From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 24): Soldier killed, another wounded in Army-NPA clash in Cagayan province
An Army soldier was killed while another was wounded during a Tuesday morning (April 24) clash with suspected New People’s Army rebels (NPA) in a remote village in Rizal town, Cagayan province.
The soldier, a corporal, died while he and colleague were being evacuated for medical treatment, said Lt. Col. Camilo Saddam, commander of the Army’s 17th Infantry Battalion. The slain soldier’s identity has been withheld pending notification of his family.
An army unit reportedly clashed with about 25 armed men. The soldiers were conducting foot patrols in Masi village when they encountered the armed group at 7:45 a.m.
“Our troops injured the rebels during the 10-minute firefight, as evidenced by trails of blood at the clash site.
Unfortunately, they also got two of our men,” Saddam said.
The Army believes the unit fought with members of the NPA’s Danilo Ben Command, which operates in Kalinga province and Cagayan.
The wounded soldier has been transferred to the Cagayan Valley Medical Center here.
From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 23): Army troops, NPAs clash in Cagayan
Government troops clash against Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) in Cagayan over the weekend, resulting in the seizure of firearms and other items.
Cagayab De Oro (Grabbed from Google Maps | Manila Bulletin) A report coming from Armed Forces of the Philippines-Northern Luzon Command (AFP-NoLCom), disclosed that troops under the Army’s 17th Infantry Battalion (17IB) of the Joint Task Force “Tala” under the 7th Infantry Division (7ID) were on patrol operations at Sitio Tallat, Barangay Masi, Rizal, Cagayan, when it encountered more or less 30 NPA fighters at 6:30 a.m.
The firefight lasted for about 45 minutes wherein the NPAs withdrew toward the northeast direction.
The incident also resulted in the on-site recovery of one improvised Cal .2, one Icom Radio, three jungle packs, four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), including one 12-volt Motolite battery and wires, medicine pack, and subversive documents.
NoLCom spokesman Lt. Col. Isagani Nato, said the encounter took place as a response to the information provided by the residents on the presence of armed group in their barangay.
He said the informants are the locals who were fed up with atrocities perpetrated by the NPAs in the area, as well as those who fall victims of their terror acts.
“NoLCom will continue to conduct focused military operations in its area of responsibility to make the communist terrorist group insignificant, allowing developments in NPA-affected areas in Northern and Central Luzon, in cooperation with the populace, civil society organizations and the local government units,” he said.
From the pro-Communist Party of the Philippines online propaganda publication Bulatlat (Apr 24): Revolutionary group marks its 45th year
As the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) celebrates its 45th founding anniversary today, April 24, members of different allied undergorund revolutionary organizations of the NDFP staged a lightning rally at the intersection of EDSA and Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City on April 23, Monday. They called on the Government of the Philippines to return to the negotiating table and address the roots of the armed conflict.
From the Sun Star-Davao (Apr 24): TF Davao told to aim for zero terror attack in next decade
DAVAO. Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio greets top military officials of the region during the 10th anniversary of Task Force Davao in Sta. Ana Pier, Davao City, on April 24, 2018. (Mark Perandos)
DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio challenged the Task Force Davao to achieve zero terror incident in the city for the next 10 years.
“Ang pinakadako nga challenge nako sa ilaha is 10 years nga walay incident even more years nga walay incident nga mahitabo diri sa siyudad sa Davao,” Duterte-Carpio said during TFD's 15th anniversary Tuesday, April 24, at its headquarters at Sta. Ana Pier. (My biggest challenge for Task Force Davao is 10 years and even more years of zero incident here in Davao.)
She congratulated and commended the efforts of the TF Davao troopers.
“Allow me to give my commendation for your anti-terrorism that has proven to be very dynamic and responsive throughout the years. While there have been countless challenges, I could say that the past 15 years have seen more successes in capturing and fighting against and apprehending criminals and terrorist,” Duterte-Carpio said.
TF Davao's anniversary was centered on the theme, “Kinse ka tuig nga matinud-anong nag-alagad sa mga Dabawenyo (15 years of faithfully serving Dabawenyos).”
The task force was activated in 2003 following the twin bombing incidents at the Davao airport and Sasa Wharf. Duterte-Carpio said over the years, TFD has become a source of pride for Dabawenyos.
“Task Force Davao has been soaring to great heights in keeping Davao safe and secure. The city is beyond appreciative of your passion and work. A major factor of what Davao now is attributable to all your efforts and hard work, that is always my message when I come here,” she said.
She added that Dabawenyos are lucky because there were no abuse complaints filed against any Task Force Davao personnel that were recorded in the city.
She also lauded TFD as it only received less complaints on the performance of their duty and urged them to continue with their good performance to achieve zero complaints about their work and service.
The city mayor also acknowledged TFD’s participation during rescue, relief and evacuation and security operation that “empowered the city to stand tall, united and resilient.”
Meanwhile, TFD commander Colonel Nicolas Mempin thanked various stakeholders for their support to the accomplishment of TFD mission and vowed to perform their duty beyond what's expected.
“Task Force Davao continuous to live by its mandate by securing Davao City from terrorist threats and supporting its duly constituted authorities in all its development programs to all Dabawenyos,” he said.
He added that the legacy of previous commanders like former TFD commander Brigadier General Erwin Bernard Neri inspired them to work harder to be at par if not surpass the accomplishments in making Dabawenyo proud of Task Force Davao.
Mempin also said that aside from the routine checkpoint operations and security patrol for the year, Task Force Davao has significantly contributed to the apprehension of Cayamora Maute, father of the slain Abdullah Maute, the leader of terrorist Maute group, last June 6, 2017. The elder Maute later died in detention.
They also have recorded several apprehensions in terms of illegal drugs, implementation of area security during various events in Davao City and Martial Law implementation in Mindanao.
From the Philippine Star (Apr 24): AFP seeks higher public awareness of maritime issues
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is working on increasing public awareness of maritime issues, including the country’s territorial dispute with some of its neighbors, particularly China.
The military’s Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) based in Camp Aquino, Tarlac City hopes to achieve this initially through spearheading a forum on the issue – together with other agencies and stakeholders – in Lingayen, Pangasinan tomorrow.
Nolcom public information office chief Lt. Col. Isagani Nato said resource speakers will discuss developments in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea issue as well as efforts being made to safeguard the country’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.
He explained that Nolcom’s area of operation covers the biggest maritime area in the country – West Philippine Sea where Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal is located, Luzon Strait in the area of Batanes Islands and Philippine Rise off Casiguran, Aurora.
“Being responsible for protecting the biggest maritime area in the country, Nolcom finds it necessary to involve all stakeholders to contribute to the overall effort of securing the Northern Maritime Frontier,” Nato said yesterday.
“Thus, collaboration and integration of efforts is paramount to achieve desired common goals,” he added.
“With its core purpose, Nolcom will continue to advance peace and development, fight for our people’s rights and threats to peace, development and security, and protect our sovereign territory,” he said.
The United States and Philippines armed forces, meanwhile, will conduct “subject matter expert exchanges” at various military installations throughout the Philippines beginning tomorrow until May 4.
In a statement, the US Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs said American and Filipino airmen are set to participate in exchanges that will cover command and control tactics and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief responses.
The US participation in the event is upon the invitation of the Philippine government, the statement said.
As part of the program, the US will send HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and airmen from units across the Pacific to Clark Air Base and Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in the Philippines.
“The exchange is the sixth iteration of the US-Philippine Air Contingent established by US Pacific Command and executed by Headquarters Pacific Air Forces,” the statement read.
The first US-Philippine Air Contingent was in April 2016.
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 24): New AFP chief vows to weed out corrupt officers
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez (File photo by FRANCES MANGOSING / INQUIRER.net)
Newly-installed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez vowed to weed out corrupt officers in the military.
“The President has zero tolerance for corruption. We will have no fear of relieving people who are mediocre and full of anomalies. We will keep the AFP clean, I will not hesitate to relieve any commander who will be tainted with corruption,” Galvez was quoted as saying in his speech at his first flag-raising ceremony as AFP chief on Monday.
The new AFP chief ordered the office of the Inspector General to investigate reported anomalies in the use of resources “to ensure judicious use of funds and proper management of government assets.”
He also told military personnel and civilian employees in attendance that while he is “strict” with erring officers, he might also give awards and cash incentives to deserving personnel.
The new AFP chief said he is also keen on promoting officers and enlisted personnel who are excelling in their respective positions.
Plaques of recognition and cash incentives starting from P10,000 await top performing officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees who will be selected on a quarterly basis.
The Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel had been tasked to craft the necessary deliberations.
“I am results-oriented. We must be outputs-oriented as we value teamwork and meritocracy. Be righteous. Be perfect, because any mistake may mean the lives of the people we have sworn to serve and protect; and the lives of our very own soldiers,” Galvez said.
The new AFP chief also echoed the order of President Rodigo Duterte to expedite the processing of contracts related to the AFP Modernization Program.
“The President is pushing us to make our modernization move forward, we need to choose people who can deliver results for our modernization,” he said.
From Stratfor (Apr 24): Could Militants in the Philippines Make a Comeback? (By Ben West
Global Security Analyst, Stratfor)
Highlights
Militant attacks, piracy and kidnapping continue to threaten the southern Philippines six months after the end of fighting in Marawi City.
Although that threat has diminished, slow movement on the political front gives the threat more time and space to grow.
Regional interconnectedness means that militant safe havens in the southern Philippines will continue to pose a threat to Malaysia and Indonesia.
Six months have passed since the Armed Forces of the Philippines officially wrapped up operations against Islamic State-aligned militants who had occupied Marawi City on the southern island of Mindanao. Liberating the southern provincial capital yielded a significant peace dividend for the Philippine government. President Rodrigo Duterte continues to enjoy high popularity in the southern Philippines, local Moro leaders continue to support security forces in keeping the jihadist militant threat at bay, and despite anti-U.S. rhetoric emanating from Manila, cooperation with the United States on security matters has continued to grow. But the militant threat in the southern Philippines lingers, and underlying grievances driving the militancy remain largely unaddressed. At some point, the goodwill generated by the militants' defeat in Marawi City is going to run out, and the tenuous peace currently presiding over Mindanao will be tested over the next few months.
Many of the security trends that were playing out in October 2016 as security forces were eliminating the final militants in Marawi City remain in place. With the disintegration of the Maute group during the battle of Marawi City, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have continued to be Mindinao's most active militant group with Islamic State ties. Its activity is concentrated in Maguindanao province, situated between Davao and Cotabato City. The group, with an estimated 200 to 300 members, has carried out regular attacks against security forces. On March 11, Philippine troops killed scores of BIFF fighters, but 10 days later, the militants responded with an attack on a police station. Despite military defeats and other setbacks, BIFF continues to pose a threat in Maguindanao and surrounding provinces. Despite its preference to operate in more rural areas, its proximity to urban centers like Davao and Cotabato City means that an attack against those cities cannot be ruled out.
The Big Picture
Philippine forces chased away the last of the Islamic State-linked militants who had seized Marawi City in October, but the jihadists have continued to linger on Mindinao and could potentially rebuild. The more time and space that the militants are given to regroup in the southern Philippines, the greater threat they will pose to neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia.
According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, remnants of the Maute group are re-forming farther north in Lanao del Sur, in the rural areas outside Marawi City. What those militants lack in numbers — their strength is estimated to be around 200 fighters — they make up for in resources. Abu Dar, a militant who survived the Marawi City siege to succeed Isnilon Hapilon as leader of the Islamic State in the Philippines, reportedly escaped the siege with tens of millions of dollars worth of cash, gold and jewelry looted from the city. Abu Dar is thought to be using the riches to recruit young, disenfranchised fighters to join the jihadist cause and pick up where the Maute group left off. Malaysian authorities, however, have a different take, claiming that one of its citizens, Mohd Amin Baco, is the leader of the Islamic State in the Philippines. Regardless, reports of militant activity around Marawi City are scarce, suggesting that if militants are regrouping, they are doing so cautiously.
The Philippines is also home to the militant group Abu Sayyaf, which stretches out along the Sulu Archipelago. Its members continue to harass security forces at about the same rate as they did before and during the Marawi City siege: however, the Abu Sayyaf gangs that ran maritime piracy operations under the Islamic State flag have been largely unsuccessful over the past 12 months, at least compared to their activities in 2016 and 2017. Abu Sayyaf pirates captured dozens of hostages in 17 successful attacks on maritime targets from April 2016- April 2017. Since then, the groups have not managed any successful attacks. In large part, an increase in naval patrols by the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Australia can be credited for thwarting their attempts. Response times to distress calls are now measured in minutes instead of hours, and patrols have even managed to pick up on preoperational surveillance runs, stopping attacks before they even happen. But pirates in the area continue to pursue attacks, and sooner or later, they will be successful again. Shipping interests, resorts and other commercial interests in the Sulu and Celebes Sea region would be well advised to continue to guard against the threat of kidnappings.
Barriers to Success
There are a couple of political challenges ahead for Manila as it strives to fulfill its the promises to establish an autonomous region in the area most affected by the Marawi City siege and, at the same time, rebuild Marawi City. The Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) has been touted as the framework for undermining jihadist grievances in the southern Philippines by handing over more control to local Muslim leaders. Local leaders, supported by their communities, have repeatedly sought such authority, and since taking office, Duterte has promised to grant it to them.
But despite optimism that the Marawi City siege would finally attract enough political support to push the law through Congress, the Philippine Senate has missed deadline after deadline since October, threatening to undermine the Muslim leaders who have called for peace, and bolstering the jihadists who espouse that independence is the only option and autonomy under the Philippine government is a false promise. As of now, the Senate is aiming to pass the BBL by early June — around the time of the first anniversary of the May 23 attack on Marawi City that kicked off the five-month-long siege. Duterte, however, appears to be less optimistic about that timeline and is talking about passing it by the end of the year. Symbolically, commemorating the first anniversary of the attack on Marawi City without further progress on the BBL will be awkward; but if the legislation has not passed by the first anniversary of the end of the siege in October, it will severely test the local support Manilla and Duterte have enjoyed so far.
Eradicating militancy — or containing it, at the very least — is integral to the security of the southern Philippines. However, the potential for spillover into the rest of Southeast Asia raises serious concerns.
As national and local leaders struggle to rebuild a political arrangement to address the long-term militant threat in the southern Philippines, Marawi City is undergoing a much more literal reconstruction. Manila has approved more than $300 million to rebuild the city and, as anticipated, the specifics around the reconstruction are causing strife. Five Chinese firms are among the consortium involved in the reconstruction, a point that has led to a measure of protest by residents who are only now finally starting to return home. Not only does Chinese involvement raise concerns about reconstruction funds benefitting foreign instead of local interests, cooperation with China tends to inflame nationalist sentiments in the Philippines. The involvement of China — despite it being among the Philippines' largest trading partners and home to the kinds of engineering and construction companies capable of such projects — will create its own political issues. Public backlash against yet another plan for Marawi City has centered on the Philippine military's plans to build a base within the city limits — a move that locals fear would make them a target for further attacks but which the military sees as critical to securing the area. Large reconstruction projects are bound to miss deadlines, run over budgets and offend local sensibilities. If those pressures build on top of a stalled deal for political autonomy, the popular backlash would be potentially more damaging than the improvised bombs and small arms wielded by guerilla jihadist groups.
Are Militancies Contagious?
Finally, what transpires in the southern Philippines over the course of the year will affect the jihadist threat in the rest of southeast Asia. For at least the past two years, the southern Philippines have been the most permissive environment for Southeast Asian militant operations. As militants were planning and carrying out their attack on Marawi City, Indonesian and Malaysian security forces were at work dismantling other extremist groups such as Mujahidin Indonesia Timur and disrupting plots linked back to Muhammad Wanndy Jedi before he was killed in Syria. Their success against Islamic State supporters, coupled with the failure of Philippines security forces to dislodge militant groups from Mindanao, helped draw hundreds of foreign fighters into the Marawi City fight. For militants from Indonesia and Malaysia, attacks at home proved too difficult and travel to Iraq and Syria too harrowing — but jihadist networks were more than capable of smuggling fighters from Malaysia's Sabah and Indonesia's Kalimantan provinces into the southern Philippines. As Malaysian and Indonesian authorities continue to disrupt militant plots, they are finding that most schemes have some link back to the Philippines, either in the form of weapons, training, personnel or planning. As long as jihadism simmers in the Philippines, it will continue to pose a terrorist risk to the broader region.
As 2018 wears on, it will be important to watch for signs of increased threats from the southern Philippines. A more active threat in Maguindanao, either in the form of an urban attack or successful raid on security forces would be signs of a stronger BIFF. Likewise, increased aggression from the remnants of the (allegedly) wealthy militant survivors of the Marawi City siege farther north would be an indicator that security forces are struggling to keep them from regrouping. Further piracy activity in the Sulu and Celebes seas, including an eventual successful attack or a kidnapping that draws more attention is likely. Stability in the southern Philippines will also be closely tied to the progress of both the BBL and the rebuilding efforts in Marawi City. While all of these developments are, of course, integral to the security of the southern Philippines, the security situation there will have spillover potential into the rest of Southeast Asia as well. A pacified Mindanao will reduce the threat in Malaysia and Indonesia, while a resurgent militant threat will put more pressure on neighboring security forces to contain it.
From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 24): AFP condemns NPA for continued use of minors in armed struggle
The commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Eastern Mindanao Command (AFP-EastMinCom) expressed sadness and condemned the New People’s Army (NPA) for their continued use of minors in their armed struggle.
Lt. General Benjamin Madrigal (PIA / MANILA BULLETIN)
In a statement, Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. said its sad to note that despite the worldwide call to spare children in armed struggle, the NPA terrorists continued to arm and use them.
“We condemn this practice in strongest term and challenge the NPA terrorists to spare them. Let children be children, and allow them to play, learn, enjoy and experience the beauty of being a child and spare them from indoctrinating hatred and violence,” Madrigal said.
Madrigal made the comment as authorities have already established the identity of the body of a young man who was killed during an encounter in Barangay Astorga, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur on Saturday.
The identification process was made by the Philippine National Police-Scene of the Crime Operatives (PNP-SOCO), Municipal Social Welfare Office of Sta. Cruz, Davao Del Sur, and the military.
According to the report made by Lt. Col. Rhojun Rosales, commander of the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion, the fatality was identified as 15-year-old Rondi Ondo, from Sitio Tombo, Barangay Old Bulatukan, Makilala, North Cotabato.
He was identified by his mother Marissa A. Ondo at a Funeral Parlor in Sta. Cruz, Davao Del Sur during a public identification.
Ondo’s cadaver was recovered after the encounter with an M16 rifle and clad in black NPA uniform.
Meanwhile, Rosales facilitated the transportation of the body of Ondo and the communist leader identified as Julito Pueblas alias Taghoy, 62, from Sitio Pangayasan, Brgy. Kisante to their respective families and barangay officials of Kisante and Old Bulatukan, respectively, on April 22.
On the other hand, Jessa Lumana who was seized in the encounter site was already detained at Sta. Cruz Municipal Police Station to face criminal charges.
From the Small Wars Journal (Apr 24): Factsheet: Chinas Territorial Stratagem - Extending Military Range & Influence through Reclamation & Occupation of the Spratly Waters, South China Sea (By S.A. Cavanagh)
Summary
China’s Aggressive Move to Occupy the Spratly regional waters through Reclamation has proved an effective stratagem, for projection of political, economic and military power. The Hague has ruled China has no traditional claims to the disputed region and the Spratlys are “rocks not islands.” China continues to reclaim and militarize several strategic islands (reefs) and occupies them. The United States, French and British navies exercise freedom of navigation near the new islands, as China warns it will use military force to defend new territorial claims. China has tactically and strategically extended its military “range and influence” with navel bases, airstrips, radar, communications, missile installations and shelters. China has bet on reclamation and occupation and won.
Visual: Author S.A. Cavanagh
Why is China Building Artificial Islands in the Spratly Region?
China believes it has legitimate claim over the disputed waters because it was the first to discover them.
China declares it was the earliest to explore, name, develop and administer various islands in the South China Seas. (CNN, 2016)
The South China Seas are strategically important, 30% of the worlds shipping trade filter through the region and there are 5 other countries (Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines & Brunei) that have claims to the area. (Vox, 2017)
The South China Sea is rich in natural resources. There are an estimated 11 billion barrels of oil, 109 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 10% of the world’s fisheries. (Vox, 2017)
Establishing territorial claims in the South China Sea will allow China to project political, economic and military power, influence freedom of navigation and harvest rich natural resources.
Taiwan first occupied an island in the Spratlys after World War II, and the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia followed suit, and all have built outposts and airstrips on their claimed territory. (CNN, 2016)
China has denied it would militarize the islands it has built, claiming use is for; navigational aids and weather stations. China has since turned the islands into navel and air force bases with hardened infrastructure.
China has looked at the farthest ranges of aircraft and communications equipment. From a strategic standpoint this allows China to reach beyond those limits and extend the range of their power and influence. In 2012, China claimed Scarborough shoal, located in the north of the South China Sea. If China manages to turn Scarborough shoal into a militarized island, it will assert influence over the entire South China Sea. (newsweek.com, 2017)
According to assistant professor, Richard Haydarian of De La Salle University in Manila; China is aiming to expand its military footprint which creates irreversible facts on the ground placing China in a position to use military force to defend its new territorial claims. Essentially China is telling everybody it is here to stay and not leaving. (SCMP.com, 2018)
Environmental Impact of Chinas Man Made Islands in Spratly Waters
Construction of the islands has required massive dredging operations. According to The Hague in 2016 China has caused irreparable harm to marine environments through the destruction of coral reefs which is against international law. (newsweek.com, 2017)
Can China Build Legal Islands in the Spratly Waters?
China a member of ASEAN, agreed not to develop any of the reefs or island in the Spratly region of the South China Sea. Further China agreed to talks to negotiate who has rights over the disputed waters and islands. (news.com.au, 2018)
In 2013, the Philippines filed a case with the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, seeking a ruling on its right to exploit the South China Sea waters within the exclusive economic zone of the islands and reefs it occupies in the South China Sea. The court found in favour of the Philippines. (CNN, 2016)
The Hague has rejected Chinas claims to the South China Sea, and refute the seas are part of Chinas historic fishing waters. The Hague also says that the Spratly Islands are “rocks and not islands” and there fore no country has jurisdiction. (newsweek.com, 2017)
Freedom of Navigation Operations-Countering China in the South China Sea
The US Navy conducted freedom of navigation operations within 12 nautical miles of Mischief reef on two occasions in early 2018, to the dismay of China.
The US conducts routine and regular freedom of navigation operations in the past; it will continue to do so in the future according to a spokesperson for the US Navy Pacific Fleet. (Reuters, 2018)
China feels that the US is escalating tensions in the region unnecessarily. The US is concerned China is restricting free nautical movement. US Navel forces patrolling these waters have been warned that China will protect its sovereign claims to the waters. (Reuters, 2018)
The French regularly sail freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea in a low key manner. The UK has intentions of conducting freedom of navigation operations in the region, and the UK and France as permanent members of the UN Security council will likely plan joint navel, freedom of navigation operations. (The Maritime Executive, 2018)
Summary
China has hardened its stance on territorial claims to the South China Sea. Chinas investment in reclamation of islands has given it leverage through presence and military occupation. Legitimate or not, China is now established in the region, allowing effective projection of influence, power and military range. Chinas stratagem for control of the South China Sea through reclamation and occupation has proved remarkably effective.
From Malaya Business Insight (Apr 24): Can military chief end communist insurgency?
NEW Armed Forces chief Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. is focused on ending the communist insurgency and terrorism problems but a security official doubts it can be done by December when Galvez reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.
“Decisively end insurgency, put and end to violent extremism,” AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin on the thrust of Galvez who assumed the highest military post on Wednesday last week.
The security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the insurgency problem, which is about five decades old, may last for another five to 10 years.He cited the government’s decision in 2016 to release communist leaders, who are serving as consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, so they can participate in the peace negotiations which President Duterte cancelled in November last year.
“Right now, they are free. They will always be there organizing,”the official said, referring to Benito Tiamzon, his wife Wilma Austria, Allan Jazmines, and Tirso Alcantara, among others.
“You have to get the core group. Unless you get the core group, whatever you do, they won’t surrender... The leadership is providing the leadership, the rest are just palliative,” the official said.
He noted that in other poor and injustice-plagued countries, there are is insurgency because there are no cadres. “You have to arrest the… cadres... There are 30 plus to 40 (of them),” he said of the core group members.
He said the core group includes Jose Maria Sison, founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines, who has been on self-exile in the Netherlands since the 1980s.
On the terrorism problem, the official he is anticipating the problem to last “several years” more because the government in general is slow in going after the resources of terrorist groups and its members.
He noted that the military filed a forfeiture case against Maute members before the Anti-Money Laundering Council as early as three years ago but said “it is only now this is being realized.”
“It will take years,” said the source when asked when the military can finally end the terrorism problem.
The Maute group was responsible for the five-month armed conflict in Marawi City last year. They looted banks and other institutions of millions during their occupation of parts of the city, and were reported to have taken some of the money out of the city on their escape.
As to how the problem should be solved, he said: “This requires a holistic approach, economic. You have to address their livelihood… the legal problem. There are many loopholes on the legal side.”
“There is also the social. You have to seek the cooperation of the Muslim religious sector... I always believe Islam is a religion of peace but the problem is there are religious extremists,” he said.
Datuin has said the military intends to end the communist insurgency and terrorist problems “through vigorous implementation” of a support program under the Development Support and Security Plan Bayanihan.
The DSSP Plan Bayanihan is the military’s blueprint in winning the peace in the countryside. The campaign plan was implemented at the start of 2017, replacing the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan of the previous administration.
Datuin said Galvez is also focused safeguarding the country’s territorial waters, supporting law enforcement agencies in the fight against illegal drugs and criminality, and promoting transparency, good governance and fighting against corruption in the ranks.
Former AFP chief Eduardo Año, now officer-in-charge of the interior department, vowed to defeat or reduce the NPA strength from around 4,100 men to less than 1,000. This was in July 2015 when he became Army chief. In October last year, Año said he wanted the communists defeated by end of this year.
Recently retired AFP chief Rey Leonardo Guerrero targeted to reduce the NPA strength of about 3,700 men by half at the end of this year.
DILG warns against ‘permit to campaign’ fees in rebel-infested areas.
THE DEPARTMENT of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Davao region yesterday warned barangay and youth candidates from giving funds to the communist rebels to gain permits to campaign in areas controlled by the Reds.This as the police regional command is monitoring hotspots areas in the region, particularly those under NPA control, following the murder of a re-electionist barangay captain in Monkayo, Compostela Valley.
DILG Regional Director Alex Roldan said barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan bets would be charged for rebellion if they gave funds to the communist.
“It is illegal,” Roldan said on the act of candidates who give funds to the communist rebels. “We discourage that.”
Since the authorities are not privy to any deal entered by the candidates with the rebels, Roldan admitted it is really a “problem during election.”
Candidates, particularly in rebel-infested territories, are forced to pay the New People’s Army (NPA) for security reasons.
Roldan said he is coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to monitor candidates if they gave funds to the rebels in exchange for the permit to campaign.
“If there’s evidence that the candidates gave fee to the NPAs, then they could be charged for rebellion,” he added.
Assessing
The Davao Police Regional Office XI is in the process of consolidating the election watch list areas and areas of concern
Chief Insp. MIlgrace Driz, spokesperson of PRO XI, said the provincial security join coordinating committee, led by the Commission on Elections, convened yesterday to identify the election watch list areas.
“We are focusing on these areas because the Comelec will make measures,” Driz said.
The Comelec action may include the deployment of police and military personnel in far-flung areas and areas that are identified to have the presence of communist group and private armed group and those with history of previous election-related violence.
From the Mindanao Times (Apr 25): Slain NPA member only 15 years old: authorities
THE COMMUNIST rebel killed in an encounter in Barangay Astorga, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur on April 21 was only 15 years old, the military said. According to the report made by Lt. Col. Rhojun Rosales, commander of 39th Infantry Battalion, the fatality was identified as Rondi Ondo from Sitio Tombo, Barangay Old Bulatukan, Makilala, North Cotabato.
Balagtey said the teenager was identified by his mother Marissa A. Ondo at a funeral parlor in Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur.
Ondo’s body was recovered at the encounter site still clad in the black NPA uniform and carrying his M16 rifle.
Members of the Scene of the Crime Operatives, along with the PNP Provincial Police Office, processed the encounter site. They also conducted an autopsy on Ondo and confirmed that he was still a minor.
Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., commander of Eastern Mindanao Command, condemned the New People’s Army’s continued recruitment of minors to fight its battles.
“It’s so sad to note that despite the worldwide call to spare children in armed struggle, the NPA terrorists continued to arm them and use them,” he said. “Let children be children, and allow them to play, learn, enjoy and experience the beauty of being a child and spare them from indoctrinating hatred and violence, ” Madrigal said.
Meanwhile, Lt Col. Rhojun Rosales, commander of the 39th Infantry Battalion, facilitated the transport of the remains of Ondi Ondo and the earlier identified NPA leader Julito Pueblas alias Taghoy, 62, from Sitio Pangayasan, Barangay Kisante to their respective families on April 22, 2018.
On the other hand, Jessa Lumana who was seized in the encounter site was already detained at the Sta Cruz Municipal Police Station to face criminal charge.
From the Mindanao Times (Apr 25): Wounded NPA leader captured
AN ALLEGED vice commander of the New People’s Army (NPA) was captured by the 27th Infantry Battalion after an encounter in Sitio Salbuyan, Barangay Amsipit, Maasim, Sarangani Province on Monday morning. Capt. Mc Gary Dida, the civil-military operations officer of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, identified the fighter as Pablito Torno alias Jebjeb. In a report given by Lt. Col Jones Brisal Otida, the commander of 27th IB, said that soldiers captured the wounded NPA at Sitio Lunay, Barangay Amsipit, Maasim, Sarangani province seven hours after the encounter.
Torno was reportedly wandering around the area and left behind by his comrades. He was immediately given first aid before being evacuated to a hospital in General Santos City for medical attention.
The battalion already coordinated with the police for the filing of a charge against the rebel.
Meanwhile, the troops also recovered three M16 rifles; one hand grenade; one rifle grenade; three Baofeng HH radios; eight jungle backpacks with personal belongings, and subversive documents.
From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 24): 4 towns on close watch
Four towns in Negros Occidental are now being closely monitored by the Philippine National Police, in connection with the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on May 14, because of numerous shooting incidents that recently took place in them.
The New People’s Army recently claimed responsibility for the killing of a retired Army soldier and a policeman in Isabela, as well as the attempt to kill a Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team member in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office also recorded other killings in the upland areas of Toboso and Calatrava, and in Moises Padilla, but it has not been established if they were insurgency-related.
Senior Supt. Rodolfo Castil, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, yesterday said they have already started re-aligning their forces for election-related purposes, to ensure a peaceful and orderly election on May 14.
Castil said he foresees possible trouble that may arise in those areas during the election.
He added that they are also coordinating with the 303rd Infantry Brigade to secure the hinterland areas of Negros Occidental.
Troopers of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6 are also augmenting the Negros Occidental PNP in securing the province during the May 14 elections. Ninety-three of the 601 barangays in Negros Occidental, excluding Bacolod City, have been reported by the military to be either infiltrated, or under the influence of the CPP-NPA.
Capt. Eduardo Precioso, Public Affairs Office chief of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, however, said that the 93 barangays, communist rebels have established their influence in 26.
Precioso said it is up to the Commission on Election to determine if those barangays will be included in the Election Watchlist Areas (EWAS), in line with the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on May 14.
The Provincial Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center, which is composed of the Commission on Elections, Armed Forces of the Philippines and National Police, in Negros Occidental, is slated to convene next week to discuss security-related concerns.
From the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines online publication the Davao Today (Apr 24): Trade union violations revealed in fact-finding mission
Delegates of the National Fact Finding Mission (NFFM) headed by the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) held on February 18-19, 2018 in Compostela town, Compostela Valley. (Contributed photo)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – A National Fact Finding Mission (NFFM) headed by the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) condemned on Friday the rise of human rights violations and union busting in Compostela town.
Banana plantation workers of Sumitomo Fruit told the NFFM held on February 18-19, that the violations intensified after eight KMU-affiliated unions of Sumifru Philippines submitted a proposal for a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) to the management.
The NFFM documented 286 human rights violations involving cases of coercion, displacement from their homes, harassment, intimidation, illegal entry into their houses and planting of fake evidence.
Eliazar Dongkoy, chairperson of MAPARAT Montevista Workers Union said that soldiers falsely accused the workers as front liners of the New People’s Army (NPA), and forced them to surrender.
“We were questioned by the Philippine National Police and the 66th Infantry Battalion (of the Philippine Army) after sending us letters to appear in the barangay. Soldiers told us that union dues were being used in the purchase of guns for the NPA,” Dongkoy said.
He asserted that the union dues are used for union-related activities.
The authorities also wanted workers to join in the management unions rather than in KMU-affiliated unions, he added.
KMU pointed out that the clear intent of these human rights violations was union busting.
KMU national secretary-general Jerome Adonis said that the 66th IB is harassing Sumifru Union members, calling them terrorists and warning them against engaging in legitimate union activities.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region XI in its report to Undersecretary Joel Maglunsod said, they invited the Philippine Army and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in a Regional Tripartite Monitoring Body meeting to discuss the NFFM results.
The report stated that the AFP was conducting barangay visitations under the Community Support Program.
According to the 10th ID spokesperson Capt. Jerry Lamusao, the FFM can immediately file cases “if they deem it necessary and or they have the probable cause to do so.”
“The unions are not harassed. Instead, our units have actually rescued these workers when they sought refuge to the Army after NPAs deceived them to go against their employer,” he said.
He added that the 10th ID is not against unions because it is permitted under the Constitution.
“There are just people running it to destroy companies that brought jobs to the community,” he said.
The CHR Region XI was said to have told the concerned parties should be invited in the Regional Tripartite Monitoring Body (RTMB) to immediately resolve the allegations.
The RTMB agreed to conduct a community dialogue.
Carlo Olalo, KMU-SMR secretary general said that despite the threats, they will continue to support Sumifru union members in their goal of obtaining a CBA that ensures fair wages and job security for all its workers.
The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights showed an increase in the number of cases of threats, harassment and intimidations towards workers and the urban poor. From 88 in former President Noynoy Aquino’s six-year term, the figures rose to 500 during the first year of President Duterte’s term.
There were 21 reported killings of union members, 602 documented cases of assaults in the picket lines of workers and 86 arbitrary arrests and detentions.
From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 24): 4 people strafed at Basilan sea
Unidentified gunmen strafed a motorized boat on Tuesday and wounded at least 4 people off the restive province of Basilan in southern Philippines, police said.
It said the attackers, who were also on a boat, opened fire on the victims who came from the town of Lantawan and on their way to the neighboring province of Sulu. Both Basilan and Sulu are part of the Muslim autonomous region.
The victims were rescued and brought to Zamboanga City for emergency medical treatment. The motive of the attack was unknown and no individual or group claimed responsibility for the strafing, the second strafing since last week.
Gunmen also rained bullets on a house in Ungkaya Pukan and killed four of its occupants, one of them a former village chieftain. Police said it arrested one of the suspects in the killing. It was unclear whether the attack was an offshoot of a clan war or political violence since village elections are up coming.
Political violence is notorious in the autonomous region where various rebel groups are actively operating and clan war always play a part in the polls where opposing or feuding candidates themselves are fighting over elected positions.
From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 24): PNP Caraga: ‘Sorry’ can’t bring back life of slain pastor
The leadership of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 has slammed the apology made by the New People's Army (NPA) terrorists over the murder of a pastor in the hinterland of Gigaquit town, Surigao del Norte.
Chief Supt Noli Romana, PRO13 director, said that the apology of Ka-Oto, spokesperson of NPA’s Guerilla Front 16, would never lessen the grief of Pastor Jepti Acedo’s family.
Acedo, 32 and his companions Virgil Flor Ortiz, 23; and Abner Malaque, 20, were riding on a motorcycle when riddled with bullets by the NPA terrorists using high-powered firearms in Brgy. Lahi on April 18, 2018.
“This brutal incident is a grave violation of human rights and must be condemned by the peace-loving communities in Caraga. They are killing civilians contrary to their claim they are protectors of the people,“ RD Romana added.
The region’s police chief called on the people to withstand against the NPA deceptions and report their presence immediately to the nearest police/army unit.
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24): Army brings medical services to IP communities in Sultan Kudarat
AMPATUAN, Maguindanao – More than 270 individuals have benefitted in the medical and dental outreach program the military conducted in remote village here and those from nearby Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat province on Monday.
Lt. Colonel Lauro Oliveros, commander of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion (MIB), led his officers and men in serving the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of Barangay Marquez here and adjacent villages in Esperanza.
The outreach program was supported by the provincial government of Sultan Kudarat through the provincial mobile hospital with Dr. Rex Archangel Lamprea and his nurses in attendance.
“It was a successful outreach activity and the IPs were elated with the gesture,” Oliveros said in a statement.
“We are glad that we made them happy and healthy,” he added.
The services rendered were medical consultation, dental and circumcision operation, free haircut and free reading glasses for the elders.
The medical mission ended up with a total of 272 beneficiaries. Oliveros said all the beneficiaries were Indigenous People who have very limited or no access to health services at all.
The Army battalion commander said similar activities are being prepared for more communities, especially in far-flung areas where medical services could hardly reach.
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24): Army combats Leyte insurgency with dancing soldiers
Government troops in Leyte learned how to dance as a strategy to win the hearts of villagers in communities highly vulnerable to insurgency.
The dancing soldiers of the 78th Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Burauen, Leyte, have been performing in medical missions, school-based events, and other gatherings where soldiers are invited.
“By nature, Filipinos love to sing and dance. Dancing binds you with the community. It allows you to do what they want do and if you do it with them, they would relate to you,” said Col. Danilo Dupiag, 78th Infantry Battalion commanding officer.
Dupiag believes that they have earned the trust of people in far-flung communities through entertainment. In return, villagers have been providing intelligence information to the military.
Insurgency problem in Leyte is not as worse in Samar Island, but there is still a challenge for them to keep the insurgency situation from manageable to completely eradicated, he said. The military official noted that convincing the people not to join the New People’s Army (NPA) is easier now because most of the NPA members are individuals who have criminal records and without ideology.
Dupiag added that even if the national government cancelled peace talks last year local peace initiative in the province has continued.
“I am very supportive to the peace talks that is why even the national government cancelled it last year, we continue doing that in the local level to show our sincerity. Through this, we are able to convince three rebels to surrender,” he said.
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24): PH Army’s 2ID camp upgrades facilities, gears up road projects
CAMP GEN. MATEO CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – The 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division (2ID) of the Philippine Army camp here spearheaded on Tuesday a road concreting project worth PHP 51 million and the upgrading of the Army Station Hospital facilities.
Rizal province 2nd District Representative Isidro S. Rodriguez Jr., 2ID Assistant Division Commander Brigadier General Glorivine Dida and Rizal District Engineer Adilbert B. Rosete - with some military officials - led the ground breaking and lowering of the time capsule for the road network project.
Captain Patrick Jay M. Retumban, chief of the 2ID public affairs office, said that the PHP51-million concreting of the camp’s road network will be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Rizal II District Engineering Office.
Retumban also said that the 2nd Army Station Hospital (2ASH) is also being upgraded from Infirmary level to Level 1 hospital.
He said the Level 1 hospital has surgical and maternity facilities, isolation room, dental clinics, secondary clinical laboratory, surgery room, blood station, first level X-ray and pharmacy.
“The hospital will not only benefit the soldiers of 2ID but this will also help the civilians in the province to access the quality medical service,” said Major General Rhoderick M. Parayno, the 2ID Commander.
The PHP10-million Phase-1 hospital upgrade project is under the Health Facility Enhancement Program (HFEP) of the Department of Health (DOH) in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The Phase- 1 hospital project will be completed next month.
Parayno, together with 2ID officers and enlisted personnel also led the blessing of the newly renovated Division Inspector General’s and Officers’ Quarter and a Hino 500 dump truck issued by the Philippine Army to the 2ID base here on Monday.
He said the facilities and amenities upgrade inside Camp Capinpin is part of the program of the Command to give priority to the morale and welfare of the troops and civilian employees working in 2ID. http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1033112
