Sunday, July 14, 2019

Philippines: Captured Two Pakistanis, Probe Possible Islamic State Link

Posted to Eurasia Review (Jul 15, 2019): Philippines: Captured Two Pakistanis, Probe Possible Islamic State Link

Philippine soldiers conduct checks of motorists in southern Zamboanga province following the arrests of two suspected Pakistani militants, July 12, 2019. Photo Credit: Mark Navales/BenarNews

Philippine soldiers conduct checks of motorists in southern Zamboanga province following the arrests of two suspected Pakistani militants, July 12, 2019. Photo Credit: Mark Navales/BenarNews

Philippine investigators are trying to determine if two Pakistanis captured by security forces in the south earlier this week have ties to the Islamic State (IS) militant group, authorities said Friday.

Officials announced that
Salid Ali, 28, and Rahim Zada, 42, were captured in their hotel room in Zamboanga. The two had entered the country illegally in the southern Sulu Islands and apparently were among those being pursued by authorities, regional military spokesman Maj. Arvin Encinas told BenarNews.

“We are investigating if these two men have links with IS,”
Encinas said.


Investigators did not say if the two were linked to an attack by two suicide bombers on June 28 that killed three soldiers and three civilians outside a military camp in Sulu – IS claimed responsibility for the blasts that wounded 22, mostly civilians.

DNA tests confirmed that one of the attackers was a Filipino while investigators have not been able to determine the identity or nationality of the second bomber. The Filipino was identified as Norman Lasuca, 23, an alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), a Filipino militant organization linked with Islamic State.

“The security threat remains, but we can address it. Our enemies have no capability of face-to-face combat except for bomb attacks,” Encinas said.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said officials were disturbed by the confirmation of the bomber’s identity.

“It’s a cause for concern, given that this is the first time that there is a Filipino suicide bomber. It goes against the grain of the character of Filipinos,” he said.

Military intelligence reports indicate that Lasuca was a member of an ASG faction controlled by Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, a religious elder identified by the U.S. Defense Department as the new IS leader in the Philippines.

Sawadjaan succeeded Isnilon Hapilon, who was killed near the end of a five-month battle after he and other militants seized the southern Philippine city of Marawi in May 2017.

Sawadjaan’s group has been blamed for explosions that killed 23 people at a church in Jolo, the capital of Sulu, in January. That attack took place five months after a German of Moroccan descent drove a van filled with explosives through a checkpoint in southern Basilan island, killing 11.

Jeoffrey Maitem in Cotabato, Philippines, contributed to this report.

Sayyafs raid Basilan army post despite ongoing military ops

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 15, 2019): Sayyafs raid Basilan army post despite ongoing military ops
Despite continued military operations against the pro-ISIS group Abu Sayyaf in the restive southern province of Basilan, armed fighters attacked an army post and killed a government militia, reports said Monday.

The weekend raid which occurred in Sumisip town also wounded four Muslim villagers, two of them children. The raiders fled after the attack.

The Western Mindanao Command did not release a report of the attack, but
Abu Sayyaf commander Pasil Bayali had been largely blamed by the police for the raid.


Just last week, dozens of former Abu Sayyaf militants who surrendered to authorities in recent years, graduated from a one-year Alternative Learning System launched by the Department Education in the Muslim province.

Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman said the former militants surrendered in Basilan after the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao – which he was the governor – launched the Program Against Violent Extremism or PAVE in a bid to combat terrorism and promote peace in the five provinces under it.

PAVE is the regional government’s first model program in providing various interventions to former Abu Sayyaf members who surrendered to the government, and their families.

There are almost 300 surrendered Abu Sayyaf fighters in Basilan, some may have records to clear before the court, but all of them are giving their respective shares to help the local government in ensuring peace and ending the more two decades of Abu Sayyaf existence in Basilan, according to Hataman. (Zamboanga Post)

CAFGU member killed, 4 wounded in Basilan Abu Sayyaf attack

From Rappler (Jul 15): CAFGU member killed, 4 wounded in Basilan Abu Sayyaf attack

Authorities say CAFGU Active Auxillaries member Norman Aramal was on his post rendering duty when he was attacked by an Abu Sayyaf Group led by Pasil Bayali

VICTIMS. A vicitm of the Abu Sayyaf attack in Basilan on July 14, 2019. Photo by Richard Falcatan/Rappler

VICTIMS. A vicitm of the Abu Sayyaf attack in Basilan on July 14, 2019. Photo by Richard Falcatan/Rappler

BASILAN, Philippines  -- A member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxillaries was killed while 4 others were wounded during a shooting incident in Basilan on Sunday morning, July 14.

Investigation showed that 45-year-old Norman Aramal was on duty at his post as CAA detachment sentinel at Barangay Central in Sumisip town when he was
attacked by an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) led by Pasil Bayali.


Four other civilians were wounded in the attack, including 50-year-old Ernesto Acalul, 11-year-old Alwari Baakal, 11-year-old Sheila Make Baakal, and 32-year-old Nursali Asakali. All are residents of Sumisip.

Authorities disclosed that after the incident, the suspects fled toward west direction.

The wounded were brought to Basilan Community Hospital in Isabela City for medical treatment while ongoing follow-up operation is being conducted for the possible arrest of the suspects.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/235404-abu-sayyaf-attack-basilan-july-2019

New Army chief bares new strategy vs NPA guerrillas

From the Business Mirror (Jul 15, 2019): New Army chief bares new strategy vs NPA guerrillas

The newly installed commander of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (ID) bared he will be pushing for the combination of “right hand” and “left hand” approaches in dealing with the New People’s Army (NPA) in Southern Tagalog.

Brig. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos, known in the military as the “alliance builder,” told his troops to prepare for a drastic shift in their campaign against communist insurgency by transforming themselves into “community facilitators” while “fiercely fighting” the rebels with a combination of guns and civil-military projects.

“We will promote harmonious relationships. We will seek the involvement of the community, fully knowing that insurgency can never be solved using military solution alone. We will serve as the bridge so that social service will be felt, not only in the far-flung areas but by the majority, if not all of our constituents,” he said.


“We will make our people see their soldiers as human beings similar to that of an ordinary civilian, but who have chosen to take the road less traveled to make a difference, and are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom and democracy,” he added.

Burgos, member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1988, was installed over the weekend as the commander of the 2nd ID, which has operational jurisdictions over Region 4A (Calabarzon) and Region 4B (except Palawan), by Army Chief Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto, who urged him to continue the Army’s operational momentum for Southern Tagalog.

“I expect nothing but excellence from him now that he is already a Division Commander,” Alberto added, as he praised Burgos during his leadership of the 202nd Infantry Brigade, the unit in charge of Calabarzon.

Burgos was known as the best commander to have ever led the 202nd Brigade, which under his helm, the unit was credited for its pioneering effort in strongly involving communities and other stakeholders in the anti-insurgency campaign in Calabarzon, thus plummeting NPA’s movement in Southern Tagalog.

The unit was also credited for seizing several camps and temporary encampments while neutralizing key rebel leaders and their followers, and denying NPA’s access to their usual areas in the outlying villages of Laguna, Batangas and Quezon.

Under Burgos, Southern Tagalog became as the Armed Forces’ pioneering area for the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program that began in 2018.

“We are now in the position to deliver the coup de grĂ¢ce so that genuine and lasting peace will be finally attained. Thus, the call for unity shall not only be confined with our organization. The call for unity shall be our battle cry as we engage our stakeholders and forge partnerships with the different sectors in our area,” Burgos said.

“We will compliment this call for peace with focused and intelligence-driven military operations against the enemies of the state. We will do this with a firm and solid right hand and, at the same time, with an open and welcoming left hand,” he added.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/07/15/new-army-chief-bares-new-strategy-vs-npa-guerrillas/

Negros NPA rebel killed in clash with gov’t troops

From Panay News (Jul 15, 2019): Negros NPA rebel killed in clash with gov’t troops

A member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in a military-rebel clash on the boundary of Upper Carol-an in Ayungon, Negros Oriental and Barangay Carol-an, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental early Saturday.

Troops of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) received and acted on a report of local residents about the presence of 15 fully-armed men in their village.

The firefight lasted for about 20 minutes. The rebels withdrew.


As of this writing, the slain rebel remained unidentified. His body was found during the clearing operations.

High-powered firearms, an anti-personnel mine, two bandoliers, and subversive documents were also seized.

The commanding officer of the 62IB, Lieutenant Colonel Egberto Dacoscos, said the people are aware of the communist group’s extortion activities.

“They are now our main source of reliable information,” he added.

Dacoscos assured the public that the Armed Forces will continue to protect the people of Negros.

“We will put an end to rebels’ terroristic activities,” he stressed.

Dacoscos also urged residents to continuously support the Army by reporting the presence of terrorist armed group in their areas.

https://www.panaynews.net/negros-npa-rebel-killed-in-clash-with-govt-troops/

Guns, explosives recovered as cops, soldiers clash with CamSur rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15, 2019): Guns, explosives recovered as cops, soldiers clash with CamSur rebels

Police and military operatives recovered Sunday morning a cache of high powered firearms, ammunition and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) following an encounter with suspected New Peoples Army (NPA) rebels in a remote village in Tinambac, Camarines Sur.

Major Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol regional police spokesperson, said the composite police and military team was conducting intelligence operations when they chanced upon around ten rebels in Sitio (sub-village) Lantad in Barangay (village) La Medalla at around 2:45 a.m.

A five-minute firefight ensued, with the rebels eventually retreating and leaving behind two M16 rifles, 12 M16 rifle magazines, three claymore IEDs, six ammunition for M203, two blasting caps, 60 meters of wire, two units 2-way radio, three cellular phones, a first aid kit, binoculars, and four backpacks.

Calubaquib said no casualty was reported on the government side while several rebels were wounded.

PH Navy joins Russia naval parade

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15, 2019): PH Navy joins Russia naval parade


BRP Davao del Sur (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Navy)

The BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602), one of Philippine Navy's two strategic sealift vessels, will be deployed Monday to participate in the naval parade in connection with the Russian Navy Day celebrations.

PN Spokesperson Captain Jonathan Zata said the send-off ceremonies will take place at 11 a.m. at Pier 13, Manila South Harbor.

Zata said this was the second time the Navy had deployed ships to Russia. The first one was in October last year when the BRP Tarlac (LD-601), the sister-ship of the BRP Davao Del Sur, visited Vladivostok, Russia.

Aboard the ship is a 300-man naval contingent along with one helicopter detachment, which consists of an AW-109 AgustaWestland, its flight crew and maintenance personnel.

Russian Navy Day (also known as Day of the Russian Navy) is a national holiday in the Russian Federation and a senior holiday in the Russian Armed Forces. The day honors the sailors in units of the Russian Navy. It is celebrated annually, on the last Sunday of July.

BRP Davao Del Sur, like its sister ship BRP Tarlac, has an overall length of 120 meters, breadth of 21 meters, draft of five meters and can carry a payload of 2,800 tons.

Both ships have a cruising speed of 13 knots and maximum speed of 16 knots, and a minimum operating range of 7,500 nautical miles.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074919

No such thing as 'appeasement policy': Defense chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15, 2019): No such thing as 'appeasement policy': Defense chief


Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (PNA file photo)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana rejected observations the Philippines is adopting an appeasement policy towards China at the cost of its territorial integrity in the West Philippine Sea.

"No, the appeasement word is coming from you and the others, it's not appeasement,"
he told reporters during the reception of the French National Day in Makati City on Sunday.

The remark came days after the third anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling that invalidated China's nine-dash line claim over the West Philippine Sea.

Three years since the decision was released, Lorenzana emphasized that the country, under the Duterte administration, continued to assert its rights in the area, but from the beginning, China was firm in rejecting the ruling.


"Hindi naman tayo takot sa kanila, hindi naman tayo takot... 'yon lang nga because they are there already (We don't fear them, we're not scared, it's just that China is already there). We've been asserting our rights there in the West Philippine Sea and they're listening to us but as they said they do not honor the arbitral ruling so what will you do?" he said.

Two of eleven

According to a comprehensive report by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, a United States-based think tank, China is in compliance with just two of 11 parts of the ruling.

One aspect of the decision it has complied with was allowing Filipino fishermen to Scarborough Shoal, a traditional fishing grounds off Zambales which China blocked during a standoff with the Philippine Navy in 2012.

The other was Beijing's discontinuation of destroying the marine environment in the South China Sea with its island-building campaign.

"It could be argued that some of China’s ongoing activities, for instance, the installation of monitoring stations on reefs in the Paracels, are still illegally damaging marine habitat without proper environmental impact assessments. But having run out of space for new landfill, China is now technically in compliance with the bulk of this section of the ruling," the AMTI report read.

"That could change, however, should China launch new dredging or landfill work at Scarborough Shoal or elsewhere," it added.

Of the 11 rulings, China maintains its "historic rights" claim in the region through its nine-dash line beyond the territorial seas, exclusive economic zones (EEZ), and continental shelves permitted by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

It also continues to occupy the Mischief Reef, the Second Thomas Shoal and the waters around it which are part of the EEZ and continental shelf of the Philippines.

Legally binding

In a press conference over the weekend, China reiterated it would not accept nor recognize the PCA decision, adding the arbitral tribunal "willfully expanded its power to exercise jurisdiction and make an award, which is null and void."

In the same week, Washington contradicted this position, saying the ruling is "legally binding."

“The tribunal’s decision is final and legally binding on both parties subject to this arbitration, China and the Philippines,” State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a press briefing on Thursday.

"By advancing the peaceful settlement of these disputes, the decision is a victory for the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific. It is in the shared interest of the United States and other countries across the region to sustain the rules-based order so that each nation can reach its potential without sacrificing its national interest or its autonomy," she added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074923

AFP-CRS: 24 Bukidnon former CPP-NPA rebels receive financial aid

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 14, 2019): 24 Bukidnon former CPP-NPA rebels receive financial aid

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https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2578454775506564/?type=3&theater

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AFP-CRS: Press Release - 2 NPA Terrorists killed in Agusan Sur

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 14, 2019): 2 NPA Terrorists killed in Agusan Sur



BISLIG CITY,Surigao del Sur - Two terrorists New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in clash with the government troops in Barangay Bunawan Brook, Agusan del Sur at 3:45 in the afternoon yesterday, after the 75th Infantry Marauder Battalion (75IB) conducted security operations in the area due to the reports of the concerned citizens on the presence of armed men at Sitio Sta Monica collecting money and food stuffs to the residents, July 14.

The 15-minute clash erupted after the NPA fired upon the patrolling soldiers while clearing the vicinity of the Sitio Sta Monica which resulted to the death of two terrorists and the recovery of one Norinco AK 47 rifle, one M16A1 rifle, one Cal. 45 pistol, one hand grenade, empty magazines of AK47 and M16, backpacks and personal items, while there were no reported casualty on the government side.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Jaime Datuin, Commanding Officer of 75IB,the encounter was the result of the joint efforts of 75IB and the concerned residents of So. Sta Monica. “Without the efforts of the residents themselves in giving us timely and accurate information, we cannot pinpoint the exact location of these terrorists. And because of that, we were able to decisively engage them, stopping them on their extortion activities to the residents, and preventing them to conduct more atrocities in my Area of Operations (AOR).”

Based on the report, the two terrorists killed belonged to the NPA’s Weakened Guerilla Front 14 under Arnold Orlanes Conejar,alias Jorlan, operating in the boundary municipalities of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur.

“We will continue to intensify our security operations in the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility to neutralize the remaining members of this terrorist NPAs to boost the confidence of our local government units in facilitating the localized implementation of EO 70 in the province. We now have three neutralized NPAs and five high powered firearms recovered just this week, and I strongly believe, this will send a strong message to these terrorists,” Colonel Allan Hambala, Commander of 401st Infantry Brigade, pointed out.

“Avail now of the government’s amnesty initiative or die later. You are free to choose,” Col. Hambala added.

The cadavers were brought to Dolete Funeral Homes in Trento for identification and proper disposition.

Contact: CPT EDWIN LEO J FRANCISCO (INF) PA
CMO Section, 75th IB, 4ID, PA
Contact No.: 0977-847-4763
Email us at s7marauder@yahoo.com
Like and follow us on Facebook: 75th Infantry ‘Marauder” Battalion, Philippine Army

https://www.afpcrs.com/single-post/2019/07/14/2-NPA-Terrorists-killed-in-Agusan-Sur?fbclid=IwAR2z91fAlk47ngjge6JP7iM3GbcjsbucnED9m3yal9NOEhbSgW_XoaN9BSo

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AFP-CRS: Kalumbay accusations against Army unit: 'baseless and malicious'

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 14, 2019): Kalumbay accusations against Army unit: 'baseless and malicious'

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AFP-CRS: From clashes to classes: Former Abu Sayyaf Bandits earn diplomas

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 14, 2019): From clashes to classes: Former Abu Sayyaf Bandits earn diplomas

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AFP-CRS: "CPP-NPA rebels, not enemies but victims." -MGen Diñoso III

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 14, 2019): "CPP-NPA rebels, not enemies but victims." -MGen Diñoso III

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AFP-CRS: Central Luzon declares CPP-NPA-NDF 'Persona non Grata'

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 14, 2019): Central Luzon declares CPP-NPA-NDF 'Persona non Grata'

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AFP-CRS: 4 high powered AK47 discovered after series of CPP-NPA leaders' surrender

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 14, 2019): 4 high powered AK47 discovered after series of CPP-NPA leaders' surrender




AFP-CRS: Genuine government efforts led to CPP-NPA members surrender

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 14, 2019): Genuine government efforts led to CPP-NPA members surrender

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AFP-CRS: Armed conflict, not the solution to the country's problems

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 14, 2019): Armed conflict, not the solution to the country's problems

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AFP-CRS: Communist terrorist group's forced to withdraw in the political boundaries

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 14, 2019): Communist terrorist group's forced to withdraw in the political boundaries

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AFP-CRS: Philippine Army conducts security awareness drive to students of Butuan City

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 14, 2019): Philippine Army conducts security awareness drive to students of Butuan City

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Kalinaw News: Military continue the rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 14, 2019): Military continue the rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City

Military continue the rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City 1

Military continue the rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City 2

Military continue the rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City 3

Military continue the rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City 5

Military continue the rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City 6

Military continue the rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City 7

Military continue the rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City 9

Military continue the rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City 10

Military continue the rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City 11

Military continue the rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City 12

Military continue the rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City 13

10 July 2019, Marawi City – Lt Col Andres Soriano led the troops of 12th Civil-Military Operations (Kapatiran) Battalion (12CMOBn) in providing the much needed manpower in the conduct of Kumpas Barangay Serbisyo Caravan sa Marawi at Sarimanok, here.

The joint coordination of different government agencies and the military resulted to the Information, Consultation, Entertainment, and Service Caravan which catered to 303 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of Sarimanok Site 1 and Sarimanok Site 2.
“Ang pagtulong ay tuluy-tuloy,” said Jasleyah Abbas, Sarimanok Site 2 IDP Camp Manager.

Lt. Col. Soriano also said, “Napakahalaga sa amin at sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno na magkaroon ng magandang buhay ang mga IDP at makatayong muli sa sarili nilang mga paa.”

The National Housing Authority (NHA), under the direction of Mr Christian G Mundo, conducted a market survey for IDPs who wanted to avail the free permanent housing. They also provided a free consultation regarding housing. All 303 IDPs of Sarimanok Site 1 and Sarimanok Site 2 participated in the survey and availed the services of the NHA.

Ms Aisah Marohomsalic of NHA also announced that the IDPs of Sarimanok Site 1 can move into the available 50 units in Boganga by August. On the other hand, an estimate of 175 alloted units in Sagonsongan will be available for the IDPs in Sarimanok Site 2.

Meanwhile, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) offered the Rural Impact Sourcing (RIS) Technical Training which will enhance the IDP’s Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) skills that will help them land ICT-related jobs. Engr Jaron C Arab led the personnel of the (DICT) in registering 54 IDPs for the said program.

On the other hand, Mrs Erlinda Olivia P Tiu, Regional Director of the Philippine Information Agency – Information Communications Command Center (PIA-ICCC) Region X , kand the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) provided applications for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Courses. The scholarship will provide the students with ₱10,000 per semester for tuition fees; ₱6,000 monthly allowance; and ₱10,000 book allowance per year. There were 71 IDPs who signed up for the scholarship.

Further, there were 76 IDP children who participated in the Psycho-social Intervention conducted by the Hijab Troopers led by Cpl Santa Tatlonghari. The Hijab Troopers also gave away school supplies donated by the Department of Education.

A total of 286 relief goods were distributed by the personnel of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD,) led by Ms Jamila Taha, DSWD Region X Representative, and Ms Joy Juson, Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) Secretary . The IDPs received a hygiene kit, a blanket, and five cans of sardines. 

Further, the soldiers of 12CMOBn and personnel of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, led by Mr Salem Tabao, provided free haircut service. There were 75 men and 16 women who availed the services.

The Information, Consultation, Entertainment, and Service Caravan opened at 7 A.M. while the programme started at 11 A.M. with a prayer led by Abdullah Bayan D Figaro, Sarimanok Site 1 Religious Leader. It was followed by the singing of the National Anthem. After which, Dr Alijandrito S Descallar of the Marawi Provincial Health Office gave the opening remarks.

Other significant personalities present were the following: Major Ronald E Dacawi, S3, 12CMOBn; Captain Alexandre Cabales, Director, ASMMC, CMOR; Hon. Majul Gandamra, Marawi City Mayor; Department Director Antonio Sugarol, TFBM; Mr Noe Calipusan Jr, TFBM-SLRM, DENR X Focal Person; Ms Omolkhair M Edres, representative, Department of Technology and Information (DTI) Lanao del Norte (LDN); Mr Armond Vincent S Silva, representative, Office of Civil Defense, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council; and Mr Franklin Gumapon, Project Director, PIA-ICCC.

The military has been in constant contact with the different government agencies, civilian organizations and stakeholders to rebuild the besieged city of Marawi. Thousands of relief goods, financial support, scholarship grants, and many other forms of humanitarian assistance were availed by the IDPs. 

These CMO efforts by the 12CMOBn opened the hearts of the Maranao community into accepting the Armed Forces of the Philippines and had compelled them into allegiance with the Philippine government in keeping the peace in Marawi.


12th CMO Battalion, Civil-Military Operations Regiment Philippine Army
LTC ANDRES A SORIANO (INF) PA
12th CMOBN Commanding Officer
Marawi City, Lanao del Sur

[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: Joint Task Force ‘Kutawato’ has new Commander

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 14, 2019): Joint Task Force ‘Kutawato’ has new Commander

Joint Task Force Ă¢€˜KutawatoĂ¢€™ has new Commander 1

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Joint Task Force Ă¢€˜KutawatoĂ¢€™ has new Commander 4

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Col. Joel Y. Abregana is the new Commander of Joint Task Force ‘Kutawato’ replacing Col. Jose H. Narciso, who is now the Commander of 601st Infantry Brigade.

The Turnover of Command Ceremony was held at Cotabato City People’s Palace with 6th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon as the presiding officer.

Present during the ceremony were Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, Commanders of the different Brigades and Commanding Officers of Battalions under the JTF Central, Staff Officers of the 6ID, personnel of TF Kutawato,Cotabato City Public Safety Officer Retired Police Col. Rolen Balquen, and Personnel of Cotabato City Police Office.

Col. Abregana was also appointed as the Inspector General of 6th Infantry Division also replacing Col. Narciso.

In his message, Maj. Gen. Carreon said to the incoming Commander of Task Force “Kutawato” to take charge in protecting the city from all threats either manmade or natural and work closely with all sectors of society and engage all stakeholders for the benefit of everyone. “I expect Task Force “Kutawato” to be a catalyst for continuous positive change” Maj. Gen. Carreon added.

Col. Narciso expressed his gratitude and thanks to the Officers and Men for thier services, hardships and sacrifices while under his command as well as his thanks to the Local Chief Executive of Cotabato City and the Cotabato LGU, the Governor of ARMM and BARMM and the Regional Government and the Cotabato City Police Office for the support they have extended to Task Force Kutawato.

Col. Abregana is a member of Philippine Military “Sambisig” Class of 1991. Before he assumed as JTF ‘Kutawato’ Commander, he was the Deputy Brigade Commander of 601st Infantry Brigade. He is not new to 6ID since he held various previous positions, to wit: Commanding Officer of 37th Infantry Battalion; Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil- Military Operations, G7,6ID; and Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel, G1,6ID.



Division Public Affairs Office 6th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Maj Arvin G Encinas
Chief, Public Affairs Office, 6ID, PA
Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao
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[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: 2 NPA Terrorists Killed in Agusan Sur

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 14, 2019): 2 NPA Terrorists Killed in Agusan Sur



2 NPA Terrorists Killed in Agusan Sur 2

BISLIG CITY,Surigao del Sur – Two terrorists New Peoples Army (NPA) were killed in clash with the government troops in Barangay Bunawan Brook, Agusan del Sur at 3:45 in the afternoon yesterday, after the 75th Infantry Marauder Battalion (75IB) conducted security operations in the area due to the reports of the concerned citizens on the presence of armed men at Sitio Sta Monica collecting money and food stuffs to the residents, July 14.

The 15-minute clash erupted after the NPA fired upon the patrolling soldiers while clearing the vicinity of the Sitio Sta Monica which resulted to the death of two terrorists and the recovery of one Norinco AK 47 rifle, one M16A1 rifle, one Cal. 45 pistol, one hand grenade, empty magazines of AK47 and M16, backpacks and personal items, while there were no reported casualty on the government side.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Jaime Datuin, Commanding Officer of 75IB,the encounter was the result of the joint efforts of 75IB and the concerned residents of So. Sta Monica. “Without the efforts of the residents themselves in giving us timely and accurate information, we cannot pinpoint the exact location of these terrorists. And because of that, we were able to decisively engage them, stopping them on their extortion activities to the residents, and preventing them to conduct more atrocities in my Area of Operations (AOR).”

“We will continue to intensify our security operations in the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility to neutralize the remaining members of this terrorist NPAs to boost the confidence of our local government units in facilitating the localized implementation of EO 70 in the province. We now have three neutralized NPAs and five high powered firearms recovered just this week, and I strongly believe, this will send a strong message to these terrorists,” Colonel Allan Hambala, Commander of 401st Infantry Brigade, pointed out.

“Avail now of the government’s amnesty initiative or die later. You are free to choose,” Col. Hambala added.

Based on the report, the two terrorists killed belonged to the NPA’s Weakened Guerilla Front 14 under Arnold Orlanes Conejar,alias Jorlan, operating in the boundary municipalities of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur.

The cadavers were brought to Dolete Funeral Homes in Trento for identification and proper disposition.


75th Infantry Battalion 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Edwin Leo Francisco
CMO Officer, 75IB, 4ID, PA
Bislig City, Surgao del Sur
09778474763

[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.]

WESTMINCOM: AFP, NGO aid persons with disability in Central Mindanao

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Jul 14, 2019): AFP, NGO aid persons with disability in Central Mindanao



As the country commemorates the National Disability Week, the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division in partnership with the GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. (GMAKFI) and Naked Wolves Rider-South Cotabato, distributed prosthetic arms and hands to persons with disability in Central Mindanao this morning, July 12, 2019.

The prosthetics donated by the GMAKFI and LN-4 Foundation, a foreign organization that provide free mechanical prosthetic hands to the needy around the world, benefitted 50 residents who are suffering from amputated arms.

The distribution of prosthetics held at Camp Siongco Station Hospital was spearheaded by Ms. Rikki Escudero-Catibog, GMAKFI Executive Vice-President and Chief Operations Officer and Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

In her message, Ms. Rikki cited that the purpose of the project is to provide support to people with disability to function well in the society so they can help out in their family needs.

The newly installed JTF Central Commander, Major General Diosdado Carreon, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the GMA Kapuso Foundation, LN-4 Foundation, and Naked Wolves Riders for facilitating the successful conduct of the activity.

“With our strengthened stakeholder’s alliance, we are gaining the trust and confidence of the populace and we attribute all our successes to all the private and public sectors who continuously support us in all our endeavors,” said Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana.

“The Western Mindanao Command, through all of its Joint Task Forces, remains steadfast in working for peace and development in Western and Central Mindanao,” LtGen Sobejana added.

WESTMINCOM: WestMinCom’s convergence strategy lauded by multi-sector board

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Jul 14, 2019): WestMinCom’s convergence strategy lauded by multi-sector board


In a series of interactive discussions in this city this week, members of the military’s consultative board lauded Western Mindanao Command’s strategy in tapping different sectors to work for good governance and accountability.

Composed of public and private sectors, members of the WestMinCom’s Multi-Sector Governance Consultative Board pledged their commitment to serve as the accountability partner of the command during its launching in Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City on May 21, 2019.



“This is a good strategy, and it needs more improvement and more study in order to strengthen the program. We congratulate the WestMinCom for envisioning this, especially on this aspect of civilian and military cooperation,” said Professor Ali Yacub, founder of Golden Crescent Consortium of Peace Builders and Affiliates.

Yacub, who chairs the multi-sector consultative board’s Committee on Communications and Advocacy, said the creation of the board will pave the way for the transformation of the AFP.

“Now, we are welcome to get in and then be able to partner with the military to help it accomplish its 2028 vision of becoming the best armed forces in Asia. We can come in to give some advice on moderation, especially when civilians are involved so we can give and share our thoughts,” he added.

The MSGCB will provide recommendations and assessments on the implementation of the WestMinCom’s transformation roadmap and the accomplishments of its vision and strategy in alignment with its policies, plans, and programs.

Board members were chosen based on the following criteria: integrity, expertise, commitment, and volunteerism.

Dr. Grace Rebollos, regional convenor of Bantay Bayanihan President-Reach Out to Others Foundation, said: “Our hope is that, if there are any transitional movements, there are certain stabilizing factors, such as advisory, governance, and assessment. Things, like this, come with more familiarity, come with friendship, and come with the assumption that all of us are within the circle of friends, and that there is no threat or harassment or anything. So, we go by that assumption, and I hope that we can optimize that kind of situation.”

Rebollos chairs the MSGCB’s Committee on Strategy Assessment and Review, which monitors the implementation of the command’s strategy and evaluates its performance and execution.

Members of the multi-sector board also include Basilan Congressman Mujiv Hataman, Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, Fr. Karel San Juan of Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Rev. Carlos Gentiles Gulane of Zamboanga City Assembly of God, Jose Suan of the Philippine Integrated Industries Labor Union, Edwin To of the Pricewise Marketing Corporation, Christopher Lawrence Arnuco of the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone, Roel Pareño of the Philippine Star, and Raymond Domingo of the National Youth Commission.

“We understand that the military also struggles with situations. Given that there are certain challenges, there are certain tensions coming out of those challenges. I have questions like, ‘If you were to go on assessment, who will extend or disclose those things to us considering there are things like classified?’” added Rebollos. “Perhaps, you need to converge to proliferate them right para magkaroon ng culture of selection.”

Yacub, who represents the religious sector, gave WestMinCom eight out of 10, citing the accomplishments of the command in liberating the cities of Zamboanga in 2013 and Marawi in 2017.

“We hope that, with the civilian participation, we will be able to work with you side by side, particularly in healing the civilian populace,” he added.

The consultative board was created through the initiative of the Office of the Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Plans of this command.

Emphasizing the symbiotic relationship, Jose Suan, director of Regional Development Council IX, said: “The military is present to maintain peace and order, and, on the part of the labor sector, we are there to support and report any incident in our area.”

“We need peace and order in order to entice allocators or investors to come and invest in Zamboanga City because the raw materials are with us,” he added.

Rev. Carlos Gulane, head pastor of Zamboanga City Assembly of God Church, said: “I think it is a very commendable thing to know that the military itself is really reaching out. Sabi ko nga, napakalaki ng privilege namin dahil, isipin mo, the military will listen to us whenever we will assist, we will advise, and, for me, that is very important because I might not be able to do what you expect from us, but at least it will be more fulfilling on my part to be able to serve our country.”



“I think that the military has gotten something that is workable, and I am glad that we can be part of it. Given the opportunity, I want to teach that to our churches and train them to apply them at their own level,” he added.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Western Mindanao Command, expressed hope that the convergence strategy will serve as an avenue for reflections among sectors to fill the gaps as “peace is a shared responsibility.”

“Applying our multi-tiered approach in ending terrorism and insurgency in the area of operations, we welcome and encourage the inclusive participation of members of our multi-sector consultative board in coming up with resolutions to realize peace and development in the western and central areas of Mindanao.”

Carpio rebuts Duterte, offers ways to enforce Hague ruling

From Rappler (Jul 14, 2019): Carpio rebuts Duterte, offers ways to enforce Hague ruling

Stop the defeatist attitude toward China, says Justice Antonio Carpio

DEFENDERS. Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and Ambassador Albert del Rosario attend the Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute's forum on the third anniversary of the Hague ruling on the South China Sea on July 12, 2019. Photo by Jire Carreon/Rappler

DEFENDERS. Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and Ambassador Albert del Rosario attend the Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute's forum on the third anniversary of the Hague ruling on the South China Sea on July 12, 2019. Photo by Jire Carreon/Rappler

Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio urged the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte to stop its "defeatist attitude" toward asserting the country's rights against China in the West Philippine Sea.

Carpio said it was the government's duty to enforce the rule of law under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), won by the Philippines in its historic case against China at the Hague 3 years ago. (READ: Philippines loses to China 3 years after Hague ruling)

"We cannot just decry the absence of an enforcement mechanism under UNCLOS. We cannot adopt a defeatist attitude and just sit idly by and let China seize what international law has declared to be our own exclusive economic zone," Carpio said in a speech at the Ateneo Law School's graduation rites on Sunday, July 14.

In his speech, Carpio, one of the country's foremost experts on the West Philippine Sea, offered the government ways it can implement the Hague ruling. (READ: High tide or low tide? The question that won us the West Philippine Sea case)

Carpio was responding to Duterte's earlier challenge to him. Duterte had dared Carpio in an interview, "Xi Jinping said there will be trouble so answer me, Justice, give me the formula and I will do it."

"My response is yes, Mr President, there is a formula, and not only one but many ways of enforcing the arbitral award without going to war with China using only the rule of law," Carpio said.

Carpio offered 9 ways the government can enforce the arbitral award.

These include the following:

Entering into a convention with Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei regarding the South China Sea
  • The convention can declare that no geologic feature in the Spratlys generates an exclusive economic zone and that there are only territorial seas from the geologic features that are above water at high tide, as ruled by the arbitral tribunal.
  • Carpio said this will leave China "isolated" as the only country claiming exclusive economic zones from the Spratly islands.
  • Countries that assert freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea are also expected to follow such a convention, he added.
Sending the Philippine Coast Guard's 10 new 44-meter multi-role response vessels that were donated by Japan to patrol the West Philippine Sea
  • These vessels, Carpio said, are ideal for patrolling and catching poachers the Philippines' EEZ in the West Philippine Sea. Doing so will also assert the country's sovereign rights in the maritime area.
Welcoming and encouraging freedom of navigation and overflight operations (FONOPs) of naval powers like the United States, United Kingdom, France, Australia, India, Japan, and Canada in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea
  • Carpio earlier described these FONOPs as the "most robust enforcement" of the arbitral award since it was won 3 years ago.
Sending the Philippine navy to join FONOPs of foreign naval powers to assert the that the country's EEZ in the West Philippine Sea
  • Carpio said this will strengthen and enforce the ruling along with naval powers both in Asia and around the world.
Inviting Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei to conduct joint FONOPs in respective EEZs facing the West Philippine Sea.
  • "This will be a common assertion by 5 coastal states that each of them have their own respective EEZs in South China Sea thereby enforcing the arbitral award that China's 9-dash line has no legal effect and cannot serve as basis to claim the waters of the South China Sea," Carpio said.
  • By conducting joint FONOPs, it will aslo affirm the EEZ of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.
  • Carpio said while the Philippines should welcome and join these operations, it has instead distanced the country from them, saying the Philippines "does not take sides" in disputes between China and other countries in the area.
Support private efforts to enforce the arbitral award
  • Carpio referred to the case filed by former foreign secretary Albert del Rosario and former ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales against Chinese President Xi Jinping before the International Criminal Court (ICC). The complaint accused Xi of crimes against humanity over environmental damage in the South China Sea.
False option of war

Carpio once again refuted Duterte's repeated claim that China might wage war on the Philippines if it enforced its rights in the West Philippine Sea. The senior SC justice said such a position was a "hollow attempt to scare our people into submission to China."

"This position repeatedly reiterated by the present administraiton makes the Filipino people feel helpless and hopeless makes our armed forces appear timid and useless and denigrates the rule of law. This false option should be discredited once and for all," Carpio said.

With several options available to the Philippine government, Carpio said that whenever the threat of war was raised, Filipinos should refute the idea that this is the only option. (READ: Talk to China or go to war? 'False option,' Carpio says)

Carpio urged the Duterte administration to undertake the solutions offered "part by part, brick by brick, until the award is fully enforced."

He added, "We won a great victory at the Hague by resorting to the rule of law. The arbitral award is the rule of law, but the absence of an enforcement mechanism prevents the rule of law from becoming the rule of justice." (READ: Carpio warns Duterte vs defending China in SONA 2019)

Three years after the Philippines' victory at the Hague, Carpio earlier hit the Duterte administration for doing "absolutely nothing" to enforce the award.

Like Carpio, the Philippines' lead counsel against China, Paul Reichler, said the Philippines can make China comply with the Hague ruling by joining forces with other countries.

Reichler told Rappler: "How do you get a big and powerful state to comply with its obligations especially if you are a much smaller and much less powerful state? It has to be by joining forces with other states that have similar interests in encouraging China, in pressuring China, to comply with international law and to respect their sovereign rights."

https://www.rappler.com/nation/235397-carpio-rebuts-duterte-ways-enforce-hague-ruling

Salugpongan: DepEd’s suspension of 55 Lumad schools ‘a militaristic approach’

From MindaNews (Jul 14, 2019): Salugpongan: DepEd’s suspension of 55 Lumad schools ‘a militaristic approach’

The suspension of 55 Salugpongan schools in the Davao Region “is a militaristic approach that further marginalizes the Lumad,” the Salugpongan Ta’ Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center said in a statement on Saturday.

The Department of Education (DepEd) Region 11 issued Friday an order suspending the permit to operate of 55 Salugpongan schools across the Davao region catering to Lumad or indigenous peoples.

Dr. Evelyn Fetalvero, Officer-in-charge Regional Director of DepEd Region 11 issued the order based on an instruction of Education Secretary Leonor Briones to suspend schools that are operating only with a permit for their recognition status.

The suspension order was also based on allegations by National Security Adviser Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr. that the schools were teaching students to rebel against the government and using children for rallies.


Esperon, who served as Army Chief from 2005 to 2006 and Armed Forces Chief of Staff from 2006 to 2008, chairs the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

“We are surprised to receive this order as we have been persistent in complying with all the necessary requirements stated in the guidelines for schools for indigenous people and are in constant communication with the DepEd Region 11 Office regarding the release of our permit to operate,” the Salugpongan Learning Center said in its Facebook page.

Salugpongan Learning Center said it will “challenge the accusations made by Esperon which served as basis for DepEd’s order. Mr. Esperon has again resorted to fabricated accusations and red-tagging to justify the closure of Lumad schools.”

It said it will appeal the suspension of the 55 schools within the five days given to them by DepEd.

“We are saddened that the government’s mandate to recognize and uphold the right of the Lumad to education and self-determination is superseded by a militaristic approach that further marginalizes the Lumad.

“Education is an issue that directly concerns the public. We appeal to the public to support the Lumad children and their right to education and to oppose the injustice depriving them of this right,” it added.

In a report published May 3 on pna.gov.ph, Maj. Gen Antonio Parlade Jr. of NTF-ELCAC urged the immediate closure of Salugpongan schools for allegedly recruiting children to become rebels and causing the deaths of tribal leaders opposing their operation.

The same report quoted Parlade as saying the closure must be done even if these schools have acquired the necessary permits from DepEd.

“The issue here is not the validity of the documents. This is about morality in allowing the continuation of these schools, now that we know that the community itself (does) not want them to operate anymore,” Parlade, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, said.

Schools run by nongovernment organizations have also been put up in other provinces of Mindanao to give Lumad children in far-flung communities access to education.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/07/salugpongan-depeds-suspension-of-55-lumad-schools-a-militaristic-approach/

2 more NPA rebels yield in Zamboanga Sibugay

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14, 2019): 2 more NPA rebels yield in Zamboanga Sibugay



MORE SURRENDERERS. Another two New People's Army (NPA) rebels surrender Thursday, July 11, in Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay, saying the communist rebel movement had deceived them. The two pose for posterity picture together with Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, Army's 44th Infantry Battalion commander (left) and another officer of the same battalion after their surrender. (Photo courtesy of Army's 44th Infantry Battalion)

Two more New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have surrendered to government authorities in Zamboanga Sibugay Thursday.

Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion commander, said the two, whose identities were being withheld for security reason,
surrendered in Barangay Balagon, Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay.


Templonuevo said the surrenderers turned over two .38-caliber pistols with ammunition.

“One of the surrenderers revealed that they are no longer satisfied with the promises and lies of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNT) in their community,” Templonuevo said.

The two surrendered a day after four NPA rebels, including a female insurgent, surrendered -- also in Barangay Balagon, Siay town. The female combatant, a certain Ka Carol, said they decided to surrender Wednesday after they realized that the NPA deceived them into joining the terrorist organization.

“The snowball of surrender can be attributed to the convergence of efforts of the local government units, government agencies and other stakeholders through the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in Region 9,” said Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan Jr., Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander.

The RTF-ELCAC-9 was activated on May 24 at the headquarters of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division in Camp Sang-an, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur in line with the Executive Order 70 President Rodrigo Duterte signed on December 4, 2018.

The EO creates the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and institutionalized the “whole-of-nation-approach” in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace.

Under the EO 70, the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) is just one of the social development packages that provide benefits and opportunities to former NPA rebels, who decided to return to the fold of the law and live a peaceful life.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, commended the efforts of the troops that led to the surrender of the NPA rebels.

“Let us embrace our long-lost brothers and sisters who have been victims of the lies and deceit of Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) as they return and chose to lead a life away from violence,” Ancan said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074874

Navy seizes P12-M smuggled rice off Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14, 2019): Navy seizes P12-M smuggled rice off Basilan



FOILED SMUGGLING. The Naval Forces Western Mindanao intercepted Friday (July 12, 2019) a wooden-hulled vessel, M/V Indah Jehan, loaded with some PHP12 million worth of smuggled rice. The Navforwem troops were conducting maritime security patrol when they intercepted M/V Indah Jehan near Lampinigan Island, Basilan province. (Photo courtesy of Navforwem Public Information Office)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Naval Forces Western Mindanao (Navforwem) has intercepted a shipment of some PHP12 million worth of smuggled rice off Basilan province, a top Navy official said Saturday.

Rear Adm. Erick Kagaoan, Navforwem commander, said the smuggled riced was intercepted by Naval Task Force 61 on Friday in the vicinity of Lampinigan Island, Basilan.

Kagaoan said a ship belonging to Navforwem's special operation unit was conducting maritime security patrol when it chanced upon a wooden-hulled vessel named M/V Indah Jehan sailing to this city.

Kagaoan said the vessel was found loaded with some 10,000 sacks of rice worth PHP12 million with no importation documents when the troops conducted board and search operation.

Investigation showed that M/V Indah Jehan manned by 10 crewmen came from Labuan, Sabah, a Malaysian state where the Philippines has a dormant claim.

M/V Indah Jehan was escorted to Ensign Majini Pier at the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in this city for proper documentation for eventual turnover to the Bureau of Customs, Kagaoan said.

He said the foiled importation of smuggled rice was a result of an intensified naval presence and focused maritime patrol of the Philippine Navy in support of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) operations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074882

55 IP schools issued 'show cause' order for alleged NPA ties

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14, 2019): 55 IP schools issued 'show cause' order for alleged NPA ties

The 55 suspended tribal schools in Davao Region have been given five days to refute allegations that they are linked with the communist rebel movement.

DepEd-11 spokesperson Jenielito Atillo said DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones suspended the "permit to operate" of the 55 schools owned by Salugpungan Ta’Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Centers across Davao Region on Friday.

Atillo said the suspension also carried a "show cause" order giving Salugpungan executive director Maria Eugenia Nolasco to provide a written explanation on the allegations of National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon.

Esperon, who also chairs the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, alleged that the Salugpungan tribal school system promotes the New People's Army's (NPA) communist ideology that espouses the violent overthrow of the government; trains its students to hold mass actions against the government; and uses curriculums not in accordance with the DepEd guidelines.


“Today (Friday) is the first day and we will wait up to the fifth day and we hope they (Salugpungan schools) can respond,” Atillo said.

According to Atillo, Esperon's allegations are backed by the testimonies of a former teacher of a Salugpungan school who has since left the organization.

“The basis of Secretary Esperon is the affidavit executed by Melvin Loyod who is a former student of a certain Salugpungan school and eventually became a volunteer teacher in a Salugpungan school in Sitio Pongpong, Barangay Sto. Niño Talaingod Davao del Norte,” Atillo said.

In his affidavit executed on Dec. 6, 2018, Loyod claimed that Salugpungan learners were taught with rebellion tactics against the government. The military also claimed that the schools are training grounds for NPA recruitment, where students are trained in guerilla warfare.

Loyod claimed that the students are taught NPA literature, made to sing songs praising the communist rebellion, and made to act in plays depicting alleged military abuses on the Indigenous Peoples (IPs).

“Based on Loyod’s testimony they were also taught to handle firearms, learn the techniques on how to ambush military personnel, and other actions detrimental to national security,” Atillo said.

Atillo clarified that DepEd-11 has "not issued any permit to Salugpungan schools for SY (school year) 2019-2020 yet, even before the order came."

He said Salugpungan schools and other private school systems renew their respective permits to operate every year, "provided that they have complied all the requirements needed by the agency."

Atillo said the suspension of Salugpungan schools has affected more than a thousand learners in Region 11.

However, he assured that the students "will be catered in all DepEd run-public schools with or without their credentials. We will assist them to make sure that they will continue their studies and if they have problem with their credentials, we can deal with it later.”

On the part of the Salugpungan teachers, Atillo urged them to apply for vacant positions with DepEd, assuring them that their applications will be "properly catered."

However, Atillo said that if the affected individuals would employ protest against their agency, they are considering it as part of democracy.

Salugpungan schools were established to give IP groups in remote areas access to education.

In 2018, two Salugpungan schools in Talaingod, Davao del Norte and Davao City were forced to stop their operations because of complaints from their own community leaders who echoed Esperon's allegations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074885

Army’s 2ID chief calls for 'alliance-building' to achieve peace

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14, 2019): Army’s 2ID chief calls for 'alliance-building' to achieve peace



NEW 2ID COMMANDER. Brig. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos Jr. talks to the media following his installation as the 39th Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry "Jungle Fighter" Division (2ID) at the change of command ceremony in Camp Gen. Mateo Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal on Friday (July 12, 2019). Burgos called for alliance-building among concerned government agencies and stakeholders to achieve genuine peace and sustain progress. (PNA Photo by Saul E. Pa-a)

New Army’s 2ID chief calls for 'alliance-building' to achieve peace

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – The new commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division (2ID) underscored the need for alliance-building among concerned government agencies and stakeholders to achieve genuine peace and sustain progress.

Brig. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos
made this call as he took over as the 39th commander of the Army’s 2ID during the change of command ceremony led by Army commanding general, Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto here on Friday (July 12).


“To the men and women of 2ID, fellow Filipino soldiers and public servants, the needs during this time and the global trend are shifting and changing from unilateral to being global, from isolationism to alliance-building,” Burgos stressed.

Burgos, former spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and commander of the Army’s 202nd Infantry Brigade (202IB), succeeded Brig. Gen. Elias H. Escarcha who served in acting capacity for 70 days.

A member of PMA “Maringal” Class of 1988, Burgos commended the “professional soldiers, neat and decent army” who continue to touch lives while advocating peace.

“Gone are the days when people are mesmerized only by war stories and body counts. They are now heroes, who have touched lives, build communities and advocate for peace. Gone are the days when people are attracted by the soldier’s mysterious silence, because now they prefer interaction and transparency from the people whom they have sworn to serve, even at the cost of their precious lives,” he said.

He urged members of 2ID to always give their best in serving the people with the help of other government institutions.

“Down the line, across all units, everyone is expected to perform above and beyond the standards, because the people, whom we have sworn to serve, deserve nothing but our best,” Burgos said.

He said President Rodrigo Duterte’s creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflicts (NTF-ELCAC) will boost the government efforts to address insurgency.

“We expect all instruments of the government to coordinate and collaborate, since security is a shared responsibility, including the people’s cooperation,” he said, adding insurgency can never be solved using military solution alone.

“We will serve as the bridge so that social services would be felt not only in the far-flung areas but also among the majority, if not all of our constituents,” he added.

Burgos assured “the buck will stop with me” as he begins his new assignment covering Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) as well as Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblon.

For the Task Force Katagalugan (Southern Tagalog), Burgos wants the 2ID units to work in close coordination with partner agencies and multi-sectors acting as “a single team working towards a common goal.”

“Today after defeating the enemy, we are now in the position to deliver the coup d’ grace so that the genuine lasting peace will be finally attained,” he said.

He thanked Duterte, the commander-in-chief, “for his unwavering trust and confidence in entrusting upon my shoulders enormous challenge in securing the areas in the immediate south of our duly constituted government’s seat of power.”

Burgos assured 2ID will continue to serve as active partner of Regional Task Forces to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC).

Calabarzon’s RTF-ELCAC is the first to be organized in the country with 2ID as the pioneering Army unit to implement the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) in Luzon and Visayas since August 2018.

Alberto, meanwhile, commended Burgos for the “excellent job that he did as Brigade Commander, this, I expect nothing but excellence from him now that he is already a division commander.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074883