DWDD: CRSAFP @ 68: Involving stakeholders toward developing conflict-resilient communities

From Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RYV (Mar 13, 2019): READ | CRSAFP @ 68: Involving stakeholders toward developing conflict-resilient communities



CAMP AGUINALDO-The Civil Relations Service (CRS) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) celebrates its 68th year of fruitful existence this Wednesday, 13 March 2019

The CRSAFP has been instrumental to the past and present successes of the military. It is the unit of the AFP that engages the populace through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP.”

In celebrating its 68th Founding Anniversary, its primary consideration is to involve stakeholders in creating conflict-resilient communities.

One of the major contributions of the CRSAFP is the campaign to support the passing of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

Further, CRSAFP has been playing a vital role in fostering and maintaining relations between military forces and civilian authorities.

"For the past 68 years, CRSAFP has always been at the forefront of strengthening the image of the soldier and influencing the general public to support the peace and development efforts of the government," Major General Bienvenido R. Datuin Jr, Commander, CRSAFP said.

"Our management of information and community relations have led to an unprecedented high in the AFPs approval and trust ratings." Maj Gen Datuin added.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine Post, Metro Manila Development Authorities (MMDA), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), REACT Philippines, and the National Commission on Muslim-Filipino (NCMF), are among the numerous stakeholders that it engages to promote peace building and development programs. Likewise, it has established partnerships with private organizations and business giants like the ABS-CBN, Philippine Airlines, and JCI Manila, among others.

Recognizing the need for a more enhanced collaboration, the CRS has also been an active partner of the Task Force Balik-Loob and Australian Defense Force Joint Task Group 629.

The CRSAFP also welcomed prominent individuals to its own AFP Virtual Radio-TV. Among them are Senator Gregorio Honasan, MILF Vice Chairman Ghazali Jaafar, and former cabinet Secretary Eduardo Ermita. Special radio programs have also been dedicated to help encourage the surrender of the remaining members of the New People’s Army.

COMMANDER'S EFFORTS ON ENHANCED STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Under the leadership of Maj Gen Datuin, the CRS has become a proud partner with more organizations that have become its competent associates in promoting peace and addressing national concerns.

His transformational partnership with these stakeholders has assured a complementary and concerted effort that will eventually result in the emergence of sustainable peace and conflict-resilient communities.

As a way of appreciation, Maj Gen Datuin gave awards in this 68th Anniversary fo CRS to those partners who help them in their mission.

COMMITTED PERCEPTION WARRIORS

The men and women of the CRS whom we regard as “Perception Warriors”, are deeply committed to their sworn duties to the country and its people.

As defined, a perception warrior is always at the ready, maintaining poise, composure, even at times when the service and the sacrifice are almost forgotten or even relegated to the back-burner when the crisis is solved or when times are peaceful. The perception warriors have served and will continue to serve faithfully in good and bad times.

The excellent leadership of the CRS has driven its team to achieve the highest standards of performance. Its dedication to selfless service assists the AFP to grow into a modern, equal, and inclusive organization that is truly worthy of the Filipino people’s trust and today. As the 68th Anniversary, the CRS also launch their campaign “ AFP You Can Trust” which aims to give assurance to the Filipino people of their oath and duty.



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DWDD: Army adopts Krav Maga self-defense system

From Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Mar 15, 2019): Army adopts Krav Maga self-defense system

FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila - The Philippine Army adopts Krav Maga as its self-defense system during the closing cere...mony of the International Krav Maga Federation Trainer’s Training at the Army Wellness Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig on Wednesday, Mar. 13, 2019.

Fifty-seven students from different Army units underwent the three-week training and will serve as Krav Maga trainers back in their respective units.

In the course of 24 days, the students learned about the military defense and fighting system of Krav Maga that combines techniques from boxing, wrestling, aikido, judo and karate. This system develops the soldiers’ abilities to defend themselves against attacks with bladed weapons and firearms; and in the elimination of threats in open and closed areas such as in a hostage situation. This is an addition to the current Pekiti Tirsia and Kali Filipino style martial arts of the Philippine Army.

In accordance with a training directive, the military self-defense and fighting system was conducted to standardize the combative training program of the Philippine Army.

“Through Krav Maga, our troops will be able to maximize their combat effectiveness in whatever capacity they are serving. This will boost the confidence of every soldier to confront any threat whether armed or unarmed,” said Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto, the Army Commanding General.#

 

 

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OPAPP to aid RPA-ABB members, ex-NPA rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 16, 2019): OPAPP to aid RPA-ABB members, ex-NPA rebels

 

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) will provide about PHP500-million worth of livelihood and social protection assistance to former members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army – Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) and their families, as part of its efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable peace in the region.

During his visit to Negros Occidental province last March 8, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. said the assistance package will include social protection programs, capacity development, livelihood and employment assistance, housing assistance, and financial aid to former combatants and their families.

“We are committed to help former combatants in their transformation to productive and normal civilian lives. We want them to feel the dividends of peace,” he said in a news release.

The assistance is part of the implementation of the Clarificatory Implementing Document (CID) to the 2000 Peace Agreement, formulated in consultation with the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas - Revolutionary Proletarian Army - Alex Boncayao Brigade Tabara - Paduano Group and Kapatiran para sa Progresibong Lipunan (RPMP/RPA/ABB-TPG/KAPATIRAN) and concurred by various national government agencies.

The CID have five components -- Disposition of Arms and Forces (DAF) and Security Arrangements; Social and Economic Reintegration of the RPMP/RPA/ABB-TPG/KAPATIRAN; Release of the remaining Alleged Political Offenders; Transformation of the members into civilian organization engaging in socio-economic and political activities; and Community Peace Dividends.

While the document is expected to be signed this year yet, the government began undertaking socio-economic interventions to boost development in the communities.

As part of its Community Peace Dividends (CPD) program, 100 barangays jointly identified by TPG and the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police received grants to support livelihood and enterprise development and community-based impact projects.

Some 91 of these areas are from Region 6 (Western Visayas) while some are located in Davao City (6), Bukidnon (2), and Ilocos Sur (1) where community impact projects have been implemented by their respective community livelihood associations.

These 100 associations organized under Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan – Department of Social Welfare and Development (PAMANA-DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) received PHP500,000 in seed capital for their own projects.

Under its Socio-Economic Reintegration Program, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) entered into an agreement with the KAPATIRAN for the establishment of Peace Development Community (PDC) sites in 2017 and 2018 to provide support to the social and economic reintegration of their members.

These PDC sites will be provided with housing, tenurial security, access roads, electricity and water, potable water, health services, educational facilities, livelihood assistance, and common service facilities.

The DENR also engaged with the KAPATIRAN in seedling production and other agro-forestry activities and employed 128 RPA-TPG members as Forest Guards under the National Greening Program.

In the Social Protection Program, 439 members of RPA-TPG and 8,963 individuals from CPD areas are currently beneficiaries of PAMANA - Philhealth Program for 2018 while 60 family members of the group and CPD members are grantees under the PAMANA - Commission on Higher Education (PAMANA-CHED) Study Grant Program.

Meanwhile, Galvez assured members of the New People’s Army (NPA), who opted to return to the mainstream and live a normal and peaceful life, that OPAPP will design an exclusive benefit package aside from the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits they will be receiving.

“We’re hoping that this will attract more rebels to go back to the folds of law,” he said.

Galvez added that his office will continue supporting localized peace engagements as national government-led peace talks were used by the communist insurgents to “regain lost ground and reconstitute its NPA forces.”

“For more than 30 years of negotiations with the NDF (National Democratic Front), the government has given so much concessions just to build confidence, and for them to abandon their armed struggle. But the government did not gain anything from the peace talks” he said.

The peace adviser also said that a whole-of-nation approach is the most effective way to end the decades-long insurgency in the countryside.

“The promise of the President to achieve enduring peace will be pursued aggressively through EO (Executive Order) 70, a mechanism that is timely and effective, given the current state of insurgency,” he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte issued EO 70 on Dec. 4, 2018 which institutionalizes a whole-of-nation approach in attaining peace and creates a National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

OPAPP is a member of the task force along with 18 other government agencies.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064773

Outstanding Issues in the Philippines-US Alliance

From the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (March 14, 2019): Outstanding Issues in the Philippines-US Alliance (By Aaron Rabena)

The recent visit of U.S. secretary of state Michael Pompeo to Manila settled a long-standing concern in the Philippines over U.S. commitment to Philippine security in the South China Sea. In a press briefing with Philippine secretary of foreign affairs Teodoro Locsin, Jr., Pompeo unequivocally articulated what the Obama administration never publicly did: “As the South China Sea is part of the Pacific, any armed attack on Philippine forces, aircraft or public vessels in the South China Sea will trigger mutual defense obligations under Article 4 of the [1951] Mutual Defense Treaty [MDT].”

Article 4 expressly provides that “an armed attack in the Pacific Area on either of the Parties” would require each nation to “act to meet the common dangers in accordance with its constitutional processes.” In reference to this, Article 5 of the MDT clarifies: “an armed attack on either of the Parties is deemed to include… its armed forces, public vessels or aircraft,” as well as metropolitan and island territories.

Pompeo’s policy statement should not come as a surprise; the U.S. Navy’s routine freedom of navigation operations (FONOPS) in the South China Sea and passages through the Taiwan Strait underscore a renewed effort to demonstrate U.S. security concerns in the newly-dubbed INDOPACOM, or Indo-Pacific Command, area of responsibility. But while Pompeo’s reassurance on the MDT’s geographic scope may assuage Philippine anxiety over one aspect of the treaty, the agreement is more complicated than that, and some in Manila worry more over just what circumstances would persuade Washington to uphold the treaty—or demand that it be upheld.

Major Issues for Review

Despite Pompeo’s strategic clarity and its reception by Secretary Locsin, Philippine secretary of national defense Delfin Lorenzana held fast to his call for a review of the MDT. In December 2018, Lorenzana surprised complacent security watchers in Washington when he announced that the MDT ought to be reviewed to determine whether it should be “maintained,” “improved,” or “scrapped.”

Secretary Lorenzana saw that the Philippines benefits from its alliance with the U.S. through mechanisms such as the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). However, Lorenzana also recognized the ambivalence in the operationalization of the retaliatory clause in Article 4 of the MDT, particularly the wording that each Party would “[a]ct… in accordance with its constitutional processes.” As early as 1982, then-president Ferdinand Marcos had contended that if the Philippines were attacked, the United States would not be bound to immediately react because the “constitutional process” mandates Congressional approval which, in turn, means a delay in American military intervention.

By contrast, Article 5 of the Washington Treaty forming NATO has something of a more immediate retaliatory clause. More recently, Lorenzana also inquired as to how the MDT would be applicable to cases of hostile actions short of “armed attack” such as China’s seizure of Mischief Reef in 1995 and Scarborough Shoal in 2012.

While citing the gains and prospects of upgrading the alliance, Lorenzana has likewise contended that the Cold War–era contextual relevance for the MDT is long past and that there no longer seems to be any threat of foreign attack. In addition, as tensions rise between China and the United States in the South China Sea, Secretary Lorenzana warned of strategic entanglement leading to “being involved in a war that we do not seek and do not want.”

The Reciprocal Defense Treaty

There are two scenarios for how the current conflict in the South China Sea could realistically trigger the MDT: an armed attack on the Philippines by a third party (presumably China), or on U.S. forces by the same. The first scenario is not outside the realm of possibility, given naval skirmishes between China and Vietnam in 1974 and 1988, and more recent calls from the Chinese defense establishment to take stronger actions that include the use of military force.

In the United States, the commander in chief can only introduce the U.S. military into hostilities if there is either a declaration of war by the U.S. congress, existence of a national emergency, or a statutory authorization by virtue of the War Powers Act of 1973, which was the case in Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 1991 and 2002. Yet, there have been other cases where foreign military operations have been conducted without congressional approval: the 1999 air campaign in Kosovo, the 2011 bombing of Libya, and the 2017 surgical strikes on Syria. These precedents indicate that the U.S. could conduct immediate retaliatory strikes against China, should China attack the Philippines.

In the second scenario, the situation would be reversed, and the Philippines would have to go through its own constitutional processes. Like the U.S. Constitution, the Philippine Constitution accords the Philippine congress the power to declare “the existence of a state of war” and only upon such condition, or another national emergency, would the president be authorized by law to exercise the necessary powers “to carry out a declared national policy.” This means that the non-immediate retaliatory nature of the MDT not only applies to the United States, but also to the Philippines.

In spite of this congressional restriction, previous Philippine assistance to the U.S. has taken place without a declaration of war. For instance, in the years shortly after World War II, Clark Air Base in Pampanga was a “vital connecting link” for U.S. forces in South Korea. During the Vietnam War, Clark served as a strategic supply base and fighter-squadron installation. Throughout the Cold War, Philippine bases were a “major advantage” in U.S. containment strategy against the Soviet Union. Similarly, in the United States’ Global War on Terror, Philippine facilities were integral to U.S. combat operations in the Middle East by way of the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement. And with China’s more assertive posture in the South China Sea and the Rebalance to Asia strategy beginning in Barack Obama’s first term, previous Philippine president Benigno Aquino signed the EDCA.

An armed conflict between China and the United States is not impossible, even with economic interdependence and nuclear weapons raising the threshold for conflict. The current Sino-U.S. trade war, similar to tensions in the run-up to World War I, shows that political discord can override high-stakes economic relations. Similarly, limited wars between nuclear powers have been fought on two notable occasions, namely the 1969 Sino-Soviet Border Conflict and the 1999 Indo-Pakistan Kargil War.

China’s “gray zone tactics” in the South China Sea cannot be conventionally deterred by military force through the MDT, since activities like island building and interference in fishing or resupply missions fall outside the definition of “armed attack.” Thus, unless China draws first blood from either ally, the MDT will not provide a solution to the issue and the two countries must find other ways to address the conflict short of war.

[Aaron Rabena is Program Convenor at the Asia-Pacific Pathways to Progress in Manila, and an Associate Fellow at the Philippine Council for Foreign Relations. His areas of interest include strategic studies, geopolitics, East Asian international relations, political risk, and Chinese politics and foreign policy.]

 

https://amti.csis.org/outstanding-issues-philippines-u-s-alliance/

Karapatan tags as ‘blatant attack’ military’s stance against them

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 15, 2019): Karapatan tags as ‘blatant attack’ military’s stance against them

The human rights group Karapatan assailed the violent stance of the military against them branding it as a “blatant attack’’ against the people’s right to defend themselves against all forms of abuses.

Karapatan alleged that Brigadier General Antonio Parlade Jr., deputy chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), has consistently red-tagged the group in several of his public declarations.

Parlade is among the representatives of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF) which made rounds in diplomatic missions in Europe.

Among Parlade and the NTF’s modus operandi according to the group is to red-tag and discredit organizations, including Karapatan and the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines, who have worked for decades in their commitment to uphold, protect and defend human rights.

“It is not lost on us that Parlade was among the jesters who ridiculously peddled the “Red October” destabilization plot, which fizzled out after a lack of any evidence. Now, these fictionists are taking their stage to the international platform, this time targeting other governments and persuading them to discredit and question the organizations which the defunct “Red October” plot failed to do. These false claims are built on untruths, fake news, and a sinister agenda to cripple the machinery of all those who remain critical to the Duterte government,” said Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay on the continued red-tagging against Karapatan.

Palabay claimed that Parlade “himself admitted that they have no evidence that the organizations that he mentioned are front organizations of the CPP or are terrorist organizations.’’

“Well, sometimes the fish gets caught by its mouth. Parlade already said they have no evidence against these organizations, yet they went ahead with their junket to malign these organizations and individuals,’’ Palabay said.

Palabay insisted that “poorly-made power point presentations and videos with hideous scoring are not evidence.’’

“The military is not a credible institution, yet it still insists on making these laughable and unsubstantiated claims. We do not discount the possibility that in the coming days, not only will we be subjected to continuous smear campaigns, but that our human rights workers will be further subjected to an array of trumped-up charges and other forms of violations. After all, the military is an expert at creating allegations out of thin air,” she added.

She emphasized that “the Duterte administration’s motive to red-tag organizations is to defame diligent human rights workers and question the relevant services that our organizations have provided to communities.’’

“The minimal funding that we are working with is not an impediment to our firm commitment to investigate violations, expose these atrocities, at bringing these cases to the national and international arena to exact accountability. On the contrary, it is the Duterte government and its gamut of State forces which work with billions of public funds at their disposal, with a significant portion of that allocation relegated as discretionary/confidential/intelligence funds,’’ Palabay said.

Palabay noted these funds are used for State terrorism through the implementation of the government’s counterinsurgency program and its sham war on drugs, “with extra travel perks for its most pathological liars.”

“Human rights defense is never a crime. More so in this atmosphere of impending dictatorship, it is a duty. It is not an act of terror, but a process of working with victims, individuals and communities to expose the atrocities done against them by the supposed duty-bearers of human rights,’’ Palabay insisted.

“It is ultimately at the core of the struggle for recognition and protection of the people’s political, civil, economic, social and cultural rights,’’ she added.

Palabay asserted the likes of Parlade, the NTF delegation and the minions of this government are blatantly attacking human rights advocates and organizations to muffle the voices that demand justice and accountability from this unjust system.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/15/karapatan-tags-as-blatant-attack-militarys-stance-against-them/

Top terrorist killed in Lanao Sur clash

From the Manila Times (Mar 16, 2019): Top terrorist killed in Lanao Sur clash

The leader of the Islamic State (IS)-inspired Maute group, Owaydah Marohombsar alias Abu Dar, was believed to have been killed along with his three followers in a gunfight with Philippine Army forces on Thursday in Tubaran, Lanao del Sur in southern Mindanao.



This photo provided by the military shows one of the terrorists killed in the clash. The body is believed to be Abu Dar, leader of the Maute Group.CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Marohombsar was tagged as the successor of Isnilon Hapilon as “emir” of the IS in Southeast Asia, after the latter was killed during the five-month siege in Marawi City in 2017.
Hapilon was among the masterminds of the Marawi City siege along with the Maute brothers, resulting in the deaths of 1,000 people.

Col. Romeo Brawner Jr., commander of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade, said the information on Marohombsar’s death came from three “highly-credible” sources on the ground and would have to be verified by the military.

He declined to disclose who the informants were, citing security reasons.

Brawner was reported to be at the encounter site when he spoke to the media to disclose witnesses’ accounts that Marohombsar’s body was among those recovered by soldiers in Barangay Dinaigan, Tubaran.

The clash in Tubaran erupted at 5:04 p.m. on Thursday, where soldiers under the Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion engaged around 10 Maute fighters.

It lasted for one hour and 30 minutes, initially leading to the deaths of two Maute fighters and three soldiers.

Three soldiers also went missing after the firefight.
On Friday, Col. Gerry Besana, spokesman for the military’s Western Mindanao Command, said the three soldiers have been found, one of whom was also killed and the two others were wounded.

On the same day, according to Brawner, the bodies of four terrorists were recovered by soldiers from the encounter site, where the informants identified one of them as that of Marohombsar.

“We still need to validate if Abu Dar’s was indeed among the cadavers found. This was based on the information given by three highly credible sources,” he said in a phone interview.

Brawner added that the bodies recovered, especially the cadaver being pointed as Marohombsar’s, would be subject for DNA testing by the Philippine National Police’s Scene of the Crime Operatives.

Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, the regional military commander, condoled with the families of the slain soldiers, “who fought valiantly and paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

Security forces are fighting terrorists in several fronts in neighboring Maguindanao province and on Wednesday, the military claimed to have killed nearly two dozen gunmen, including a Singaporean terrorist, Muhammad Ali Bin Abd Al Rahman, alias Muawiya, a notorious jihadist belonging to the Indonesian Jemaah Islamiya and had been a bomb trainer for the Abu Sayyaf Group.

The 6th Infantry Division said the campaign, which began March 11, was aimed at destroying a huge group of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, whose leaders have pledged allegiance to the IS.

It added that reports said those killed in the fighting in Shariff Saydona town were followers of Abu Turaife.

The reports were based on intelligence information, but Army commanders claimed to have seen or recovered body parts of those killed in an area targeted by military bombardments.

Over 100 terrorists were being pursued by the security forces in Maguindanao, which is also a stronghold of the rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that signed an interim peace deal with Manila in 2014.

In ensuing clashes, one soldier was killed and at least seven others were wounded.

The military’s Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) said air, artillery and ground operations were continuing not only in Shariff Saydona, but also in the towns of Datu Salibo, Mamasapano and Shariff
Aguak where the group of pro-IS commander Salahudin Hassan was scattered.

The task force revealed that former BIFF members who surrendered to the military had provided intelligence that allowed the security forces to track down locations or hideouts of the terrorists in the province.

“Former BIFF rebels who surrendered to the JTFC also supported the information being relayed to locate the specific locations of the terror group. Follow-on operations ensured that the terrorists were confined in the area and prevented the spillover as our troops were deployed in the strategic areas,” it said, adding that the military coordinated with the MILF to prevent any accidental clashes while troops were pursuing the BIFF in the towns.

Philippine authorities have blamed the BIFF and the Maute group for terror attacks in the restive southern region.

War crimes
Also on Friday, a Taguig court convicted for rebellion a member of the Maute Group who participated in the Marawi siege.

Judge Felix Reyes, acting presiding judge of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 70 found Junaid Awal guilty of rebellion and crimes against the International Humanitarian Law, genocide and other crimes against humanity.

He was sentenced to 40 years in prison.

The Department of Justice said this was the first conviction under the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law.

Awal was accused of repeatedly raping a minor during the Marawi uprising in 2017. The girl and her mother were held captive by the group.

“These bestial, cruel and inhuman acts committed by the accused are obviously of extreme gravity pursuant to Sec. 7 of the said act,” the judge said.

https://www.manilatimes.net/top-terrorist-killed-in-lanao-sur-clash/526464/

Army recovers ammo at encounter site

From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Mar 15, 2019): Army recovers ammo at encounter site

MILITARY troopers seized ammunition after they engaged in a firefight with suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sitio Suli, Barangay Talalak, Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental Thursday.

Lieutenant Colonel Randy Pagunuran, commanding officer of the 94th Infantry Battalion, in a statement, said the troops were conducting combat operation when they encountered more or less seven NPAs in Sitio Suli around 1:30 p.m. He said the firefight lasted five minutes. The rebels scampered to different directions, leaving some war materials and personal belongings.
He added that there was no casualty on the government’s side, and they could not determine whether there were injuries or fatalities on the enemy side.

The authorities recovered from the site six M203 live ammunition, four live ammunition of a shotgun, one magazine for an M16 rifle, a pair of combat boots, shirt and jogging pants.

Pagunuran said it is a strong indication that the people of Barangay Talalak are already fed up with the NPAs.

“This is their way of showing that these communist terrorists are no longer welcome in their community,” he said.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1797120

Balikatan 2019 Exercise kicks off with humanitarian and civic assistance projects

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 15, 2019): Balikatan 2019 Exercise kicks off with humanitarian and civic assistance projects

Multinational forces from the Philippines, the United States, and Australia have started conducting humanitarian and civic assistance projects in various parts of the country as part of the staging of the annual ‘Balikatan’ 2019 exercise.

On March 12, the multinational forces from the three countries attended the ground-breaking ceremonies for the renovation of three elementary schools in Orani, Bataan; Pangil, Laguna; and San Juan, Batangas as well as a health clinic in Moncada, Tarlac.



Orani town Mayor Efren Bondjong Pascual Jr., US Army LTC Mike Tucker, AFP LTC Francesca Dapiton, Rev. Fr. Mateo Suarez, Deped District Supervisor Francisco Bautista, Pagasa School Head Mario Victoria, Barangay Council of Brgy. Pagasa, lead the groundbreaking ceremonies of two classroom building for Pag-Asa Elementary School in Orani, Bataan Province. (Basta taga ORANI / MANILA BULLETIN)

Personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), United States Armed Forces, and Australian Defense Force (ADF), all under the ambit of the US alliance, are participating in the Engineering Civic Action Program.

Under the program, medical facilities and school buildings will be built at selected communities in the areas.

The beneficiaries of the classroom buildings are Don Eulogio Luistro Elementary School in Bulsa, San Juan, Batangas; Victor De Guia Elementary School in Balian, Pangil, Laguna; and Pag-Asa Elementary School in Orani, Bataan Province. The local government of Brgy. San Pedro, Moncada, Tarlac will receive a one-story medical clinic.

Medical teams have also been deployed offering free consultation, hygiene kits, feeding program, and veterinary care. The teams will also share information on family planning, health, environment protection, and disaster preparedness.

As scheduled, construction projects, health engagements, and community relations events will take place to improve local infrastructure, teach lifesaving medical skills, and strengthen ties between Philippine communities and Philippine, U.S. and Australian military forces.

All the events are in preparation for this year’s Exercise Balikatan. It will officially open on April 1 in a ceremony to be held at the AFP’s headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City and end on April 12. This is the 35th iteration of the annual military drill.

Balikatan, which means “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Tagalog, is an exercise between the Philippines and the United States, and also involves participation from Australia. It characterizes the spirit of the exercise and represents the partnership between the U.S. and the Philippines.

During the joint exercise, U.S. and Philippine forces will conduct amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, and counterterrorism response. All events will take place in Luzon, Palawan, and Mindoro.

This will be the first time that the USS Wasp paired with the United States Marines Corps’ F-35B Lightning II aircraft will be incorporated in the Balikatan exercise. Together they represent an increase in military capability committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Participating in Balikatan demonstrates their ability to forward deploy in support of an ally should a crisis or natural disaster occurs.

This year’s Balikatan will also bring together ASEAN members for an International Observers Program. The program aims to promote greater defense cooperation with ASEAN and other key allies and partners, show multinational coordination where the observers can mutually exchange meaningful ideas and best practices, and showcase the joint and combined air, sea, and ground operation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. Armed Forces.

Balikatan 2019 also focuses on maritime security and amphibious capabilities, as well as multinational interoperability through military exchanges. Exercises like Balikatan strengthen international partnerships and the participating militaries’ abilities to rapidly respond to crises throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/15/balikatan-2019-exercise-kicks-off-with-humanitarian-and-civic-assistance-projects/

Balikatan exercises opens with humanitarian activities

From GMA News Online (Mar 15, 2019): Balikatan exercises opens with humanitarian activities

The US Embassy announced on Friday that the Balikatan 2019 military drills had officially kicked off with humanitarian and civic assistance projects in different provinces in Luzon.

According to an embassy statement, Philippine, US, and Australian forces were present for ceremonies that would lead to the renovation of three elementary schools in Orani, Bataan; Pangil, Laguna; and San Juan, Batangas Province, as well as a health clinic in Moncada, Tarlac.

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The construction projects, health engagements, and community relations events, were preparatory to the the military aspect of Balikatan 2019, which would take place from April 1 to 12.

The US Embassy further explained that the effort to improve local infrastructure, teach lifesaving medical skills strengthened ties between Philippine communities and Philippine, US and Australian military forces.

Balikatan is an annual military training event composed of humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, counter terrorism, and other combined military operations.

The exercise demonstrates US-Philippine cooperation and interoperability consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement.
This year's exercise would focus on maritime security and amphibious capabilities, with US and Philippine forces expected to conduct amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, and counterterrorism response in Luzon, Palawan, and Mindoro.

 https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/688118/balikatan-exercises-opens-with-humanitarian-activities/story/

WESTMINCOM: BIFF member’s cadaver, blast mines recovered in Maguindanao

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Mar 15, 2019): BIFF member’s cadaver, blast mines recovered in Maguindanao



Military troops recovered the cadaver of a member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and three anti-personnel mines of the group in Maguindanao on March 13.

Soldiers of 1st Mechanized Battalion, 40th Infantry Battalion, and 61st Reconnaissance Company conducted the combat operation in Barangay Inaladan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha on Wednesday.

At 9:45am of the same day, the 40IB troops scoured the area and discovered a BIFF member’s cadaver.

Military troops retrieved the said cadaver for DNA testing.

Soldiers also recovered three anti-personnel mines at the house of Mauiyah.



The Joint Task Force Central continues to launch military operations against the BIFF and the Daesh-inspired terror group in the areas of Salibu-Pagatin-Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak.

“The successful operation was a product of focused and intensified military operations against local terror groups in Central Mindanao,” said Major General Cirilito Sobejana, JTF Central Commander.

“We are committed to provide a safe and secured environment to all communities under our jurisdiction,” added Major General Sobejana.

On March 14, at around 6:30am, the 40IB troops recovered a Caliber .45 pistol, components of anti-personnel mines, and pieces of M16 ammunition while scouring the area.



Earlier, military troops launched surgical operations against combined forces of BIFF and Daesh-inspired fighters in the areas of Salibu-Pagatin-Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak.

The operation commenced on March 12 when 40IB troops exchanged gunfire with BIFF members, yielding to the neutralization of 17 terrorists

“The consolidation of BIFF and Maute fighters proved that we effected massive military operations that debilitated their manpower and capability. These terrorists fight on the same battleground to defend themselves against our forces pursuing their tactical offensives in the area,” said Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, commander of Western Mindanao Command.

“While this (consolidation) connotes operational success, our troops on the ground maintain their focused military operations to hunt and pound terrorists in Central Mindanao,” he added.

http://www.westmincom.com/biff-members-cadaver-blast-mines-recovered-in-maguindanao/

WESTMINCOM: 6 Dawlah Islamiyah-Lanao Group terrorists killed in recent encounters

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Mar 15, 2019): 6 Dawlah Islamiyah-Lanao Group terrorists killed in recent encounters




A total of six (6) Dawlah Islamiyah-Lanao Group fighters were killed in recent encounters with the government troops in Lanao del Sur.

In a firefight with the Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Dinaigan, Tubaran, Lanao del Sur at 5:00 pm yesterday (March 14, 2019), four DI-Lanao Group terrorists were killed.

“According to our 3 informants, one of the slain terrorists was Abu Dar. We already requested the higher headquarters for the DNA test to confirm his neutralization,” said Colonel Romeo Brawner, 103rd Infantry Brigade Commander.

Abu Dar emerged as the new Dawlah Islamiyah-Lanao group commander after the Marawi siege and neutralization of Maute Brothers and Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon.

“During the encounter, Abu Dar was with about twenty (20) of his comrades and we were also able to neutralize three of his cohorts,” said Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Allan Villanueva, 49th Infantry Battalion Commander.

While scouring the encounter site, troops recovered one M-16 rifle, one M653 (baby armalite), one caliber .45 handgun, two grenades, magazines and ammunitions.

Meanwhile, two more DI-Lanao Group members were killed in a clash between the 55th Infantry Battalion and the group of Abu Dar on Monday (March 11, 2019) in Barangay Calaludan, Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur.

The two were identified as a.k.a Abu Tahir and Abu Jihad.

In the said skirmishes, the government forces incurred 9 casualties; 6 valiant soldiers were killed and 3 were wounded.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and friends of our soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our people against the terrorist group and we salute their gallantry and bravery. We also ensure that our wounded personnel will get the best medical care for their fast recovery,” said WestMinCom chief, Lieutenant General Arnel B. Dela Vega.

Additional troops were deployed to pursue the fleeing terrorists and to ensure the safety and security of the local populace in the area.

“We also ask for prayers from all peace-loving people of the country for the eternal repose of our heroes and for our wounded soldiers. Your prayers are the most powerful tool for them and for the safety of all those who are still pursuing the enemies,” added LtGen Dela Vega.

“We will not stop until we neutralize the remaining terrorists and we dedicate this fight to our fallen comrades. Our soldiers are out there hunting for them ready to fight and die to attain peace in our communities,” he concluded.

http://www.westmincom.com/6-dawlah-islamiyah-lanao-group-terrorists-killed-in-recent-encounters-1/

EU vows ‘full legal action’ vs. NGOs funding CPP fronts

From PTV News (Mar 15, 2019): EU vows ‘full legal action’ vs. NGOs funding CPP fronts

The European Union (EU) on Friday vowed to take full legal action upon verification of European groups funneling funds to non-government organizations fronting for the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

“The EU stands ready to receive precise information that would enable it to further evaluate and verify the allegations. Should the allegations be established, the EU will immediately take full legal action,” the EU delegation in Manila said in a statement sent to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

The delegation said the bloc continues to consider both the CPP and NPA as terrorist groups since 2006, which means “that no assets can be held in EU by these organizations.”

As early as January 2019, the EU has conducted an audit of the funds that allegedly reached the communist groups when the Philippine government gave the bloc a notice.

Following its audit, the EU confirmed it received a Philippine delegation in February “to better understand the precise content on the allegations.”

The allegations are yet to be verified but the EU delegation vowed to respond immediately upon confirmation.

The statement also came after Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. called out before the United Nations on Thursday some NGOs for funding the communist insurgency in the Philippines.

“EU funding continues for the widely detested, nowhere supported, and foredoomed communist insurgency composed of the last dregs of the New Khmer Rouge, as US intelligence branded them in the late 80s,” Locsin said during the Ministerial Segment of the 62nd Session of the Commission on Narcotics and Drugs in Vienna, Austria.

Locsin said the insurgency being waged by the CPP-NPA continues to threaten Philippine society and national security.

https://www.ptvnews.ph/eu-vows-full-legal-action-vs-ngos-funding-cpp-fronts/

No more talks if NPA continues extortion —Duterte

From GMA News (Mar 15, 2019): No more talks if NPA continues extortion —Duterte                                   

                                                                                    

President Rodrigo Duterte said on Thursday he would never consider returning to the peace negotiating table if the communist rebels would not stop their alleged extortion activities.

Duterte, in particular, slammed the rebels’ collection of revolutionary tax and permit to campaign fees from politicians during the election season.

The President previously called on the rebels to give up their arms and cooperate with the government’s land reform program, prompting Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Maria Sison to think that Duterte “must be crazy or clowning in reiterating the preconditions he made so many times before.”

“If there is nothing that happens on these demands, I think that’s the end of it. I will not talk anymore. They will have to deal with the next president, not me,” the President said during the National Peace and Order Council meeting in Davao City.

He also revealed that he will reconstitute the government’s negotiating panel chaired by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III.

“I will reconstitute the panel, this time it will have a military and police component and civilians, mga professor,” he said.

Apart from Bello, the other members of the panel are former Pangasinan congressman Hernani Braganza, former Commission on Elections commissioner Rene Sarmiento, human rights lawyer Angela Librado-Trinidad and former state prosecutor Antonio Biñas Arellano.

Peace negotiations between the government and communist rebels bogged down in November 2017 after Duterte lamented the continued attacks by the rebels on troops and civilians.

The talks were supposed to resume in June last year in Norway but Duterte called it off to give way to public consultations and review of existing agreements.

Last September, Duterte told troops in Isabela that the communist insurgency may be over by the second quarter of 2019, pointing to the continued surrender of New People's Army members and fall of several guerilla fronts in Mindanao as indicators.

Sison scoffed at Duterte's claim and said the President was delusional.

 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/688060/no-more-talks-if-npa-continues-extortion-duterte/story/

‘ROTC to counter NPA recruitment in schools’

From the Philippine Star (Mar 16, 2019): ‘ROTC to counter NPA recruitment in schools’

 

“Our youth are very idealistic, they are recruited and end up as NPA (New People’s Army) rebels... We should return ROTC so that instead of destroying their future... they would serve and protect our country,” Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said during the weekly Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday. Andy G. Zapata Jr

The return of mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) will help counter the recruitment of students into the communist movement, an official said.

“Our youth are very idealistic, they are recruited and end up as NPA (New People’s Army) rebels... We should return ROTC so that instead of destroying their future... they would serve and protect our country,” Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said during the weekly Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday.

Zagala said ROTC teaches love of country and how to become good citizens.

“In terms of discipline, (the youth will learn to) follow rules and regulations like simple traffic rules; you will not beat the red light, you will not overspeed,” Zagala said.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) reiterated its call to militant groups to stop using the killing of a student of the Iloilo State College of Science and Technology for their anti-ROTC propaganda.

CHED chairman J. Prospero De Vera III stressed that the incident did not happen during an ROTC formation or activity even though the suspect, Elmer Decilao, was a former ROTC officer.

De Vera said the victim, Willy Amihoy, was also an ROTC cadet.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/03/16/1901810/rotc-counter-npa-recruitment-schools

‘Abu Dar’ killed in Lanao clash?

From Tempo (Mar 15, 2019): ‘Abu Dar’ killed in Lanao clash?

The military yesterday did not discount the possibility that one of the four Dawlah Islamiyah-Lanao terrorists killed in the Lanao del Sur encounter last Thursday is Benito Marohombsar, alias “Abu Dar.”

Dar, it was recalled, is the only remaining “significant figure” in the Islamic State-inspired Maute Group.
Army 103rd Brigade commander Col. Romeo Brawner said based on reliable information they received, one of the four militants killed is Dar himself.

“Posible, so iyung isang body count, na-identify ng credible informants natin na siya nga,” Brawner said.

Dar emerged as the new Dawlah Islamiyah-Lanao Group commander after the Marawi City siege and neutralization of the Maute brothers and Abu Sayyaf Group leader Isnilon Hapilon.

“According to our three informants, one of the slain terrorists was Abu Dar. We already requested the higher headquarters for the DNA (dioxyribunocleic acid) test to confirm his neutralization,” Brawner said.

Brawner said that four soldiers were killed in the encounter between government soldiers and the terrorists in Batangay Dinaigan in Tubaran.

Lt. Col. Edgar Allan Villanueva, Army 49th Infantry Battalion commander, said during the encounter, Dar was with about 20 of his comrades and they were also able to neutralize three of his cohorts.

A military report disclosed that troops from the Army 49th Infantry Battalion heavily engaged at least 20 Daesh-inspired Maute Group fighters while scouring Barangay Dinaigan at 5:04 p.m.

The gunfight endured for an hour and 30 minutes, resulting in the deaths of four Maute fighters, two of which were retrieved from the encounter site by the engaged troops.

Soldiers also seized two caliber 5.56 rifles with an M203 grenade launcher, a caliber .45 pistol, hand and rifle grenades, pieces of ammunition, and a bandolier.

http://tempo.com.ph/2019/03/15/abu-dar-killed-in-lanao-clash/

‘Reds kill civilian’

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 15, 2019): ‘Reds kill civilian’

Communist rebels shot and killed an innocent civilian Thursday in Sitio Tuko, Brgy. Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, a ranking military official confirmed last night.

The victim identified as Johnny Albino, 35, and a farmer, succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, after he was shot by members of the New People’s Army, several meters away from his residence in the place, Lt. Col. Randy Pagunuran, 94th Infantry Battalion commander, said.

The NPA Leonardo Panaligan Command yesterday issued a statement claiming responsibility for the death of Albino on March 14 in Brgy. Trinidad, Guihulngan City.

Rebel spokesman Ka JB Regalado claimed that Albino, served as a military informant, and also reported to the Candalanon detachment, where the Peace and Development Team of the 94th Infantry Battalion is located.

Pagunuran strongly condemned the continued terroristic activity of the NPA, that showed again their true nature and ability to kill innocent civilians, without remorse or hesitation.

He added that the NPA rebels took, not only the life of the head of a family, but the hopes of his four children.

Regalado also linked Albino to the bloody Oplan Sauron campaign of the 94IB and PNP in Dec. 27 last year, that claimed the lives of six civilians and detention of more than 50 others.

Before his death, Regalado said Albino had been warned twice for his anti-revolutionary activities since 2015.

Pagunuran also called on other sectors of the society and Guihulngan City residents to strongly condemn the treacherous acts of the NPA.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/March/16/topstory8.htm

Clash with NPA yields gun, IED

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 15, 2019): Clash with NPA yields gun, IED

A high-powered firearm, improvised explosive device, and other war materiel were recovered by soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Battalion on Monday in Sitio Sangiapo, Barangay Sinuda, Kitaotao, Bukidnon on Monday.

1Lt. Marcelo Amora, the civil-military operations officer of the 3rd IB, said two platoons of Bravo company encountered 30 communist rebels under Guerrilla Front 56 under Ka Egor in the said sitio.

The firefight lasted 10 minutes before the NPAs withdraw toward the northeast direction.

During the clearing operation, they recovered one AK-47 rifle, first-aid kit, one Baofeng handheld radio; one Yaesu radio; two cell phones with battery; two plate mags with 300 rounds of 7.62mm bullet, and subversive documents.

Lt. Col. Oscar Partuza, commander of the 3rd IB, said they will never stop until the communities are cleared of the NPA.

“We are enjoining all our peace-loving Davaoeños to support all our efforts in putting a stop to the horrible acts of the NPA against our constituents,” Partuza said.

“With our collective actions and continuous vigilance, we can totally rid Davao City against criminals and terrorists,” he added.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/03/15/clash-with-npa-yields-gun-ied/

Photo: Command Conference

From MindaNews (Mar 15, 2019): Photo: Command Conference

President Rodrigo Duterte discusses matters with officials of the Security Cluster on the sidelines of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police (AFP-PNP) Command Conference at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Davao City on Thursday (14 March 2019). Presidential Photo

https://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2019/03/command-conference-2/

5 dead, 3 soldiers missing in fierce fighting in Lanao Sur

From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 15, 2019): 5 dead, 3 soldiers missing in fierce fighting in Lanao Sur

Three soldiers and two members of the pro-ISIS Maute group were killed in a vicious battle in southern Philippines, security officials confirmed Friday.

Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, the regional military commander, said three soldiers were also reported missing in the fighting which broke out late Thursday afternoon in the town of Tubaran in the troubled province of Lanao del Sur.

“Three soldiers died while three more are missing-in-action in yesterday’s gunfight. Troops transported the remains of slain soldiers to Iligan City for proper disposition. We console with the families of our departed comrades, who fought valiantly and paid the ultimate sacrifice. We lost not only brave warriors, but comrades who served the nation with such devotion,” Dela Vega said.

He said patrolling troops ran into a group of militants in the village of Dinaigan and fierce fighting erupted and lasted 90 minutes. He said troops recovered the bodies of the slain militants and two automatic rifles with a grenade launcher and rifle grenades, including an automatic pistol and ammunition. “We are more motivated to continue the fight against spoilers of peace and progress in Mindanao,” he said.

Dela Vega said security forces were advancing towards an area where militants were holding out in an effort to flush out and destroy them. “We are advancing upon the enemy target with deliberate offensives, hitting and inflicting heavy casualties on Maute fighters,” he said.

Security forces are currently fighting militants in several fronts in the neighboring Maguindanao province and on Wednesday, the military claimed to have killed nearly two dozen gunmen, including a Singaporean terrorist, Muhammad Ali Bin Abd Al Rahman alias Muawiya, a notorious jihadist belonging to the Indonesian Jemaah Islamiya and had been a bomb trainer for the Abu Sayyaf group.

The 6th Infantry Division said the campaign, which began March 11, was aimed at destroying a huge group of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, whose leaders have pledged allegiance to ISIS. It said those killed in the fighting in Shariff Saydona town were followers of Abu Turaife. The reports were based on intelligence information, but army commanders claimed to have seen or recovered pieces of body parts of those killed in an area targeted by military bombardments.

Over 100 militants were being pursued by security forces in the province which is also a stronghold of the rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that signed an interim peace deal with Manila in 2014. The clashes also killed one soldier and wounded at least 7 more.

The military’s Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) said air, artillery and ground operation were continuing not only in Shariff Saydona, but also in the towns of Datu Salibo, Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak where the group of pro-ISIS militant commander Salahudin Hassan was scattered. The task force revealed that former BIFF members who surrendered to the military had provided intelligence that allowed security forces to track down the locations or hideouts of militants in the province.

“Former BIFF rebels who surrendered to JTFC also supported the information being relayed to locate the specific locations of the terror group. Follow on operations ensured that the terrorists were confined in the area and prevented the spill over as our troops were deployed in the strategic areas,” it said, adding, the military also coordinated with the MILF to prevent any accidental clashes while troops were pursuing the BIFF in the towns.

Philippine authorities have blamed the BIFF and Maute for the series of terror attacks in the restive southern region.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/5-dead-3-soldiers-missing-in-fierce-fighting-in-lanao-sur/

More terrorist supporters pledge allegiance to the gov’t

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 15, 2019): More terrorist supporters pledge allegiance to the gov’t

ROXAS CITY, Capiz -- More residents have been supporting government’s efforts towards attaining genuine peace and progress.

In the recent oath taking of allegiance to the government by 49 mass base supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) at Sitio Tigpaka Daku, barangay San Antonio, Cuartero, Capiz, Army’s 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Sisenando Magbalot Sr. said the government is working hard to have peace and progress in the countryside.



“Magbalot said that aside from reaffirmation of their commitment to the government, the oath of allegiance also indicates their desertion to the communist terrorist group,” Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office head Capt. Eduardo Precioso Jr. noted.

He added that “the series of oath of allegiance in Panay is a result of concerted efforts of our Community Support Program (CSP) teams, local government units, other law enforcement agencies and various sectors working together towards attaining genuine peace and progress in the island as stressed by Magbalot.”

Previously, 60 mass base supporters also from Cuartero town took their oath of allegiance to the government after deciding to renounce and withdraw their support from the CPP-NPA Terrorist last February, Precioso said.

He added that the recent oath taking of allegiance to the government, March 13, was witnessed by Cuartero Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer who represented mayor Tito Mayo, Police Capiz Mobile Force Battalion Chief Police Lt. Col. Robert Petate and Cuartero Police Station Chief of Police Captain Mary Grace Burio.

For his part, 3ID Commander MGen Dinoh Dolina stressed that “their supporters have now finally come into a realization that the CPP-NPA Terrorist is just using them for their selfish and bloody interests. And, we are still calling on the remaining supporters to do the same to totally make the communist terrorist group irrelevant,” Precioso noted.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1019815

Marines intercept bomb-making component off Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 15, 2019): Marines intercept bomb-making component off Sulu

Philippine Marine troops have intercepted a shipment of bomb-making components at the Sulu Sea, military officials said Friday.

Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesperson, Col. Gerry Besana, said the shipment was intercepted off Simusa Island, Baguingui, Sulu at about 5:45 p.m. Thursday.
Besana said the Marines’ 83rd and 84th Inshore Boat Companies were on seaborne patrol when they chanced upon a motorboat with four people on board.

He said the motorboat was found to be loaded with 38 sacks of ammonium nitrate when the troops inspected the watercraft.

The ammonium nitrate is being used by lawless elements, such as the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), to assemble improvised bombs, although it is predominantly used in agriculture as a high-nitrogen fertilizer.

Besana said the ammonium nitrate from Laminusa Island in the town of Siasi, Sulu and was en route to Basilan province when intercepted by the troops.
He said the four people aboard the motorboat -- whose names were withheld -- were turned over to Col. Armel Tolato, commander of the Philippine Marine Ready Force - Sulu.

The four were placed under custodial debriefing at the tactical command post of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 1 and will be turned over to the Banguingui municipal police for disposition and filing of appropriate charges.

Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Westmincom chief, said the shipment of bomb-making component came after the Navy and Marine troops boosted their maritime patrols to secure the waters of Western Mindanao.

“Sailors and Marines operate in maritime areas of Western Mindanao to curb smuggling and other illegal activities that affect the security and development in Mindanao,” dela Vega added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064651

Terror group member nabbed in SoCot raid

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 15, 2019): Terror group member nabbed in SoCot raid



Joint operatives arrested an alleged member of a local terrorist group in an operation in an outskirt village at Polomolok town, South Cotabato province Wednesday night.

In its report on Friday to Police Regional Office 12(Soccsksargen), Police Brig. Gen. Eliseo Tam Rasco, the Polomolok municipal police said suspect Aladin Mamo, 23, was nabbed in a raid in Purok 4 of Sitio Bio, Barangay Lapu at about 8:05 p.m.

Polomolok police chief, Lt. Col. Samuel Cadungon, said the suspect was a member of the Sarangani-based terror group Ansar Al-Khilafa Philippines (AKP) and was involved in a string of attacks in the area these past years.

"He was among the remnants of the group who were based in Polomolok," he said.
Cadungon said the operation mainly targeted Mamo's brother Rassel, who has a standing warrant of arrest for robbery with violence and intimidation against person issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 63 in Polomolok.

The operating team was composed of elements of Regional Intelligence Division 12, Military Intelligence Group 23, Army's 27th Infantry Battalion, and Polomolok municipal police.

Rassel, who was also tagged as a member of the AKP, managed to escape as the operatives were approaching the area.

Cadungon said Aladin, who was later cornered by the team, was caught in possession of a hand grenade.

He added that the suspect, who is currently detained at the Polomolok municipal police lockup, will be charged with violation of Republic Act 9516, the Illegal Possession of Ammunition and Explosives law, before the provincial prosecutor's office.

The AKP, which was part of the local network of the Islamic State-inspired Maute Group and among the top threat groups being monitored by the PRO-12, had been tagged as behind several bombing incidents here and in Sarangani province.

Cadungon said the Mamo brothers were under the command of fugitive AKP leader Jeffrey Nilong, who was among those charged over the bomb attack in front of a lying-in clinic here in September last year.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064671

Army troops, gunmen clash in hinterland village

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 15, 2019): Army troops, gunmen clash in hinterland village

Government troops clashed briefly with armed men believed to be members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in the hinterland village of Talalak in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental Thursday afternoon.

A report from the 94th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Camp Leon Kilat, Tanjay City in Negros Oriental said at around 1:30 p.m., soldiers, led by 1st Lt. Augustino Panague, while scouring the vicinity at the sub-village Sitio Suli in Barangay Talalak, came across seven armed men in the area.

A firefight ensued and lasted for about five minutes before the gunmen fled, leaving behind ammunition and other belongings.

Recovered were six ammunition for M203 grenade launcher, four shotgun ammunition, one M16 rifle magazine, one black shirt, one jogging pants, and a pair of combat shoes.

No casualty was reported on both the government and armed group side.

The encounter came after residents in the hinterland village reported of the presence of suspected NPAs in the area.

Both the United States and European Union have declared the CPP-NPA as a terrorist group.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064662

Army helps settle clan dispute in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 15, 2019): Army helps settle clan dispute in Maguindanao

SETTLED. Mayor Bai Mariam Sangki of Datu Abdullah Sangki town in Maguindanao and Moro Islamic Liberation Front 106th Base Command chief Mastor Ampatuan sits during a one-one-one talk for the settlement of their clans' long-standing dispute in Barangay Old Maganoy on Thursday (March 14). (Photo by the Army's 6th ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- The Army here has facilitated the settlement of a long-time dispute between a political clan and a commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the province.

Lt. Col. Alvin Iyog, Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion chief, led the mediation between the clan of Mayor Bai Mariam Sangki of Datu Abdullah Sangki municipality and Mastor Ampatuan, also known as Datu Item of the MILF 106th base commander, held at Barangay Old Maganoy of the town last Saturday.

"After a series of deliberate planning and coordination, Mayor Sangki reached out in the name of peace and reconciliation to meet with Datu Item,” Iyog said in a statement on Friday.

While at the village, Mayor Sangki and Datu Item settled to a one-on-one dialogue to make amends and patch up their longtime issues and differences.

The dispute between the two clans has resulted in occasional firefights and shooting incidents among the rival clan members and supporters over the past decade.

“This initiative of Lt. Col. Iyog, is well appreciated not only by my family but also to all those people who got involved in the misunderstanding,” the mayor said in separate statement.

With such development, Iyog said the people in the adjoining villages of Kaya-Kaya, Dimampao and Old Maganoy could now brace for imminent peace and development as an outcome of the cessation of hostilities that has plagued the area for a long time.

Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, has lauded the entire 2nd MIB for its effort to sustain peace in its area of jurisdiction.

“To end the culture of violence, communication and understanding are the basic weapons to uphold peace and security within the community,” he said. 
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064685

3 soldiers, 2 Maute gunmen killed in Lanao clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 15, 2019): 3 soldiers, 2 Maute gunmen killed in Lanao clash

Two Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-linked Maute followers and three soldiers were killed while three other troops were missing following an intense firefight in Lanao del Sur, military officials said Friday.

Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, disclosed the firefight broke out around 5:04 p.m. Thursday in Barangay Dinaigan, Tubaran, Lanao del Sur.

Besana said the firefight with 10 Daesh-inspired Maute fighters erupted while the troops were on security operations in Barangay Dinaigan, Tubaran. It lasted for over an hour and resulted in the death of three soldiers and two Maute followers.

He said the troops recovered the remains of the two slain Maute followers as well as two M-16 Armalite rifles with attached M-203 grenade launchers, a caliber .45 pistol, a hand grenade, a rifle grenade, several types of ammunition, and a bandolier.

He said three other soldiers were reported “missing in action”.

The military declined to release the identities of the slain and missing soldiers, except that they belong to the Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion. The remains of the slain soldiers were taken to Iligan City for proper disposition.

“We condole with the families of our departed comrades, who fought valiantly and paid the ultimate sacrifice. We lost not only brave warriors but comrades who served the nation with such devotion,” said Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Westmincom chief.

“We are advancing upon the enemy target with deliberate offensives, hitting and inflicting heavy casualties on Maute fighters,” dela Vega said.

He said they are more motivated to continue the fight against spoilers of peace and progress here in Mindanao despite the death of the three soldiers.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064690

Parents warned on terrorist recruitment thru social media

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 15, 2019): Parents warned on terrorist recruitment thru social media



PREVENTING EXTREMISM. Capt. Sherhannah Paiso, Education Branch Chief of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), lectures about radicalization and islamophobia during the Youth General Assembly and Interfaith Dialogue on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism held at the Waterfront Hotel, Cebu City, March 14, 2019. (Photo by John Rey Saavedra)

A young professor of psychology and socio-anthropology at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on Thursday advised parents to monitor their children’s activities on social media, as this is being used by terrorist groups as platform for recruitment.

Capt. Sherhannah Paiso, military science professor and chief of education branch of the PMA, said parents "need to know who they (children) are talking to”.

Paiso was addressing participants in the two-day Youth General Assembly and Interfaith Dialogue on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism held at the Waterfront Hotel, this city.

According to her, parents should also know the “signs”, which would indicate that their children have been exposed to radicalization through the kind of groups they are associated with, as well their children’s demeanor over social media.

“If you are in a group the promotes violence, there is a tendency for you also to become violent individual. Remember, prevention is always better than cure,” Paiso said.

When a child changes his Facebook account by putting the mask of the ISIS or the ISIS flag, it shows that such child is being misled towards radicalization, she noted.

The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, headed by Secretary Saidamen Pangarungan, partnered with the United Nations Development Programme and the People of Japan in organizing the assembly, with the aim of educating Muslim youth against the “evils of violent extremism”.

Paiso, a Tausug who grew up in Metro Manila, described the youth as a vulnerable sector of the populace because of their “weaknesses”, being of tender age.

“You are vulnerable to radicalization because they target your weakness,” Paiso told the assembly of more that 500 Muslim youths in Central Visayas. They are “called youth for that reason. They do not have yet the critical thinking skills”.

Paiso, who was a surprise lecturer on radicalization and islamophobia in the said assembly, warned that children with family issues may face the risk of joining extremist groups that promote violence in the society.

She also said that personal issues of the youth, such as problems in relationship, environmental and peer pressures in school may also increase their vulnerability to recruitment.

She recalled an instance when a mother prevented her daughter from joining the Maute group at the height of the Marawi siege in 2017, because her father was a former member of the Moro National Liberation Front.

The professor from the PMA also said Islamophobia and stereotyping of Muslims as “terrorists and bombers” should be avoided in all levels of the society to avoid young Muslims from joining organizations that usher violent activities.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064693

PH Navy ships can provide fresh water to coastal communities

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 15, 2019): PH Navy ships can provide fresh water to coastal communities

Philippine Navy (PN) ships can help provide drinking water to coastal communities that might be severely affected by the ongoing El Niño, Navy spokesperson, Capt. Jonathan Zata, said Friday.

"Our logistics ships are capable of storing and producing fresh water primarily for its operations but it can be used to assist communities while they are in port by providing freshwater. We have on board desalination systems to convert saltwater into freshwater," Zata said in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) when asked what the PN can do to help mitigate the effects of the weather phenomenon.

Logistic ships refer to the two brand-new strategic sealift vessels, the BRP Tarlac (LD-601) and BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602), and the Bacolod-class vessels, which consist of BRP Bacolod City (LC-550) and BRP Dagupan City (LC-551).

"The Navy has the capacity to assist coastal communities similar to what was done in helping communities in Tacloban after the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda (in Nov. 8, 2013)," he added.

The Tarlac-class strategic sealift vessels each has a gross tonnage of 7,400 tons and an overall length of 120 meters, breadth of 21 meters, draft of five meters, and can carry a payload of 2,800 tons.

The ships have a cruising speed of 13 knots, maximum speed of 16 knots, and minimum operating range of 7,500 nautical miles. The two were acquired in 2016 and 2017.

Meanwhile, the Bacolod City-class logistic support vessels has a displacement of 4,265 tons at full load, is 273 feet long, has a draft of 12 feet, and has a top speed of 12 knots. It was commissioned in the PN in the 1990s.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064649

DFA calls out EU NGOs for funding communist insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 15, 2019): DFA calls out EU NGOs for funding communist insurgency



Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. at the Ministerial Segment of the 62nd Session of the Commission on Narcotics and Drugs on Thursday in Vienna, Austria (Photo courtesy of DFA Assistant Secretary Elmer Cato)

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. has called out non-government organizations in the European Union (EU) for funding the decades-long communist insurgency in the Philippines.

"EU funding continues for the widely detested, nowhere supported, and foredoomed communist insurgency composed of the last dregs of the New Khmer Rouge, as US intelligence branded them in the late 80s," Locsin said during the Ministerial Segment of the 62nd Session of the Commission on Narcotics and Drugs on Thursday in Vienna, Austria.

Locsin said the insurgency being waged by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) continues to threaten Philippine society and national security.

"In this endeavor, EU non-government organizations support a cause unquestionably lethal but totally unredeemed by any prospect of success," Locsin said.

"Their generous contributions promise at best the prospect of a small and ragged parade under a cracked marble arch to the strains of a broken Hallelujah. As always, the Philippines fights its battles alone; it needs no help; it fears no opposition from any quarter; but it wouldn’t mind a little understanding," he added.

In its official statement, the EU delegation in Manila said the bloc continues to recognize the communist group as a terrorist organization.

"The Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People's Army are on the EU's list of terrorist organizations since 2006 and are treated as such in all respects by the European Union at this point," its statement read.

The EU and the US have listed the CPP-NPA as a terrorist group.

Presidential Task Force on Media Security Executive Director Undersecretary Joel Egco, who was part of the Philippine delegation that conducted a series of engagements in Brussels in February, said the National Task Force to End the Communist Insurgency created by President Rodrigo R. Duterte is set to hold several meetings to address the issue and further engage the bloc.

"Definitely, it is being discussed by the National Task Force as to what moves should be taken next. We will send them evidence, that's the requirement they've set," he told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in an interview on Friday.

Belgian officials, during a meeting last month, informed the Philippine delegation that it was the "first time" that they have heard about their fundings reaching CPP-NPA's front organizations, Egco said.

As the government takes its war against local communist armed conflict a step further, Egco said the NTF got the assurance of European officials who vowed to look into the information presented by the Philippine government on the reported funding of CPP-NPA activities.

Data presented by the Philippine delegation showed that communist front organizations receive funds from groups in the guise of marginalized and pro-poor programs.

"May seven na Belgian NGOs na nakikipag-connect sa NGOs natin dito (There are seven Belgian NGOs that are connected with some Philippine NGOs). The Armed Forces of the Philippines has a list of organizations that are fronting for CPP-NPA and when they (Belgian officials) crosschecked, the same local NGOs are in their list," Egco said. "The status for it at present is that they are going to look for it seriously," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064681