MILF: Sulu Gov. Tan supports MBHTE Educational Scheme

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Sep 2, 2019): Sulu Gov. Tan supports MBHTE Educational Scheme



The MBHTE Sulu Task- Team posed with Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan (center in white shirt) during courtesy call at the Provincial Capitol

Sulu Governor Abdusakur M. Tan welcomes and supports the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) educational program thru the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) Wednesday, August 28, 2019.

This, after knowing from a team of enumerators who made a courtesy call to Gov. Tan informing him of their task to go around municipalities with identified school-less barangays, and seeking the consent of village chieftains for data making on children’s profile, household numbers, family numbers among others for accuracy of report to MBHTE.

Impressed by the MBHTE intervention on status of education in Sulu, the governor out rightly made a statement of support to the program and proposed for assistance to the team should they wish for one which the later courteously appreciated for his generosity.

Governor Tan cited the devastating war of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the government in 1974 as the major cause of backwardness in Education in Sulu. His high hope renewed with the advent of the new Interim Bangamoro Government.

“Let’s work together, I can’t do this by myself, help me to make Sulu great again.” Tan said.

“Through BARMM, let’s make the people in Manila know who we really are, and what our nation is as what our nation was.”

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1890/sulu_gov__tan_supports_mbhte_educational_scheme

CPP/NPA-Isabela: Mga paglabag ng CSP sa Isabela

NPA-Isabela propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 1, 2019): Mga paglabag ng CSP sa Isabela

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

NPA-ISABELA

REYNALDO PIÑON COMMAND

SEPTEMBER 01, 2019

Mga paglabag ng CSP sa Isabela

Mula June 9, 2019, naghari ang awtoridad ng militar sa kanayunan ng Isabela sa ngalan ng Community Support Program o CSP. Sa pinagsanib na pwersa ng 95th IB, 17th IB, 86th IB, RPSB at Philippine Marines, pinaigting ang operasyong combat, peace and development teams (PDT) at operasyong psywar sa 15 barangay sa bayan ng San Mariano, 4 na brgy sa Benito Soliven at 3 brgy sa Ilagan City.

Sa loob ng 3 buwan, nakapagtala ang Reynaldo Pinon Command (RPC) ng kaso ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao ng AFP:

1. Sapilitang pagpapasurender sa buo-buong komunidad sa lehitimong mga residente dahil inaakusahang mga kasapi ng MB at suporter ng NPA. Sapilitang inaakusahan at pinapaamin na kasapi ng Milisyang Bayan o MB ang mga lider at myembro ng DAGAMI Isabela, AMIHAN, Anakpawis at Kabataan Partylist. Ito ay pagkatapos ng panlilinlang na may listahan ng MB at supporter umano na nakuha sa mga labanan sa pagitan ng BHB at AFP. Tinatakot ang mga residente na kung hindi sila magsusurender ay kakasuhan at huhulihin sila at maikukulong sa loob ng 12 taon. Sapilitan silang pinapatawag sa barangay hall at i-interogahin at pagkatapos, papapuntahin sa Batallion headquarters upang “magpa-clear”. Nagpapapirma ng mga dokumentong hindi naiintindihan ng masa at walang abugado.

Sapilitang pagpapasurender sa mga senior citizen at isang paralisadong residente ng Brgy Gangalan. Monses…Sapilitan ding pinasusurender muli ang pitong dati nang sumurender na kasapi ng BHB sa Brgy Buyasan, SMI. Tinatakot sila na kung hindi sila mag-“re-renew” ay “baka damputin” sila ng ibang tropa (ng AFP).

2. Malisyosong pag-aakusa sa mga karaniwang sibilyan sa isinasagawang mga aksyong militar ng BHB tulad ng disarma sa Sitio Lagis, Ilagan City. Malisyosong inakusahan ni Lt. Gladius Calilan, CO ng 95th IB, na si Eustaquio Alberto aka Takkoy, isang magsasaka at lehitimong residente ng Brgy Dibuluan SMI, ang umano’y namuno sa nasabing operasyon.

3 Pagpapalabas na MB ang nakalaban ng 95th IB sa mis-engkwentro noong April 20, 2019 sa Brgy Disulap.

4. 6 na kabahayan ang illegal na paghahalughog sa Sitio Old Nursery, Brgy Disulap. Chito Cathian, Noel Cabalonga, Recy Leal, Marlon Anog, Bal Domingo,

5. Illegal na inaresto at sinampahan ng gawa-gawang kaso ang 6 na magsasaka at residente ng Brgy Panninan SMI kabilang ang dating kapitan na si Espido Tamang. Ito ay matapos ang gawa-gawang labanan ng 95th IB sa pagitan ng Brgy Ibujan at Brgy Macayucayo.
Sinampahan din ng gawa-gawang kaso ang ilang brgy officials at residente ng Brgy Dibuluan dahil sila’y suporter umano ng BHB.

6. Pagkakampo sa mga sibilyang imprastraktura tulad ng barangay hall, eskwelahan, evacuation center at mismong kabahayan.

7. Sapilitang pagdi-ditine kay Susan Alberto na residente ng Brgy Dibuluan. Idinetine si Susan sa loob ng kampo ng 95th IB sa loob ng 3 araw at pilit na pinag-guide sa operasyon at ipinapaturo ang isang di umano’y imbak.

8. Walang habas na pamamaril sa bahay ni Gorio Velasco noong July 13, 2019, 10 pm. Si Velasco ay isang aktibong lider ng DAGAMI San Mariano. Si Gorio, na isang senior citizen, at si Robin, anak ni Gorio na menor de edad, ay kapwa inaakusahan na kasapi ng MB.

9. Pagtatakda ng curfew hours na 9pm sa Brgy Ibujan, SMI dahil ito ay kanilang oras ng pagpapatyulya.

10. Economic blockade o paglilimita sa pagpunta sa mga sakahan sa bgry Dibuluan, Ibujan, Buyasan, Panninan.

11. Talamak na pagpapainom at inuman sa baryo.

12. Pagkakalat ng mga basura sa kanilang himpilan sa community center at barangay hall.

13. Pambabastos sa kababaihan sa Brgy Gangalan at panliligaw sa mga kababaihan sa Brgy Dibuluan.

https://cpp.ph/statement/mga-paglabag-ng-csp-sa-isabela/

CPP/NPA-Isabela: Disarma ng NPA-Isabela sa Task Force Kalikasan at PNP Isabela

NPA-Isabela propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 31, 2019): Disarma ng NPA-Isabela sa Task Force Kalikasan at PNP Isabela

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

NPA-ISABELA

REYNALDO PIÑON COMMAND

SEPTEMBER 01, 2019

Dinisarmahan ng NPA Reynaldo Piñon Command (RPC) ang Task Force Kalikasan (TFK) noong July 5, 2019 sa Sitio Lagis, Brgy Sindun Bayabo, Ilagan City Isabela. Nasamsam ang 2 cal. 45, 1 9mm, 1 cal. 380 at 1 magnum 22.

Ang TFK ay nasa pamumuno ng PENRO Isabela sa ilalim ng Provincial Government ng Isabela. Ang TFK, kasama ang AFP at PNP ang mga nanguna sa demolisyon sa Sitio Lagis noong buwan ng Hunyo 2019. Walang awang pinaalis ang 56 pamilya na higit 3 dekada nang nagbubungkal doon ng lupa.

Ang TFK ang opisina na dinisarmahan din ng RPC noong August 2018 na talamak sa pagpapakahoy at pangongotong sa mga illegal loggers at mga nagbaba ng yantok.

Disarma sa PNP Isabela

Habang isinasagawa ito ng NPA RPC, na-checkpoint naman ang isang convoy ng mga pulis na papunta ng coastal town ng Isabela. Nasamsam sa 5 pulis ang 1 M4, 1AK, 5 9mm gloc, 1 cal. 40, 1 A2 Cal 22, at mga radio transceiver at mga bala.
Pagpaparusa

Pinarusahan din ang isang asset ng militar na si Celso Asuncion sa nasabing operasyon. Si Asuncion, na empleyado rin ng TFK, ay isang aktibong naniniktik sa mga aktibidad ng BHB.

https://cpp.ph/statement/disarma-ng-npa-isabela-sa-task-force-kalikasan-at-pnp-isabela/

CPP: Duterte bows to imperialist China the nth time

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 31, 2019): Duterte bows to imperialist China the nth time



For the nth time, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has bowed to imperialist China and its President Xi Jinping and surrendered the country’s internationally recognized sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

As in the past, Duterte’s treachery was rewarded with an ostentatious imperial reception with costly banquets fit only for the highly corrupt. He, himself, traveled by private jet revealing his lavish tastes.

Duterte merely went through the motions of bringing up the decision of the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in his discussion with Xi. In the end, it was a purposeless exercise. Based on reports, there was no further discussion on the matter. Duterte merely acquiesced to Xi Jinping when the superpower president reiterated that China does not recognize the ruling.

Having treacherously set aside the matter of Philippine sovereignty, Duterte’s officials entered into various lopsided agreements with China. The worst among these is the plan to push through with the “joint plan” to explore and exploit the oil resources in the area just off Reed Bank. With control of capital and the technological and industrial means, China will surely be able to take full control of the oil drilling operations to the detriment of the Philippines.

Duterte also entered into another lopsided loan agreement that will primarily serve Chinese interests. The $3.5 billion loan involves the construction of the Manila-Bicol railway system to be undertaken by Chinese companies, and likely using Chinese surplus steel and cement. Not different from previous Chinese loans, the loans will be paid for by the Filipino people at 2%, at least ten times higher than similar official loans from Japan.

The Duterte government also signed several agreements that will strengthen Chinese trade and economic interests in the country. Highly questionable are those which will give China an increased role in Philippine customs.

The Filipino people must make this the last time that Duterte bows to China.

As patriots, they can: (a) assert that the PCA ruling be brought before the United Nations and other international agencies in order to compel China to comply with the ruling; (b) insist that China dismantle its military facilities and withdraw its armed forces as well as distant water fleet of fishing boats in the features within the West Philippine Sea; (c) demand payment for all the damages caused by land reclamation and overfishing; (d) demand that the details of all the agreement be disclosed.

https://cpp.ph/2019/08/31/duterte-bows-to-imperialist-china-the-nth-time/

60 families evacuated as troops, rebels clash

From the Manila Times (Sep 2, 2019): 60 families evacuated as troops, rebels clash

BACOLOD CITY: Sixty families were evacuated in a northeastern city of Negros Occidental early Saturday morning as military troops and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels clashed, leaving three soldiers injured.

Capt. Rowell Dairocas, Civil Military Operations officer of the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB), said the evacuees came from Sitio Morino, Barangay Paitan, Escalante City in Negros Occidental.

The firefight ensued as the soldiers from the 79th IB conducted combat operations after receiving reports of NPA presence in the area.

The clash, in which the rebels used an anti-personnel mine before fleeing to Sitio Sampinit in Barangay Paitan, lasted 45 minutes, a report from the military said.

The three soldiers, who sustained slight injuries, were Cpl. Homer Aniversario, who was injured in the upper left part of the neck; Cpl. Ronald Tuhao, who was hit in one of the toes in his right leg; and Cpl. Jerald Caluyo, who was wounded in the right ear.

They were brought to a hospital for medical treatment and are now in stable condition.

The military, citing reports from the soldiers and residents, said the NPA rebels suffered five casualties, who were dragged away by the other insurgents.

The troops recovered subversive documents and an anti-personnel mine during the clearing operation in the area.

Additional soldiers and two helicopters from the Philippine Air Force were deployed for pursuit operations.

Dairocas said a Quick Reaction Team composed of personnel from the Escalante City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, City Health Office, and City Social Welfare and Development Office was immediately organized.

The team distributed relief goods and Disaster Assistance Family Access cards to the evacuees and conducted medical check-up.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/09/02/news/regions/60-families-evacuated-as-troops-rebels-clash/609797/

SC to use two cases involving NPAs for first trial via videoconferencing

From the Business Mirror (Sep 2, 2019): SC to use two cases involving NPAs for first trial via videoconferencing

THE Supreme Court on Sunday announced that two criminal cases involving two suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) would be pilot tested for the first-ever trial via videoconferencing, which would be held in the Regional Trial Court of Davao City. One of the cases is for frustrated murder while the other case is for multiple attempted murder.

The videoconferencing which will start today, September 2, would allow the accused in the said cases to testify and be cross-examined without having the need to leave their respective detention cells.

“[The] first case is frustrated murder where the PDL [person deprived of liberty] volunteered to be tried through videoconferencing. The second case is multiple attempted murder where the PDL, a suspected NPA member, fired upon security forces in an attempted ambush,” Court Administrator Jose Midas P. Marquez said.

First to be subjected for videoconferencing is Romart Mand Uy, who is facing frustrated murder for attempting to kill Bryan Villanil last July 27, 2013, by stabbing the latter in different parts of the body using a knife.

The second case involves two suspected NPA members and three still unidentified coaccused.

The complex crime of multiple attempted murder was filed in 2014 against Ryan Pitao, alias KaRyan, and Aquilino Gonzales, alias Banakon.

Based on the information filed against them, the attack was done in a “sudden and unexpected manner, thereby commencing the execution of the complex crime of murder directly by overt acts but did not perform all the acts of execution which should have produced the said crime as a consequence not because of accused’s spontaneous desistance but by reason that the victims were able to take cover and fire back at the accused, and that the injuries sustained by Cpl. Glenn Emata and PFC Philip Moster were not fatal.”

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/09/02/sc-to-use-two-cases-involving-npas-for-first-trial-via-videoconferencing/

Kalinaw News: One (1) NPA Terrorists Killed, Another 1 Captured and War Material Seized in a Series of Skirmishes in Agusan del Sur

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 1, 2019): One (1) NPA Terrorists Killed, Another 1 Captured and War Material Seized in a Series of Skirmishes in Agusan del Sur

BANCASI, Butuan City – An NPA terrorist was killed and another one was captured while several war materiel were recovered in a series of encounters between troops of 23rd Infantry Battalion and CPP-NPA terrorists on August 29, 2019, in Brgy Segunda, Municipality of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.

A platoon of 23IB encountered more or less five (5) CPP-NPA terrorists (CNTs) believed to be members of Weakened Guerilla Front 88 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) in the mountainous area of Brgy Segunda of same town around 9:40 in the morning after civilian residents reported the presence of fully armed men conducting teach-in and indoctrination.

According to Lt Col Francisco Molina Jr, 23IB Commanding Officer, “the CNTs did not expect that the residents in the area will disclose their whereabouts. After a five (5) minute firefight, the troops found the body of the dead NPA and subsequently captured another one after troops surrounded the area.” He added that the troops recovered one (1) .22 caliber rifle; one (1) anti-personnel mine; and twenty (20) meters electrical wire at the encounter site.

“Around 5:10 in the afternoon of same day, a pursuit operation was conducted in Brgy Segunda which resulted to a twenty-five (25) minutes firefight between troops of 23IB and more or less ten (10) CNTs believed to be members of the same group encountered by said unit earlier that day. Reports revealed that there was no casualty on the side of the government while it was undetermined from the terrorist’s side moreover, one (1) AK-47 rifle, one (1) cal. 22 rifle and several war materiel such as eighteen (18) magazines for AK-47 rifle; two thousand (2,000) rounds of Ctg 7.62mm ammunitions for AK-47 rifle; five hundred (500) rounds Ctg. 5.56mm ammunitions for M16 rifle; three (3) bandoleers; nineteen (19) ponchos, two (2) cellphones with SIM cards; one (1) medicine kit; one (1) kilo ammonium nitrate; and various subversive documents with high intelligence value were recovered after troops cleared and searched the area”, Lt Col Molina said.

In his statement, Col Maurito L Licudine, Commander of 402nd Infantry Brigade said, “We have been monitoring the movement of said group in the area. We laud the courage of the residents of Brgy Segunda that despite the threat, they still provided information on the presence of the CNTs. We shall not stop going offer the CNTs because they only bring hardship and misery to the people. They destroy families and hamper peace and development”.

“We reiterate our call to the remaining CNTs to surrender and live peacefully with their families. There are many ways in solving our differences and armed revolution is certainly not one of them. With the support of the civilians on our side, we shall relentlessly pursue you. You either surrender or be killed”, Col Licudine added.

The cadaver of the dead NPA was appropriately turned over to the LGU of Esperanza while the captured NPA was remanded to the Municipal Police Station of Esperanza for proper disposition. Upon confirmation of their identities, respective families will be notified.

Since July of this quarter, the 402nd Brigade intensified campaign against the CNTs resulted to the surrender of four hundred fifty five (455) CNTs and members of Underground Movement Organizations (UGMOs) and eighteen (18) encounters which resulted to the recovery of eight (8) firearms and killing of several CNTs to include two (2) recovered dead NPA in the encounter site.

23rd Infantry Battalion Philippine Army
1LT ROEL T MAGLALANG
CMO Officer, 23IB, 4ID, PA
Mobile Nr. 09171440972
Facebook Page: 23rd Infantry Battalion @ TeamMasigasig23
http://m.me/TeamMasigasig23

[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/one-1-npa-terrorists-killed-another-1-captured-and-war-material-seized-in-a-series-of-skirmishes-in-agusan-del-sur/

Kalinaw News: Army encounters NPA in Escalante

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 1, 2019): Army encounters NPA in Escalante

CAMP GERONA, MURCIA, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – After receiving prior reports of NPA presence and while conducting combat operations, troops of 79th Infantry Battalion encountered more or less 30 terrorist NPAs at Sitio Morino, Barangay Paitan, Escalante City, Negros Occidental at about 06:45 AM, August 31, 2019 (Saturday).

The soldiers fought in a 45-minute running gun battle against the NPAs who used an anti-personnel mine in the process and who also withdrew towards the forested portion of Sitio Sampinit of same barangay.

As a result, 3 soldiers sustained slight injuries namely; Corporal Homer Aniversario who was injured in the upper left part of the neck; Corporal Ronald Tuhao who was hit in one of the toes in his right leg; and Corporal Jerald Caluyo who was wounded in the right ear.

All soldiers were in stable condition and were brought to hospital for medical treatment.

On the other hand, the NPAs suffered 5 casualties being dragged away by the enemies, as seen by the engaged soldiers and revelation from the populace. Heavy bloodstains were also found in the NPA position and route of withdrawal.

The troops also recovered an anti-personnel mine and other items during clearing of the area and pursuit of the fleeing terrorist NPAs to include; a 20-meter anti-personnel mine detonating wire; 5-meter utility rope; a back pack (black); 2 G-Shock watches; subversive pamphlets, documents and lecture materials; a hammock; 1 NPA cap; clothing; a tumbler; toiletries and candies.

Meanwhile, no civilians were hurt in the encounter and 109 households (329 individuals) from Sitio Morino and its adjacent Sitios of Mansano and Kagayon of said barangay were safely evacuated in Paitan Elementary School.

In response, the 79th Infantry Battalion led by Captain Rowell Dairocas the battalion Civil-Military-Operations Officer, organized a Quick Reaction Team together with Escalante City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO), City Health Office (CHO), City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), city and barangay officials to provide necessary assistance to said evacuees.

The temporarily displaced families have undergone medical check-up, were given relief goods and “Disaster Assistance Family Access Cards’” from the CSWDO.

Additional soldiers and 2 helicopters of the Philippine Air Force were also deployed for pursuit operations.

“The Army will continue its offensive against the terrorist NPAs. I also encourage the people to report to us any information on NPA movement and activities in their communities,” said Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade Commander.

This is the third clash between government forces and NPAs in Escalante City after the November 16, 2018 encounter in Barangay Washington that resulted in 2 NPAs killed and recovery of an M16 rifle, .45 caliber pistol, bandoleer with 6 steel magazines and 120 live ammunition, water containers, sacks of rice, assorted belongings, and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

While the second encounter was last March 21, 2019 at Barangay Mabini were Php 300,000.00 worth of medicines were recovered.

79th Infantry Battalion 3rd Infantry Division Philippine Army
CPT ROWELL O DAIROCAS (INF) PA
Civil-Military Operations Officer
Contact No: 0917-527-9863
Email Add: masaligan_79@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/army-encounters-npa-in-escalante/

Kalinaw News: Manobo Tribe Conducts Inpandawatan Ritual to 75IB in Surigao Sur

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 1, 2019): Manobo Tribe Conducts Inpandawatan Ritual to 75IB in Surigao Sur

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur-Camp Jaime N Ferrer Sr, Brgy Maharlika, Bislig City (Station) – The Manobo Tribal Council of Sote (MATRICOSO) of Sitio (So) Sote, Barangay Burbo-anan, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur conducts “Inpandawatan Ritual” or the “Acceptance of the Tribe” to 75IB held at Sitio (So) Sote, Brgy Burbo-anan, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur on August 29, 2019, Thursday.

The said “Inpandawatan Ritual” was officiated by Baylan Noel M Tunggay of MATRICOSO to 75IB spearheaded by Lt. Col. Jaime R Datuin, Commanding Officer of 75IB and its personnel.

The “Inpandawatan Ritual” or the “Acceptance of the Tribe” was executed to strengthen the relationship between the Army and the Indigenous People’s Community. And the activity participated by the different tribal chieftain and members of the tribal community, and a certificate was given to Lt. Col. Datuin as their recognition for the 75IB’s support to their tribe in attaining the peace and order within their ancestral domain and the unit’s area of responsibility.

Furthermore, Lieutenant Colonel Jaime R Datuin, the Commanding Officer of 75IB said, “We, the Marauder Troopers give our full support to the IP Community. The partnership we have is compact that we become united in condemning the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) atrocities that once threatened and destroyed their tribe. Let’s work hand in hand for our community and strengthen our partnership for us to achieve sustainable peace and development in our area.” Datuin ended.

The Philippine Army respects the customs and traditions of every IP’s in Surigao del Sur especially the Manobo Tribe as they contribute towards peace and development of the Province.

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
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com
https://www.kalinawnews.com/manobo-tribe-conducts-inpandawatan-ritual-to-75ib-in-surigao-sur/

WESCOM: WESCOM facilitates the conduct of a 3-Day Training on Information Operations

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 30, 2019): WESCOM facilitates the conduct of a 3-Day Training on Information Operations

WESCOM facilitates the conduct of a 3-Day Training on Information Operations to WESCOM personnel and other AFP units in the Joint Area of Operations from 28-30 August 2019 at Rizal Reef Hall, WESCOM Camp General Artemio G Ricarte, Puerto Princesa.

The training is in line with the WESCOM Transformation Roadmap to capacitate its personnel to meet its constitutional mandate in order to continuously contribute to the peace and development in the Province of Palawan.

#TeamWESCOM
#AFPyoucanTrust

https://www.facebook.com/wescom/photos/pcb.1404746629657494/1404744832991007/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/wescom/photos/pcb.1404746629657494/1404744616324362/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/wescom/photos/pcb.1404746629657494/1404744626324361/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/wescom/

WESTMINCOM: Solar panel, school supplies donated to Sulu school

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Sep 1, 2019): Solar panel, school supplies donated to Sulu school



Military officials and members of the Upsilon Sigma Phi turned over one set of a rooftop solar photovoltaic and school supplies and equipment to Kagay Elementary School in Talipao, Sulu on August 31.



“We are here not only to help but also to inspire you (Kagay students). We hope to come back with our projects that will benefit more students in Sulu,” said Brig. Gen. Peter Suchianco,



The Judge Advocate General Reserve. “We will do it together with the AFP and other universities in Manila.” Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Western Mindanao Command, led the turnover of one solar rooftop, two electric fans, two projectors, one laptop, and 345 bags with school supplies to students of Kagay Elementary School today.

He was assisted by Joint Task Force Sulu Commander Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., and Brig. Gen. Suchianco. “A soldier must have the mind of a warrior and the heart of a peacekeeper.



Our coming here has nothing to do with our military operations, but we are here for our peace and development campaign,” said Lt. Gen. Sobejana.

“Let us stand united and turn Sulu from terrorism to tourism.” About 300 students from four barangays in Talipao received said school supplies.

“The turnover of a solar rooftop is a big relief to our constituents. Kahit papaano ay naramdaman ng ating mamamayan na hindi sila iniwan ng gobyerno,” said Talipao Mayor Nivocadnezar Tulawie.

The Department of Energy, represented by Undersecretary Felix William Fuentabella, also helped in the solar power project.

“We are empowered by your donation. I hope you will continue to partner with us in promoting quality education,” said Reckman Abtong, school head of Kagay Elementary School.

Source: PIO Western Mindanao Command

http://www.westmincom.com/solar-panel-school-supplies-donated-to-sulu-school/

Remote sitio finally gets first primary school bldg

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 2, 2019): Remote sitio finally gets first primary school bldg

A school building for primary school students was turned over to Barangay Tapak, Paquibato District on Aug. 27.

Lt. Col. Silas Transmontero, commander of the 89th Infantry Battalion, emphasized the importance of access to quality education by far-flung barangays. This is one of their strategies to free the poor communities from the influence of the New People’s Army.

He said that seeing very young kids trek barefoot for hours under the heat of the sun to reach the nearest school will move anybody.

The officer said these young kids are vulnerable to recruitment because they are not equipped with the skills to improve their lives.

The turnover was spearheaded by the 1003rd Infantry Brigade commander; 89th Infantry Battalion; Alma I. Tac-on, public schools district supervisor; Peace 911 headed by Roger Baay; Technical Education Skills and Development Authority; Paquibato District Agricultural Office; Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Also in attendance were Datu Benito Diano, tribal chieftain; Rolly G. Latawan, Tapak barangay chairman; and other officials.

In his message, Col. Nolasco Mempin, 1003rd Infantry Brigade commander, recognized the efforts of the battalion for the construction of the school building.

Roger Baay, focal person of Peace 911, read the message of Mayor Sara Duterte at the event. “Now that you have the school in your community, you wouldn’t have any more reason of not attending your classes, study hard and achieve your dreams,” the message read.

Sitios Mangani and Gatungon are one of the most remote hamlets of Davao City. The community has no school that caters to the needs of the mostly Lumads in the area. Transmontero said they personally witnessed how the kids braved the trek just to get a chance at life.

The school building was constructed through the sponsorship of Ulticon Builders Inc (UBI), which gave the construction materials; the city government for the tables and chairs; and the Peace 911 and DepEd for the availability of teachers.

The Gatungon Primary School is now officially open to provide instruction as well as motivation to students since the school is now just steps away from their household. As a token of their gratitude to the 89th IB, the community plans to rename the school as the Makatao Primary School.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/09/02/remote-sitio-finally-gets-first-primary-school-bldg/

34 IPs finish carpentry, masonry in Talaingod

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 2, 2019): 34 IPs finish carpentry, masonry in Talaingod

Thirty-four Indigenous people (IP) students, including five former rebels, finished masonry and carpentry training at the tribal hall of Sitio Tibucag, Barangay Dagohoy, Talaingod, Davao del Norte on Aug. 29.

The training workshop was led by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda)-Davao del Norte, Talaingod municipality, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Davao del Norte Provincial Office.

Capt. John Louie Dema-ala, the Civil-Military Operations officer of 56th IB, Lt. Col. Norman Valdez, the Battalion Commander of the 56th Infantry Battalion, in his speech said that they recognized how the community is weighed down by poverty. With the livelihood training program,he hopes the participants will get a fresh start and work hard for the future of their respective families.

“Hopefully, you won’t take for granted the assistance given to you,” he said.

Arlyn Bandong, Tesda provician director, said they have a directive from President Duterte to bring government service to Sitio Tibucag. The 34 trainees would be the first batch for the masonry and carpentry certificate program.

She said the program wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Talaingod LGU and the 56th IB.

Also, Talaingod Mayor Jonnie A Libayao said the project would serve as bridge for the IPs who didn’t finish school. “Through Tesda, they would even learn more,” she said.

Bogsi Anlas, the Punong Barangay of Dagohoy, thanked the LGU, Tesda, and the Army for helping his fellow IPs, especially those who couldn’t continue their education due to poverty.

Valdes said this initiative was in line with the AFP’s Community Support Program to address the issue of limited access to education. They found that the New People’s Army continues to exploid the Lumads because of poverty.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/09/02/34-ips-finish-carpentry-masonry-in-talaingod/

3 years after the Davao bombing, prosecutor confident no bail for suspects

From MindaNews (Sep 1, 2019): 3 years after the Davao bombing, prosecutor confident no bail for suspects

DAVAO CITY  – Three years after the Sept. 2, 2016 bombing at the Roxas night market here that killed 15 and injured 69 others, Taguig City prosecutor Vincent Villena is confident that the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Taguig City will deny the motion to bail filed by the seven suspects who are allegedly members of a terror group.

Villena told reporters after the mass at the blast site on Sunday that the evidence and the statements of the witnesses, including that of a state witness who was part of the group that plotted the incident, were strong for the trial court to dismiss the motion.

“We are very confident that it would be denied because we presented a witness who was part of that group who actually witnessed everything, almost everything, so we filed a motion to discharge him as one of the accused,” he said.

Survivors and relatives of victims of the September 2, 2016 bombing at the Roxas Night Market in Davao City offer flowers and prayers during the mass on 01 September 2019. MindaNews photo by ANTONIO L. COLINA IV /

He said the RTC in Taguig might come out with a decision whether to grant or deny the bail in October this year.

The seven alleged members of the Maute Group behind the bombing are Wendel A. Facturan, Musali U. Mustapha, TJ T. Macabalang, Zack Jaron V. Lopez, Jessy Vincent G. Original, Jackson M. Usi and Alisa A. Mamasapano.

All seven were transferred from the City Jail in Maa, Davao City to Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City in February 2018 after the Supreme Court approved the requests of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-Davao, City Peace and Order Council, City Prosecutor’s Office and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana for the transfer of detention and venue of trial for the “high-risk inmates”.

He said the RTC in Taguig might come out with a decision whether to grant or deny the bail in October this year.

Aftermath of the explosion at the night market along Roxas Avenue at around 9:50 p.m. Friday, 02 September 2016: 15 dead, 69 injured. MindaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas

“All of the accused will be given the opportunity to defend themselves in court,” he said.

He added the RTC in Taguig is determined to come out with a decision this year.

He said the prosecutor handling the case was instructed to hasten the proceedings.

Villena added he is confident evidence against the accused “would sustain a verdict of conviction.”

Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles blesses the memorial marker during the mass to commemorate the September 2, 2016 bombing at the Roxas night market that left 15 dead and 69 others injured. MindaNews photo by ANTONIO L. COLINA IV

“Meaning to say talagang mapapatunayan namin beyond reasonable doubt, kasi maganda yung pagkakapresenta namin sa state witness (We can prove beyond reasonable doubt, the manner we presented the state witness was good),” he said.

He said the survivors and the families of the slain victims are determined to seek justice. All of them testified seeing the accused entering the massage area at the night market to leave a backpack containing the bombing that evening.

Seven of the 15 slain victims were massage therapists.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/09/3-years-after-the-davao-bombing-prosecutor-confident-no-bail-for-suspects/

Honasan: Connecting remote villages to internet will help end insurgency in Bicol

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 1, 2019): Honasan: Connecting remote villages to internet will help end insurgency in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) — With President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s marching order to “connect everybody,” Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Gregorio Honasan stressed that information and communication services are essential to end communist insurgency.

The RTF-ELCAC ‘Katoninongan asin Kauswagan’ discusses its interventions to end insurgency during the 3rd Quarter Meeting with DICT Secretary Gregorio Honasan at RDC Hall, NEDA Region 5, Rawis, Legazpi City, August 19, 2019. (Photo courtesy of LGU of Legazpi)
Honasan, also Cabinet Officer for Regional Development in Bicol, disclosed that there would be an additional 1,000 Mbps to the existing 200Mbps connectivity in the region.

This is to provide a cheaper, if not free, and more secure internet connection in Bicol by the end of 2019, he said.

Honasan added that DICT has a program to provide internet connection up to the far-flung villages to ensure that they are also informed of the government’s programs and services.

Through this, people in far areas can also raise their issues and concerns while the government can take actions and respond to them, he said.

“We will connect in every far-flung village, even if there are no voters in that area and even if there’s only one person in that place,” Honasan said.

He added that they might use broadband, fiber optic or any other means they can possibly use specifically for the far-flung areas to secure internet connection.

During the third full council meeting of the Regional task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) known as Task Force Katoninongan Asin Kauswagan, Secretary Honasan emphasized the accuracy of data in communications to address the real issue on communist insurgency.

He said one solution to the armed conflict is to take concrete actions based on the accurate data or information disseminated.

Honasan lauded the Bicol region for advancing the implementation of Executive Order (EO) 70 which institutionalizes the “Whole of Nation Approach” in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace.

“Bicol is very advance in implementing EO 70 and such experience would be made a prototype for the nationwide implementation,” he stated.

Military has reported that 277 villages in Bicol arepoverty-stricken areas and infiltrated by communist rebel groups.

“Let us unite to end insurgency. local government units should be the frontline in providing their constituents’ needs to end insurgency. Likewise, we should also support our local governments,” Honasan said. (PIA-5)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026612

PNP to hold mural painting contest in Catanduanes

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 1, 2019): PNP to hold mural painting contest in Catanduanes



VIRAC, Catanduanes (PIA) - As part of its intensifying campaign to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), the Catanduanes 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of the PNP Catanduanes Police Provincial Office will conduct mural painting contest on Tuesday, September 3.

During the "PIA Kapihan sa PBS Radyo Pilipinas" aired Friday, Police Corporal Joy Salodao, Patrolman Jannice B. Bandola, and Patrolman Grace Competente announced that the activity is open to 11 local government units of the province, Philippine Army, SK Provincial Federation and members of the Task Force.

The event will take place at Camp Francisco Camacho, San Isidro Village, Virac Catanduanes, from 6 am to 5 pm.

According to Bandola, the activity is also part of their campaign against terrorism and violent extremism of CPP-NPA-NDF recruitment and their unlawful deeds and other lawless elements.

The theme for this years contest is: "Kabataan Sagipin sa Mapanlinlang na Idolohiya ng mga Mapang-Abusong Teroristang CPP-NPA-NDF.”

To secure details, contact Pat Jannice B. Bandola, Police Community Affairs Development PNCO of Cat 1st PMFC thru mobile phone 09467453904. (PIA-5/Catanduanes)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026701

PLEDS task group refer non-military cases to concerned agencies

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 2, 2019): PLEDS task group refer non-military cases to concerned agencies

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To strengthen the campaign against insurgency in Northern Mindanao, a task group of the Regional Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) X has referred non-military cases to the concerned RTF-ELCAC clusters for appropriate action.

Brigadier General Edgardo de Leon, commander of the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade and co-chairperson of the Peace, Law Enforcement, and Development Support (PLEDS) task group, says PLEDS is tasked to determine non-military dimensions of communist insurgency which can be referred to the concerned clusters of the Regional Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) X for appropriate action. (ZRD/PIA Cagayan de Oro)

Brigadier General Edgardo de Leon, commander of the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade, said the Peace, Law Enforcement, and Development Support (PLEDS) task group is tasked to determine non-military dimensions of communist insurgency which can be referred to other member agencies of the NTF-ELCAC.

De Leon, who is also the co-chairperson of the PLEDS task group, said member-agencies of the 12 clusters of the RTF-ELCAC are not yet fully aware on the non-military aspects to address insurgency such as socio-economic dimension.

“Kung makikita namin na may kakulangan sa farm-to-market road sa isang lokalidad irerefer namin yun sa task group on infrastructure development, kung meron din kaming nakita na isang komunidad na nangangailangan ng livelihood program, irerefer naming sa task group on livelihood na pinangungunahan naman ng TESDA,” he added.

De Leon said the referral of cases got a positive response from the other clusters during the RTF-ELCAC X Technical Working Group meeting on Friday, August 31.

“Nagkaroon ng enlightenment. Noong nag refer kami ng mga problemang nakuha namin sa mga komunidad, naintindihan nila na totoo palang mayroon silang magagawa para masolusyonan yung mga problema sa lipunan,” he further said.

One of the cases referred by the PLEDS was the conduct of information drive on rebel recruitment in schools. 



In response, the Strategic Communications cluster conducted a Talakayan where two former rebels were invited to share their personal experiences on youth recruitment in Northern Mindanao using legal front organizations. (APB/PIA-10)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026746

DavOr hinterland village denounces NPA presence

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 1, 2019): DavOr hinterland village denounces NPA presence



Aerial shot of Sitio Calinawan, Manay, Davao Oriental (Contibuted Photo from Davao Oriental PIO)

The once-tagged as “factory of landmines” village in Manay, Davao Oriental has declared “alsa masa” or mass revolt against communist insurgents who once reigned in their village for decades.

In an interview on Sunday, Karen Lou Deloso, Davao Oriental Provincial Information Officer, said Calinawan, Manay, Davao Oriental is among the country’s geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAS), and in the last decades, the New People’s Army (NPA) has made the community a nerve center and training ground.

“The absence of government projects and programs owing to its considerable distance from the town’s economic center is among the reasons the insurgents had taken complete control of the community and their neighboring villages in the towns of Manay and Lupon,” Deloso told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Sitio Calinawan in Barangay Taocanga -- the farthest sitio in the municipality of Manay -- used to be a stronghold of NPA rebels due to its strategic location which shares boundaries with the municipalities of Lupon in Davao Oriental and the municipalities of Maragusan and New Bataan in Compostela Valley Province.

Ending NPA reign

The two-day immersion activity conducted by the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) on August 28-29, Deloso said, made the residents boldly burn down a flag bearing the emblem of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army- National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Aboard a military helicopter, heads and representatives of national agencies and provincial departments arrived in batches on the small, isolated sub-village which is home to about 50 households that mostly live from farming corn and abaca.

The residents say they are emboldened by what they saw as a genuine expression of the government in forging true peace as national government agencies and provincial government departments went out of their way, risking their own safety just to reach them and talk to them.

Residents were given the opportunity to voice out their community’s shared concerns as they listed proposed solutions to these gaps through the Multi-sectoral Inclusive and Participatory Barangay Development Workshop and Dialogue.

“It is sending their strong message on their unified support to the government and their rallying cry for peace in their small Mandaya community,” she said.

Reaching out

Lt. Col. Louie Dema-ala, 67th Infantry Battalion commander, underscored the importance of the government’s effort to reach out to this critical area which the NPA rebels have been attempting to recover.

“It’s really crucial for us to make the community feel the government’s presence here. It’s high-time that we begin to reintroduce the government to them,” he said.

In efforts to win over the people in favor of the government, the members of the PTF-ELCAC started to lay the groundwork ranging from immediate to long-term interventions to address their myriad of concerns.

Moreover, as the community has also appealed for the retention of military presence in the area, 701st Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Manuel Sequtin, vowed that government forces will continue to secure the area.

“We will not leave until it is cleared. We will continue sending services at the same time government forces to secure the people and for the government to smoothly implement their interventions in the area,” he said.

For his part, Governor Nelson Dayanghirang stressed the provincial government’s commitment to fast-track the implementation of all interventions intended for the said village.

Though funding for projects can be a constraint for the province, he assured that “with the national government backing up the programs, the community’s needs will be addressed the soonest time possible”.

In turn, he urged the residents to help the government foster peace.

“The government is always ready to serve the people no matter how far they are. I only ask that you support our government because we have only one government in our country -- the Government of the Philippines,” Governor Dayanghirang said.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079229

Army intensifies school visits in Bukidnon vs. NPA recruitment

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 1, 2019): Army intensifies school visits in Bukidnon vs. NPA recruitment

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Army's 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) said it has intensified school visits in Bukidnon to counter the alleged recruitment activities of the New People's Army (NPA).

In a statement released by the 8IB Friday, the school visits aim to prevent the youth from being recruited by the communist insurgents and their left-leaning legal fronts.

Last week, 8IB said government troops interacted with Senior High School students of Bangcud National High School and Malaybalay City National High School.

The information drive includes discussions on government programs offered to NPA combatants who decided to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law.

The military claims that schools have been used by the communist rebel movement as recruitment centers by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the NPA, through its legal fronts.

“The Philippine Army is serious in our fight against the CPP-NPA terrorist group and its left-leaning organizations. We do not want our children to waste their lives being one of the victims of the terrorist group. We will do everything we can to prevent them from being deceived by the group," said Lt. Colonel Ronald Illana, 8IB commander.

"The Philippine Army will continue its efforts to aware the community of the deceptions of the CPP-NPA and its left-leaning organizations to force them join in their ill-willed intentions and destroy lives of the innocent," Illana added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079215

5 rebels killed, 3 soldiers injured in Negros clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 1, 2019): 5 rebels killed, 3 soldiers injured in Negros clash



RECOVERED. Some of the items seized by troops of the Philippine Army's 79th Infantry following their encounter with New People's Army rebels in Barangay Paitan, Escalante City, Negros Occidental on Saturday (Aug. 31, 2019). (Photo courtesy of 303rd Infantry Brigade, PA)

Five communist rebels were killed while three troopers of the Philippine Army were slightly wounded in a clash at Barangay Paitan in Escalante City, Negros Occidental on Saturday morning.

In a report, the 303rd Infantry Brigade identified the injured soldiers as Corporals Homer Aniversario, Ronald Tuhao, and Jerald Caluyo, who were hit by splinters of anti-personnel (AP) mine detonated by the New People’s Army (NPA) at the encounter site in Sitio Morino.

The three, who were treated in a hospital, were among the troops of 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) who engaged in a 45-minute gunfight with about 30 rebels around 6:45 a.m., following reports of NPA presence in the area.

The troops were not able to recover the bodies of the rebel casualties, but saw enemies dragging them away as also witnessed by local residents.

They also found heavy bloodstains in the area occupied by the NPA and in their route of withdrawal.

Lt. Col. Emelito Thaddeus Logan, commanding officer of 79IB based in the neighboring Sagay City, said he deployed a platoon size of troops to respond to the security concerns of Paitan village, which led to the encounter.

He noted that the communist rebels have apparently set up a lair in the area.

Reinforcements arrived for pursuit operations, along with two helicopters of the Philippine Air Force, Logan said.

Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of 303IBde stationed in Murcia, Negros Occidental, encouraged residents to report information about NPA activities to them.

“The Army will continue its offensive against the terrorist NPA,” he added.

During the clearing operation, the troops recovered an AP mine, a 20-meter detonating wire, a five-meter utility rope, a backpack, two G-Shock watches, subversive pamphlets, documents and lecture materials, a hammock, a cap, eating utensils and toiletries, among others.

The encounter caused evacuation of 329 residents of Sitios Morino, Mansano, and Kagayon, who temporarily stayed at Paitan Elementary School as of Saturday night.

The displaced families were provided food and medical assistance by the Quick Reaction Team formed by the 79IB together with concerned offices of Escalante City.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079232

Support pours for red-tagged CDO journos

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 1, 2019): Support pours for red-tagged CDO journos



CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Statements of support for two local journalists, who are victims of red-tagging anew, continue to pour Friday evening, this time coming from various public officials.

The expressions of support came after Froilan Gallardo and Leonardo Vicente Corrales were branded as members of the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Gallardo and Corrales said they have both been victims of red-tagging in the past, and have fervently denied they are in any way NPA supporters or members.

Gallardo is a seasoned reporter and photojournalist who writes for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Mindanews, and BenarNews, a foreign media outfit.

Corrales is currently the associate editor of the Mindanao Gold Star Daily. He is also a member of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club’s board of directors.

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of this city's 2nd District said “journalists are merely doing their job to report both sides of the issues” and that red-tagging “serves no purpose except to destroy their reputations without proof and unnecessarily hinders their work.”

Undersecretary Joel Egco of the Presidential Communications and Operations Office (PCOO) said he was “concerned” about the red-tagging of local journalists.

Egco, who also heads the Presidential Task Force on Media Safety (PTFOMS), said his office has, in fact, acted on reports of some reporters being targeted just recently, especially reporters Kath Cortez of Davao Today and Pamela Jay Orias of SunStar Cagayan de Oro.

Cortez and Orias are officers of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, one of the groups being accused of having ties to the NPA.

“We cater to thousands of media workers in the country and we have acted on each and every situation where our assistance was needed, be that in incidents of threats, harassment, harm or even actual killing,” Egco said.

He said PTFOMS will “act with dispatch on each distress call, actual or even imagined,” adding that “we are just a phone call away.”

Philippine Information Agency-10 Director Erlinda Olivia Tiu said the red-tagging of Gallardo and Corrales saddens her "as I am fully aware that they are legitimate members of the media and are helping promote government programs and advocacies.”

The Philippine Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade commander, Brig. General Edgardo de Leon, said he personally knows Gallardo and Corrales.

“They are professional journalists,” De Leon said, “To me, Froi and Cong are not simply friends, but close personal friends whom I consider as brothers. I vouch for them that they are not Reds and do not deserve to be red-tagged."

He added: “Whoever is doing this has the malicious intent to sow divided and break our friendly relationship. I suspect that this is the handiwork of the Reds,” a reference to the NPA.

Police regional spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mardy Hortillosa said he supports those who are being red-tagged, “especially those [who] morally have no involvement in any activity of the CTG, but condemns those who support in any way to the CTG. The office will again repeatedly deny any involvement to the said red-tagging.”

State forces and law enforcers refer to NPA rebels as CTG or communist terrorist group.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079219

2 ex-NPAs bare rebel recruitment drive in CDO schools

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 1, 2019): 2 ex-NPAs bare rebel recruitment drive in CDO schools



REBEL RECRUITMENT. Two former female members of the communist New People's Army bare the extent of rebel recruitment in schools in Northern Mindanao during Friday's "Talakayan sa PIA" in Cagayan de Oro City. (Photo courtesy of PIA-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Two persons wearing bonnet masks have claimed they were tasked to recruit students to join the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) when they were with the communist rebel movement.

During Friday's "Talakayan sa PIA", a regular media event of the Philippine Information Agency-Region 10 here, Lalaine (not her real name) said one of her roles was to become a recruiter for the New People's Army (NPA) in the youth sector.

Lalaine narrated how she was recruited by the NPA and how she recruited young students in the colleges and universities in Cagayan de Oro City.

Lalaine, who is now 33, claimed that they were able to get inside different schools by borrowing the uniforms from other members of the rebel group and using fake identification cards.

The rebel group, she added, commonly recruits members from various left-leaning student organizations such as the League of Filipino Students, Student Christian Movement of the Philippines, College Editor Guild of the Philippines, Anakbayan, and Kabataan Partylist.

Meanwhile, Lalaine's colleague, Dina (not her real name), claimed that she used to be under the NPA's "white cluster", working as support staff for various non-government organizations affiliated with the CPP funded by foreign countries to support rebel causes.

Brigadier General Edgardo de Leon, commander of the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade, said the extent of the rebel group's recruitment of youths has brought shock to him and other military officials.

De Leon said they are looking at holding sustained information drive in schools with known NPA recruitment activities.

He said the Army has the capability to counter the NPA's recruitment campaign as it has an active information and education program against rebel recruitment in rural communities.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079216

Retired general Melegrito appointed BuCor deputy director

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 1, 2019): Retired general Melegrito appointed BuCor deputy director



Retired Lt. Gen. Milfredo Melegrito

President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed retired Lt. Gen. Milfredo Melegrito as deputy director of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

According to a list of appointments from Malacañang, Duterte appointed Melegrito on Aug. 27, days before his official visit to Beijing, China.

Melegrito’s appointment comes amid controversy hounding the BuCor on the release of ex-convicts under the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) law or Republic Act 10592.

The law provides new guidelines on how to compute good conduct time, including a 20-day deduction for each month of good behavior during the first two years of imprisonment.

However, inmates charged and convicted of heinous crimes, as well as those recidivists, habitual delinquents, and escapees, are excluded from the coverage of the law.

On Friday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) bared that it will place on hold the release of a foreign ex-convict under the GCTA law while issues on the matter are being resolved.

The Bureau of Immigration earlier said the four Chinese drug convicts who were reportedly released by the BuCor are now in their custody and facing deportation.

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go said Duterte also wanted BuCor to explain why nearly 2,000 inmates convicted for heinous crimes were freed despite not being eligible under the GCTA law.

Meanwhile, Senate President Vicente Sotto III called or a revamp of the BuCor and the resignation of BuCor chief Nicanor Faeldon.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079245