AFP-CRS: PNP-SAF takes control of Negros situation

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 7, 2019): PNP-SAF takes control of Negros situation



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2625648824120492/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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

AFP-CRS: AFP to check terror plot

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 7, 2019): AFP to check terror plot



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2625650114120363/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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

AFP-CRS: Congrats BGEN EGDARD A AREVALO AFP the newly installed acting Commander of Civil Relations Service

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 7, 2019): Congrats BGEN EGDARD A AREVALO AFP the newly installed acting Commander of Civil Relations Service



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2625751017443606/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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

Kalinaw News: Philippine and Indonesian army agree to strengthen cooperation against terrorism

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 7, 2019): Philippine and Indonesian army agree to strengthen cooperation against terrorism

FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Commandant of the Indonesian Army Command and General Staff College (IACGSC) Maj. Gen. Kurnia Dewantara paid a courtesy call to the Army Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Jesus B. Sarsagat here today, August 7, 2019.

The two senior leaders discussed the continuous cooperation of the two armies to combat terrorism through the conduct of various training exchanges here in the Philippines and Indonesia.

Dewantara is in the country heading a 61-member delegation from the IACGSC for an Overseas Study Tour from August 5 to August 9. The program aims to expose the students from the Indonesian Army to a holistic approach in international military affairs. It also aims to further strengthen the current ties of the Philippine Army and the Indonesian Army when it comes to training exchanges.

“We agree that the cooperation between Indonesia and Philippines should be maintained because we face the same threat of terrorism. Through these training exchanges, we are able to learn from each other to develop the best approach to fight it and then solve the problem together,” said Dewantara.

“As we face terrorism, we also have to deal with new threats like in cybersecurity. The Philippine Army also sees the importance of strengthening our information sharing and exchanges of intelligence as a way to defeat terrorism,” said Sarsagat. “We have sent our soldiers in Indonesia and they are learning a lot from your experiences in fighting terrorism,” he added.

After the courtesy call, the delegation was given a command briefing to acquaint them with the Philippine Army’s mission, functions, and organization.
Source: Philippine Army

[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.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/philippine-and-indonesian-army-agree-to-strengthen-cooperation-against-terrorism/

Kalinaw News: 2 Brgys declare NPA persona non-grata in Surigao Norte; 215 pledge loyalty

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 7, 2019): 2 Brgys declare NPA persona non-grata in Surigao Norte; 215 pledge loyalty

Placer, Surigao del Norte – Another 2 Barangays in Malimono town of Surigao del Norte province declared the Communist – New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) and its political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF) as ‘Persona Non-Grata’ or unwelcome in Barangay Cagtinae and Barangay Binucaran last, August 03, 2019.

The declaration transpired during the grand pulong-pulong of said barangays. Said activities were headed by their respective Punong Barangays namely Hon. Anaclito A Sinaca Jr of Binucaran and Hon. Jethrotacio P Senados of Cagtinae, with their Barangay Council along with 215 former members and supporters of the Underground Mass Organizations (UGMO) of the CNTs.

During the activity, the former UGMO members and supporters also pledged their loyalty to the government and signed the wall of commitment for peace. It was also highlighted with the ceremonial burning of CPP-NPA-NDF flag which symbolizes that they will never again be deceived by the agitation, lies and propaganda of the CNTs.

In his statement, Hon. Sinaca Jr. of Barangay Binucara said, “Kining barangay resolution nagpahayag nga dili na mi mudawat sa mga CNTs og gideclara namu sila nga ‘Persona Non Grata’. Kini nagpasabot nga bawal na jud sila uban sa ilang mga legal na organization nga mutamak pa sa among barangay” (This barangay resolution declares that the CNTs are not welcome in our community and we declare them persona non grata. It also means that their legal front organizations are not welcome as well in our barangay.)

Lt. Col Jeffrey Villarosa, Commanding Officer of 30IB said, “The CNTs will definitely attempt to approach you and once again deceive you with their lies and propaganda, so be wary and be on the guard always. These CNTs may come as cause-oriented organizations trying to provide services to the barangay folks or the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) of the NPAs themselves. However, we are confident that the CNTs will fail because this time, our barangay-based institutions will be the frontliner in insulating your community from their deceipt”.

“Just like what I told to the barangay folks of Mansayao and Tagbuyawan in the adjacent town of Mainit, I am also happy to announce to you that one of the twelve clusters of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communust Armed Conflict (RTF ELCAC) CARAGA, the Poverty Reduction and Livelihood Employment Cluster (PRLEC) which is led by TESDA, with DOST, DSWD, DAR, DA, DENR, DILG, NCIP, LBP, DBP, DEPED, NICA and other National Government Agencies as members, are already busy on their toes such that the much needed government services will reach Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs), Conflict-Affected Areas (ConAA) and Conflict-Vulnerable Areas (CVA). Cagtinae and Binucaran are both GIDAS as well as ConAAs. PRLEC is making sure that appropriate skills and livelihood interventions will be provided to our barangay folks, as well as the necessary interventions to legitimate People’s Organizations in Cagtinae and Binucaran. PRLEC will do these because you are its VIPs”, Villarosa added.

In his statement, Col Maurito L Licudine lauds the effort of the brgy officials and the 30IB for the continuous shift of support of communities in Surigao del Norte “Communities have already realized that the CNTs are the true culprits in preventing them to improve their lives. They now stand against the threat and violence inflicted upon them for so long. This will continue in the whole province of Surigao Norte as people would want to move forward towards peace and progress.

“Let’s continue to unify our voice for peace. Let’s shun violence and resolve issues in an environment of peace. I call on the remaining CNTs to lay down your arms, since violence and division amongst us Filipinos will not bring change but chaos and stagnation of our communities. Surrender now, avail of the E-CLIP and we ensure that you will be assisted in going back to your normal lives”, Col Licudine ended.

30th Infantry "Python" Battalion 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army

1LT KEN T ENCISO (INF) PA
Civil-Military Operations Officer
Contact Number – 0939-804-4369
Email Add: python.troopers@gmail.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.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/2-brgys-declare-npa-persona-non-grata-in-surigao-norte-215-pledge-loyalty/

9 ‘rebels’ nabbed in Neg. Or.

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 7, 2019): 9 ‘rebels’ nabbed in Neg. Or.

The Oplan Branstark launched by the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7, assisted by the 94th Infantry Battalion and Provincial Mobile Group, in pursuing the New People’s Army rebels behind the torture and summary execution of four intelligence operatives on July 18, led to the arrest of nine communist rebels, who were armed with firearms and explosives in Negros Oriental.

Brig.Gen. Debold Sinas, regional police director of Central Visayas, in his consolidated report on the outcome of Oplan Branstark, said that one of the nine arrested rebels had direct participation in the killing of the four RMFB 7 intelligence operatives, based on the testimony of an eyewitness to the incident, while three others served as a security force during the incident.

The arrest of the nine rebels suspects also yielded six .38 caliber revolvers with ammunition, a .45 caliber pistol, five rifle grenades, a homemade 12 gauge shotgun, a fragmentation grenade, two 40mm grenade launcher ammunition, two IEDs (improvised explosives devices) subversive documents, NPA uniforms, among other personal belongings.

Sinas said that Onie Bangala and Efepanio Cabusog Romano, who were nabbed by RMFB 7 troopers on July 26 and 29 in barangays Carol and Mabato, in Ayungon town, were both denied bail by the court, for violation of RA 10591.

Similar charges were also filed against Efepanio Cabusog Romano, Lito Cadusale and Rico Oracoy, who were also intercepted and arrested by the police on July 29 in also in Brgy. Mabato, Ayungon and Brgy.Nalundan, Bindoy, Negros Oriental, respectively.

NPA suspects Edmer Acibo and Jojo Ogatis was also in jail, after they were apprehended by the RMFB 7 striking force and 94IB in Sitios Sook and Yamot, also in Brgy. Mabato, Ayungon on Aug.3.

Sinas said in a report that Ogatis was pinpointed by an eye witness to be among the suspects, who shot the four police intelligence operatives on July 18.

He added that an amendment to the multiple murder complaints filed against those directly involved in the summary execution of the four policemen on July 18, is scheduled to be filed also by the police, that will include Ogatis.

Three other armed rebels identified as Danny Harold Tancinco, Ronnie Herebias and Marlon Basalo were intercepted arrested on July 31 at Lambog Beach in Badian town, Cebu, while fleeing from Negros Oriental, form part of the security force of rebels that killed the four policemen, Sinas also said.

One of them claimed that they had no participation in the killing of the four police intelligence operatives, he added. But they admitted having operated in the hinterlands of Ayungon, Bindoy and Manjuyod, and had fled to Cebu, to avoid the ongoing operations of the military and police in those areas.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/August/07/topstory7.htm

Philippine military warns on Chinese investment in key islands

From Rappler (Aug 6, 2019): Philippine military warns on Chinese investment in key islands

Military spokesman Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo says the government should study the security implications of handing over the islands to foreign entities



CHIQUITA ISLAND. Military spokesman Brigadier-General Edgard Arevalo says the government should study the security implications of handing over the 3 islands to foreign entities. File photo from Wikipedia

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine military on Tuesday, August 6, warned plans by President Rodrigo Duterte's government to allow Chinese investors to develop 3 tiny but strategic islands could "compromise" Manila's security.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte was aware of proposals for Grande and Chiquita islands at the mouth of the former US naval base at Subic Bay as well as the isolated northern island of Fuga, but would not elaborate.

US forces vacated Subic and other Philippine bases in 1992 and it is now a home port for the Philippine Navy.

Military spokesman Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo said Tuesday the government should study the security implications of handing over the islands to foreign entities.

"There's no doubt that these island features has or have strategic security impacts on us if these were to fall into the hands of other people. They have a strategic importance for our defense," Arevalo told reporters.

"While we approve of our economy getting a boost...we should also consider the security aspect that may be compromised if we fail to adequately study the implications of leasing these to foreigners," Arevalo added.

Duterte has overseen improved economic ties with China since being elected president in mid-2016, when he set aside a sovereignty dispute over islands and waters in the South China Sea that Beijing claims almost in its entirety.

This has led to a robust influx of Chinese investment in the Philippines, particularly in offshore gaming firms catering to China that have drawn several thousand Chinese workers to Manila.

Apart from the islands, Arevalo said the military was "definitely alarmed" at the rise in the number of Chinese workers in the country, including "reports that tourists are taking pictures of our naval installations."

"We need to determine what is the real purpose of their presence here," the military official added.

Panelo, the president's spokesman, stressed Tuesday the island investments were "mere plans" at this time, adding it was the job of the military and defense establishments "to see if there is any security concern on any issue."

https://www.rappler.com/nation/237224-philippine-military-warns-chinese-investment-key-islands

LOOK: Chinese survey ship found operating in PH waters

From Rappler (Aug 7, 2019): LOOK: Chinese survey ship found operating in PH waters

Map images show Chinese oceanographic survey ship 'Zhanjian' operating 80 nautical miles off the east coast of the Philippines



VESSEL'S PATH. Map images show Chinese oceanographic survey ship 'Zhanjian' operating inside the Philippines exclusive economic zone. Photo from Ryan Martinson

MANILA, Philippines – A Chinese oceanographic survey ship was found to be operating off the east coast of the Philippines as early as Saturday, August 3, map images tracking the vessel's movement showed.

US Naval War College's Ryan Martinson tweeted images of the Chinese oceanographic survey ship "Zhanjian" operating some 80 nautical miles off the east coast of the Philippines on Tuesday night, August 6. Martinson is an assistant professor at the China Maritime Studies Institute at the Naval War College.

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Ryan Martinson@rdmartinson88

Now we have the Chinese oceanographic survey ship "Zhanjian" operating just 80 nautical miles off the east coast of the Philippines. Is it operating there with Manila's permission? (file photo)

8:34 PM - 5 Aug 2019

https://twitter.com/rdmartinson88/status/1158582024497704962/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1158582024497704962&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rappler.com%2Fnation%2F237194-china-oceanographic-survey-ship-found-operating-philippine-waters

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Martinson told Rappler images showed the the Zhanjian has been operating in the Philippines's exclusive economic zone since Saturday, August 3. Close up images showed that it was operating some 75 nautical miles from the coast of Siargao island from Monday, August 5 to Tuesday, August 6.

It is unclear if the Chinese vessel was operating with permission from the Philippine government. Rappler has reached out to Foreign Secretary Teodoro "Teddyboy" Locsin Jr but has yet to recevie a response as of posting.

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Ryan Martinson@rdmartinson88

Replying to @sofiatomacruz

The Zhanjian has been operating in the Philippines EEZ since Saturday, August 3rd. I've circled its activities since Saturday.

8:50 AM - 6 Aug 2019

https://twitter.com/rdmartinson88/status/1158767248888225792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1158767248888225792&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rappler.com%2Fnation%2F237194-china-oceanographic-survey-ship-found-operating-philippine-waters

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While it is not in the West Philippine Sea, the Chinese survey vessel was within the Philippines' 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

According to Chinese marine research vessels, the Chinese oceanographic survey ship "Zhanjian" was completed in 2016 and is described as a "far sea survey ship" that has a fixed scientific research staff of some 40 persons. Its homeport is Shanghai, China.

What kind of survey is taking place? According to Greg Poling, one of the world's leading experts on the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), it is crucial to know what kind of survey the Chinese vessel is doing and whether or not it has the Philippine government's permisison.

Poling said if the vessel was undertaking a scientific survey, it must request permission from Manila following the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Specifically, Article 246 of UNCLOS states marine scientific research can be conducted in exclusive economic zones if permission is granted by the coastal state, which in this case is the Philippines.

"Under UNCLOS, the coastal state is expected to grant permission, except for cases in which the survey might infringe on its economic rights, damage the marine environment, or a few other exceptions," Poling told Rappler. Poling is the director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) of the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

Martinson said it was possible the ship was conducting scientific research as its track showed it may be placing or recovering instruments such as buoys.

******************************************************************************

Ryan Martinson@rdmartinson88

Replying to @rdmartinson88 @sofiatomacruz

Here's a close-up of activities from August 5-6.

8:56 AM - 6 Aug 2019

https://twitter.com/rdmartinson88/status/1158768814500302849/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1158768814500302849&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rappler.com%2Fnation%2F237194-china-oceanographic-survey-ship-found-operating-philippine-waters

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Poling, however, raised the possibility that the vessel may be doing a military survey of the seabed which was neither for commercial or scientific purposes.

This may be likely, he said, as Chinese survey vessels have been undertaking "bathymetric surveys" throughout the western Pacific, which map seafloor and water conditions for submarine activities. This is also the same type of activity conducted by countries such as the United States, Russia, and United Kingdom, he added.

Poling pointed out the UNCLOS is "entirely mute" on such activity, though China's interpretation in its own waters was such surveys were not alloweed to be conducted without its permission.

Based on its path, Poling also said the vessel does not appear to be undertaking an oil and gas survey as images show it mostly operating in a straight line. An oil and gas survey, he said, would typically follow a grid.

Other vessels in PH waters: The oceanograhic survey ship's presence in Philippine waters comes after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier confirmed that several Chinese warships recently sailed through the Sibutu Strait in Tawi-Tawi 4 times since February without informing Philippine authorities.

(READ: Carpio: PH must compel foreign ships to keep trackers on when passing through)

Meanwhile, map images showed Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning passed Sibutu Strait in Tawi-Tawi in June 2019.

On Monday, August 5 the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command also reported 4 Chinese Navy vessels passed through the waters of Balabac in Palawan in June without prior notice to the Philippine government.

In a different area, the Philippines through Locsin, filed a diplomatic protestagainst China over the presence of Chinese fishing vessels stationed near Pag-asa Island in February and July 2019.

(READ: China deploys militia as Philippines builds on Pag-asa Island)

Philippines-China relations have seen a turnaround under the Duterte administration, which has fostered friendlier ties with China by downplaying a decades-long sea dispute in exchange for loans and grants from Beijing.

On Tuesday, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said President Rodrigo Duterte plans to finally “invoke” the historic 2016 Hague ruling against China’s claim to the West Philippine Sea during his visit to China this August.

(READ: Philippines loses to China 3 years after Hague ruling)

https://www.rappler.com/nation/237194-china-oceanographic-survey-ship-found-operating-philippine-waters

CIDG files kidnapping charges vs Anakbayan leaders over 'missing' teen

From Rappler (Aug 7, 2019): CIDG files kidnapping charges vs Anakbayan leaders over 'missing' teen

Anakbayan leaders Vencer Crisostomo and Einstein Recedes are accused of kidnapping and other crimes after a 17-year-old recruit left home



PARENTS. Distressed parents of minors who joined leftist groups spoke at the Senate hearing of the committee on public order and dangerous drugs. Photo by Aika Rey/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has filed kidnapping charges against top officials of Anakbayan and several of its members after a 17-year-old student was reported "missing" following her recruitment by the militant youth group.

CIDG Deputy Director Police Brigadier General Bernabe Balba said in a Senate hearing on minors recruited by leftist groups on Wednesday, August 7, that the complaint was filed before the Department of Justice on August 1, after the teenager's parent sought their help.
The complaint named Anakbayan members Charie del Rosario, Bianca Gacos, and Jayroven Villafuente Balais; and Anakbayan national president Vencer Crisostomo and secretary-general Einstein Recedes.

The charges include alleged kidnapping and violation of the following laws:

• Republic Act No. 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003
• RA 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act
• RA 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and other Crimes against Humanity

The teen's parent, Relissa Lucena, was among the 5 parents who testified at the hearing of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs. She shared that her daughter, who was enrolled at the Far Eastern University (FEU) Senior High School, told her that the joined Anakbayan.




GRIEVING MOTHER. Relissa Lucena shares how she her 17-year-old daughter left home after joining militant youth group Anakbayan, during a Senate hearing on August 7, 2019. Photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler

Lucena said that after her daughter joined the group, she left home and was gone for 3 days in February.

Balba said during the hearing that Lucena reached out to the Major Crimes Investigation Unit in July when her daughter failed to come home again, prompting the CIDG to file the complaint.

In a Facebook post on July 31, Lucena's daughter clarified that she was not missing nor kidnapped.

"Gusto ko lang pong linawin na hindi ako nawala. Hindi ako nakidnap. Lalo’t hindi ako pinilit na lumayas (I just want to clarify that I am not missing. I am not kidnapped. I am not forced to leave home)," the teen said.

She said that when she went home in May, her parents refused to allow her to go out, and brought her to Camp Aguinaldo to make her "normal." This, she said, prompted her to leave home.

In a statement on Wednesday, FEU Senior High School said that it encouraged development activities "only through accredited student organizations."

"Other than these accredited organizations which undergo a rigorous vetting process, external parties are not allowed to recruit students on campus," FEU said.

During the hearing, senators proposed formalizing police patrols in campuses such as the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), where some teens recruited by militant groups had also left home. Senator Ronald dela Rosa said this would help deter recruitment by alleged communist fronts.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/237279-cidg-files-kidnapping-complaint-anakbayan-missing-minor

Salugpongan defies closure order, says DepEd “overstepping its mandate”

Posted to the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines online publication the Davao Today (Aug 5, 2019): Salugpongan defies closure order, says DepEd “overstepping its mandate”



Teachers, students and parents of Salugpongan schools mount a mobile photo exhibit during their protest at the Department of Education 11 office on Monday, August 5, displaying their school activities in the past years.(Photo by Kilab Multimedia)

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The Lumad Salugpongan school community held another protest on Monday in the Department of Education 11 (DepEd-11) to lift its suspension, this time in a creative form.

Teachers, students and parents trooped to the DepEd gates and mounted a mobile photo exhibit displaying photographs of their school activities in the past few years.

Salugpongan Executive Director Meggie Nolasco said they will continue this series of protests not only at DepEd but also at other agencies that pushed for the suspension of the Salugpongan schools.
“We will do a series of protests to air our side because the DepEd failure to present a comprehensive report with substantial evidence to support its allegations is a clear violation of Salugpongan’s right to due process,” said Nolasco.

Nolasco also said they are unfazed by the DepEd’s suspension order of their 55 schools, as 10 of their schools continue to operate to ensure the learning of their students are not sacrificed “even during attacks”.

“We did not stop our operation in those schools located in communities that are not under attack simply because DepEd does not provide us the result of their fair investigation which was supposed to be conducted prior to the issuance of the suspension order,” Nolasco explains.

Nolasco added that they have received reports where personnel from the military and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have used the suspension order to intimidate teachers, students, and parents to force them to close the schools despite the suspension order still being contested.

She said that “DepEd overstepped its organizational mandate and irresponsibly took up the role of administering legal action, a task belonging to the Department of Justice.”

DepEd 11 released the suspension order of the Salugpongan schools last July 10 based on the recommendation of National Security Adviser Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr. and the vice-chair of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict that claimed Salugpongan has been using students in rallies and teaching them ideologies against the government.

Esperon attached an affidavit of a certain Melvin Mansaloon Loyod who identified himself as a volunteer teacher of Salugpongan in Sitio Pongpong in Barangay Sto. Niño, Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

Nolasco said that they had submitted their position paper to DepEd to defend itself from Esperon’s allegations. Nolasco said they have yet to receive DepEd’s response to their position.

“DepEd gave us a 10-day ultimatum to answer baseless allegations and yet two weeks after our reply, we have not received any official communication from them,” Nolasco said.

http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/salugpongan-defies-closure-order-says-deped-overstepping-its-mandate/

Group reports continuing surveillance on wounded journalist

Posted to the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines online publication the Davao Today (Aug 7, 2019): Group reports continuing surveillance on wounded journalist

By Raymund Villanueva
Kodao Productions

MANILA, Philippines — Brandon Lee, the journalist and human rights activist shot and seriously injured by unidentified assailants in front of his home in Lagawe, Ifugao Tuesday night is being surveilled at the Baguio General Hospital, the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) said.

“Security guards at the hospital alerted us that a certain George Malidow of the [AFP], introducing himself as from Camp Henry Allen in Baguio, was asking for details about Brandon’s case,” the CHRA said in its alert.

“This was brought to our attention as this is not regular protocol for the AFP to be monitoring and investigating such case,” the group added.

Camp Allen is a military camp in the heart of the Cordilleran capital that once served as the site of the Philippine Military Academy.

Hospitals, meanwhile, are designated neutral zones by human rights statutes and local and international humanitarian organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross/Crescent.

Lee was brought to Baguio last night from Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya after being initially brought to a local hospital in Lagawe after the attack.

The CHRA said Lee is conscious and able to talk but is in need of type O+ blood donations.

He suffered four gunshot wounds on his torso, reports said.

Lee is a United States citizen, married to a Filipino and a permanent resident of the Philippines. They have a seven-year old daughter.

Red-tagging victim

Lee, a red-tagging victim of the AFP since 2015, is the Ifugao provincial correspondent of the Baguio-based media outfit Northern Dispatch.

He is also a paralegal of the CHRA, the Ifugao Peasant Movement and the Justice and Peace Advocates of Ifugao, all of which have reported threats and harassments by members of the 54th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army for weeks prior to the attack.

The soldiers gathered data by interrogating and intimidating the organizations’ members and staff, the CHRA reported after Lee’s shooting.

The Philippine Army team was headed by a certain 1Lt Karol Jay R. Mendoza while its Civil-Military Operations head is a certain Lt.Col. Narciso B. Nabulneg, Jr. who both invoked President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order 70 in their interrogations, the group added.

Duterte’s EO 70 issued last December created a task force to combat insurgency that human rights organizations blame for the killing of activists across the country.

Condemnations

Meanwhile, Bayan Muna Reps. Eufemia Cullamat and Carlos Isagani Zarate today strongly condemned the attack against Lee, who they describe as “one of the noted volunteers of the Ifugao Peasant Movement and well-loved by the peasant and indigenous peoples in the Cordillera.”

“It seems like that the dark army and mad dogs of the government that are responsible for the killings of thousands in the anti-drug campaign are now after activists, people’s lawyers, community organizers, and other human rights workers,” Zarate said in a statement.

“Brandon Lee’s assasination attempt is revealing of the type of government that we have when it threatens death to people like him, who serves the poor peasant and indigenous peoples so selflessly. We should not allow this to continue. This madness must stop and should be investigated promptly, and the perpetrators be brought to justice,” the House Deputy Minority Leader said.

The Cordillera People’s Alliance (CPA) for its part said it holds State security forces that the Duterte administration has let loose in the Cordillera region – the 54th IBPA, the 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army and the Northern Luzon Command—acountable for the attack.

‘We urgently call on the people to voice out your concern and call for justice for Brandon and other human rights violations victims. The attacks on human rights defenders must end,” the CPA said.

The group announced it will hold a social media rally on Twitter and Facebook for Lee at five to eight o’clock Wednesday evening using the hashtags #Justice4BrandonLee and #StoptheAttacks.

http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/group-reports-continuing-surveillance-on-wounded-journalist/

Red-tagged personalities seek protection of Oro officials

From MindaNews (Aug 7, 2019): Red-tagged personalities seek protection of Oro officials

IFI Bishop Felixberto Calang shows Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar Moreno a folder of red-tagging incidents against their priests and bishops, on August 6, 2019. Calang and other targets of red-tagging in the city have sought the protection of the city government. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A leader of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, a prominent human rights lawyer and several journalists have sought the protection of the city government after being subjected to relentless red-tagging by unknown groups.

IFI Bishop Felixberto Calang said the red-tagging of leaders of their church had resulted in dwindling attendance during masses.
“Our members are shying away from going to our churches for fear they may be red-tagged too,” Calang said.

Calang together with human rights lawyer Beverly Musni and Pam Sairo and JB Deveza of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines sought protection from City Mayor Oscar Moreno and the City Council on Tuesday.

“It is becoming hard to do our duties because we are too concerned about our safety,” Calang told Moreno.

Calang said they found tarps and graffiti on their church walls and other public places denouncing the IFI as a front of the New People’s Army and Communist Party of the Philippines.

He and five other bishops of the IFI are the ones targeted by the red-tagging.

The bishop said he resorted to changing his schedules as security precaution. Other IFI bishops also have their own security plans.

“I am forced to look behind my shoulder to see if I was tailed or not,” he said.

Musni of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), said being tagged as communist sympathizers is already a death warrant.

She cited the case of Benjamin Ramos, a founding member of NUPL, who was murdered in Kabankalan, Negros Oriental last year.

“We do not want any lawyer to be killed in Cagayan de Oro. This is the reason why we sought the protection from the local authorities. We are constituents here and it is their duty to protect us,” she said.

Musni and her daughter, Czarina, another NUPL lawyer, have been targets of red-tagging.

Sairo of Sunstar Cagayan de Oro said her parents wept upon learning she was red-tagged and asked her to leave her job for her own safety.

“It’s really difficult to reconcile with the concerns of your family and your desire to write,” Sairo said.

Deveza said aside from Sairo, three other local journalists namely Cong Corrales, editor of Mindanao Gold Star Daily; Joey Nacalaban, also of Mindanao Gold Star Daily; and Jigger Jerusalem of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, were also red-tagged.

Moreno promised he would ask the 4th Infantry Division about this matter.

Councilor Edgar Cabanlas said he would spearhead an investigation to look into these serious threats against the religious, journalists and lawyers.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/08/red-tagged-personalities-seek-protection-of-oro-officials/

Maguindanao evacuees to gov’t: Stop military operations if you can’t help us

From MindaNews (Aug 7, 2019): Maguindanao evacuees to gov’t: Stop military operations if you can’t help us

Evacuees from Maguindanao line up for relief assistance in Macasendig, Pikit, North Cotabato on August 6, 2019. MindaNews photo by FERDINANDH CABRERA

PIKIT, North Cotabato – Evacuees from Dasawao in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town in Maguindanao who sought shelter in Barangay Macasendig here have decided to return to their homes despite the risks, saying government assistance did not reach them.

Mothers from Dasawao sector 4 on Tuesday told MindaNews that relief items were not given to the real evacuees. They dismantled their tents and said they were returning home even if the situation in their place had remained volatile.

“We are the real evacuees here, how come we couldn’t get what the government has extended to us? If the government cannot manage to take care of displaced residents, then they should stop the war in our village and we will go back home,” said a woman in her 40s who refused to be identified.

Tehera Kalantungan, head of the Municipal Risk Reduction and Management Office of Pikit acknowledged the lapses during the distribution and promised to attend to it.

Naguib Sinarimbo, Interior and Local Government Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Tuesday faced the leaders of the aggrieved evacuees in Macasendig and gave them relief goods.

Macasendig voted to be included in BARMM during the plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Law in January this year.

Sinarimbo, who also heads the Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence-BARMM, said the evacuees who received assistance on Tuesday mostly came from Dasawao.

Over 1,500 residents from Sultan sa Barongis and Shariff Saydona Mustapha of Maguindanao and Barangays Kabasalan and Paidu Pulangi in Pikit fled their homes after the Joint Task-Force Central of the 6th Infantry Division launched an offensive against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Nine hundred fifty-five displaced individuals went to Macasendig and 543 others to Dasawao.

Evacuees from Maguindanao live in makeshift shelters outside a mosque in Macasendig, Pikit, North Cotabato. August 6, 2019. MindaNews photo by FERDINANDH CABRERA
Badria Sulayman, a mother of eight, said the children were forced to jump into the river for safety as the military’s aerial strike hit their village. She said she’s just thankful that her family is safe.

The military offensive began on July 25.

Last week, a forum was held in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao where displaced residents appealed to the regional government to address their plight as pointed out in its 10-point agenda.

Most of the evacuees came from the so-called SPMS box in Liguasan Marsh, which refers to the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi Ampatuan), Mamasapano and Datu Salibo.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/08/maguindanao-evacuees-to-govt-stop-military-operations-if-you-cant-help-us/

Caraga RTF-ELCAC members convene, formulate action plans for EO 70 implementation

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 7, 2019): Caraga RTF-ELCAC members convene, formulate action plans for EO 70 implementation

BUTUAN CITY - Member-agencies comprising the 12 clusters under the Caraga Regional Task Force – Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) convened in this city and formulated their respective action plans in line with the implementation of Executive Order No. 70.

According to Regional Director Lilibeth Famacion of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga and head secretariat of the Regional Peace and Order Council, there is a need for government agencies to converge and streamline their efforts and initiatives making it planned and organized as they address the problem on insurgency in the region.

Erica Gina Cariño of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) reiterated the roles and responsibilities of the member agencies and the needed services to be provided to the communities in the conflict-affected areas.

Regional Director Manuel Orduña of NICA Regions 10 and Caraga also highlighted various programs and campaigns of the Duterte administration that uplifted the lives of the Filipino people, particularly those former rebels who were given the chance to start a new life in the mainstream society and live peacefully with their family.

Meanwhile, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga Assistant Regional Director Roy Kantuna expressed his optimism that the formulated action plans of the 12 clusters will help intensify the campaign of the government against insurgency and would directly address the issues and concerns of the affected areas.

The 12 clusters under the RTF-ELCAC are: 1) local government empowerment 2) legal cooperation cluster; 3) basic services; 4) peace and law enforcement; 5) local peace engagement; 6) sectoral unification capacity building and empowerment; 7) livelihood and poverty alleviation; 8)strategic communication; 9) infrastructure and resource management; 10) situational awareness and knowledge management; 11) E-CLIP and amnesty; and 12) international engagement. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1025538

Immediate assistance given to former NPA members in Davao Norte

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 7, 2019): Immediate assistance given to former NPA members in Davao Norte



DAVAO DEL NORTE (PIA) -- Immediate assistance was turned over yesterday, August 6, to 38 communist rebels who recently turned their backs against the New People’s Army (NPA).Program Manager for Davao Region Oliver Binancilan of the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said OPAPP extended non-food and food immediate assistance to the rebel returnees. 

In an interview with media practitioners, Binancilan said an earlier batch of returnees sought immediate assistance that could sustain their families while undergoing certain processes of their return to the government.

Among the immediate assistance given during the ceremonial turnover at the headquarters of the 60thInfantry Battalion in Asuncion, Davao del Norte were sacks of rice, canned sardines and sets of toiletry including bath towels.

These were in addition to what had been given them by other government agencies.

Some of the recipients were residents of Barangay Gupitan in Kapalong while others were Agusan Province residents living at the boundary of Davao del Norte.

Binancilan said the succeeding batch of returnees would be given immediate assistance from OPAPP to augment the benefits that they will receive under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

The Department of Interior and Local Government is in the driver's seat of CLIP.

Present during the turnover were Brig. Gen. Ernesto Torres, deputy commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; Maj. Gen. Jose C. Faustino, commander of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army; Governor Edwin Jubahib; Maria Theresa Timbol of the municipality of Kapalong; Lt. Col Gilbert Ombos, commander of 60th Inf. Battalion, and DILG Davao del Norte Provincial Director Abito Benasor. (PIA XI)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1025642

PRRD consistent in addressing IP concerns—AFP official

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 7, 2019): PRRD consistent in addressing IP concerns—AFP official

Eastern Mindanao Deputy Commander Brig. Gen. Ernesto Torres at the turn-over of immediate assistance to 38 rebel returnees in Asuncion, Davao del Norte.

DAVAO DEL NORTE (PIA) -- President Rodrigo Duterte has shown in a number of times his resolve to address the concerns of indigenous people.

Brig. Gen. Ernesto Torres, deputy commander of Eastern Mindanao Command, told leaders and members of indigenous people who turned against the communist New People’s Army (NPA) that the assistance given them by the government manifested the sincerity of President Duterte to address their concerns.

In a recent visit of President Duterte in Tagum City, he turned over housing units to IP returnee-residents of Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. He made sure that needed government services for them to acquire livelihood skills and education for their children would be made available for them.

Representing Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Carlito Galvez, Torres extended thanks to the returnees of their decision to trust the government, renounce the underground communist movement and live in the mainstream.

“Ang panaghimamat nato karong higayona, nagpakita kung unsa ka matinud-anon ang atong mahal na Presidente sa iyang mga saad sa inyo (This opportune time for us to meet is showing the sincerity of our dear President to his promises to you),” he said in apparent referrence to government programs crafted to lead returnees out of their old subversive life.

OPAPP extended non-food and food immediate assistance to returnees in addition to what had been given to them by other government agencies. Among the immediate assistance given during the ceremonial turnover at the headquarters of the 60th Infantry Battalion in Asuncion, Davao del Norte were sacks of rice, canned sardines and sets of toiletries including bath towels.

Torres told them of the unified effort of the national and local governments, including the Armed Forces to solve insurgency problem by addressing its root causes, among which are poverty and failure of government to deliver services to remote communities.

Others in attendance were Maj. Gen. Jose C. Faustino, commander of the 10th Infantry Division; Governor Edwin Jubahib; Maria Theresa Timbol of the municipality of Kapalong; Lt. Col. Gilbert Ombos, commander of 60th Infantry Battalion and DILG Davao del Norte Provincial Director Abito Benasor. (PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron Abangan)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1025645

MILF official, pal slain in Tacurong City

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 7, 2019): MILF official, pal slain in Tacurong City



SEALED OFF. Police probers cordoned off the Kia sedan of alleged Moro Islamic Liberation Front field commander Sangutin Musil and his companion Alex Amino Toto who were both gunned down at a gas station by two gunmen onboard a motorbike in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, on Tuesday (Aug. 6, 2019). (Photo courtesy MAX FM Tacurong)

KIDAPAWAN CITY -- A man said to be a field commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and his companion were shot dead by still unidentified gunmen at a gas station in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat on Tuesday afternoon.

Lt. Col. Rey Egos, Tacurong police director, said the killing of Sangutin Musil alias “Commander Jerry Amino,” 53, and his companion, Alex Amino Toto, 30, happened around 3 p.m. at the AB Gasoline Station along Alunan Highway in Tacurong City.

Both Musil and Toto are residents of Purok Musil, Barangay Pimbalayan, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat. Relatives claimed Musil was an official of the MILF.

Egos said probers are still determining if Musil was indeed an MILF leader. Egos said an investigation showed that the victims, onboard a white Kia Avella sedan (MDD-912), were about to gas up when one of two men riding a motorbike opened fire on them.

Police believed the shooting was triggered by a “rido” (family feud) involving the victims and another clan back in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat.

“Both victims died on the spot,” Egos said over a radio interview here Wednesday.

Egos said the shooting was captured by a closed-circuit television camera but the gunmen were wearing face masks making it difficult for probers to describe the suspects’ facial characteristics. Efforts to reach the MILF leadership for comments failed as of this posting.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077173

Marines shooting team gets weapon donation from Armscor

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 7, 2019): Marines shooting team gets weapon donation from Armscor




Photo courtesy: Naval Public Affairs Office

Armscor Global Defense, Inc. donated 10 assorted pistols and three shotguns to the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) shooting team during short ceremonies on Monday.

The event took place at PMC headquarters at Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

In a statement Tuesday, Marine Capt. Felix Serapio, PMC spokesperson, said the donated weapons consisted of five 9mm pistols and another set of five .40mm handguns and three shotguns.

He added that Martin Tuazon, Armscor president and chief executive officer and Gina Marie Angangco, senior executive vice president and deputy CEO, handed over the weapons to the PMC.

Meanwhile, PMC Commandant Maj. Gen. Alvin A. Parreño, expressed his gratitude to Armscor for the donation and said this will greatly improve the skills of the shooting team.

"Even though these firearms are for the use of our shooting team, the whole Marine Corps will definitely benefit from the marksmanship skills that these men and women developed and could spread throughout the Corps. These could bring glory and prestige to our beloved Corps as they start collecting awards and celebrating victories," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077172

AFP says Northern Luzon ‘terror plot’ negative so far

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 7, 2019): AFP says Northern Luzon ‘terror plot’ negative so far



AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo. (File photo)

Ongoing verifications of the supposed terrorist plot to attack cities and churches in Northern Luzon have so far yielded negative information.

"Una sa lahat yan ay subject for verification and thus far ang nakikita ni (Lt.) Gen. Ramiro Rey ang Commander ng Nolcom (Northern Luzon Command), so far mukhang (negative) naman ang report na ito (First of all, this information is subject for verification and thus far, what Lt. Gen. Ramiro Rey, Nolcom Commander, sees is that so far, the report is negative)," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in an interview with DZRH Wednesday.

Despite this, the AFP will continue to monitor and conduct surveillance operations in the Nolcom area of operations.

"But ganun pa din ang pinararating ng inyong Armed Forces. Na ang AFP ay patuloy sa pagmo-monitor at pagmamanman sa mga lugar na ito lalo na yung mga nabanggit na lugar upang siguruhin na hindi tayo masingitan (But still, the Armed Forces is relaying the same thing. That the AFP continues to monitor and keep a close watch on these areas, especially the areas mentioned in the report to make sure that that we will not be caught flat-footed)," he added.

Arevalo was referring to an "alert memo" received by the Nolcom stating that a "Crusader Cities" with business centers and "Crusader Churches" in northern Luzon is being targeted for attack.

"Our SOP (standard operating procedure) dictates never to take chances by dismissing the information outright or believing it as gospel truth. Because no matter how doubtful or credible an information is, we do verification. We have to take, as we have been instituting, appropriate security measures in either case," the AFP spokesperson earlier said.

"We advise our countrymen to remain calm and continue with their daily and routine activities -- never to be stopped or deterred by such unconfirmed report," he added.

Arevalo said the AFP is urging everyone to be vigilant and be actively involved in monitoring and reporting to authorities any suspicious people or activities in their communities.

"Terrorism will prosper only if we will let our guards down," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077191