Tuesday, June 26, 2018

MILF: MILF-BIAF National Guard Front Guerilla Operation Organizes Peace Advocacy on BBL

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jun 24): MILF-BIAF National Guard Front Guerilla Operation Organizes Peace Advocacy on BBL



In a Peace Advocacy organized by the National Guard Front Guerilla Operation of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF), Prof. Esmail A. Abdula underscored the passing by the BiCam Conference of a Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that is acceptable to the Bangsamoro People.

Abdula is the President of Kalilintad Peacebuilding Institute President and Training Officer of the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI).

“Passing a CAB-compliant BBL will correct the historical Injustices committed against the Moro people and will solve the decades-long armed conflict in Mindanao”, added Abdula.

Abdula highlighted that the “MILF Political struggle is a legal means of achieving its objectives.”

Abdula quoted President Duterte who said in one of his speeches, “We will try to pass the BBL with no cuts…”

"I will try to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) so that we can now move on to peace and development... The oil in Liguasan Marsh is yours and just make good to it... that is yours," Duterte told the guests at SMX Convention Center during the Eidl Fitre Dinner hosted by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) for Muslim leaders in Davao City.

The Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is the legal translation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Manila on March 27, 2014 that will create a new region called Bangsamoro.

 http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1382/milf-biaf-national-guard-front-guerilla-operation-organizes-peace-advocacy-on-bbl-

MILF: FBCSO, Polcom hold Peace Advocacy at camp Badr’s satellite camp

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jun 26): FBCSO, Polcom hold Peace Advocacy at camp Badr’s satellite camp



The Federation of Bangsamoro Civil Society Organization, Inc. (FBCSO) in coordination with Kutawato Provincial Political Committee (POLCOM) organized and conducted a peace advocacy at Camp Badrudin, a satellite camp of Camp Badr in the hinterlands of Datu Odin Sinsuat ( DOS) and Upi Municipalities on June 23, 2018.

The activity aimed to update the MILF - BIAF of the recent development on GPH - MILF peace process specifically on the passage and status of Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), and the possible scenario during the Bicameral Conference scheduled on July 9 - 13.

The participants were under the command of Bob Akmad, the Brigade Commander of 14th Brigade of the 16th Base Command.

Provincial Chairman Abubakar Abas, Al haj of Kutawato Provincial Political Committee was represented by Den Abdulrahman, Vice Chairman of Kutawato Provincial Political Committee who spoke on the essence of leadership in Islam and the necessity to follow its leader as an obligation in accordance with the teachings of the Qu'ran and Sunnah (Traditions) of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

FBCO was represented by its President Junn P. Salik who gave an update on the peace process and explained the narrative of the two BBL versions approved in the final and 3rd reading by both chambers of congress.

Salik reminded the participants on the challenges and opportunities that lies ahead and urged them to stay vigilant, remain on track on the terms of reference of the peace agreement.

Salik also advised them to get information from their leaders and not from outside sources who has nothing in mind except to misinform and misguide considering that " fake news " is already a global phenomenon in the field of communication.

He also made emphasis that the CSO's, religious leaders, academe and even BTC Commissioners by themselves and other stakeholders of peace process are working hard to convey message to national leaders specially the members of the Bicameral Conference Committee for the restoration of the deleted provisions of BTC crafted provisions that are culled out from the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB).

"As a Muslim we should be optimistic and hopeful, and work for the best, put our trust to Allah and to our Bangsamoro leaders who are also working hard for the general welfare of the Bangsamoro people. "

" Let us all preserve and sustain the gains of the peace process for our children and the next generation." He added.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1385/fbcso--polcom-hold-peace-advocacy-at-camp-badr---s-satellite-camp

CPP/Information Bureau: Denounce plans to sharpen fangs of anti-terror law

CPP-Information Bureau propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 27): Denounce plans to sharpen fangs of anti-terror law

Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines

27 June 2018

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) assails proposals by fascists in Congress to sharpen the fangs of the reviled Republic Act No. 9372 or the Human Security Act (HSA) of 2007. If such proposals are passed, these would expressly serve to reinforce the repressive regime in the face of the increasing insecurity of Duterte’s rule.

Passed under the Arroyo regime, the HSA was patterned after the anti-terror US Patriot Act. It was then heavily lobbied by the US imperialists in line with its “war on terror.” Authored by Marcos martial law-era defense minister Juan Ponce Enrile, the HSA contains overly broad and ambigous provisions that can be utilized to easily tag and proscribe democratic people’s organizations as terrorist groups, and arbitrarily criminalize any and all critics and political opponents of the regime.

With the proposed amendments, the HSA’s fangs will be further sharpened, further broaden Duterte’s autocratic powers and serve his plan to strengthen his tyrannical rule.

Under the proposed amendments pushed by militarist-minded solons Amado Espino Jr., Gary Alejano, and Leopoldo Bataoil—all former police and military officials—a redefinition of terrorism will make it further encompassing and allow the reactionary state to arbitrarily and almost automatically tag any act of resistance or political dissent as terrorism. It will consider terrorists those who commit felonies “to intimidate a population, or to compel a government, an international organization, or any person or entity, to do or to abstain from doing any act.”

The proposed amendments also empower the state to conduct electronic or physical surveillance on anyone based on mere suspicion. The draft bill also intensifies the punishments and even encourages the use of torture and other inhuman acts against individuals held in custody.

Duterte is the first president to employ the HSA when he issued proclamation 374 declaring the CPP and NPA as “terrorists.” He also threatened to outlaw legal progressive and democratic organizations under the Terrorism Finance Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. Subsequently, the Department of Justice filed a case last February that seeks to proscribe the CPP and the New People’s Army as terrorist organizations, naming at least 657 activists, political personalities, National Democratic Front (NDF) peace consultants and other individuals as supposed leaders and members of the CPP and NPA, drawing widespread domestic and international denunciation.

The proposed amendments to the HSA will provide Duterte legal cover for his rising dictatorial rule. Accordingly, if the amendments aiming to further strengthen HSA are passed, there will be no more need to formally declare martial law, as this patently fascist measure will already suffice.

AFP seeks to empower Lanao Norte youth peace advocates

From PTV News (Jun 25): AFP seeks to empower Lanao Norte youth peace advocates

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte–The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), in partnership with the local government units of Lanao del Norte, spearheaded the Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) held at the Mindanao Civic Center in this town on Sunday.

Some 75 youth leaders from 15 municipalities of this province joined the YSL camp activity, now on its third year, with the theme: “Empowering the Youth as Advocates of Peace and Solitary Towards a Progressive Nation.”

“The youth leadership summit enhances leadership traits and it depends on how we develop them in our minds. I believe that every one of us are born to be leaders but it has to start from ourselves before we share it to others,” said Lipnikki Maghinay, a participant from Salvador town.


Jurdine Kit Mahilum, a Sangguniang Kabataan chairman in Kauswagan town, underscored the importance of empowering young people to keep them away from violent extremism.

During the three-day summit, youth leaders heard lectures on criminality, drug addiction and prevention, cultural sensitivity, preventing and countering violent extremism, as well as leadership development and interpersonal communication.

Lieutenant Col. Ronel R. Manalo, commanding officer of the Army’s 5th Mechanized Battalion, said the AFP hopes the event has equipped young people with the necessary knowledge in dealing with growth and maturity issues, as well as in “avoiding the wrong path as they soar for their dreams.”

The yearly summit, Manalo said, aims to empower the youth to become peace advocates in their own communities.

“This year’s theme exemplifies the role of the youth as catalysts in achieving a peaceful and progressive community,” Manalo said, adding he hopes that “no wars, no crimes, no drugs and organized groups are out to destroy the promising opportunities for the youth like you and the next generation.

https://www.ptvnews.ph/afp-seeks-empower-lanao-norte-youth-peace-advocates/

AFP claims communist rebels atrocities on a ‘downward trend’

From GMA News (Jun 25): AFP claims communist rebels atrocities on a ‘downward trend’

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has recorded a “downward trend” on the atrocities conducted by the communist rebels, as it has monitored only more than a hundred incidents so far this year.

At a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, military spokesperson Colonel Edgard Arevalo said the AFP has initiated a total of 681 armed encounters against the New People’s Army since January 1 last year to June 25.

A total of 455 communist-initiated incidents were recorded in 2017 while 112 incidents were monitored from January 1 to June 25.

Arevalo also noted that arson incidents have decreased as 77 incidents were recorded in 2017 while 18 were recorded in the first semester of 2018.

Abduction or kidnapping incidents also decreased from 25 to one, intimidation from two to none, ransack from six to three, road blockade or checkpoint from two to none.

The AFP also claimed that 6,659 NPA members, including supporters, have been "neutralized" in the focused military operations. Of this number, 79 were apprehended and 68 were killed.

A total of 736 low and high-powered firearms were also recovered during the said operations.


“The continuous surrender of NPA members if indicative of the organization's dwindling strength,” Arevalo said.

“This is also a clear manifestation of our successful intensified combat, intelligence, and civil-military operations, particularly in North-eastern Mindanao which is the NPA's area of concentration,” he added.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/658067/afp-claims-communist-rebels-atrocities-on-a-downward-trend/story/

5 motorcycles of gov’t soldiers put ablaze by NPAs in Butuan

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 27): 5 motorcycles of gov’t soldiers put ablaze by NPAs in Butuan

Five motorcycles owned by four Army soldiers and a police officer were put ablaze allegedly by five Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) at Kilometer 7, Sitio Kauswagan, Barangay San Mateo, Butuan City, military and police report said.

Reports from the Army’s 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade and Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) said the perpetrators clad in camouflaged uniform of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) arrived at the parking area which is located at the billeting site of the Army’s 23rd Infantry Battallion (23rd IB) and RFMB at 1 pm on Tuesday, brought the motorcycles to the center of basketball court then ignited them.

The owners of the motorcycles were conducting community service patrolling when the burning incident took place, the 402nd Brigade and BCPO separate reports said.

The suspects immediately fled after the incident, it said.

Capt. Al Anthony Pueblas, Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer of the 402nd Brigade said pursuit operation against the CNTs is still ongoing.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/06/27/5-motorcycles-of-govt-soldiers-put-ablaze-by-npas-in-butuan/

NPA rebels kills farmer in Zamboanga del Norte

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jun 27): NPA rebels kills farmer in Zamboanga del Norte

SUSPECTED New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have killed a farmer in a gun attack in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Norte, the police said Tuesday, June 26.

Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, said the incident occurred around 10:15 a.m. Monday at Sitio Datagan in Guibo village, Siayan.


Galvez identified the fatality as Diosdado Malanao, 56, who died instantaneously.

The police officer said the victim was outside his residence together with his family when five armed NPA rebels arrived.

She said the rebels pointed their rifles and shouted to the victim’s family “you are not involved, we are only after him (Malanao)” and opened fire.

She said the rebels fled and recovered from the crime scene were three empty shells of M-14 rifle.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1749877/Zamboanga/Local-News/NPA-rebels-kills-farmer-in-Zamboanga-del-Norte

AFP: More people awakened from NPA lies, deception

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 26): AFP: More people awakened from NPA lies, deception

Major General Ronald C. Villanueva, commander of 4th Infantry Division (4ID) Philippine Army, shared in Talakayan sa PIA on June 20 that the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) terrorist and communist terrorists’ groups in Northeastern Mindanao are losing because people have been awakened from their lies and deception.

“Bisan unsaon nila sulti karon, wala man tumong ilang pakigbisog (Whatever they say now, there is no goal to their armed struggle),” said Villanueva.



Talakayan sa PIA on June 20 talks about the government's campaign on anti-terrorism and violent extremism with (L-R) host Jasper Marie Rucat of Philippine Information Agency (PIA-10), Major General Ronald C. Villanueva, commander, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army (PA), Police Superintendent Mardi Hortillosa, spokesperson of Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) and Regional Director Manuel Orduña of National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA). (PIA/Cagayan de Oro)

He added the country have had this problem for nearly 50 years. “Would we like to have this kind of situation for the next 50 years? We have been telling people, wake up!"

There are layers of massive propaganda among these communist groups in the hinterlands and even in schools, according to Villanueva, adding that they do not compose only of armed groups but they start with the barrios, from National Democratic Front (NDF), the communist party then the NPA.

He explained that the NPA cannot survive without their political party.

“They have party building, mass-based building, and army building. From the barrio alone, they have communist party list members, recruitment is still from the masses. It’s from the masses that they get their party and armed members,” Villanueva explained.


They go to schools because they need intellectuals who will run the political party, he added.

They are branded as terrorists because they are using violence against person or community just to pursue their political and ideological goals using arms. “Hadlokon tika (I’ll threaten you)," said Villanueva.

He added that the NPA‘s end goal is to overthrow the government through armed means.

The AFP continues to de-radicalize these communities.

Villanueva said no government is perfect but “what we do is to provide them with basic needs.”

He said the issues that are being exploited by them are the socio-economic dissatisfaction and the issues these terrorists can exploit is agricultural tenure, youth, women, and labor group.

A major effort of the defense department now, he said, is bringing back the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) to instill a sense of patriotism among the youth.

Another one is organizing youth leaders so that they can shate their knowledge to other youths. “We give them the freedom to think properly as the youth of the Philippines, in the future they will become leaders,” he said.

“How will you choose a youth now to be the leader of the future if his sense of nationalism and patriotism is distorted?” he asked.

AFP has held different youth leadership summits in most of the provinces and recently they organized for the Muslim youth.

Right now, they are building a framework where development and security fall under good governance.

Villanueva said, “We are engaging stakeholders from the lowest unit that is the barangay up to the national level that they should do their part in addressing dissatisfied socio-economic issues. We are looking at the different local chief executives (LCEs), to do their part and perform their specific mandates."

He also stressed security is a shared responsibility. Hence, he urges everyone to be part of such endeavor.
 

Life not easy for ex-Abus

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 27): Life not easy for ex-Abus


Janatin Madjakin —JULIE ALIPALA

Nearly two years after he surrendered on July 6, 2016, Motong Indama has yet to live a normal life.

Indama, now 29, joined Abu Sayyaf at the age of 16. His decision to surrender was difficult to make.

“They have been threatening my family,” he said of former Abu Sayyaf gang mates.

“I have to look for a safer place so my children can go to school and finish their studies,” said.

Indama, whose surrender was made more unacceptable to Abu Sayyaf because he was a nephew of the group’s leader in Basilan province, Furuji.

Indama had to leave his village to stop his former gang mates from harassing him and his family.

Janatin Madjakin, another surrendered Abu Sayyaf bandit, faced the same threats.

Threat of beheading

“They told me that once they get hold of me, they are going to cut my head,” Madjakin said.

Furuji, Madjakin said, was incensed at his surrender and wanted to behead him personally.

But like more than 200 Abu Sayyaf members who had surrendered in Basilan, Indaman and Madjakin were determined to live a new life, one far from the violence they had been familiar with for years.

Indama was born into a family of guerrillas. His father, Bombo, died as a Moro National Liberation Front commander.

“I was young and I didn’t know that what we were doing was bad or illegal,” Indama said.

“Until I started a family and I became envious of others who enjoy the freedom to move around and see their children going to school,” he said.

“I thought it was OK to carry firearms and fight soldiers,” Indama said. “That was how we were reared then,” he added.

Madjakin was raised the way Indama was.

Growing up with guns

“We grew up with guns,” Madjakin said. He said when he was an elementary student, “I already joined the battle” against government soldiers.

Madjakin said he was just 18 years old when he joined Abu Sayyaf “because they offered better weapons and some allowances.”

Indama and Madjakin rose through the ranks of Abu Sayyaf, becoming subleaders.

“Furuji said I am brave so they made me a subleader,” said Madjakin. “I operated with several men under me,” he added.

Madjakin, now 42, said the new life he found after his surrender was very far from his days in the jungle.

He said as member of Abu Sayyaf he used to chew wood chips and leaves out of hunger and pretend that these were real food.

Imaginary food

“Good food was an imagination,” Madjakin said. “In the mountain, we just imagined how real food looks like,” he said.

Even during Eid al-Fitr, one of the biggest celebrations for Muslim, there was barely food.

All they had, most of the time, were betel nuts and leaves, Madjakin said.

Food sometimes came when someone brave enough to pass by Abu Sayyaf camp would offer instant noodles.

“Our life was about hiding, running and loving our firearms,” Madjakin said.

“I know I have killed or hit soldiers in so many battles in the past,” he added.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, head of the antiterror Joint Task Force Basilan, said the surrender of more than 200 Abu Sayyaf men in Basilan brought peace to the province.

Uy said since he was assigned to Basilan on Feb. 11, 2017, “no kidnapping has taken place.”

Tourists returning

As a result of the surrender of Abu Sayyaf men, he said tourism has started returning to Basilan.

“Our soldiers, our units are now devoted to tourist protection and security,” Uy said. “In the past, our time was devoted to pursuing and hunting down these bandits,” he said.

He estimated that at least 40 Abu Sayyaf men were still in Basilan but the number was too small to have an impact on peace and order.

Before 2017, Uy recalled that Basilan got only some 400 tourists at most in a year.

“Now in a day, we receive more than 3,000 tourists,” he said.

Gov. Mujiv Hataman, of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said economic development in Basilan, brought about by government intervention, has apparently helped in turning around the peace and order situation.

“One of the ways we saw best to address the security issues is to provide them an environment to work and they will forget what it’s like in the jungle,” Hataman said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1004466/life-not-easy-for-ex-abus

DWDD: CHANGE OF OFFICE | Naval Public Affairs Office has new Chief

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 25): CHANGE OF OFFICE  |  Naval Public Affairs Office has new Chief

MARINE BASE RUDIARDO BROWN, Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City (DWDD) – The Philippine Navy hosted a change of office ceremony on June 21, when Commander Jonathan V Zata PN (GSC) relieved Navy Captain Lued L Lincuna PN (GSC) as Director, Naval Public Affairs Office at Acero Hall, Marine Base Rudiardo Brown, Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Rear Admiral Erick A Kagaoan AFP, the Chief of Naval Staff presided the ceremony. HPN Staff together with the family and classmates of the principals attended the activity. Likewise, other Major Services PAOs with the AFP PAO representative was present in the event.

Capt Lincuna has held the office of NPAO for the past three and half years.

TEAM NPAO bids its former commander “Fair Winds, Clear Skies and Following Seas Sir! Good Luck in your new endeavors.” NPAO / MCAG 


http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/25/change-of-office-naval-public-affairs-office-has-new-chief/

DWDD: OFFICIAL VISIT | AFP ADC, for Plans at WESCOM

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 25): OFFICIAL VISIT  |  AFP ADC, for Plans at WESCOM

PUERTO PRINSESA, Palawan (DWDD) – The AFP Western Command (#TeamWESCOM) led by Lt Gen  Rozzano D Briguez AFP, CWC, renders Arrival Honors to BGen Cornelio H Valencia Jr AFP, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, J5, Armed Forces of the Philippines during his visit at Headquarters Western Command. WESCOM / MCAG



http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/25/official-visit-afp-adc-for-plans-at-wescom/

DWDD: HONORING WARRIORS | PRRD awards Lapu-Lapu medals to wounded Star Troopers

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 25): HONORING WARRIORS  |  PRRD awards Lapu-Lapu medals to wounded Star Troopers

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela (DWDD) – The Commander in Chief, Armed Forces of the Philippines, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, visited for the second time the Headquarters of the 5th Infantry “Star” Division, Philippine Army, and awarded medals to the 10 Star Troopers who were wounded in action at CMFDC Station Hospital, Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela on June 21, 2018.

The President was assisted by Lt Gen Emmanuel B Salamat, Commander, Northern Luzon Command, MGen Perfecto M Rimando Jr, Commander, 5ID and Lt Col Ignacio P Timbol, CO, CMFDCSH in pinning the Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kampilan Medal to the wounded Star Troopers.



The 10 wounded in action personnel were identified as Sgt Michael A. Ammadang of 17IB; Sgt Frezer H. May-anao, Cpl Randy M. Puyao, Cpl Maurin Paul B. Garan, Cpl Melvin A. Ginez, Cpl Jeronimo S. Tongdo, PFC Eliezer P. Obiasea, and Pvt Jone D. Dunghan, all of 86IB; and, PFC Michael C. Valdez and PFC Renny Boy S. Humiwat both of 21IB.

Aside from the award, each of them also received a Glock Certificate, Check amounting to P100,000.00, P10,000.00 cash assistance, Cellphone, and Office of the President Action Center Card.

The two (2) WIA from 21IB got their wounds fighting the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu Province in Mindanao, while the WIA from 86IB and 17IB were against the Communist NPA Terrorist Group in Isabela and Cagayan Provinces in Northern Luzon.

The Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kampilan is awarded to officials and personnel of the Government and private individuals who were seriously wounded or injured or suffered great loss of property as a direct result of their participation in an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President. 5DPAO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/25/honoring-warriors-prrd-awards-lapu-lapu-medals-to-wounded-star-troopers/

DWDD: CONVERGENCE | CENTCOM supports Regional Peace and Order Council Interface

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 25): CONVERGENCE  |  CENTCOM supports Regional Peace and Order Council Interface

KANHURAW HILL, Tacloban City (DWDD) – A three-day convergence on Regional Peace and Order Council Interface: Eastern Visayas and National Capital Region (RPOC 8 & RPOC NCR) were held recently at the Department of the Interior and Local Government – Region 8 Training Center, Kanhuraw Hill, Tacloban City.

This activity provided a forum for dialogue, deliberation of issues/ problems, and recommend measures which hopefully will improve the peace and development in the region. CENTCOM / MCAG



http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/25/convergence-centcom-supports-regional-peace-and-order-council-interface/

DWDD: ENCOUNTER | 1 NPA Killed in Las Navas, Northern Samar

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 25): ENCOUNTER | 1 NPA Killed in Las Navas, Northern Samar

LAS NAVAS, Northern Samar (DWDD) – One (1) unidentified Communist NPA Terrorist (CNTs) left dead by his comrades after a 10 minutes firefight between elements of 43rd Infantry “We Search” Battalion and Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) at Brgy McArthur, Las Navas, Northern Samar on June 23, 2018.



Earlier that morning, government forces responded to an anonymous tip from the residents in the area and immediately deployed 43IB elements to verify the veracity of the report. Few kilometers from the barangay proper, said troops were fired upon by undetermined number of CNTs forcing them to retaliate and firefight erupted. When fires subside, one (1) lifeless CNT armed with his M653 rifle (baby armalite) were found in the encounter site.

Col Ramil M. Bitong, Commander of 803rd Brigade, said that this incident could have been avoided if CNT heed to the call of the government to stop their extortion activity and avail the Enhance Comprehensive Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“This should serve as stern warning to other member of the lawless CTG that the arm of the law can reach you, no matter how long and far you can hide for evil never triumph as long as good men stands for what is right.” Col. Bitong added. 803IBde / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/25/encounter-1-npa-killed-in-las-navas-northern-samar/

DWDD: ENCOUNTER | 8IB, CNTs, clash anew in Bukidnon

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 25): ENCOUNTER  |  8IB, CNTs, clash anew in Bukidnon

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon – An armed clash took place between elements of the 8th Infantry Battalion and members of the Communist Terrorists (CPP-NPA) coming from Section Command (SECOM) 89, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee in a forested area near SitioPaculab, BrgyKalabugao, Impasugong, Bukidnon Friday afternoon, June 22, 2018, around 2:50 pm.



The firefight ensued for about 15 minutes that resulted to the seizure of an M16 rifle from the CNTs. No casualties were incurred on the government troops while a casualty on the CNTs’ side is undetermined.

The 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion continues to perform its mandate to secure the IP-dominated communities of Impasugong, Bukidnon from threats of intimidation, exploitation, and extortion that is rampantly being conducted by the CNTs.

In a statement, Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, Commanding Officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion, reassured the people in their area of operations about the unit’s equal commitment to peace and in securing the communities from CNT threats.

“We all want peace. However, we cannot turn a blind eye to any hostilities lurking near populated communities. We will continue to protect the people even as we await any progress on the peacetalks”, said Lieutenant Colonel Illana. 8IBDependable/MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/25/encounter-8ib-cnts-clash-anew-in-bukidnon/

DWDD: RECOGNITION | AFP holds Conferment of Awards and Donning of Ranks

DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 26): RECOGNITION  |  AFP holds Conferment of Awards and Donning of Ranks

CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) held a Conferment of Awards and Donning of Ranks Ceremony yesterday, June 25, 2018 at the Canopy Area, AFP General Headquarters at Camp Gen Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and AFP Chief of Staff General Carlito Galvez Jr led the simple ceremony. AES / MCAG



http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/26/recognition-afp-holds-conferment-of-awards-and-donning-of-ranks/

DWDD: PARTICIPANTS | PN send 2 officers to APNIC 2018

DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 26): PARTICIPANTS  |  PN send 2 officers to APNIC 2018

NAVAL STATION JOSE ANDRADA, Roxas Blvd, Manila (DWDD) – The Philippine Navy sent two of its Officers, LTC Ashley N Nastor PN (M) and LT Raymond B Sarmiento PN, to attend the Asia Pacific Navy Planning Process International Course (APNIC) 2018 at the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Command and Staff College at Meguro, Tokyo, Japan from June 16 to July 1, 2018. NPAO / MCAG



http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/26/participant-pn-send-2-officers-to-apnic-2018/