Tuesday, June 25, 2019

AFP-CRS: Happy 122nd Anniversary Presidential Security Group

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jun 25, 2019): Happy 122nd Anniversary Presidential Security Group


PSG CELEBRATES 122ND ANNIVERSARY
#PSGat122ServiceBeyondMandate
#ProtectorsOfChange
#OnePSG

Malacañang Park, Manila — The Presidential Security Group (PSG), under the leadership of BGEN JOSE ERIEL M NIEMBRA AFP, celebrates with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte today, 26 June 2019, as it marks its 122 years of service as protectors of the President, the first family, heads of state/government, other foreign dignitaries, and the seat of the government.

PSG, which is an elite unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, is ably complemented by the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and civilian workforce.

With this year’s theme, “PSG@122: Service Beyond Mandate”, the entire Command sends the public a message that the PSG troopers are not performing merely as security. For beyond the mandate to protect the President is its commitment that lies in serving the best interest of the Filipino people, whose sovereign power have placed the President in the highest seat of government, in order to lead and create a better future for our country. Protecting the President is thereby pursuing peace and ensuring the stability and progress of the Filipino nation.

According to BGEN NIEMBRA AFP, “Being with the Presidential Security Group is a privilege to any trooper because not everyone in the Armed Forces is given the chance of working directly with our Commander-in-Chief, especially that we now have a leader with a very strong character. As manifested by his battle cry, ‘not during my watch’, it is clear that we are in for greater challenges. We are now facing threats not experienced by other heads of this republic. So we are very fortunate to be given this chance of protecting our President and writing the next chapter of our country’s history because by protecting our President we are actually serving the Filipino nation.”

As the unit celebrates its 122 years, a series of pre-anniversary activities were conducted which included: (1) Squad Challenge, (2) Duathlon, (3) 10k Fun Run, (4) Shoot for a Cause, and (5) Medical and Dental Mission.

Additionally, PSG troopers also had their chance to perform and watch PBA games, as well as be part of the audience for “It’s Showtime” and “ASAP Natin ‘To”. They also had a radio guesting on DWDD 1134kHz Katropa Radio to help the public understand the significant role of PSG as well as talk about its anniversary celebration.

(CTTO)





Video: https://www.facebook.com/PSG.TROOPERS/videos/2406557382896945/?t=0

Kalinaw News: Mataas na lider ng NPA na napatay sa mindoro, nakilala na

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 26, 2019): Mataas na lider ng NPA na napatay sa mindoro, nakilala na




BANSUD, Oriental Mindoro – Nakilala na ang isang mataas na lider ng New People’s Army (NPA) ang napatay sa sagupaan ng militar at mga teroristang grupo sa Panaytayan, Oriental Mindoro noong Hunyo 13, 2019.

Kinilala ng lumutang na kapatid na babae ang nasabing NPA lider na si Bonifacio M Magramo @”EBOY”, na taga Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro at kinikilalang kalihim ng Sub-Regional Military Area (SRMA) 4E sa Palawan. Ito din ang pahayag ng mga dating NPA na naging kasamahan ni Magramo sa Kilusan.

Ang nasabing kapatid ng NPA lider na si Lornabeth Mapalad Galos, 49 taong gulang at residente ng Brgy Kaligtasan, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro ay pumunta sa tanggapan ng pulisya ng Mansalay upang akuin ang nasabing bangkay ni Magramo. Ito ay taliwas sa naunang umaako sa bangkay na dinala ng KARAPATAN-Southern Tagalog na si Jessica Baes Alcos na diumano’y anak ng isang nagngangalang Victor Alcos na taga Batangas at siyang ipinipilit ng Karapatan na pagkakakilalan ng bangkay. Ayon kay Gng Galos, kinokontak din nila ang anak ni Magramo upang makarating sa Mansalay at kunin ang nasabing bangkay.

Matatandaang nagsagawa ng mga protesta ang Karapatan at inaakusahan ang AFP at PNP ng panggigipit sa kanila dahil ayaw ibigay sa kanila ang nasabing bangkay ng NPA. Subalit mariin itong pinabulaanan ng awtoridad na maayos na kinausap ang Karapatan at si Bb. Alcos upang ipaliwanag na kailangan munang ma-berepika ang pagkakakilanlan sa mga bangkay upang maayos itong maibigay ng naayon sa batas sa karapat-dapat na pamilya o “claimant.”
Ang paglabas ng kapatid ni Magramo ay nagpatunay sa mga naunang pahayag ng awtoridad na kinakailangang idaan sa tama at legal na proseso ang “pag-claim” sa mga bangkay upang maiwasan ang posibleng problema o pagbibigay nito sa maling “claimant,” gaya nang gustong mangyari ng KARAPATAN. Magiging isang malaking disrespeto sa yumao at sa kanyang pamilya kung magkakamali ang awtoridad na ibigay ang mga labi sa hindi tamang pamilya. Kagaya ng ibinigay na pagkakataon kay Jessa Alcos, ang pamilya ni Magramo ay bibigyan din ng pulisya ng sapat na panahon upang patunayan ang kanilang legal na kaugnayan sa nasabing bangkay.

Ayon naman kay BGen Marceliano V Teofilo, pinakamataas na pinunong opisyal ng Army sa isla ng Mindoro, ang insidenteng ito ay pagpapatunay sa tunay na intensyon ng KARAPATAN kung bakit nila pinagpipilitan na hindi si Magramo ang bangkay at sapilitan nilang kinukuha ang katawan ng nasabing mataas na opisyal ng NPA. “Ito ay isang malaking dagok sa mga NPA dahil ang pagkakapatay kay Magramo ay magdudulot ng malaking demoralisasyon sa kanilang hanay. Ito ay katulad ng ginawa nila noong panahon ni Ka Roger na kahit matagal na patay ang nasabing NPA lider ay pinaniniwala pa rin nila ang kanilang mga kasamahan na buhay pa ito hanggan sa hindi na nila mapagtakpan ang kanilang kasinungalinan at napilitang aminin na patay na si Ka Roger.”

Matatandaan din na isang araw pagkatapos hindi makuha ng KARAPATAN-ST ang suporta ng Mansalay MSWD sa pagkuha ng mga bangkay noong Hunyo 17 ay pinuntahan ng NPA ang tahanan ng isa sa staff ng MWSD at binantaan na hindi nila nagustuhan ang pag-trato ng nasabing opisina sa KARAPATAN. Sa ngayon ang pagrarally ng grupo sa Masalay na tinapatan din ng protesta ng mga taga-mindoro upang ipahayag ang kanilang saloobin na hindi nila nagugustuhan ang pagdayo ng KARAPATAN sa kanilang bayan ay siyang pinag-simulan ngayon ng kaguluhan. Ani ng isang mindoreño, sana ay pinabayaan na lang ng mga KARAPATAN ang mga awtoridad na matulungan ang mga “claimants” na kilalanin ang mga bangkay at hindi na nakikisawsaw ang mga ito.

“Muli, uulitin ko at hindi ako magsasawang sabihin, hinahamon ko ang KARAPATAN, Bayan Muna, Anakbayan at iba pa nilang kasamahang organisasyon na kung gusto nilang paniwalaan sila ng taumbayan, gawing nilang patas ang pagsuporta sa mga naging biktima ng karahasan. Imbestigahan din nila ang pagpatay ng NPA sa mga inosenteng mamayan tulad ng mangyan lider na si Jose Barrera at kanyang mga kasamahan na si Kennedy Dam-in at Junjun Ysog sa San Jose at mga panununog ng mga kagamitan para sa paggawa ng mga proyektong pangkaunlaran gaya ng Sta Clara Corp na gumagawa ng hydropowerplant sa Naujan at mga sasakyan ng Martinez Construction Company na nagsasagawa naman ng mga daanan sa bayan din ng Naujan.” ang huling pahayag ni BGen Teofilo.

Pinuri naman ni BGen Elias H Escarcha, ang pinunong opisyal ng 2nd Infantry Division ang matagumpay na operasyon ng militar sa pagkakapaslang sa pinuno ng mga teroristang grupo.

Muli itong nanawagan sa mga natitirang NPA sa Mindoro na sumuko na lamang bago pa mahuli ang lahat. “Sa mga sugatang NPA, bumaba kayo at amin kayong gagamutin. Tanggapin ninyo ang alok na ayuda ng gobyerno at tutulungan namin kayong mag bagong buhay kasama ang inyong pamilya. Subalit kapag kayo ay nagmatigas ay mapipiltan kaming gamitin ang pwersang inatang sa amin ng batas upang panatilihin ang katahimikan at kaunlaran ng ating bayan”, sabi BGen Escarcha.

Sa kasalukuyan patuloy pa rin ang “pursuit operation” ng mga militar at kapulisan para tugisin ang mga natitirang terorista sa Mindoro. Todo suporta rin ang tulong ng lokal na pamahalaan sa lugar.





Division Public Affairs Office 2nd Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Patrick Jay Retumban
Chief, DPAO, 2ID, PA
Camp General Mateo Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal
09772771986

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.]

Kalinaw News: Convergence of Efforts Key to Peace and Security Gains in 4ID

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 26, 2019): Convergence of Efforts Key to Peace and Security Gains in 4ID



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The Philippine Army’s 4th InfantryDivision has gained significant progress in its peace, security and support to development campaign in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions during the first semester of 2019.

This was announced by Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio M Gacal, the Commander of the Cagayan de Oro-based Army Division, after its recently conducted 1st Semester Campaign Progress Review and Assessment.

CPP-NPA diminished

Gacal said 4th ID successfully neutralized 1,104 members of the Communist-CPP-NPA-Terrorist (CNT) during the first six months. These include 1,062 surrenders, 25 killed in armed encounters, and 17 captured or apprehended through joint security and law enforcement operations.

Relentless and focused security operations of units under 4th ID resulted to the significant reduction of the terror group’s firearms and other war paraphernalia.

Government troops have captured 67 assorted firearms during encounters, while former rebels handed over 168 firearms of various calibers during the period.

Influx of surrenders

The last two quarters saw sharp increase in the number of surrenderees in the two regions. In Region 10 (Northern Mindanao), 359 regular members, Milisya ng Bayan (People’s Militia), Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) members and supporters have surrendered to various military outfits. In the same manner, Region 13 (Caraga) had 763 surrenders during the same period.

This is due to the convergence of efforts of stakeholders backed with the enhanced implementation of Community Support Programs (CSP) in poor, marginalized, conflict-affected and conflict vulnerable communities. The said program effectively bridged residents of these areas to the local government agencies resulting to an enhanced delivery of basic services to the people. Army units across the region have deployed community support teams which help identify primary issues affecting communities and facilitate for its immediate resolution with concerned government agencies.

Local Integration

Gacal said that the massive turn-out of surrenders in both regions can be attributed to the serious implementation of the national government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). The said program offers livelihood and financial assistance to all CPP-NPA members who opted to abandon the armed struggle and surrender to the government. Additional remuneration is given to a former rebel who surrenders with a firearm.

As of this report, 999 surrenders have been enrolled to the ECLIP. The program has so far distributed Php10 Million worth of assistance to 209 beneficiaries.

Persona Non- Grata

Efforts to rid communities of communist-terrorist influence is rapidly paying off as one city, 10 municipalities and 115 barangays within the division’s area of responsibility have declared the CPP-NPA-NDF and its front organizations as Persona Non-Grata. Local government officials and community leaders including tribal chieftains have expressed their full support to the government by denouncing, severing all forms of association, and withdrawing any kind of support from the terrorist organization. The declaration came after realizing that for so many years, their constituents have been subjected to violence, threats, intimidation, abuse and exploitation by the manipulative group.

Whole-of-Nation approach 

Meanwhile, Gacal expressed his confidence that the Peaceful War, as 4ID’s overarching theme in its campaign to operationalize the Whole-of-Nation (WNA) approach being advanced by the national and local government, is crucial in finally putting an end to the local communist armed conflict in the two regions.

Caraga region has already taken the lead in following the WNA by launching the Peace and Development Zone (PDZ) as its banner program in achieving durable peace and sustainable development. Northern Mindanao’s Convergence Areas for Peace and Development (CAPDev) is also gaining headway as the region’s flagship program in ending all forms of armed conflict by addressing the root causes of insurgency through focused, coordinated and sustained delivery of basic services and social development packages by the government in poor, conflict-affected and geographically- isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAS).

Under these programs, CPP-NPA identified Guerilla Bases and Zones were subsequently declared as PDZ or CAPDev areas. Through convergence of efforts, massive and sustained delivery of social services and infrastructure development will be undertaken to uplift the socio-economic condition of the people. Both programs are now being eyed by the National Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) as models of convergence which can be replicated in other regions.

MGen Gacal said, “The significant achievements of the Division are also attributed tothe strengthened stakeholders support and we encourage all LGUs and LGAs to continue with same vigor and enthusiasm especially in the institutionalization and operationalization of EO 70. The fight against insurgency is a shared responsibility and we owe it to the next generation to work together”.

“We are seeing massive convergence of efforts among national government agencies, government and non-government organizations, civil society, religious, academe and private sectors in achieving our common aspiration that is to fully achieve peace and sustain development. We all want to create conflict resilient communities and put an end to the armed conflict which has plundered our country for five decades.” “The next six months are crucial in our campaign. However, at the rate things are going with our convergence efforts, our collective dream of peace and development is fast turning into reality”. Gacal ended.



Division Public Affairs Office 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Regie H Go
OIC DPAO 4ID
armydiamond@ymail.com

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.]

Islamic event held without being infiltrated by militants

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 25, 2019): Islamic event held without being infiltrated by militants

MARAWI CITY – A solemn convergence of local and foreign Islamic preachers was successfully staged here, June 19 to 23, slaying the ghost of a grim past when militants used the same event as take-off point to launch a bloody five-month siege on this city in 2017.



Local and foreign Islamic preachers performing five-day ijtima (solemn convergence) on June 19-23 at the huge mosque of the Markaz Abu Bakr Siddiq (MABS) along barangay Malutlut in Marawi City, the same venue of an earlier event episode infiltrated by terror-bound jihadists of the Dawla Islamiya (Maute group) and Abu Sayyaf guerillas before staging the bloody May 23, 2017 siege in the city. ( Ali Macabalang / MANILA BULLETIN)

The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) cooperated with event organizers, local residents, and police and military authorities in hosting the five-day “ijtima” which was participated in by around 10,000 members of the “Daa’wah Tabligh” or Islamic preaching movement from different parts of the country, as well as from Muslim nations like Pakistan, Malaysia and Qatar.

Local hosts put up large tent shelters in the open field that served as sleeping quarters for the participants, although the elders were allowed to sleep inside the huge mosque of the Markaz Abu Bakr Siddiq (MABS).

MABS, located along the highway of Barangay Malutlut here, was the same venue of the ijtima event in 2017 that was infiltrated by jihadists of the Dawla Islamiya group of brothers Abdullah and Omar Maute and Abu Sayyaf guerillas led by Isnilon Hapilon, who was then the anointed head for Asia of terror-prone Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

That event was held just three days before combined elements of the Maute brothers and Hapilon laid siege to this city on May 23, 2017. They went on to wage a five-month battle against government forces that displaced over 200,000 residents and left 24 of the city’s 96 barangays in ruins.

It was also at the same Barangay Malutlut where the first bursts of gunfire erupted between the terrorists and state forces on May 23.

To prevent a repeat of the ijtima tragic episode in 2017, NCMF Secretary Saidamen Pangarungan ordered the agency’s personnel to coordinate the preparation and actual conduct of the recent convergence with police and military forces.

In a Facebook post, NCMF spokesman Jun Alonto-Datu Ramos said their agency “had received multiple queries regarding the safety and legitimacy of the event, (with some) fearing that this is a grand-scale indoctrination attempt of the Maute group and ISIS.”

But, he said, security “guidelines (set by) Senior Ulama & Shura Akabirs of Daa’wah Tabligh were followed” during the five-day event.

Violent militants such as the Maute brothers, Hapilon and their followers disguised themselves to look like they were also peace-preaching daa’wah tabligh.

Military eyes charges vs. NPA for children's rights violations

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 26, 2019): Military eyes charges vs. NPA for children's rights violations



Talaingod, Davao del Norte (Google maps)

The Philippine Army and local police authorities are eyeing the filing of a case against leaders of the communist New People's Army (NPA) for violation of children's rights.

“The NPAs are still recruiting minors to become child soldiers despite the universally accepted moral obligation under the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) that children must be protected," commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade (1003IB), Col. Nolasco Mempin, said on Tuesday.

Mempin said that despite the IHL and other laws on the protection of the rights of children, the NPA continues to put them in the way of armed conflict, depriving them of their rights.

He said they are collaborating with the local police for the possible filing of charges against the NPA.


This developed after a 14-year-old NPA member surrendered to soldiers of the 56th Infantry Battalion (56IB) in Talaingod, Davao del Norte on Sunday afternoon.

Capt. Erick Wynmer Calulot, 1003IB civil-military operations officer, said Michelle Warag Anlas, alias Mich, a resident of Barangay Dagohoy in Talaingod, surrendered to government troops.

Calulot said Warag served as a medic for the Andoy platoon of the Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit, Sub-Regional Committee 5, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA.

She surrendered to Lt. Col. Norman Valdez, commanding officer of 56IB in Barangay Sto. Niño, Talaingod, after seeing the sincerity of the Community Support Program Team in helping resolve the social and developmental issues in their community.

During the initial interview conducted by soldiers, Warag disclosed that she was recruited sometime in October last year in exchange for the promise that social reform through armed revolution is her family’s way out of poverty.

She said other minors like her are still with the NPA.

Warag was placed in a temporary shelter under the protective custody of the Talaingod Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office where she will undergo psychological and other evaluations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073314

EastMinCom chief on lifting of martial law in Mindanao: ‘No problem’

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 25, 2019): EastMinCom chief on lifting of martial law in Mindanao: ‘No problem’

The Armed Forces of the Philippines-Eastern Mindanao Command (AFP-EastMinCom) sees no problem should martial law be lifted in Davao City, its commander disclosed Tuesday.



Armed Forces of the Philippines-Eastern Mindanao Command (AFP-EastMinCom) Commander Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. (AFP-EastMinCom / MANILA BULLETIN)

Lieutenant General Felimon Santos, EastMinCom commander, said the improvement in the overall peace and order situation in Davao City could have been a factor why Presidential daughter and city mayor Sarah Duterte expressed the desire for martial law to be lifted in the area.

“For Davao City, wala naman sigurong problema but for other areas we’ll reassess kung anong mare-recommend namin,” Santos said.

However, the official said an assessment is still needed to determine the basis of the exemption of Davao City from the implementation of martial law.

Mayor Duterte bared during an investment conference last Thursday, June 20, that she would ask her father, President Duterte, to exempt Davao City from the martial law.

“I will write [to] the President to exempt Davao City from the declaration of martial law in Mindanao since martial law can be localized in one area or two areas. It doesn’t have to [be] the entire area of Mindanao,” she was quoted as saying.

Santos, for his part, credited Mayor Duterte’s leadership for the improvement of the security situation in the city.

“For Davao City, we have a very good insurgency situation right now especially sa dating ‘red area’ ng Pacquibato District. I think everything, we have cleared them of armed insurgents,” he said.

“With the leadership of Mayor Sarah pumasok na doon ‘yong Peace 911. They have the Peace 911 [which is] dealing with the development sa communities although we have a very good development sa boung area ng Davao City,” he added.

The official also said they have not monitored any activity from the Maute terror group or any other threat group in the city “for quite some time.”

Meanwhile, Santos said that they will have to conduct an assessment should other cities or provinces also wish to be exempted from martial law.

President Duterte first placed the entire Mindanao under martial law following the attack of the ISIS-inspired Maute Group in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur in May 2017.

When the two-month martial law prescribed by the Constitution lapsed in July 2017, Congress granted its extension until the end of 2017. Before the extension lapsed, the lawmakers granted another extension until the end of 2018.

The implementation of martial law in Mindanao was again extended by the Congress until December 31, 2019.

Regular consultations on lifting of ML in Mindanao ongoing: DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 25, 2019): Regular consultations on lifting of ML in Mindanao ongoing: DND



The Department of National Defense (DND) on Tuesday said it is regularly consulting with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police regarding the lifting of martial law in Mindanao as soon as possible.

DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong made this remark after Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte said she plans to seek the lifting of martial law in her area of jurisdiction.

"The lifting of martial law in Mindanao is constantly being evaluated by the Defense Department and there are regular consultations with the AFP and PNP regarding this. In fact, we would like to lift Martial Law in Mindanao as soon as possible but this should only be done after a complete assessment and validation by the security sector and local governments before we recommend it to the President," he said in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

The lady mayor bared this proposal during the 5th Davao Investment Conference in Davao City last June 20.

She added that martial law should only be imposed in areas where peace and order remain unstable.

"The DND takes cognizance of Mayor Duterte's desire to lift Martial Law in Davao City and other areas that are relatively peaceful. We value the wisdom and firsthand knowledge of our local executives of the prevailing security environment in their respective communities and we always take their observations and recommendations into consideration," Andolong said.

Andolong noted that in February, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told the Supreme Court that he would recommend the lifting of martial law in Mindanao by July 1 if amendments to the existing Human Security Act were passed by the legislature.

"Unfortunately, it didn't happen," he said.

Congress, in a joint session held on Dec. 12, 2018, has 235 in favor, 28 against, and one abstention in the vote to approve the extension of Martial Law in Mindanao until December 31, 2019.

The AFP recommended another year-long extension of martial law in the above-mentioned island in a bid to totally neutralize terror groups still operating in Mindanao. Martial law in Mindanao was declared on May 23, 2017 following attacks launched by the Maute Group in Marawi City.

The House of Representatives, in a special joint session in July 2017, granted the extension of martial law until Dec. 31, 2017, at the President's request.

The Senate and House of Representatives, convening in a joint session early December, granted the Chief Executive's request for the extension of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus for a period of one year from January 1 to December 31, 2018.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073287

Reformation program for 214 ex-ASG members launched

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 25, 2019): Reformation program for 214 ex-ASG members launched



Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr.

ISABELA CITY, Basilan -- A holistic program to transform the lives of 214 former members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was launched here on Monday to prevent and address violent extremism in this island province, encouraging ASG members to return to the folds of the law.

Basilan Governor Hajiman Hataman Saliman said it is the mission of the local government to deny the ASG the chance to make the province as their stronghold again.


"I thank you for coming back and (joining) the mainstream society," he told former members of the ASG at the launching of the program inside the camp of the 4th Special Battalion in Kabunbata, Isabela City, Basilan.

"Let's work together. Our experiences should lead us to not use and take up arms anymore," he said in the vernacular.

"Let's use our time now for peace building. The government is here to help," he added.

Preventing and Transforming Violent Extremists Program

The program was conceptualized as members of the terror group have begun to turn themselves in following continuing pressure from military operations, and strong intervention coming from the local government and religious groups as the threat of violent extremism has taken root in some parts of Mindanao.

The Prevention and Transformation of Violent Extremist program was crafted when Mujiv Hataman, former regional governor of the now defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), invited the non-government organization Balay Mindanaw to come up with a holistic program to help the returnees integrate into mainstream society.

The reintegration planning was then extended to other sectors such as the military and non-government organizations in the island province

From 2017 to January 2018, a series of interventions were initially given to 86 former members of ASG. The group underwent an exposure tour program in Cagayan de Oro City.

From its success, the regional government of the former ARMM, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Balay Mindanaw felt the need to improve and expand the initiative, leading to the creation of a Disengagement Program for Former Local Terrorists.

The program aims to provide a platform for a comprehensive reformation for former extremists who decided to return to the folds of the law. It will also develop a template that will guide the crafting of regional and national policies for reformation which will benefit provinces which are confronting the problems of violent extremism.

The components of the program include psychosocial debriefing, religious re-education, exposure tour (changing the mindset and offering possibilities), research and family profiling, coordination work, and regional learning and sharing. This program will also include assistance to former victims and affected communities.

Charlito Manlupig, the chief executive officer of Balay Mindanaw, admitted that the task in helping former ASG members is very “delicate but rewarding."

Regaining normal life

Hussin Jamiri, one of the former ASG members, said giving them a second chance to live a new life is something they will forever be grateful for.

Jamiri, who admitted to have been hiding for 13 years, decided to return to the folds of law because of the constant pressure coming from the military.

He said he was tired of running, and wanted to reclaim his old life.

He is now convincing other ASG members to leave behind the "life of a thug."

"For those who are still with the Abu Sayyaf, I hope you will be enlightened. There is so much to life than hiding in the mountains," he said in his native Yakan dialect.

Australian support

The success of the program eventually led the Australian government to support the initiative through its embassy in Manila.

The program, according to Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson, is "fundamental to the future of peace in the Bangsamoro."

Robinson flew here, defying the advisory of western countries against traveling to Basilan, to witness the remarkable progress in the national government's deradicalization efforts.

"The turning away from the Abu Sayyaf is an outstanding accomplishment, and we should think now on how to sustain the success," he said.

Robinson then talked to former members of the Abu Sayyaf, and encouraged them by saying, "You are essential to the future of peace in this region and your participation in this program shows that there is great hope for the future of the Bangsamoro and Basilan."

"Turning away from such a powerful force, such as violent extremism, takes a great deal of courage. And I applaud you for what you have done," he said.

He said the Australian government is committed to address the global threat of terror groups.

"The program that you are all part of today, aligns heavily with Australia's own priorities in preventing violent extremism not only in southern Philippines but across southeast Asia," he noted.

To ensure sustainability of the program, Robinson said he "believes fervently that it is important to work with our partners to continue addressing the drivers of violent extremism, engaging early with conflict-affected communities, and challenging terrorist propaganda and recruitment."

He then called all sectors to remain committed for the sustainability of the program.

"Radicalization, violent extremism, and the recruitment of the vulnerable, cut across boundaries and jurisdictions, so collaboration, working together, is such a critical part of our strategy," he pointed out.

Addressing the primary causes of conflict is crucial in weeding out the influence of the terror groups, according to Maj. Gen. Andres Centino, the AFP's Deputy Chief of Staff for operations.

"It is imperative to uphold substantial solutions to address the root causes of the conflict," he said.

The ambassador went on to shake the hands of all former ASG members in an act of peace amidst the heavy downpour.

As a gesture of gratitude, the government of Basilan presented to Ambassador Robinson a framed hand-woven Yakan cloth and "pis” - a Yakan headdress, which connotes the wearer as an “Ambassador of Peace of Basilan.”

Governor Hataman emphasized that the visit of “the good Ambassador Robison will help change the image of Basilan.”

While wearing his “pis” at the launching, Hataman in jest named Ambassador Robinson as “Datu Kasangyangan (Peace Ruler).”

Investing in Peace

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr., who was once the Brigade Commander here in 2012, said "it is the investment in peace that made Basilan successful in addressing the trend of violent extremism."

He encouraged the private sectors, particular those in the corporate businesses, to also invest in this kind of peace initiative.

“We see the active involvement of foreign countries in helping address the fundamentals of the conflict here in Mindanao. I am inviting our private sector to do the same in the spirit of compassion and malasakit (care),” he urged.

Galvez, who is known to have pioneered the usage of “peace lens” in the security operations during his stint as commander of the 104th Brigade in Basilan in 2012, 6th Infantry Division in Central Mindanao, and Western Mindanao Command, has helped members of Abu Sayyaf, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Maute Group to turn themselves in to the authorities.

More than 500 Abu Sayyaf, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Figthers and Maute members have already surrendered to the government and “we are expecting that there will be more.”

"Basilan today can be viewed as a model for other areas to emulate in developing programs for the prevention of this misguided ideology to thrive on," Galvez said.

Marawi City and areas in Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte, which have experienced the impact of violent extremism, are now following the footsteps of the people in Basilan, Galvez said referring to the deradicalization of former Maute Group members which is being conducted by the 103rd Brigade in Marawi City.

"Today, we are gathered here with a common objective, which is to help the members of the Abu Sayyaf to return to the path of peace," he said.

Guiding the youth

He said the terror group is taking advantage of the vulnerabilities of the youth. They are usually being targeted for recruitment.

Galvez noted that a number of those who turned their back on the Abu Sayyaf are as young as 12 years old, including women. Most of them are between 20 to 30 years old.

To help guide the youth, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) together with the AFP and other agencies have been engaging the Bangsamoro and Indigenous Peoples youth in Mindanao with the aim to empower them through active participation in governance.

During the project launch, OPAPP also distributed sacks of rice, food and personal health care packs to the 214 returnees. (PR)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073309

Truck driver 'mistakenly' arrested as most-wanted rebel commander in Negros

From ABS-CBN (Jun 25, 2019): Truck driver 'mistakenly' arrested as most-wanted rebel commander in Negros



ILOILO CITY - A 54-year-old truck driver is now seeking justice after he was mistakenly arrested as a former rebel commander in Negros region.

Baltazar Saldo was arrested by the operatives of the Regional Intelligence Division and 61st Infantry Battalion Phillippine Army over the weekend for a series of murder and attempted murder cases.

Saldo has been working for a rice dealer in Cuartero, Capiz but he was arrested after a lone witness identified him as Virgilio Paragan, alias "Hassan," a former commander of the New People's Army in Negros.


Paragan is on the Department of the Interior and Local Government and Department of National Defense CNN-Terrorist list with a P1.050-million bounty.

The witness, who is a son of a former rebel, positively identified Saldo as Paragan, the man who killed his father while they were still active members of NPA.

Saldo was transported to Kabangkalan City Prosecutor's Office Monday afternoon. But after a thorough review of the standing warrants of arrest and the affidavit of the witness who identified Saldo as the same person as Paragan, the prosecutor ordered Saldo released due to technical reasons.

The prosecutor cited inconsistencies in the witness' affidavit, like it should be subscribed in Negros island and not in Panay. The witness should also act as one of the respondents in the four cases charged against Paragan.

The military later confirmed that Paragan's relatives told the prosecutor's office that Saldo was not their uncle.

“Someone came in nagpapakilala na pamangkin ni Hassan and she claimed na hindi yun ang tito niya. With that nagkaroon ng doubt si fiscal on the authenticity ng person na na-ipresent sa kanya," Cenon said.

The police, however, insisted that Saldo was not yet off the hook.

Meanwhile, the group Karapatan Panay strongly condemned the arrest.

Reylan Vergara, the group’s chairperson, expressed concern on the act of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines of mistakenly tagging Saldo as a former rebel commander.


https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/06/25/19/truck-driver-mistakenly-arrested-as-most-wanted-rebel-commander-in-negros

Alleged ex-NPA leader freed over wrongful arrest

From the Philippine Star (Jun 26, 2019): Alleged ex-NPA leader freed over wrongful arrest

A man said to be a former New People’s Army (NPA) commander, who was arrested in Cuartero, Capiz on Monday, was released yesterday.

The Kabankalan City prosecutor’s office said the statement of a witness was not enough to prove that
Baltasar Saldo, 54, is the alias Virgilio Paragan, former commander of the NPA’s Roger Mahinay Command in Negros with four warrants of arrest for murder and frustrated murder.


A nephew of Paragan, who went to the prosecutor’s office when Saldo was presented on Monday night, told police that the man they arrested is not his uncle.

Lt. Col. Joem Malong, Western Visayas police spokesman, said Saldo was released after the fiscal did not sign the affidavit of the witness.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/06/26/1929535/alleged-ex-npa-leader-freed-over-wrongful-arrest

CPP-NPA keep poor stuck in poverty: PCOO exec

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 26, 2019): CPP-NPA keep poor stuck in poverty: PCOO exec

An official of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) on Monday said the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), have kept the poor poorer and the Philippines in deep chaos.

Speaking before members of the US-Philippines Society headed by its Executive Director Hank Hendrickson and President, Ambassador John Maisto, PCOO Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy said the communist terrorist group has wounded the Filipinos’ psyche by teaching the language of hate and mistrust against even the most sincere and hardworking public servants.

“And they do this because in agitating us, in keeping the poor stuck in poverty, and by obstructing progress are where they stand to gain the most," Badoy said in a forum at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC.


She said the extensive organizational structure of the CPP-NPA and the National Democratic Front (NDF) has infiltrated all sectors of Philippine society such as women, youth, farmers, media, church, indigenous peoples (IPs), and even the United Nations system.

“And that now spans continents and is in 39 countries including North America via its legal fronts, which have used the poorest among Filipinos and their indigenous brothers and sisters as their milking cow, asking for funds from unwitting international organizations and governments which are fed patent lies about the country to get those funds,” she added.

Badoy, who is PCOO Undersecretary for New Media and External Affairs, lamented how these donations are used to fund terrorism and poverty in the country.

She added that communists use alternative schools to turn IP children into child warriors so that they become killing machines when they reach 10 years old or even younger.

“They have destroyed the culture of the IPs by stealing cultural concepts and terms and making it mean what they want it to mean to further their violent agenda,” she said told the audience consisting of officials of United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and US State Department, and PhD students of Cornell University and Georgetown University.

What is also appalling, Badoy said, is that the group that has been declared a terrorist by the USA has reached their shores through the CPP-NPA’s legal fronts.

“The ones responsible for spreading outright falsehoods and made up data about the Duterte Administration like the 30,000 EJKs -- a number they pulled out of thin air,” she said.

CPP-NPA as US-listed terror group

It can be recalled that then US Secretary of State Colin Powell announced in August 2002 the designation of the CPP-NPA as a foreign terrorist organization, as defined under US law, after an "exhaustive review of this group’s violent activities."

The terrorist designation makes it illegal for US citizens to provide support to the CPP-NPA, which maintains ties with leftist groups in western countries. It also requires financial institutions to block assets and makes representatives of the CPP inadmissible to the United States or subject to deportation.

"Take action as we have to isolate the terrorist organizations, to choke off their sources of financial support and to prevent their movement access international borders," Powel statement said.

He added that the CPP-NPA has killed, injured or kidnapped numerous Philippine citizens, including government officials.

The CPP-NPA is also listed as a terrorist organization by the European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

When asked about left-leaning groups’ losses in the recent mid-term elections, Badoy made the significant attribution to the whole-of-nation approach of Executive Order 70 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on Dec. 4, 2018 to end insurgency by prioritizing and harmonizing “the delivery of basic services and social development packages in conflict-affected areas and vulnerable communities”.

“For the first time, the government is taking its full force to end the 50-year-old communist terrorism through EO 70 which institutionalizes a whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, and created the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict,” she added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073312

Karapatan eyes custody of 3 NPA cadavers

From the Manila Times (Jun 25, 2019): Karapatan eyes custody of 3 NPA cadavers

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal: Karapatan Southern Tagalog is insisting on taking the bodies of the three New People’s Army (NPA) rebels whose remains are being kept in Dimatulak Funeral Service by the Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro local government while their real identities are still being determined.

The three were killed on June 13 when they fought against the troops of the 4th and 76th Infantry Battalions, 203rd Brigade and Philippine National Police in Sitio Mawan, Panaytayan, Oriental Mindoro. They were carrying four high-powered firearms, ammunition and subversive materials.

Karapatan presented a certain April Joy de Razo and Jessica Alcos as the relatives of two of the dead rebels. Razo introduced herself as the common-law wife of Ricky Gonzales delos Santos while Alcos said she was the daughter of the cadaver she claimed was Victor Alcos’. Both presented insufficient documents for their claims. No one has identified or claimed the third cadaver.


According to law, the procedure on claiming a cadaver, and the right to retain, inter, dispose of or exhume the cadaver is exclusive to relatives, from the spouse, from the descendants of the nearest degree, from the ascendants, also of the nearest degree and from the brothers and sisters.

For purposes of the instant claim, friends or strangers are considered third parties and are not afforded the same rights as those that are enumerated by law.

Karapatan has been crying foul and questioned why the bodies were not released to them despite presenting two claimants with some documents.

Authorities, however, said the issue was not about the authenticity of the documents they presented but that investigators still have to ascertain the identities of the cadavers. They are avoiding a situation where another set of claimants may appear after the cadavers have been released.

MNLF: The time has come for PRDD to push for federlism

Posted to the Facebook Page of Moro National Liberation Front Secretary General Ustadz Murshi Ibrahim (Jun 21, 2019): The time has come for PRDD to push for federlism


The best time has come for PRRD to unleash all his energy, political will and intrepidity to ensure the ultimate realization and fulfillment of his sworn promises to the oppressed and marginalized Moros and Filipinos to federalize the highly centralized political system of the Philippines that had caused untold suffering, pain and agony, blood and tears of the people. Without Federalism, PRRD's aspiration and commitment to " rectify historical colonial injustices committed against the Moros" will be in vain; his vision to make the Philippines as a haven of peace will be inhumed in the dust bin of history. He said, " Without federalism there can be no peace in Mindanao". In another occasion when asked by the media, he said: Without Federalism, Mindanao will become an independent nation. He also said, " without federalism would mean dismemberment of this country" - The Philippines.

Mr. President, we in the MNLF under the sagacious and dynamic leadership of Prof/Dr. Nur P. Misuari really admired you as a true " Big Brother" and looked at you with love, trust and confidence as a divine gift from heaven destined to liberate the Philippines from the clutches of racism, poverty, injustices and moral decadence. MABUHAY KAYO MR. PRESIDENT, MABUHAY ANG FEDERALISMO.

Image may contain: 2 people, people smiling, text


MNLF: MNLF Founding Chairman and BMR's President, Prof. Dr. Nur P. Misuari was in Bohol which marked his 2nd leg of mission in the Visayas, June 18, 2019

Posted to the Facebook Page of Moro National Liberation Front Secretary General Ustadz Murshi Ibrahim (Jun 21, 2019): MNLF Founding Chairman and BMR's President, Prof. Dr. Nur P. Misuari in Bohol on 2nd leg of mission in the Visayas, June 18, 2019 

The MNLF Founding Chairman and BMR's President, Prof. Dr. Nur P. Misuari was in Bohol which marked his 2nd leg of mission in the Visayas, June 18, 2019 to manifest his "Advocacy " on Peace and Federalism. He said, " Peace is the MEANS and END of the Bangsamoro struggle." And he espoused FEDERALISM with EGALITARIANISM as the ANTIDOTE to the century - problem that had been facing the Philippines and Moro Nation.

Image may contain: 1 person, smiling, text


MILF: GPH-MILF joint mechanisms begin preparations for decommissioning of MILF combatants

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Jun 25, 2019): GPH-MILF joint mechanisms begin preparations for decommissioning of MILF combatants


DECOMMISSIONING. Members of the different joint mechanisms under the Normalization Track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and international independent bodies pose for a photo opportunity after a two-day meeting over the weekend in Island Garden of Samal to kick off preparations for the smooth decommissioning of at least 12,000 combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), their weapons and camps this year. The meeting was held to harmonize the collaborations between the parties and their international partners as the Bangsamoro peace process enters a new phase. (Photo courtesy of OPAPP)

Sultan, Kudarat, Maguindanao-- Members of the different joint mechanisms under the Normalization Track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) as well as international independent bodies have begun the preparations for the smooth decommissioning of at least 12,000 combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), their weapons and camps this year, said a report by Philippine News Agency (PNA) on June 24, 2019.

The purpose of the two-day meeting over the weekend here is to harmonize the collaborations between the parties and their international partners as the Bangsamoro peace process enters a new phase, said by co-chairs of GPH-MILF Joint Normalization Committee (JNC).

"We are in unity to express our hope for faster implementation of the Normalization Track," said Ariel Hernandez, the government's chair of the JNC and a member of the government panel.

“Our aim here is for the normalization process to be felt down to the households of the (MILF) communities,” Hernandez added, the PNA report quoting him saying.

According to the PNA report, Eduard Guerra, the chair of the MILF’s JNC had emphasized that a strong partnership is the key to surmount the challenges in the normalization process.

“We should work in partnership and always with consultation,” he said.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said it is critical for the normalization process to address the “drivers and triggers” that breed conflict in these communities in Mindanao.

He noted this is “through eliminating the conditions and vulnerabilities for potential conflict, changing the behavioral patterns and mindset of individuals and organizations, and pushing them to work to achieve harmony, interdependence, and the common good.”

The Normalization Track will be implemented through four different components to ensure that the intervention is comprehensive. The components are subdivided into the security aspect, socio-economic development program, confidence-building measures, and transitional justice and reconciliation.

Each of these components has a specialized joint body composed of different government agencies and the MILF.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1831/gph-milf-joint-mechanisms-begin-preparations-for-decommissioning-of-milf-combatants

CPP/NDF-Sourthern Tagalog: Katarungan para sa mga bagong martir ng rebolusyon sa Mindoro at sa lahat ng mga biktima ng Oplan Kapanatagan ng rehimeng US-Duterte

NDF-Southern Tagalog propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 25, 2019): Katarungan para sa mga bagong martir ng rebolusyon sa Mindoro at sa lahat ng mga biktima ng Oplan Kapanatagan ng rehimeng US-Duterte

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
PATNUBAY DE GUIA
NDF-SOUTHERN TAGALOG
JUNE 25, 2019

Mariin naming kinokondena ang patuloy na pagpigil ng militar at pulisya sa Mindoro Oriental na makuha ng mga pamilya ang tatlong labi ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay na nasawi sa isang labanan nuong Hunyo 13, 2019 sa Mansalay, Mindoro Oriental.

Sukdulan ang kalupitan ng pasistang tropa ng rehimeng US-Duterte na kahit ultimong mga bangkay na ay patuloy pa ring nakakaranas ng panggigipit sa kamay ng kaaway. Tulad ng nangyayari sa Mindoro Oriental, hinahadlangan ng AFP at PNP ang mga pamilya na makuha ang mga labi ng kanilang mahal sa buhay para sana mapagkalooban ng nararapat na parangal at disenteng libing.

Ang patuloy na pagkakait ng 203rd Bde at ng hepe ng pulis ng Mansalay na makuha ang mga labi ng tatlong kasamang namartir ay pagkakait na mabigyan sila ng disenteng burol at libing ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay. Malinaw itong paglabag sa Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) na pinirmihan ng GRP at NDFP nuong 1998 at sa mismong mga kaugalian at tradisyon ng mga Pilipino na mabigyan ng panahong maiburol ang kanilang mahal sa buhay para masilayan sa huling pagkakataon ng mga kamag-anak bago ihatid sa huling hantungan. Subalit maging ang ganitong tradisyon at kaugalian ng Pilipino ay binabalewala ng armadong tropa ng rehimeng Duterte. Ipinapakita lamang nito ang walang kaparis na kalupitan ng AFP at PNP na ipinagmamamalaki ni General Parlade sa publiko—ang tularan o para lubos na masiyahan siya at ang kanyang among si Duterte, na higitan pa ang ginawang kalupitan at brutalidad ng berdugong si General Palparan sa mga mamamayan ng isla ng Mindoro.

Bantog na ang AFP at PNP sa pagsasalaula sa mga bangkay na kanilang napapaslang. Ginagamit nilang hostage ang mga bangkay upang gipitin ang mga kapamilya at kaanak. Subalit lalo lamang nahuhubaran ang tunay na pasista at mersenaryong katangian ng AFP at pulis sa patuloy na pagbinbin sa bangkay ng tatlong kasama at ipagkait ang karapatan ng pamilya na makuha ang mga labi ng kanilang mahal sa buhay. Lalo lamang nahuhubaran ang katauhang lobo na nakadamit ng tupa ang AFP at PNP.

Malayong malayo ito sa ginagawa ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) sa mga sugatan at nasasawi na mga mersenaryong tropa ng reaksyunaryong estado sa mga inilunsad nitong taktikal na opensiba. Kahit nasa bingit ng panganib sa posibilidad na abutan ng reinforcement ng kalaban, tinitiyak muna ng BHB na mabigyan ng panimulang lunas ang mga sugatang kaaway at iiwanan sila na nasa isang maayos na kalagayan. Ang mga bangkay naman ay isinasaayos din at inilalagay sa lugar para hindi ito mabilad sa araw. Tinitipon at sinesentro ang mga mahahalagang personal na gamit ng mga nasawing armadong personnel ng reaksyunaryong estado para sa nararapat na disposisyon ng mga ito sa kanilang pamilya. Kailangang gawin ito ng mga yunit ng BHB para maiwasan na makulimbat ang mga personal na gamit ng mga nasawing mga sundalo o pulis mula sa kanilang kasamahan at pagkatapos ay ibibintang sa BHB.
Mahigpit na ipinagbabawal sa BHB ang pagmamalupit sa kaaway lalo na ang mga bihag at sugatan ng digma. Mahigpit na ipinapatupad ang mga kinakailangang proteksyon na ipinagkakaloob sa mga sugatan at bihag ng digma alinsunod sa sariling mga umiiral na patakaran at batas ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas-MLM, ng BHB, ng Demokratikong Gubyerno ng Bayan at sa umiiral na kasunduan sa CARHRIHL.

Papanagutin ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa Timog Katagalugan ang lahat ng mga pangunahing sangkot sa kalupitan at brutalidad na ginagawa ng pasistang tropa ng rehimeng Duterte sa mamamayan ng rehiyon. Ang paggagawad ng rebolusyonaryong hustisya ay walang pinipiling lugar, oras at panahon. Saan man kayo naroon, aabutin kayo ng mahabang kamay ng rebolusyonaryong hustisya.

Katarungan para sa mga bagong martir ng rebolusyon. Katarungan sa lahat ng mga naging biktima ng kalupitan ng Oplan Katatagan ng rehimeng US-Duterte.###

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/katarungan-para-sa-mga-bagong-martir-ng-rebolusyon-sa-mindoro-at-sa-lahat-ng-mga-biktima-ng-oplan-kapanatagan-ng-rehimeng-us-duterte/

CPP: The propaganda war: Truth will always trump Duterte’s lies

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 25, 2019): The propaganda war: Truth will always trump Duterte’s lies


A military official was reported to have acknowledged that the Duterte regime is losing the propaganda war with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the revolutionary forces. In a Philippine Daily Inquirer report, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Director General Alex Paul Monteagudo claims that the CPP-NPA “has exploited and deceived the people for 50 long years.”

To Mr. Monteagudo, we have this to say: The CPP, the NPA and all revolutionary forces in the Philippines could not have thrived for 50 years if it were not speaking the truth which reflect the objective conditions of the Filipino people. They could not have grown and persevered if they did not express the sentiments and aspirations of the people.

The revolutionary forces speak about the objective realities which Duterte tries hard to obscure. About rampant killings, arbitrary arrests, and gross abuses of human rights perpetrated by military and police forces against the mass of poor people under condition of martial law. About landlessness and the grabbing of peasants’ and minority peoples’ lands. About the continuing crisis of the local economy and deteriorating social conditions of the masses. About the lack of jobs, low wages, oppressive working conditions, high prices and burdensome taxes. About Duterte’s treason and sellout. How he favors big business oligarchs, big plantation owners and mining companies. How Duterte and his cohorts continue to accumulate unexplained wealth. His ambitions to be like another Marcos and how he fears ending up in jail. The people’s outrage and their determination to wage armed struggle and all forms of resistance.

The fact is, the revolutionary movement continues to grow in strength and draw in thousands of adherents everyday because it speaks the truth about exploitation and oppression, abuses and injustice which daily beset the people. The Party’s program and its declarations reflect their aspirations for genuine freedom and democracy, real change and a better life.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/06/25/the-propaganda-war-truth-will-always-trump-dutertes-lies/

AFP-CRS: NPA threatens MSWDO worker for release of NPA cadaver to Karapatan

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jun 25, 2019): NPA threatens MSWDO worker for release of NPA cadaver to Karapatan

NPA threatens MSWDO worker for release of NPA cadaver to Karapatan

An MSWDO worker of Mansalay Town in Oriental Mindoro was threatened by an NPA member to force the release of their dead comrades to Karapatan. This was revealed by MSWDO Mrs Baby Zacarias and was placed on blotter in the local police station.

The three cadavers were killed in an encounter in Brgy Panaytayan, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro together with the recovery of at least four high powered firearms and other war paraphernalia. The bodies were airlifted by the military to Mansalay and was turned over to a local funeral shop for safekeeping. Authorities then brought in Former Rebels to identify the bodies with three positively identifying one as certain Bonifacio Egramo @Eboy, the Front Secretary of SRMA 4E based in Palawan.

Karapatan – Southern Tagalog arrived at Mansalay on June 17 demanding the release of the bodies to them. This was however denied as pertinent law requires that the bodies can only be turned over to relatives. In a press statement of Karapatan however, they claimed that they were being harassed and that the bodies were being held hostage by government forces. This failed attempt of Karapatan to claim the body was followed by the ‘visit’ of an NPA member to one of the workers of MSWDO. To date, Karapatan has presented a supposed relative of @Eboy. The ‘relative’ however identified Egramo with a different name. When asked to issue a sworn affidavit for his claim of the body, the relative refused. Karapatan has since then conducted a rally in Mansalay demanding the release with Bayan Muna and Anakbayan joining in to express support.

BGen Marceliano V Teofilo, Commander of 203rd Infantry Brigade who has jurisdiction of Mindoro, has assured that the cadavers will be treated with dignity and vowed to abide by existing laws on the matter. He added that if the Army (and the PNP) really wanted to deprive the rights of the families of killed NPAs, they would have just left the bodies in the encounter site.

“The Philippine Air Force took the risk of flying to the unforgiving terrain to airlift the three cadavers and delivered them to the funeral home in Mansalay town so they can be properly identified by their families and be given a decent burial,” BGen Teofilo said in a statement.

“The issue is not about humanitarian values as Bayan Muna claims but the proper identification of the cadavers so it can be turned-over to the rightful claimants,” he added.

Government forces has called on Karapatan and their affiliate groups to instead probe the NPA murders of Mangyan tribal leader Jose Barrera, Kennedy Dam-in and Junjun Ysog in San Jose ; burning of civilian properties in Sta Clara, Naujan on February 25, 2019 and another burning in a construction company working on a road project also in Naujan last June 17, 2019.



https://www.facebook.com/4thInfantryBattalionOfficialPage/photos/a.2174409746163450/2377143625890060/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

AFP-CRS: NPA “Milisyang Bayan” Surrenders to Gov’t Troops in Quezon

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jun 25, 2019): NPA “Milisyang Bayan” Surrenders to Gov’t Troops in Quezon

PRESS RELEASE

Authenticated by: CPT PATRICK JAY M RETUMBAN (INF) PA
Chief, 2DPAO, 2ID, PA
Date:June 24, 2019
CP #: 09772771986
Email add: pjretumban07@gmail.com/dpao2id@gmail.com
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NPA “Milisyang Bayan” Surrenders to Gov’t Troops in Quezon

CAMP GENERAL MATEO CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – A New People’s Army (NPA) “Milisyang Bayan (MB)” voluntarily surrendered yesterday (June 23, 2019) to the troops of the 85th Infantry Battalion (85IB) and the local police in Sitio Taisan Brgy San Francisco B, Lopez, Quezon.

Lieutenant Colonel Arnold L. Gasalatan, Battalion Commander of 85IB identified the surrenderee as Crispin D Gonzalez, 59 years old who admitted that he was a militia of the NPA Platoon SOL, Sub- Regional Military Area-4B operating in Quezon province.

Gonzalez surrendered one (1) carbine with eight (8) ammunitions, one (1) improvised shotgun with four (4) ammo, 40 sets of NPA uniforms, 165 rounds of AK-47 ammo, three (3) cellular phones and other enemy subversive documents.

During the interview, Gonzales said he decided to surrender to the authorities after seeing his former comrades who surrendered ahead of him were now living a peaceful life.

“I was brainwashed by the NPAs with their propaganda. As milisyang bayan and a NPA courier, I collect food, logistics and money for them like those I’ve surrendered. I am tired and I want to clear my name”, he added.

Colonel Norwyn P Tolentino, Commander of the 201st (KABALIKAT) Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over Quezon province reiterates his call to the NPAs to return to the folds of the law. “Come down, lay-down your arms and we will help you start a new life with your family”.

BGen Elias H Escarcha AFP, Acting Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry (JUNGLE FIGHTER) Division (2ID) lauded the efforts of the troops against the NPA terrorists in the area.

He said that the 2ID localized peace talks with the NPA Communist terrorist group and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government are gaining more surrenderers in regions 4A & B.

“We have strengthened our campaign and the NPAs now realized that they are wasting their time fighting for nothing. We will sustain our gains until they are defeated the soonest possible time. Rest assured that we would work hand-in-hand with the LGUs and other government agencies so that NPAs can avail the E-CLIP”, BGen Escarcha added.

Under the E-CLIP, a former rebel can receive 15,000 pesos immediate cash assistance, 50,000 pesos livelihood assistance, firearms remuneration, have access to housing, loans, employment assistance, medical and legal assistance, skills training, among others.

The package of government assistance also includes educational benefits, which can be extended to the rebel’s immediate family members.///

Kalinaw News: DIGOS MASSACRE: 30 years of seeking for justice

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 25, 2019): DIGOS MASSACRE: 30 years of seeking for justice



As an old adage says, peace cannot be achieved without justice. This seems to be the case of the one of the most famous atrocities in the South, the Digos Massacre, in which today reaches its 30th anniversary. Sad to say, the perpetrators, the communist New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), are still at large. Although, the families of the victims and the authorities are still searching and investigating for the culprits, many have become passive on these terrorists committing these brutalities. Initiatives still have to be taken seriously to launch a campaign to seek justice for the victims.

Thirty years ago in broad daylight of June 25, 1989, deafening sounds of gunfire broke the peaceful atmosphere in a small Protestant church from a tiny village in Davao del Sur. When the smokes cleared, 39 dead bodies, including women and children, lay sprawled on the ground. Invaders from the group of nearly a hundred armed CCP-NPA NDF members mercilessly gunned down church attendees including one of their own Pastors, Ruben Ayap and his brother AbadiAyap, who were butchered like an animal after beheading them for defending what was left of the church’s members. One 14-year-old boy could have easily suffered the same gruesome death if it werenot for the piled up corpses of those he once knew, crawling and hiding around dead bodies, waiting for this nightmare to end. Miraculously, the boy survived andrecalled the incident and stated that after the initial shooting that had already killed most of church attendants; they were razed by another batch of bullets that killed what was left from those who have already painted the walls red with their own blood.Lives were swiftly taken away.

Although many different personalities have remarked condoning such abhorrent acts of violence, 30 years have passed since the incident, still, the terrorist group operations continue up to this day. Justice may have been kept from the families of the victims of the DigosMassacre but as we remember the horrors of this tragedy, may we immortalize those 39 who stood up against evil and may we be indignant as we follow their example of an unbreakable faith and steadfast will to fight against those who oppose what is good.

Now, after three decades since this Digos atrocity, the CPP-NPA terrorists continue to perpetuate violence without remorse. They still ventured into numerous criminal activities like extortion, robbery, mass murder, and destruction of equipment, arson, etc. in order to supply the needs of their families and ideologies. Every freedom-loving Filipino cannot remain passive. We should show our disgust to abhor these crimes of violence and together express our support to the government by reporting any incidents and cooperating with the investigation. We can already report to the authorities using social media platforms for privacy and protection.

When will we take an active role in condemning these terrorists? Will we wait to become the next victims before we act? It is time to realize that this fight of the government is also the fight and duty of every Filipino people so that we can truly attain justice and peace. We can take advantage of the social media to voice out our support to the efforts of the government to defeat the enemy in whatever platforms it launches. At least, this campaign, if taken seriously, can somehow resemble our search for truth and justice for the victims of “Digos Massacre”. May their souls rest in peace!


Kalinaw News


[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land.  e-mail: contact@kalinawnews.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/digos-massacre-30-years-of-seeking-for-justice/

Kalinaw News: Six supporters of NPA arrested by soldiers

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 25, 2019): Six supporters of NPA arrested by soldiers



Six civilians were caught by the 36th Infantry Battalion after they were carrying food and supplies for the communist rebels.

The military identified them as Lisa Bacor Clorina, 39; Isagani De Castro Nazareno, 36; Gino De Castro Nazareno, 42; Cyrel Nazareno, 30; Juan de Castro Nazareno, 28; Cherry Mae Maquiling, 31; all residents of Barangay Gamuton, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur.

The arrests were made following the encounter between New People’s Army rebels and soldiers in Vic Bibian, Barangay Mampi, Lanuza at 11:20 a.m. on Saturday.

1Lt. Jonald Romorosa, the Civil-Military Operations officer of the 36th IB, said the soldiers were responding to reports from residents about the presence of armed men in the area. They were believed to belong to the Guerrilla Front 30, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee under Joel Mahinay alias Nico.

Romorosa said the firefight lasted about 10 minutes before the rebels scampered to different directions.

The military confiscated four boxes of corned beef, one box bihon, one gallon cooking oil, one gallon soy sauce, one gallon vinegar, four trays of fresh eggs, one pack biscuits, 24 pieces of noodles, 36 pieces of sardines, five pads of notebooks and pencils, and two motorcycles.

Based on Article 4, Part 4 of the International Humanitarian Law, “civilian population and civilians shall be treated such and shall be distinguished from combatants and together with their property, and not be the object of attack.”

Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad, the commanding officer of the 36th IB, in his statement, said, “It is also disheartening that CPP-NPA terrorists threaten the civilians and use them as their courier for their futile cause.”

He said “this is another violation of the International Humanitarian Law and a complete disrespect to the rule of law. Civilians must be spared and must not be utilized in any armed conflict.”

The six civilians were turned over to the Lanuza Municipal Police Station.




36th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division PA
1LT Jonald D Romorosa
CMO Officer, 36th Infantry Battalion
Sitio Upper Mambago, Dayo-an, Tago, Surigao del Sur
valor_36@yahoo.com
0917-1466-326/09491243886

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.]

Kalinaw News: NPA “Milisyang Bayan” Surrenders to Gov’t Troops in Quezon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 25, 2019): NPA “Milisyang Bayan” Surrenders to Gov’t Troops in Quezon



CAMP GENERAL MATEO CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – A New People’s Army (NPA) “Milisyang Bayan (MB)” voluntarily surrendered yesterday (June 23, 2019) to the troops of the 85th Infantry Battalion (85IB) and the local police in Sitio Taisan Brgy San Francisco B, Lopez, Quezon.

Lieutenant Colonel Arnold L. Gasalatan, Battalion Commander of 85IB identified the surrenderee as Crispin D Gonzalez, 59 years old who admitted that he was a militia ofthe NPA Platoon SOL, Sub- Regional Military Area-4B operating in Quezon province.

Gonzalez surrendered one (1) carbine with eight (8) ammunitions, one (1) improvised shotgun with four (4) ammo, 40 sets of NPA uniforms, 165 rounds of AK-47 ammo, three (3) cellular phones and other enemy subversive documents.

During the interview, Gonzales said he decided to surrender to the authorities after seeing his former comrades who surrendered ahead of him were now living a peaceful life.

“I was brainwashed by the NPAs with their propaganda. As milisyang bayan and a NPAcourier, I collect food, logistics and money for them like those I’ve surrendered. I am tired and I want to clear my name”, he added.

Colonel Norwyn P Tolentino, Commander of the 201st (KABALIKAT) Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over Quezon province reiterates his call to the NPAs to return to the folds of the law. “Come down, lay-down your arms and we will help you start a new life with your family”.

BGen Elias H Escarcha AFP, Acting Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry (JUNGLE FIGHTER) Division (2ID) lauded the efforts of the troops against the NPA terrorists in the area.

He said that the 2ID localized peace talks with the NPA Communist terrorist group andthe Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government are gaining more surrenderers in regions 4A & B.

“We have strengthened our campaign and the NPAs now realized that they are wasting their time fighting for nothing. We will sustain our gains until they are defeated the soonest possible time. Rest assured that we would work hand-in-hand with the LGUs and other government agencies so that NPAs can avail the E-CLIP”, BGen Escarcha added.

Under the E-CLIP, a former rebel can receive 15,000 pesos immediate cash assistance, 50,000 pesos livelihood assistance, firearms remuneration, have access to housing, loans, employment assistance, medical and legal assistance, skills training, among others.

The package of government assistance also includes educational benefits, which canbe extended to the rebel’s immediate family members.




Division Public Affairs Office 2nd Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Patrick Jay Retumban
Chief, DPAO, 2ID, PA
Camp General Mateo Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal
09772771986

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.]