AFP-CRS: RP-US Balikatan exercise kicks off

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 17, 2019): RP-US Balikatan exercise kicks off



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2371308162887894/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: ROTC to counter NPA recruitment in schools

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 17, 2019): ROTC to counter NPA recruitment in schools



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2371308636221180/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: Top terrorist killed in Lanao del Sur clash

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 17, 2019): Top terrorist killed in Lanao del Sur clash



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2371309349554442/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: Terror group member nabbed in South Cotabato

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 17, 2019): Terror group member nabbed in South Cotabato



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2371309836221060/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: The AFP has gathered overwhelming evidence against Karapatan as Communist Party of the Philippines' front organization

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 18, 2019): The AFP has gathered overwhelming evidence against Karapatan as Communist Party of the Philippines' front organization



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2372624056089638/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: KARAPATAN: A selective human rights group defenders

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 18, 2019): KARAPATAN: A selective human rights group defenders



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2372625822756128/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: Karapatan challenged by AFP on one-on-one discussion

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 18, 2019): Karapatan challenged by AFP on one-on-one discussion



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2372627149422662/?type=3&theater

 https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: CPP Front Organizations worried about government's EU efforts

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 18, 2019): CPP Front Organizations worried about government's EU efforts



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2372628156089228/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: Karapatan's Palabay vilifies government while turning a blind eye to JOMA's HR violations

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 18, 2019): Karapatan's Palabay vilifies government while turning a blind eye to JOMA's HR violations



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2372628982755812/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: Foreign funding for CPP front organizations will dry up

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 18, 2019): Foreign funding for CPP front organizations will dry up



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2372630189422358/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: Red-tagging, a false accusation by CPP front organization

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 18, 2019): Red-tagging, a false accusation by CPP front organization



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2372630839422293/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: Karapatan fabricates HR violations to discredit AFP

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 18, 2019): Karapatan fabricates HR violations to discredit AFP



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2372631589422218/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: CPP founder names Karapatan as front organization

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 18, 2019): CPP founder names Karapatan as front organization



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2372632212755489/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: Photo/Slide: Unmasking CPP's front organizations

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 19, 2019): Photo/Slide: Unmasking CPP's front organizations.

 

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2372632739422103/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: CAFGU Intel sa Guihulngan, Parusang Kamatayan Ipinatupad

NPA-Central Negros propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 18, 2019): CAFGU Intel sa Guihulngan, Parusang Kamatayan Ipinatupad

JB Regalado
NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)
New People's Army

March 18, 2019

Tagumpay na ipinatupad ng LPC-NPA ang parusang kamatayan kay Eloi Malig-on ng sityo Punong, Brgy. Trinidad, Guihulngan noong Marso 17, 2019 alas 6:30 ng gabi sa nasabing lugar.

Si Eloi Malig-on kilala sa lugar na isang mabangis na kasapi ng CAFGU sa paghahabol ng mga rebolusyonaryong masa at mga kasapi ng CPP-NPA. Diumano’y tumigil na sa kaniyang trabaho bilang CAFGU matapos ng ilang beses na pagbabala ng NPA sa kaniya. Ngunit sa likod nito patuloy siyang nakakatanggap ng kantidad katumbas ng kaniyang suhol sa paniniktik sa mga aktibidad ng mga indibidwal, rebolusyonaryong pwersa at buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Nananakot sa mga residente at makinarya din ng militar sa pangungumbinsi sa mga residente na sumuko. Siya rin ang naglilista ng pangalan ng mga indibidwal kasama sa 94th IBPA Peace and Development Team at isusumite sa mga matataas na opisyal ng AFP sa pamamagitan ng Detachment Commander ng nasabing CAFGU detachment.

Legitimate military target ng NPA si Eloi bilang aktibong kasapi ng CAFGU ilalim sa 12th IBPA “Kadre Battalion. Malaki ang kinalaman ni Eloi Malig-on sa malupit at madugong Synchronized Enhanced Managing Police Operation/Oplan Sauron ng AFP CentCom at Police Regional Office-7 noong Disyembre 27, 2018. Ito ang kumitil sa anim na mga sibilyan katulad ni Jun Kubol, Jimmy Revilla, Jimmy Pat, Reneboy Pat at iba pa, halos 50 ang ilegal na inaresto at pinakulong nito sa pamamagitan ng itinanim na mga armas at gawa-gawang kasong kriminal, pagransak, pagnanakaw ng mga kagamitan at pera ng mga magsasaka at pagkadisloka ng kabuhayan ng daan-daang residente. Naapektuhan din ang pag-aaral ng daan-daang mga kabataan at sinunog ang mga kabahayan.

Habang hindi nakakamit ng mga biktima ang karampatang hustisya, ang LPC-NPA ay hindi rin titigil sa paniningil sa may mga kagagawan katulad ng AFP, PNP at iba pang mga force-multiplier na mga Barangay Peace Action Team at Civil Defense ng Moises Padilla sa pagpanguna ni Mayor Magdaleno “Magsie” Pena at iba pang kilalang pulitiko ng Negros Oriental partikular na sa syudad ng Guihulngan.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/cafgu-intel-sa-guihulngan-parusang-kamatayan-ipinatupad/

CPP/NPA-Mindoro: Ang katotohanan sa likod ng pekeng engkwentro sa Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro noong Marso 2

NPA-Mindoro propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 18, 2019): Ang katotohanan sa likod ng pekeng engkwentro sa Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro noong Marso 2

Madaay Gasic
NPA-Mindoro (Lucio De Guzman Command)
New People's Army

March 18, 2019

Mariing kinukundena ng Lucio de Guzman Command – NPA-Mindoro (LdGC) ang 203rd Infantry Brigade ng Philippine Army at PNP-MIMAROPA sa ginawa nitong pagpaslang kay Rustom Sibulan, isang magsasaka mula sa Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro, at pananakot at pandarahas sa pamilya ni Sibulan na naganap nitong unang linggo ng Marso matapos ang sunud-sunod na opensiba ng Pulang hukbo sa isla noong Pebrero.

Pinasisinungalingan din ng LdGC ang sinasabing ‘engkwentro’ ng AFP-PNP laban sa NPA noong Marso 2 sa Brgy. Waygan, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro. Ang totoo, isa itong malaking palabas ng mersenaryong hukbo para isalba ang kanilang pangalan mula sa sunud-sunod na kaswalting tinamo mula sa mga atake ng NPA at itago ang kanilang pagpatay kay Sibulan.

Ang mga hakbanging ito ng 203rd Infantry Brigade at ng PNP-MIMAROPA ay nagpapakita ng kanilang desperasyon na supilin ang NPA at ang rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka ng mamamayan ng Mindoro. Manipestasyon ito ng kabangisan at pasismong dulot ng Oplan Kapayapaan ng rehimeng US-Duterte at ng de facto Martial Law na ipinapatupad nito sa buong bansa at sa isla ng Mindoro. Sinusunod nito ang tagubilin ng tiranikong si Rodrigo Duterte sa mga mersenaryong sundalo na ubusin ang mga NPA pati na ang kanilang mga kapamilya at kaibigan upang tuluyan nang mapadapa ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Tinarget ng AFP-PNP si Sibulan dahil kilala ito sa baryo bilang dating miyembro ng NPA. Higit isang dekada na ang lumipas mula nang umalis siya sa Pulang hukbo at nagpasyang mamuhay bilang isang sibilyan.

Pinagplanuhan ng AFP-PNP ang malagim na pagpatay kay Sibulan. Ayon sa mga saksi, hapon ng Marso 1 ay nagbiyahe si Sibulan at ang kanyang apo sakay ng motorsiklo papunta sa isang kamag-anak sa Bansud. Habang nasa biyahe, napansin na ni Sibulan na sinusundan sila ng isang nakasibilyang lalaki na armado ng riple.

Pinara ng mga armado ngunit nakasibilyang pwersa ng 203rd Infantry Brigade at PNP-MIMAROPA ang motor nina Sibulan sa bahagi ng Brgy. Proper Tiguisan sa Bansud. Agad na pinababa si Sibulan, tinutukan ng baril, pinadapa, at pinosasan ang mga kamay. Pagkasaklob ng sako sa kanyang ulo, kinulata pa si Sibulan ng baril sa likod saka isinakay sa isang nakaabang na van.

Tinutukan din ng baril ang apo ni Sibulan na kasama niya sa biyahe at binantaan na papatayin kung hindi kagyat na aalis.

Kinabukasan, Marso 2, ibinalitang napatay si Sibulan sa pekeng engkwentro sa Brgy. Waygan, Mansalay. Natagalan pa bago nakuha ng pamilya ni Sibulan ang kanyang bangkay dahil sa pagtanggi ng PNP na i-release agad ang katawan ng biktima.

May apat na tama ng bala ang katawan ni Sibulan — dalawa sa dibdib, isa sa likod, at isa sa paa. Puno rin ng pasa ang kanyang katawan at namamaga ang kanyang nguso na palatandaan na dumaan siya sa tortyur.

Malinaw na paglapastangan sa karapatan ng sibilyan at ng mga nagdesisyon nang hindi lumahok sa armadong tunggalian ang pagpatay ng AFP-PNP kay Sibulan. Lansakan ding paglapastangan sa dignidad ng tao ang paggamit sa bangkay ng kanilang biktima sa pekeng engkwentro at pag-antala sa pagkuha ng mga kapamilya ni Sibulan sa kanyang katawan.

Hindi pa nasapatan sa ginawa kay Sibulan, dinukot ng AFP-PNP ang pamangkin niyang si Onad noong Marso 5.

Tulad ng ginawa sa kanyang tiyuhin, pinara si Onad at ang kasama niyang pinsan ng mga elemento ng pinagsanib na AFP at PNP-MIMAROPA sa daan pauwi mula sa bayan ng Bansud. Pilit siyang isinakay sa parehong van na ginamit sa pagdukot kay Sibulan, hinampas ng baril sa ulo, at saka tinangay. Matapos ang anim na oras ng pisikal at mental na tortyur ay pinakawalan si Onad.

Nakatakas ang pinsan ni Onad na tangka rin sanang dukutin ng AFP-PNP.

Gamit ang personal na cellphone ni Onad, binantaan ng AFP-PNP ang mga kamag-anak niya na tutumbasan nila ng pagpatay sa mga miyembro ng pamilyang Sibulan ang bawat mamamatay na sundalo at pulis sa mga labanan sa pagitan ng mga sundalo at ng NPA.

Nakasusuklam ang panghaharas ng AFP-PNP sa pamilya Sibulan at pagpapalabas ng pekeng labanan upang maghasik ng teror sa isla ng Mindoro. Tunay na uhaw sa dugo at mapaghiganti ang tropa ng AFP-PNP sa Mindoro, na tuwing nagtatamo ng pagkatalo sa kamay ng NPA ay ibinabaling ang galit sa mga di-armadong sibilyan.

Kailangang mulat na labanan ng mamamayan ang mga pekeng balita at propaganda ng mersenaryong hukbo at ilantad ang walang habas na pag-atake ng AFP-PNP sa mga sibilyan.

Higit sa lahat, marapat na parusahan at durugin ang rehimen at ang reaksyunaryong sandatahang lakas para bigyan ng rebolusyonaryong hustisya ang mga biktima sa mga hindi mabilang na krimen nito laban sa mamamayan kabilang na ang nangyari kay Sibulan at sa kanyang pamilya.

Tinatawagan naming ang lahat ng mga mamamayang Pilipino na humawak ng armas, sumampa sa NPA.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/ang-katotohanan-sa-likod-ng-pekeng-engkwentro-sa-mansalay-oriental-mindoro-noong-marso-2/

CPP/NPA-Panay: Diumano’y engkwentro sa Igbaras, isang fake news

NPA-Panay propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 18, 2019): Diumano’y engkwentro sa Igbaras, isang fake news

Julio Montana
NPA-Panay (Coronacion Chiva “Waling-Waling” Command)
New People's Army

March 18, 2019

Muli na namang umandar ang kasinungalingan ni Col. Magbalot, CO ng 61st IBPA nang ipinangalandakan nya sa media sa Iloilo na may nagyaring engkwentro diumano sa pagitan ng NPA at kanyang tropa sa Brgy. Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo nitong nakalipas na araw (March 17). Imposibleng mangyari ang sinasabing engkwentro ng NPA dahil walang pwersa ng NPA sa naturang baryo nang araw na iyon o bago pa man nito.

Ang inisyal na impormasyong nakarating sa amin ay may 3 magsasakang sibilyan na taga Mulangan ang dinakip ng mga tropa ng 61st IB. Malinaw na ito ang dahilan bakit nag-imbento ng “engkwentro” si Col. Magbalot – bigyang katwiran ang ilegal na paghuli ng kanyang mga tropa sa mga inosenteng sibilyan.

Patuloy pa naming inuusisa ang pangalan ng mga biktima. Hinihikayat namin ang mga kamag-anak ng 3 magsasakang hinuli na kaagad lumapit sa mga tagapagtaguyod ng karapatang pantao para matulungan sila laban sa pang-aabuso na naman ng mga tropa ng 61st IB. Nananawagan din kami sa mga lokal na opisyal ng Brgy. Mulangan at bayan ng Igbaras na tulungan ang mga biktimang ito para madepensahan ang kanilang mga karapatan.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/diumanoy-engkwentro-sa-igbaras-isang-fake-news/

MILF: Sammy Gambar: ‘We are now here, the protector of environment’

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Mar 18, 2019): Sammy Gambar: ‘We are now here, the protector of environment’

 

COTABATO CITY -The Minister of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Bangsamoro Transition Authority member Hon. Abdulrauf “Sammy Gambar” Macacua, urged the environmental planners to be in the frontlines in protecting the environment during the oath taking of new licensed environmental planners and induction of officers on Friday (March 15) in this city.

Macacua was the keynote speaker in the said activity organized by the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners-Cotabato and Maguindanao Chapter.

On his message, he underscored that “among the destroyers of environment, war is among the most destructive.”

As Minister of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy, he assured that he will now be the “protector of environment”.

He also called the different stakeholders, particularly the new planners, to be involved in careful planning for the sustainable use of the natural resources in the BARMM.



BTA member Atty. Suharto Ambolodto on his message during the event emphasized the importance of planners in reducing poverty in Maguindanao.

He said he expected the planners to be catalysts in understanding the local situations and in crafting better plans.

Environmental planner Celestino F. Desamito represented the PIEP-National and served as induction officer.

Desamito was adjudged by the Professional Regulation Commission in 2016 as the Most Outstanding Environmental Planner.

On his part, he encouraged environmental planners to join voluntarily in helping the Bangsamoro region in particular in the crafting of development plans.

He also challenged the PIEP-Cotabato and Maguindanao Chapter to become one of the most active chapters of PIEP.

Started in 2017, PIEP-Cotabato and Maguindanao was organized after its founders thought of how to consolidate their expertise in providing planning services in the province.

Members are mostly practicing planners of Cotabato City and Maguindanao, agriculturists, engineers, economists, and assessors, most of whom have planning license from PRC.

The current President of the Chapter is Engr. Datu Nulfarid “Paul” S. Ampatuan, the Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator of Maguindanao.

He succeeded the founding president, Director Kamaludin Laguiab Jr. of BARMM Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, whose term ended last year.

RA 10587, the law regulating the planning profession in the country, recognizes the importance of environmental planning in nation-building and development.

The law mandates the government to develop and nurture productive and well-rounded professional environmental planners whose standards of practice and service shall be excellent and globally competitive.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1761/sammy-gambar-----we-are-now-here--the-protector-of-environment----

MILF: ICM Al Haj Murad wants justice for victims of Jolo church bombing

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Mar 18, 2019): ICM Al Haj Murad wants justice for victims of Jolo church bombing



Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao--- Bangsamoro chief minister Hadji Murad Ebrahim wants justice for victims of the January 27 bombings in the Mt. Carmel Cathedral in downtown Jolo that left 24 dead, said an online report by NDBC.
Several worshippers, including soldiers who were responding after the first blast were killed, and about a hundred worshipers hurt in the twin explosions that took place outside and inside the church.

During the regional peace and order council of the newly-established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on Saturday, Ebrahimsaid he wants a closure to the church bombings that also left many worshipers injured.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) condemned the incident and assured that MILF officials in Sulu will help authorities identify the culprits.

Ebrahim said he will try his best, along with the Police Regional Office-BARMM, to secure justice for the victims of the bombing, the NDBC news said.

Two improvised explosive devices were used in the attack, one detonated inside the cathedral, the other near the entrance to the worship site.

Ebrahim, as chief minister of BARMM and head of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, exercises ministerial control over the regional police command under Chief Superintendent Graciano Mijares.

In a symbolic rite last Sunday at the Jolo Church, Catholics in Sulu commemorated in somber mood the 40th day of the deadly bombing last March 10. It was led by Monsignor Romeo Saniel.

Saniel said the families of the people killed in the bombing were traumatized by the loss of relatives in the attack.

“Pain is still deep, sorrow still paralyzing but hope of letting go is a grace of God. We remembered the martyrs who died inside the cathedral,” Saniel said.

Ebrahim said as chief minister of BARMM and presiding chairman of its security council he would focus on measures meant to forestall terror attacks in the Bangsamoro provinces, the NDBC news said in its report.

Ebrahim said the success of BARMM’s pacification efforts is hinged on the cooperation of all sectors in the Bangsamoro region.

“We have to help each other. Peace-building is a community effort, an inclusive initiative,” he said. (Source: NDBC News, 03-16-19)

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1762/icm-al-haj-murad-wants-justice-for-victims-of-jolo-church-bombing

WESTMINCOM: Gov’t forces escalate ops against lawless groups in Zambo del Norte

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Mar 18, 2019): Gov’t forces escalate ops against lawless groups in Zambo del Norte



Government troops escalated their operations to run down lawless groups in Zamboanga del Norte today (March 18).

Personnel of 42nd Infantry Battalion and Philippine National Police served an arrest warrant on Juhuri Wahab Tukalan and Isnain Yacob, alias Bating, in Barangay Panabutan, Sirawai at 5:19am today.

Military and police personnel, while on a law enforcement operation, engaged an undetermined number of lawless elements in Barangay Panabutan.

Security forces scoured the area of armed engagement and blocked possible withdrawal of evading militants.

Meanwhile, operating troops extricated a wounded soldier from the encounter site.

The wounded was airlifted from 42IB headquarters to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City at around 11am today.

Last week, government forces neutralized lawless elements and recovered enemy’s arms in a series of law enforcement operations launched in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said, “Joint operations will be advanced to break up private armed groups and to net notorious gang leaders operating in Zamboanga Peninsula,” said.

“These are proactive steps to prevent the rise of private armed groups that proliferates violence in the area of operations,” he added.

http://www.westmincom.com/govt-forces-escalate-ops-against-lawless-groups-in-zambo-del-norte/

WESTMINCOM: Troops join Kapatagan’s 17th Zone of Peace Anniversary celebration

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Mar 18, 2019): Troops join Kapatagan’s 17th Zone of Peace Anniversary celebration



The troops of the 6th Infantry (REDSKIN) Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Clairemont Pinpin actively participated in the 17th Zone of Peace Anniversary celebration of the Municipality of Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur earlier today (March 18, 2019).



The activity spearheaded by Municipal Mayor Nhazruddin Maglangit, was held at the Kapatagan Public Plaza in Barangay Daguan of the said municipality.



“Let us join hands in helping our country fulfil the collective and elusive dream of peace, good governance and development for a better future,” Honorable Maglangit said emphasizing the unified efforts of the people of Kapatagan with the help of the Redskin Battalion and the PNP to maintain the peace and order in the community.

Following the all-out war in 2000 that displaced nearly a million villagers in Mindanao, Kapatagan was declared as a peace zone after the local government, military, MILF, sectoral leaders, and peace advocates signed a local security agreement.

“The Western Mindanao Command believes that peaceful resolution to conflicts are more rewarding and we can achieve this by raising awareness to the community on what conflict is about and how to respond properly,” said Lieutenant General Arnel B. Dela Vega, WestMinCom Commander.

The Redskin troopers assured that they will always stand ready and proud to do their part in continuing and strengthening partnership especially in attaining peace and development in their area of responsibility.

http://www.westmincom.com/troops-join-kapatagans-17th-zone-of-peace-anniversary-celebration/

WESTMINCOM: Gov’t forces neutralize lawless element, firearms in Zambo del Norte clash

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Mar 18, 2019): Gov’t forces neutralize lawless element, firearms in Zambo del Norte clash



Military and police forces neutralized a lawless element and captured several enemies’ arms after a two-hour gunfight in Zamboanga del Norte today, March 18.

“Government troops served the arrest warrant for murder and attempted murder on Juhuri Wahab Tukalan and Isnain Yacub under Jamilon Tukalab’s group when the clash happened,” said Lieutenant Colonel Leon Onggao, 42nd Infantry Battalion Commander.

Notorious for ambushing civilians, Tukalab’s group is also tagged in kidnapping and extortion activities in Zamboanga del Norte, added Lieutenant Colonel Onggao.

The slain enemy was identified by his next of kin as Ato Antao Lumingis. Troops turned over his remains to the local government of Sirawai.

Government forces also recovered two pieces of rocket-propelled grenade ammunition, two 12-gauge shotguns, two improvised caliber .22 rifles, a grenade, a bandolier, magazines, and ammunition.



The operation was launched by 42nd Infantry Battalion and Philippine National Police in Barangay Sipakit, Sirawai at 5am today.

Engaged troops saw lawless elements carrying their wounded comrades as they scampered toward different directions.

“Our enemies are now on the run, attempting to elude government troops, as they suffered a crippling blow from our intense operations on the ground,” said Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, commander of Western Mindanao Command.

“This relentless hunt on private armed groups will be furthered to end lawless violence in Zamboanga Peninsula. We will continue to tap the police and other law enforcement agencies to gain this objective,” he added.

“The operation was a result of the collaboration among the stakeholders, especially the peace-loving civilians in the area, who continuously report the presence of these lawless groups,” said Colonel Bagnus Gaerlan, Jr., 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander.

It can be recalled that a week ago, five lawless elements were arrested and P11.4 million worth of illegal drugs and paraphernalia were confiscated in Barangay Tenan, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Roberto Ancan, the Joint Task Force Zampelan Commander, commended the troops that led to the neutralization of a lawless element and the disruption of their terror activities.

“The Tabak Troopers, in collaboration with the police, will intensify joint law enforcement operation to protect people and communities against lawless elements,” added Ancan.

Meanwhile, the government suffered one wounded in action.

The wounded soldier was immediately airlifted to Zamboanga City for medical treatment.

“We also ensure that our wounded comrade will get the best medical care for his fast recovery,” concluded Ancan.

http://www.westmincom.com/govt-forces-neutralize-lawless-element-firearms-in-zambo-del-norte-clash/

WESTMINCOM: One abu killed, another nabbed in recent Sulu clash

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Mar 18, 2019): One abu killed, another nabbed in recent Sulu clash



While conducting focused military operation, troops chanced upon undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf Group members in Barangay Simusa Island, Banguingui, Sulu at 11:44 am today (March 15).

Firefight ensued that lasted for five minutes after which the enemy withdrew leaving two of their casualties (one killed, one wounded) behind.

At around 12:45 pm, pursuing elements of the 21st Marine Company, Marine Battalion Landing Team 1 encountered the fleeing bandits in Sitio Mono-Mono, Simusa Island.

Firefight lasted for 3 minutes.

No casualty was reported on the government side on both encounters while the wounded enemy from the first encounter, was ferried to the Philippine Marine Ready Force-Sulu camp for immediate medical attention and the remains of the slain ASG member identified as Hamza L. Hamad, 19 years old and resident of Sirawai, Zamboanga Del Norte, was brought to the MBLT1 Command Group “A” for proper disposition.

Captured wounded abu identified as Alvin Mohammad, resident of Simusa Island, Barangay Bakaan, Banguingui, Sulu, was then brought to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for further treatment and custodial debriefing.

In the initial interrogation, Mohammad disclosed that their group led by Najir Arik is already starving and running out of ammunitions.

“Our Joint Task Force Sulu have intensified its operation to pursue the fleeing bandits and constrict its movement,” said Lieutenant General Arnel B. Dela Vega, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“We will continuously employ more pressure on them to rescue the remaining captives and gain more enemy strongholds,” added LtGen Dela Vega.

Troops are still in pursuit of the fleeing bandits.

http://www.westmincom.com/one-abu-killed-another-nabbed-in-recent-sulu-clash/

AFP shows evidence linking rights groups to CPP-NPA

From UNTV News & Rescue (Mar 18, 2019): AFP shows evidence linking rights groups to CPP-NPA



File photo: Members of the New People’s Army

After Karapatan said there is no evidence that supports the accusations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the AFP presented documents linking Karapatan and other rights group to the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP- NPA).

Boxes of evidence were presented by the Deputy Chief of Staff for Military Operations J7 Bgen. Antonio Parlade.

Several of these documents, which is about the 5th International Assembly in Hong Kong, were signed by CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison. It was also reported that the group Karapatan attended the said assembly.

“Ang ating gobyerno ay hindi nagpa-fabricate ng report, sila ang nagpa-fabricate. By the way hindi si AFP, hindi ako, hindi ang gobyerno ang nag-red tag sa kanila, tingnan niyo ang websites ng Philippine Revolution web central, ILPS, website ng NDF International, makikita niyo doon ang Karapatan, IBON. Andiyan ang ACT, Gabriela, Makabayan bloc andiyan lahat …pirmado ni Joma,(Our government does not fabricate reports, they [rights groups] fabricate reports. By the way, it is not the AFP, me or the government that red-tagged them. Check the websites of the Philippine Revolution web central, ILPS, website of NDF International, you can see that Karapatan, IBON are there. ACT, Gabriela, and Makabayan bloc are also there. It’s signed by Joma)” Parlade said.

Meanwhile, Karapatan is urging Parlade to stop linking their group with the NPA because there is no sufficient evidence to prove it.

IBON Foundation also released a statement denying the said claims and calling it baseless.

“The Duterte administration’s accusations are malicious, baseless, and absurd. It is so insistent on a self-serving fake narrative about the country that is attacking IBON just for speaking the truth” they said.

The AFP has also released several videos and photos of armed students from Salugpongan Schools which is run by non-government organizations.

Parlade also presented books printed by IBON Foundation for Salugpongan Community Learning Centers. He said that one of the members of the editorial board is the wife of the secretary of NPA’s Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

The books, according to Parlade contained radical information that teaches the youth to oppose the government.

“Pambansang bayani ay si Father Paps. Si Father Te Torio iyong Italyano yung napatay. Bakit nga ba napatay iyon? Kasi kasama niya NPA, mga komunistang bayolente. So ito ang national hero nila, ito itinuturo sa grade 1, ang nakalagay dito ang puppet na Republika ng Pilipinas, [Their national hero is father Paps. Father Te Torio, the Italian who was killed. Why was he killed? Because he was with the NPA, the violent communists. So this is their national hero and it is taught in grade 1. It also says the puppet Republic of the Philippines]” according to Parlade.

He also challenged Karapatan to a debate on national TV to show who is telling the truth.

https://www.untvweb.com/news/afp-shows-evidence-linking-rights-groups-to-cpp-npa/

Cop slain in ambush in Albay

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 18, 2019): Cop slain in ambush in Albay

CAMP OLA, Albay – A police officer was shot to death by three persons believed to be members of the Special Partisan Unit (SPARU) – of the New People’s Army (NPA) around 7:30 a.m. on Monday.

Chief Insp. Malu Calubaquib, Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) spokesperson, identified the victim as SPO3 Juje Razo, 52, presently assigned at Pilar Municipal Police Station (MPS) and a resident of Brgy. Binanuahan, Pilar, Sorsogon.

Initial investigation disclosed that while the victim was traversing the highway in Barangay Marifosque on his motorcycle, the three hitmen shot him using high-powered firearms.

Razo died on-the-spot from multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of his body.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/18/cop-slain-in-ambush-in-albay/

Rebels want to blow Army up

From Panay News (Mar 19, 2019): Rebels want to blow Army up

The nine improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that the Philippine Army recovered in Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo early Sunday morning were designed to inflict considerable damage, according to the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB).

“Talagang damaging ang na-recover. Kayang paliparin ang truck natin ng ilang feet kasi malakas,” said Lieutenant Colonel Sisenando Magbalot Jr., the battalion’s commander.

The IEDs – each weighing 10 kilos – were recovered from the house of the Elamparo family after 61IB troops repelled a group of 1- armed rebels gathered inside.

Three Elamparo family members who were arrested told the Army they were recruited by two rebels tasked with making IEDs.

The three were Ramon Elamparo alias Toto, 48; Roberto Elbao alias Nono, 50; and Ruperto Elamparo alias Bebot, 50.
They identified their recruiters as Joven “Ka Lex” Ceralvo and Reymar “Ka Bambi” Camariose of the Suyak Platoon, Southern Front Committee.

According to the Elamparos, the rebels originally left them with 12 IEDs in December last year but three were subsequently taken out and “planted” somewhere in the 1st District.

Magbalot believed the rebels intended to use the IEDs against government troops this March 29 when the New People’s Army (NPA) marks its 50th anniversary.

“We are thankful to the community that informed us about the presence of the armed group in Barangay Mulangan,” said Magbalot.

He also said the Elamparos would be charged with illegal possession of explosives.

The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

“We received a report from the community about a group of 10 armed men in the house of the Elamparo family,” said Magbalot.

The rebels fired at the responding 61IB troops so the soldiers fired back.

The firefight lasted for some five minutes. The rebels withdrew to the mountains, said Magbalot.

“None of our soldiers were hurt,” he added.

https://www.panaynews.net/rebels-want-to-blow-army-up/

Gov’t Provided Decent Burial to Abandoned NPA Terrorist

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 18, 2019): Gov’t Provided Decent Burial to Abandoned NPA Terrorist

The Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) who died in an encounter with government troops last March 15 in Magsaysay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur was recently accorded a decent burial by the Local Government Unit, Philippine National Police (PNP) and 3rd Special Forces Battalion of the Philippine Army.

The body, whose identity remains unknown, was interned in the Public Cemetery of Barangay Poblacion of the said municipality on Sunday, March 17, at around 3 o’clock in the afternoon.

As of Monday, March 18, no relatives or family members have turned up to claim it.

The 3rd Special Forces Battalion has extended its deepest sympathies to the yet to be identified families of the killed Communist NPA Terrorist. The unit also called upon the remaining CNTs who continue to spread fear to the people to lay down their arms and come back to the folds of the government peacefully through the Enhanced Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) instead of pursuing a useless struggle and eventually suffer the same fate.

Brigadier General Andres C. Centino, Commander of 401st Brigade, said that even if the NPA is an adversary, the dead terrorist still deserves a decent burial.

“Unlike the Communist NPA Terrorists who just leave their dead comrades behind, we respect everybody’s right even if he is our adversary,” Centino said.

“He died fighting for a wrong cause, but still, he is a fellow Filipino that deserves the same respect and humane treatment,” he added.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/18/govt-provided-decent-burial-to-abandoned-npa-terrorist/

Army: NPA kills farmer

Sun Star-Bacolod (Mar 18, 2019): Army: NPA kills farmer

A FARMER was shot to death by alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sitio Tuko, Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on Thursday, March 14.

The fatality was identified as Jobert Albino, 35, of Barangay Trinidad.

Lt. Col. Randy Pagunuran, Commanding Officer of the 94th Infantry Battalion, said that at 8 p.m., Albino went out of his house to buy something on a nearby store when members of NPA fired at him several times.

The victim sustained multiple wounds that caused his instantaneous death.

“We strongly condemn this terroristic act by the NPA, which shows again their true nature and ability to kill innocent civilians without remorse or hesitation,” Pagunuran said.

He said the NPA are truly the masters of deception.

“They say that they are the protectors of the underprivileged and oppressed, but instead, it’s the people who are the victims of their atrocities. The NPAs took not only the life of the head of the family but the hopes of his children for a better future,” he added.

Pagunuran urged the community to strongly condemn the treacherous acts of the NPA.

He also calls on the citizens of Guihulngan City to be more vigilant and immediately report or coordinate with the local security forces in their area for any suspicious individuals or activities to avoid a repeat of this kind of incident.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1797379

Policeman gunned down in Sorsogon

From the Sun Star-Manila (Mar 18, 2019): Policeman gunned down in Sorsogon



A POLICE officer was gunned down Monday morning, March 18, by three unidentified men in Pilar, Sorsogon.

The Sorsogon police identified the slain cop as Chief Master Sergeant Juje Razo, 52, who was assigned at the Pilar Municipal Police Station.

Razo was shot dead by three assailants who used long and short firearms while traversing along Barangay Marifosque in Pilar onboard his motorcycle, said police.

The victim sustained several gunshot wounds in the body, resulting in his instantaneous death.

The gunmen fled onboard a motorcycle.

Investigation is ongoing.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1797387/Manila/Local-News/Policeman-gunned-down-in-Sorsogon

Philippine Army to have 1st female brigade commander

From Panay News (Mar 19, 2019): Philippine Army to have 1st female brigade commander

Colonel Joselyn Bandarlipe is set to lead the 53rd Engineering Brigade in Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu on March 26. She is the first-ever female brigade commander in the history of the Philippine Army. ARMY GAD

The Philippine Army will have its first-ever female brigade commander, Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said on Monday.

Colonel Joselyn Bandarlipe is set to lead the 53rd Engineering Brigade in Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu after President Rodrigo Duterte approved her appointment papers, Zagala said.

“She will be the first woman to command a brigade in the Philippine Army,” he added.

Bandarlipe graduated from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Officer Candidate School in 1990.

Zagala noted that in the past, women were only allowed to serve in the Army’s reserve ranks and technical services as part of the Women’s Auxiliary Corps, where Bandarlipe also served.

The enactment of Republic Act 7192, or the Women in Development and Nation Building Act in 1993, granted women the right to become trained combat soldiers.

“From the Women’s Auxiliary Corps, Ma’am Jo moved as a line officer of the regular force,” said Zagala.

He added that other women in the past have made marks in the Army, citing Brigadier General Ramona Go, the first female general.

Zagala said regardless of gender, “everyone is given equal opportunity” in the Army.

“Colonel Bandarlipe qualified and has performed in the past in her assignment as an engineer officer, as a combat engineer, thus she was chosen,” he said.

Bandarlipe will assume her post on March 26.

https://www.panaynews.net/philippine-army-to-have-1st-female-brigade-commander/

Army troopers facilitate settlement of clan dispute

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 18, 2019): Army troopers facilitate settlement of clan dispute

COTABATO CITY --- Army soldiers of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion recently facilitated the settlement of family dispute between the clan of Bai Mayor Mariam Sangki and Mastor Ampatuan known as Datu Item.

After a series of deliberate planning and coordination, Mayor Sangki of Datu Abdullah Sangki humbled herself in the name of peace and reconciliation to meet with Ampatuan, 106th Base Commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

She made a personal dialogue with Commander Datu Item to make amends and patch up their long time issues and differences.

It can be recalled that their cold war has resulted in an unnecessary rido through occasional firefight and shooting incidents between their supporters.

“This initiative of Ltc. Alvin G. Iyog, Commanding Officer of 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion is well appreciated not only by my family, but also to all those people who got involved in the misunderstanding,” said Mayor Sangki.

Meanwhile, Ltc. Iyog is grateful for the positive response of both families.

“Today, the people in Brgys Kayakaya, Dimaampao and Old Maganoy of Datu Abdullah Sangki had felt the peace in the community and are now bracing for the imminent progress and development as an outcome of the cessation of violence and hostilities that plague the area for a long period,” said Ltc Iyog.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1019878

503rd IB launches 'Books for Peace' in Kalinga

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 18, 2019): 503rd IB launches 'Books for Peace' in Kalinga



LUBUAGAN, Kalinga -- The 503rd Infantry Brigade (IB) of the Philippine Army launched its “Books for Peace” program donating 603 sets of books or 3,306 pieces to four elementary schools in this town.

Major Tuguinay Agoy, 503rd IB Public Information Officer, said the program aims to enlighten the pupils in Cordillera on the importance of education and to encourage students to focus on their studies.

The theme of this Books for Peace program is: “Ang edukasyon ng mga bata ay dapat pahalagaan sapagkat ito ang puhunan para sa kinabukasan at sa ikakaunlad ng ating inang bayan, at upang makamtan ang minimithing kapayapaan.” (Give importance to children’s education for this is a key to a better future and for the progress of our motherland, and for the attainment of lasting peace).

Recipients of the book donation are the Lubuagan Central School, Mabilong Elementary School (ES), Dangoy ES and Dugnac ES. Together with their parents and their teachers, the 281 pupils received the books at the Lubuagan Central School ground, Agoy said.



Turnover of books at the Lubuagan Central School under the "Books for Peace" program.

Col. Henry Doyaoen, 503rd IB Commanding Officer, explained that the Philippine Army in its limited capacity continues to exert effort to help the youth pursue their studies.

“Through this program, lack of books and other reading materials would not anymore be the reason for our pupils and students in not excelling academically since we are helping source out for books,” he said. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the donors of the books, Dr. Amelia Miranda and her family of the Miranda BMM Publications, for their generosity and selfless consideration for this program to succeed.

“Libro ang dapat na hawak at eskwelahan ang kinaroroonan ng isang bata upang makamit ang magandang kinabukasan at tunay na kapayapaan, hindi baril at kabundukan na kung saan ang buhay ay winawakasan dahil sa mga panlilinlang ng mga berdugong teroristang nagpapahirap sa Inang Bayan” (A child should be holding a book and in school to have a good future and real peace ; not gun and in the mountains where lives are being destroyed because of the deceptiveness of the terrorists), Doyaoen said.

Citing the famous words of Dr. Jose Rizal, “Ang Kabataan ang pag-asa ng Bayan,” Doyaoen said the 503rd IB through the Books for Peace Program stresses on the importance of education to children and their parents.

This only shows that your Philippine Army cares for the future of our children, he added.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1019894

Authorities overrun NPA lair, marijuana plantation in Sarangani

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 18, 2019): Authorities overrun NPA lair, marijuana plantation in Sarangani



Joint police and Army personnel overran on Sunday a hideout of the New People’s Army (NPA) and uncovered a marijuana plantation allegedly operated by the rebels in a hinterland village in Kiamba town, Sarangani Province.

Brig. Gen. Eliseo Tam Rasco, regional director of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-12, said Monday the NPA lair was found following an encounter with the rebels around 11 a.m. at a portion of Sitio Tabutong, Barangay Nalus in Kiamba.

He said police and Army elements were dispatched to the area early Sunday morning for an anti-illegal drug operation targeting members of NPA who were reportedly operating and cultivating a marijuana plantation.

The operating team was composed of personnel from the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB)-12, Special Action Force, Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion, Kiamba municipal police station and Sarangani police’s mobile force company, intelligence branch and drug enforcement unit.

The operation, which was led by Lt. Col. Barney Condes of the RPSB-12, was conducted in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Region 12.

While approaching the site, Rasco said the team clashed with an undetermined number of NPA rebels reportedly led by Gorio Navarro alias “Kumander Gorio/Toto”.

He said the encounter lasted for about 15 minutes and the rebels were eventually forced to withdraw towards an unknown direction.

No one was hurt on the government side but it was not determined whether there were injured among the fleeing rebels, he said.

Rasco said the operating team recovered at the site a .30-caliber rifle, two .38-caliber pistols with six bullets, a bandolier with eight magazines containing 81 .30-caliber bullets, four storage containers with rice and kitchen utensils, subversive documents and an NPA flag.

“According to reports, the site served as a training and plenum area of the NPA,” the official said in a report released by PRO-12.

At around 3:30 p.m., the police official said the team found a nearby marijuana plantation while conducting pursuit operations against the fleeing rebels.

But he said most of the marijuana plants were already uprooted or harvested as shown by the plant holes and the presence of some dried marijuana stalk, leaves, and seeds scattered at the site.

Rasco said multiple charges are being prepared by the PRO-12 against the NPA rebels, specifically a certain Dandan Navarro alias Kumander Gorio/Toto and several John Does.

The suspects will be charged for violation of Republic Act (RA) 9516 or An Act Imposing Stiffer Penalties for Certain Violations of Illegal/Unlawful Possession of Explosives and RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064842

1 dead as troops, KFR gang clash in Zambo Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 18, 2019): 1 dead as troops, KFR gang clash in Zambo Norte



Ato Antao Lumningis, an alleged kidnap-for-ransom-group member, was killed in a clash with government forces early Monday in Sipakit, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs Office)

A member of a kidnap-for-ransom-group (KFRG) was killed while a soldier was wounded in a firefight in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Norte, officials said Monday.

Lt. Col. Leon Onggao, the Army’s 42nd Infantry Battalion commander, said the firefight happened around 5 a.m. Monday in Barangay Sipakit, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

Onggao said the firefight ensued while the joint military and police forces were on a law enforcement operation by way of serving warrants of arrest against Juhuri Wahab Tukalan and Isnain Yacub.

Onggao said Tukalan and Yacub belong to the Jamilon Takalan group, which is involved in kidnapping and extortion activities in Sipakit, Sirawai.

“Our troops together with the PNP (Philippine National Police) were serving warrants of arrest for murder and attempted murder case against Juhuri Wahab Tukalan and Isnain Yacub when the clash happened,” he added.

He said the firefight lasted for about two hours that resulted in the death of Ato Antao Lumingis, a KFRG member. The other KFRG members--some of them wounded--scampered to different directions, he added.

Onggao said the troops recovered two ammunition of rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launcher, two 12-gauge shotguns, two improvised caliber .22 pistols, a hand grenade, and various types of ammunition.

The wounded soldier who belongs to the Army’s 42nd Infantry Battalion was airlifted to a hospital in this city.

Col. Bagnus Gaerlan Jr., the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, said the clash was the result of the collaboration among the stakeholders especially civilians in Sirawai "who continuously report the presence of the lawless groups."

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, commended the neutralization of the KFRG member and the disruption of the group's "terror activities".

“The Tabak troopers in collaboration with the PNP will intensify joint law enforcement operation to protect the people and communities against lawless elements,” Ancan said.

“We also ensure that our wounded personnel will get the best medical care for his fast recovery,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064881

Army engineer brigade reactivated for Marawi rehab

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 18, 2019): Army engineer brigade reactivated for Marawi rehab



BALOI, Lanao del Norte -- The Army's 55th Engineer Brigade has been reactivated in order to help speed up the rehabilitation works for Marawi City, an official said Monday.

Brig. Gen. Ramon Ruiz, commander of the newly-reactivated unit, said their primary mission is to help rehabilitate Marawi City under the supervision of the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM).

Ruiz said the unit -- headquartered in Baloi, Lanao del Norte -- was reactivated last Friday and is tasked with assisting the government's horizontal projects such as road widening, drainage, building construction, schools, public health centers, and other government facilities.

"The focus of the Philippine Army now is to help in the inter-agency or "whole-of-nation" approach and the Armed Forces (of the Philippines) is just one of the agencies of the government under the Department of National Defense mandated to the rehabilitation of Marawi," the Army official said.

The 55th Engineer Brigade was deactivated in 2013 as part of the defense planning guidance to streamline the organization, according to Ruiz.

"We will help through the TFBM and we will promise to do our best to attend to the welfare of the people of Marawi," he said.

Ruiz estimated that the reactivated unit will need at least a thousand personnel for Marawi's rehabilitation works.
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"We need the help of the media to disseminate the information that we are inviting carpenters, mason, plumbers, electricians, heavy equipment operators to enlist in the Philippine Army and be part of the organization," Ruiz said.

Interested applicants may inquire at the nearest Army training schools, he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064872

NegOr militiaman shot dead by ‘NPA hitmen’

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 18, 2019): NegOr militiaman shot dead by ‘NPA hitmen’

A member of the Civilian Armed Auxiliary (CAA) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was shot dead on Sunday by suspected Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) hitmen in Guihulngan City in northern Negros Oriental.

A police report from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) on Monday identified the victim as Cerilo Desumparan Malig-on, 44, a resident of Sitio Batongboang in Barangay Trinidad.

He was an active CAA member detailed with the Army’s 13th Infantry Battalion detachment in Sitio Candalanon in said village.

Police investigation showed that five unidentified suspects wearing jackets and cap and believed to be members of the NPA’s Special Partisan Unit (SPARU) shot the victim inside his residence around 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

The victim and his wife Marilyn were busy preparing food for the birthday celebration of their five-year-old son when the five suspects arrived and without provocation, shot the militiaman several times, causing his instantaneous death.

Police investigators have yet to establish the motive for the killing of the CAA member.

The NPA is listed as terrorist organization by both the United States and European Union.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064917

Panay WWII veterans get US gold medal award

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 18, 2019): Panay WWII veterans get US gold medal award



Twenty-seven World War II veterans in Panay were given the United States (US) Congressional Gold Medal Award during the 74th anniversary celebration of victory day of Panay, Romblon and Guimaras.

 

Considered as the “highest expression of national appreciation” to groups or persons who have  provided service to the US, the giving of US Congressional Gold Medal Award at Balantang Memorial Cemetery National Shrine, Barangay Quintin Salas in this city’s Jaro district was the first awarding in the Visayas.

 

“We would like them (war veterans) to feel in their remaining years that they are important, that we recognize and value their service to our country,” said Undersecretary Ernesto Carolina, Administrator of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), in an interview on Monday.

 

Carolina said some of the veterans even shed tears upon receiving the award “because they thought they were forgotten already”.

 

The veterans who received the award were Cirilo Frigillano, Moses Medina, Jesus Lozarito, Braulio Cabrera, Clemente Mission, Flaviano Constantino, Ricarido Jaculina Sr., Ricardo Hechanova, Ciriaco Villar, Claro Daulo, Castor Gonzales, Eladio Peñaranda, Domingo Daylusan, Antero Armentia, Policarpio Amon, Hospicio Camino, Narciso Casaquite, Loreto Lazo, Enrique Mamon, and Maria Sirilan.

 

Given the posthumous award were Felipe Alagos, Efrain Treñas, Jose Miraflores, Santiago Defensor, Adriano Pipardo, Macario Peralta, and Felomino Flamiano. The award were received by their family members.

 

Private Cirilo Frigillano, who rendered his wartime military service as part of the 6th Military district, got emotional as the crowd sang the patriotic song “Bayan Ko”.

 

“We experienced a lot of hardships during the war. We can barely eat,” he said in vernacular, adding that the song makes him reminisce his service done for the love of country.

 

Ninety-three-year-old Frigillano was assigned to continue the guerrilla offensives on the island of Panay after the surrender of the Philippines in 1942. He also assisted the US Eight Army in retaking the island as the war was drawing to a close.

 

Frigillano, along with the rest of the veterans, also expressed their gratitude to the government for raising war veteran’s monthly pension from PHP5,000 to PH20,000.

 

President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed the law increasing the pension of war veterans who fought during World War II, Korean, and Vietnam wars on December 20, 2018, Carolina said.

 

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064901

PNP probes NPA claim of attacking Samar cops

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 18, 2019): PNP probes NPA claim of attacking Samar cops



The investigation on the ambush in Motiong town that killed a police officer is still ongoing even as the New People’s Army (NPA) had admitted that it was behind the attack.

 

Samar police provincial director Police Col. Dante Novicio said the rebel’s admission does not mean that they will already stop the investigation.

 

“We have to dig deeper since we need to know the reason and who ambushed our policemen. We cannot just believe on their claim because the investigators must look for more pieces of evidence for us to make our report more credible once we file charges in court,” said Novicio in an interview Monday. 

 

Police Staff Sergeant Glenn Meniano, a native of Jiabong, Samar, was driving a patrol car for Motiong police station on March 11, after fetching water from the nearby police station in Paranas town, when rebels detonated an anti-personnel mine along the national road in Motiong town.

 

His companion, Patrolwoman Jane Abejar, was hit by shrapnel but managed to escape the attack. The rebels also burned the car.

 

In a social media post by certain Roy Santos, he claimed that the red fighters of the Efren Martires Command of NPA-Eastern Visayas initiated the ambush.

 

“Although we also checked this kind of social media post, the PNP don’t just rely on it,” Novicio said.

 

“During the investigation, we look for witnesses who can give us proper information regarding the crime. They are more credible sources of information because they can identify the suspects,” he added.

 

The Samar police official added that prior to the ambush, police stations in Samar province had been fortified against possible attack by armed groups.

 

The PNP has extended assistance to the family of victims while the investigation is going on.

 

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064892

Ilocos Norte insurgency-free for 7 years

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 18, 2019): Ilocos Norte insurgency-free for 7 years



Ilocos Norte continues to be one of the most peaceful provinces in the country as it has been free from the clutches of the New People’s Army for the past seven years.

 

Lieutenant Colonel Jearie Boy Faminial, commander of the 24th Infantry (Wildcat) Battalion, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division of the Philippine Army, confirmed this on Monday following the first quarter joint Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council meeting held at the Capitol auditorium this city.

 

As directed by an Executive Order signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte last December 4, Faminial said they are focusing on institutionalizing the “whole-of-nation approach” to address insurgency and deliver basic services and social development packages in conflict-affected areas.

 

“Fortunately, Ilocos Norte is not included in this package as it has been insurgency-free since 2012,” Faminial said.

 

He also allayed fears of some local chief executives in the province, saying there is no infestation here.

 

In time for the election period, Bangui town mayor Fidel Cimatu brought up the issue of simple extortion activities during the meeting, as he reported some local candidates in the province has been receiving text messages from alleged enemy forces offering them protection service in exchange of money.

 

In the event of any infestation, Faminial assured the friendly forces of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Army are ready to address it.

 

Since January 2018, the 24th Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Abra province has taken over Ilocos Norte while the Provincial Mobile Force Company of the PNP is now at the forefront of countering anti-terrorism threats in the province.

 

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064883

PAF to receive helicopter spare parts from Japan

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 18, 2019): PAF to receive helicopter spare parts from Japan



The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will formally accept UH-1 "Huey" helicopter spare parts donations from the Japan Ministry of Defense on Tuesday.

Maj. Aristides Galang, Air Force spokesperson, said Monday the acceptance and blessing ceremonies will take place at the Haribon Hangar, Air Force City, Clark Air Base in Pampanga.

The guest-of-honor will be Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, he added.

"The items will be very much useful to PAF units with UH-1 helicopters such as the 505th Search and Rescue Group, and the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing that conducts humanitarian assistance, disaster response and airlift operations," Galang said.

Lorenzana earlier said that having these Huey spare parts will ensure that more of the PAF's UH-1 helicopters will remain flyable.

"We can support more troop requirements and we will have more assets to support disaster management," the defense chief added.

The PAF is known to operate 20 to 40 Huey helicopters.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064839

NCRPO, JTF-NCR join hands to secure Metro Manila vs. insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 18, 2019): NCRPO, JTF-NCR join hands to secure Metro Manila vs. insurgency



The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) of the Armed of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday signed a memorandum of agreement on the implementation of joint efforts to secure Metro Manila against insurgency.

Under the Implementation Plan or "Implan Kalasag" which will run until 2022, the NCRPO and the JTF-NCR will conduct joint security, peace and order, and development support operations effective March 18, 2019 to December 31, 2022 to develop strategies and plans that can defeat all threat groups and criminal elements.

"Rest assured that team NCRPO will remain steadfast in fulfilling our role in Implan Kalasag. We all want a secure, peaceful and progressive country. Our strong commitment to police service will be our driving force towards achieving success. We shall generate additional strength from our partners in the government. Undoubtedly, our collective efforts will be a stronger force in accomplishing a common goal," NCRPO head, Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar told reporters in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig.

The Implan Kalasag is a response to President Rodrigo Duterte's Executive Order 70, mandating the government bureaucracy to take a "whole-of-nation approach" in defeating insurgency through the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). The President himself shall be the National Task Force chairman.

Eleazar said the NCRPO has the lead role in law enforcement operations and legal offensives and will lead in the dismantling of criminal gangs, other criminal elements and Private Armed Groups; as well as the arrest and filing of cases against target personalities and organizations.

“As a member of Implan Kalasag, the NCRPO will play the support role in defeating communist terrorist groups in NCR, monitor Peace Inclined Armed Groups and implement a peace agreement. The NCRPO assumes a complimentary role in the fight against local and foreign terrorist groups,” the Metro Manila top cop said.

He said the NCRPO will also provide security of critical and vital infrastructures and it will be responsible for the preservation of evidence during joint operations.

“This is to ensure security and maintain public safety that is fundamental for socio-politico-economic progress in the National Capital Region,” he added.

For his part, Brig. Gen. Cristobal Zaragoza, JTF-NCR commander, said the AFP is committed to secure Metro Manila against insurgency to lead operations aimed at defeating communist terrorist groups and in monitoring peace-inclined armed groups.

Last January 10, PNP chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde and then AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Carlito Galvez formally signed the AFP-PNP Joint Campaign Plan "Kapanatagan" 2019-2022 that serves as a foundation to harmonize the efforts of two security forces in attaining a peaceful environment wherein all threat groups are defeated, criminalities are suppressed, communities are secured, government institutions are able to function effectively and efficiently in accordance with their mandates.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064849

PH Navy to conduct procurement forum Tuesday

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 18, 2019): PH Navy to conduct procurement forum Tuesday

The Philippine Navy will conduct its so-called "PN Procurement Forum" on Tuesday as part its efforts to address issues on procurement activities.

The activity will be held at the Rizal Park Hotel, South Road Drive in Ermita, Manila, Navy spokesperson Captain Jonathan Zata said.

"The PN will host the PN Procurement Forum bearing a theme 'Strengthening Partnerships in Promoting Transparency and Accountability to Ensure Corruption-Free Procurement System', to put in place systems and procedures to ensure check and balance and transparency in our procurement system. Said forum will be the first of its kind to encourage PN stakeholders to come up with measures to hasten our procurement process," Zata said in a message Monday.

The forum will focus on the pressing challenges that limit the success of procurement activities and the resolution of issues and concerns in implementing procurement activities.

"The PN understands the current strengths and weaknesses of the PN’s procurement system, and as well as challenges which face the PN in accomplishing its policy objective as a strong and credible Navy by 2020," the PN spokesperson stressed.

Around 300 participants from the Department of National Defense, general headquarters, logistics officers from the Philippine Navy, Army and Air Force, and local and foreign proponents of PN projects are expected to attend.

The forum is very timely considering that the PN is going through the Horizon 2 of its Modernization Program and engaging foreign and local proponents in ensuring that the planned acquisition is effectively procured, utilized and maintained.

"Consequently, challenges both in the procurement system and the proponents need to likewise be familiar with the deliberate process of the system have been identified and need to be properly addressed. The conduct therefore of the forum is intended to further identify and address these issues, promote inter-agency and multi-sectoral cooperation in highlighting best practices that can be emulated and effectively implemented," Zata said.

The forum aims to provide an opportunity for PN logistics and financial managers to interact and learn from best practices both from the invited speakers and fellow practitioners that can be implemented by the Navy.

It also aims to highlight the potential role of a modern and credible Navy not only for national security, but also develop its naval diplomatic role by supporting national foreign policy objectives and commitments for regional maritime security.

Through this, the PN further aims to promote transparency among stakeholders in ensuring that meager resources are wisely utilized and that taxpayers' money properly accounted for.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064847

Navy activates another Japan-donated patrol plane

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 18, 2019): Navy activates another Japan-donated patrol plane



The Naval Air Group (NAG), based in Sangley Point, Cavite City held activation and blessing ceremonies for the fourth Beechcraft King C-90 donated by the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Monday.

The ceremonies took place at the NAG Hangar, Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Philippine Fleet spokesperson, Lt. Sahirul Taib said in a statement.

The fourth C-90 is one of the five aircraft donated by JMSDF and will be used as additional platform for maritime air patrols.

Activation and blessing ceremonies were presided by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. and NAG commander, Captain Juario C. Marayag.

Madrigal acted as the event's guest-of-honor, while his wife Ma. Gemma served as the plane's principal sponsor.

Madrigal was awarded Honorary Command Naval Aviators Badge, a first in AFP history, and emphasizes the Navy's continued support to the military leadership and sustained commitment to its constitutional mandate.

"I believe that having these capabilities give an unparalleled advantage to our decision makers in the frontline. I cannot overemphasize maritime situational awareness as a factor in achieving archipelagic maritime security. Naval air operations have time and again proven to contribute in providing strategic and common operational picture. The range and speed of this C-90 are relatively unprecedented in the PN inventory,” Marayag said.

The C-90 was offered by Japan shortly after the Agreement Concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology was finalized in February 29, 2016.

The aircraft has a range of over 1,000 nautical miles, and cruising speed of 226 knots and capable of carrying eight passengers along with the pilots.

“With the acquisition of C-90 aircraft, we further our defense posture and reinforce our capabilities to address the emerging threat of our maritime domain," Madrigal said.

 

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064904