, recalling historic grievances against US mostly in his public speeches.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and the US government repeatedly asserted that the longstanding partnership between the two countries remained “strong."

Strong connection

Citing the recent meeting between President Duterte and US President Donald Trump at the sidelines of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Manila, Kim said the two had a strong connection in terms of pressing issues they think were in need of attention.

"They seemed to get along very well, I think on a personal level, but also on issues," he said.

"They have a very strong agreement, for example, on the need to focus on counter-terrorism efforts and the importance of maintaining the US-Philippines alliance and of course, their shared perspective on dealing with the North Korean threat," he added.

On the campaign against illegal drugs, Kim said the two leaders "agreed that rule of law must be maintained on everything we do, including anti-drug, anti-corruption, anti-crime efforts in different countries."

He said that there was no ambiguity about their agreement that the rule of law must be maintained on everything, including the anti-drug campaign.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1021182

DND committed to defending PH vs. CPP-NPA onslaught

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11): DND committed to defending PH vs. CPP-NPA onslaught

The Department of National Defense (DND) remains committed in defending the nation and all its democratic institutions from the attacks of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) and its allies.

"Our countrymen can rest assured that your Defenders will do our utmost to protect everyone, especially the duly elected President of our country from the likes of the terrorist CPP-NPA. We will guard the institutions which are sacred to our democratic way of life and not let any group destroy the ideals which our nation's forefathers fought and died for," DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.

In its official publication, the CPP-NPA called on its brigands to work towards the downfall of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and build an alliance with anti-Duterte groups, “even those with the biggest contradiction with the revolutionary forces” just to bring down the Chief Executive and launch campaigns, “both armed and unarmed, to deal serious blows to the regime and weaken it until it falls.”

"This latest statement of the CPP-NPA once again shows how far these communist-terrorists are from the truth and how years of propagating lies have deluded their sense of reality," Lorenzana added.

Also, Duterte is far from being "increasingly isolated" from the Filipino people since according to the latest survey, the Chief Executive has a very high 82 percent approval and trust rating.

"The CPP’s call for an unholy alliance of all groups opposed to the government just to bring down the President, 'even those with the biggest contradiction with the revolutionary forces,' brings to light their bankrupt ideology," the DND chief added.

In this regard, Lorenzana said this call showed the CPP-NPA’s movement was now crumbling from within.

"They have already lost their mass-based support and their members are returning to the fold of law as their motives and criminal acts have already been exposed to their former cadres and the entire Filipino nation," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1021201

AFP lauds Duterte for hike in base pay

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11): AFP lauds Duterte for hike in base pay

Stressing that military personnel are committed in fulfilling their sworn duties with or without any salary increase, the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) expressed its gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte for authorizing the increase of the base pay of all troops.

"Our soldiers are grateful to our Commander-in-Chief and President Rodrigo Duterte for his recognition of the sacrifices and the hazards the military service entails and his concern for the welfare of uniformed members of the AFP and their families," AFP spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said late Wednesday.

The pay increase for all AFP personnel was contained under Congress' Joint Resolution No. 1, which was signed by the Chief Executive last January 1.

“We understand the prevailing economic realities that have been considered in the crafting of the pay schedule," he added. "With or without the pay increase, our soldiers shall remain committed to our sworn duties to the Filipino nation and its people,” Arevalo added.

Meanwhile, in regards to the suspension of indexation of pension to base pay, the AFP spokesperson said they respect the decision of the President and Congress in this matter.

“The AFP respects the decision of Congress and the President to suspend the indexation of the new Base Pay to the pension of retired AFP personnel, pending further study by the Legislative and Executive branches of government ,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1021200

DND: Maranao recruitment geared towards a more inclusive AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11): DND: Maranao recruitment geared towards a more inclusive AFP

President Rodrigo Duterte's directive to study the possible recruitment of Maranaos to the military is in line with efforts to create a more inclusive Armed Forces of the Philippines.

"The President’s directive to concerned government agencies to study ways and means by which members of indigenous communities can join the ranks of our defenders in protecting Filipino communities is in line with our current efforts to establish a more inclusive AFP," Defense public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong said.

He added that this would also enhance existing community-based peace dialogues in several areas around the country, including Marawi City.

The Chief Executive issued this order during a cabinet meeting last Monday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1021206

Citizens must play role in fight vs. terror: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11): Citizens must play role in fight vs. terror: AFP

While the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is doing everything in its authority to defeat terrorism, the citizenry also needs to play a role by reporting the presence of suspicious looking persons in their neighborhood.

This was stressed by AFP spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo when sought for comment on the purported entry of foreign terrorists in the country.

"We cannot discount the possibility of foreign fighters surreptitiously able to enter the country given our vast and porous borders," he added.

And while the military is exerting all efforts to guard possible entry points, Arevalo said they needed the vigilance, cooperation, and active participation of the citizenry in the communities who could monitor and report arrival of new faces in the neighborhood.

Such assistance was of great value together with the relevant domestic and international agencies, Arevalo pointed out.

He was referring to the conventions and agreements recently signed by the Philippines such as the trilateral joint patrol agreements with Malaysia and Indonesia which aimed to defeat piracy and terrorism in areas of common concern.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1021289

New Interior chief can help reform police – US envoy

From the Manila Times (Jan 10): New Interior chief can help reform police – US envoy

FORMER Armed Forces chief Eduardo Año’s takeover as head of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) could help straighten up some members of the police force who have not been behaving well, United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim said.

Año on Tuesday officially took over as officer-in-charge of the DILG replacing Catalino Cuy, who was appointed as chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DBB) by President Rodrigo Duterte.

According to Kim, Año’s strong leadership could help in straightening up the Philippine National Police (PNP) ranks and enable the police organization to effectively address the country’s problem on illegal drugs and crime.

“I had a chance to work with him [Año] when he was the chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. I think he is an honorable man, very dedicated and committed,” Kim said in a television interview.

The US ambassador was among those who called for full accountability in the killing of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos during a supposed anti-drug operation carried out by members of the Caloocan City police in August 2017.

Apart from delos Santos, members of the PNP were also charged for the killing of 19-year-old Carl Arnaiz, who was accused by police of robbing a taxi driver.

The Senate in 2017 adopted a resolution condemning the killings and conducted a separate investigation on the matter.

“I think many Filipinos would agree with me that there is more work that needs to be done in terms of investigations and accountability involved and these allegations of police abuse,” Kim said.

But the US ambassador noted that while there has been no full satisfaction, the issue has been addressed many times during his discussions with Duterte and other senior officials of the Philippine government.

“I’m hoping that his [Año] leadership in the DILG will translate into more responsible behavior by some of the police officers who are not behaving in a best possible way,” Kim said.

One of the challenges Ano would be facing as head of the DILG is the anti-illegal drugs campaign of the government and Kim expressed belief that the former miliary chief would be able to handle it effectively.

According to the US diplomat, he was not surprised that police were not able to eradicate the drug problem within the time period set by Duterte and nobody really expected that it could be done.

“I think in General Año, as new head of the DILG, you have a very strong leader and he has been very clear that he will deal with this issue in a strong, honest and sincere manner and I believe him,” he said.

http://www.manilatimes.net/new-interior-chief-can-help-reform-police-us-envoy/373449/

Add’l Army battalion to secure Northern Mindanao vs NPA

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 11): Add’l Army battalion to secure Northern Mindanao vs NPA

The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Eastern Mindanao Command has deployed an Army battalion to Northern Mindanao amid the threat of communist rebels there.

The 65th Infantry Battalion led by Ltc. Richard Rabaca was formally welcomed at the headquarters of the 4th Infantry Division in Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City on Wednesday.

“The deployment would help hasten 4th Infantry Division’s operations to defeat the terrorist NPA. The full might of the battalion shall be employed against armed terrorist, while the battalion will also initiate community-based dialogues to enlighten the members of illegal secret associations organized by terrorist NPAs in the villages,” the 4th Division said in a statement.

A battalion is usually composed of 400 to 500 soldiers. The 65IB was pulled out from Bicol region.

Maj. Gen. Ronald Villanueva, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, said the battalion would still have to undergo an orientation before deployment.

“We’ll just have to place them inside for reorientation and reeducation muna sa area namin because they came from another area. Kailangan namin silang turuan ng mga sensitivities ng area (We need to teach them first about the sensitivities of the area),” he said.

With the additional battalion, there are now about 6,000 soldiers deployed in the Northern Mindanao and Caraga region.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/959348/army-battalion-military-northern-mindanao-communist-rebels-npa-new-peoples-army

Media barred from covering AFP’s CRS change of command ceremony

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 11): Media barred from covering AFP’s CRS change of command ceremony

Change of command ceremony of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Civil Relations Service (CRS). CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Members of the Defense Press Corps (DPC) on Thursday were barred from covering the change of command ceremony of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Civil Relations Service (CRS), the main psychological operations (PSYOPS) and civil-military operations arm of the military.

Newly-installed Special Operations Command chief Maj. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista turned over the CRS post to Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin in a ceremony presided by AFP vice chief Lt. Gen. Salvador Mison at the CRS headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo.

When Evangelista assumed as Socom commander at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija on Monday, he invited the media present to attend the CRS change of command ceremony.

But the media who covered the event at CRS were ushered outside by a military personnel a few moments after they got in.

It remains unclear why the media were suddenly not allowed to cover the program.

It was ironic that at the time of the incident, Evangelista was talking about the role of media in his outgoing speech.

“We really have to keep the public aware of what is going on and that is through the media. Unlike before, we tend to isolate ourselves. How can we expect the public to react properly if they are not informed?” he said.

The CRS is the unit that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP.”

Evangelista apologized to reporters later when he was informed of the incident.

“It was not under my control. Alam niyo naman na open ako sa media (You know that I’m open with the media),” he said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/959397/media-journalists-reporters-barred-change-of-command-ceremony-afp-civil-relations-service-crs

Lorenzana slams Reds for working on Duterte's ouster

From the Philippine Star (Jan 10): Lorenzana slams Reds for working on Duterte's ouster



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana slammed Maoist rebels Wednesday following their calls for an alliance that would toward the removal of President Rodrigo Duterte from office.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana slammed Maoist rebels on Wednesday following their call for an "unholy alliance" with critics of President Rodrigo Duterte to bring down the government, saying this demonstrates their "bankrupt ideology."

In a statement, Lorenzana said the invitation of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People's Army, both of which are considered terrorists by the government, to work with and build an alliance with anti-Duterte groups showed how far the rebels were from the truth and how years of "propagating lies" had deluded their sense of reality.

"President Duterte is far from being "increasingly isolated" from the Filipino people since according to the latest survey, he has a very high 82 percent approval and trust rating," the defense chief said.

READ: Pimentel: No inconsistency in ceasefire declaration

According to Lorenzana, the rebels, through their official publication, called on their comrades to build an alliance with anti-government personalities and groups, even those with "the biggest contradiction with revolutionary forces," to remove the president from office.

They encouraged their forces to launch both armed and unarmed campaigns to "deal serious blows to the regime and weaken it until it falls."

He said that this invitation was also a sign that the communist movement was "crumbling from within" and had already lost their mass-based support and some members who had laid down their arms.
 
READ: Bayan urges Duterte to demilitarize rural communities for Christmas

The defense chief reassured the public that the military would do its utmost to defend it from attacks by communist militants.

"We will guard the institutions which are sacred to our democratic way of life and not let any group destroy the ideals which our nation's forefathers fought and died for," he said.

Local Maoist rebels are waging one of the longest rebellions in the world, and hopes for a peace deal between them and the government were high when Duterte assumed the presidency.

There was some progress, and the president appointed some left-leaning personalities in his Cabinet. However, peace negotiations have been stalled following accusations by both sides of violations and continuous armed operations against each other.

The military is accusing rebels of continuous attacks despite peace negotiations while the militants are complaining about operations against indigenous people and incursions into their so-called territories.

Last December, both sides have declared a cessation of hostilities to allow soldiers and rebels to spend some time with their families during the holidays.

NPA finance man, squad commander surrender

From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 10): NPA finance man, squad commander surrender

CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – A finance officer and a squad commander of the New People’s Army (NPA) has surrendered to the Army’s 73rd Infantry (Neutralizer) Battalion (73rd IB) in Southern Mindanao.

1/Lt. China Celina P. Castro, 73rd IB Civil Military Operations (CMO) Officer, said on Wednesday that the two NPA officers yielded 3 high-powered firearms and live ammunitions.


(MANILA BULLETIN)

Castro, identified the surrenderees as Randy N. Atong, alias “Andikon,” finance and Logistics Officer of Andoy and Basil Platoons of guerilla-Front Committee 51 of the CPP-NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC, and Renie C. Atenza, alias “Ryan,” team commander of First Squad, Basil Platoon of guerilla-Front Committee 51, SMRC.

“They voluntarily surrendered early this morning (Jan. 10) at our headquarters,” said the 73rd IB CMO officer.

Their surrender was the result of the intensified focused military operations against the NPA terrorist group, Castro further claimed.

The former NPA terrorists said they were already tired of fighting against the government forces and narrated their experience of starvation caused by the dwindling support from their masses; hence, they said they decided to return to the folds of the law.

The surrenderees yielded one M14 rifle and one M16 Armalite rifle attached with M203 Grenade Launcher, the 73rd IB CMO Officer said.

Just last month (December 2017), 8 NPA members belonging to guerilla-Front Committee 71, also surrendered to 73rd IB, bringing with them 2 high-powered firearms.

Their decision to surrender was an aftermath of the setback they suffered during their group’s encounter with government forces last December 1, 2017 wherein 2 of their members died and five 5 high-powered firearms were recovered, Castro added.

“This is an excellent manifestation that our efforts on winning against communist terrorists through focused military operations and Community Support Program (CSP) activities are effective. Because of this, we are expecting more surrenderees in the coming days. Thus, we are reiterating our call on other NPA members to lay down their arms, surrender and avail of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP)”, said 73rd IB commanding officer Lt. Col. Marion Angca.

“The significant increase of former NPA terrorists returning to the folds of the law is also an evidence of our effective collaboration with the Local Government Unit and Local Officials,” he added.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/01/10/npa-finance-man-squad-commander-surrender/

Duterte could be better ‘recruiter’ for NPA than Marcos – CPP

From InterAksyon (Jan 11): Duterte could be better ‘recruiter’ for NPA than Marcos – CPP


(image from https://www.philippinerevolution.info)

At the rate President Rodrigo Duterte is going, he is “bound to outdo the dictator Ferdinand Marcos in becoming the best recruiter for the New People’s Army,” the Communist Party of the Philippines said Thursday, January 11.

“Unwittingly, Duterte and the AFP are also best suppliers of new arms for the armed revolution as they squander billions of pesos on new weapons and materiel,” it added.

The statement was an obvious reference to how the ranks of the NPA grew as people were driven to take up arms by the worsening atrocities committed during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos, who declared martial law in 1972 claiming it was needed to quell the then nascent communist revolutionary movement.

The CPP earlier ordered the NPA to undertake more attacks in response to the yearlong extension of martial law in Mindanao that Congress approved and called Duterte’s ouster the revolutionary movement’s “most important” task.

Mindanao was originally placed under martial law for 60 days last May 23, after fighting broke out between government forces and extremist gunmen in Marawi City. When this period lapsed, Congress approved an extension until the end of 2017.

However, despite declaring Marawi “liberated” in late October, Duterte, on the recommendation of the military and police, sought an extension for the whole of 2018 claiming it was necessary to address the continuing threat not only from extremists who survived Marawi but also from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Abu Sayyaf and the communists, with whom he had terminated peace talks.

In its statement, the CPP also called Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Rey Guerrero “delusional” for saying the military could reduce the strength of the New People’s Army “by half” within the year.

It noted that this contradicted the statement of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana who said it was “farfetched” to believe the NPA could be defeated in a year, although the CPP said the admission was “an obvious attempt to justify extending martial law beyond 2018.”

At the same time, the CPP said Lorenzana was also “delusional” for calling the rebels “bankrupt” for seeking alliances with other forces against Duterte.

“His statement only betrays the AFP and Duterte’s fear of such an alliance,” it said.

“Coupled with his naked ambition to install a fascist dictatorship and monopolize bureaucratic loot and power, Duterte is bound to grow more isolated as he rides roughshod over the institutions which his opponents have vowed to defend,” thus “providing the New People’s Army and the revolutionary movement an ever more fertile ground for the people’s war to grow and prosper,” the CPP said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/duterte-could-be-better-recruiter-for-npa-than-marcos-cpp/