Thursday, September 5, 2019

Residents declare mass revolt against insurgency in DavOr brgy

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 5, 2019): Residents declare mass revolt against insurgency in DavOr brgy

SITIO CALINAWAN, Manay, Davao Oriental – Residents of a hinterland sub-village called Calinawan (which means a land of peace) and once tagged by government troops as “factory of landmines” are now closing ranks to declare “Alsa Masa” or mass revolt against the Communist insurgents who once reigned their hinterland village for decades.

Sitio Calinawan is among the country’s Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas that belongs to the municipality of Manay, a second-class town in the province of Davao Oriental.

For decades, the communist rebels made the community a nerve center and a training ground of the New People’s Army. 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.

Seven years ago, the military said they had successfully destroyed the rebel’s “factory of landmines” in Calinawan. Only last year that the military decided to put up a permanent company-sized camp in Calinawan to effectively shoo away the rebels from entering again the village. Sitio Calinawan in Barangay Taocanga – the farthest sitio in the municipality of Manay, was 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.


Residents of Sitio Calinawan burning down a flag bearing the emblem of the CPP-NPA-NDF. (photo by Eden Licayan)

However, following the recent immersion activity conducted by the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), residents of this remote sitio boldly burned down a flag bearing the emblem of the CPP-NPA-NDF, sending their strong message on their unified support to the government and their rallying cry for peace in their small Mandaya community.

“This means a lot to us since our peace will no longer be disrupted by violence and the people can now focus more on their livelihoods,” said Former Barangay Councilor Lolito Magbugtong as he recalled the plight of the people in the village who, out of fear, were once forced to abandon their fields and livestock just to attend assemblies called by the armed rebels.

“We will no longer give them support. We are not afraid anymore because we know that the government is behind us,” he added. Sitio Calinawan paints a picture of a true depressed and marginalized area without access to a decent road or electricity. 67th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Louie Dema-ala 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. 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 off 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.

During the two-day immersion activity, residents were given the opportunity to voice out their community’s shared concerns as they listed proposed solutions to these gaps through a Multi-sectoral Inclusive and Participatory Barangay Development Workshop and Dialogue.

The recently held workshop and dialogue, which is the first phase of the province’s implementation of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order 70 and the Governor Nelson Dayanghirang’s Executive Order 13 – widely known as the Whole-of-Nation Approach to Attain Sustainable Peace and End Insurgency, aims to address the root causes of armed conflict which primarily points at poverty and the absence of the government’s presence. Apparently, the major concern that the residents have listed down was the lack of accessibility.

A hinterland village perched on a mountain surrounded by forests and mountain ranges and without access to a decent road, Sitio Calinawan is virtually cut-off from the rest of the nearby communities.

In order for residents to get to the capital City of Mati, they need to traverse Sitio Bislong in Lupon town and pay P1,500 motorcycle fare – a hefty sum for farmers who only earn meager income out of their farm produce. On the other hand, traversing the alternative route via Barangay Taocanga in Manay would take a day-long hike for the villagers just to get to the village proper.

“It’s really hard for us. The amount of money and labor we spent in growing our crops do not suffice what we earn from our produce since traders often buy our produce at a very cheap price,” said one resident, adding that most farmers here are heavily indebted to traders since they are left with no choice but to borrow money from them in order to sustain their family before the harvest season.

Apart from the road access, other concerns that emerged were the absence of health services, lack of teachers and classrooms, residents’ non-inclusion to the government’s social welfare program for the poor or 4Ps, lack of livelihood opportunities, lack of organized associations, absence of farm machineries such as corn sheller and abaca shredder, and farm inputs, among many others.

Bridging the Gap In the effort 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.

For the road, the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Provincial Engineer’s Office are set to deploy heavy equipment to pave the 4-kilometer road from Sitio Bislong to Sitio Calinawan, thus, providing a temporary respite to residents while waiting for bigger and long-term projects. Other interventions that the Task Force promised to deliver are trainings for abaca propagation, disease-control and nursery, livestock and fishery interventions, housing, skills training, high-value crop production, deployment of a Barangay Health Worker, organizing of barangay association, and many more.

On the other hand, the idea for exploring small-scale mining through application of Minahan ng Bayan (People’s Mines) has been taken into account considering that Sitio Calinawan has enormous reserves of precious metals such as gold. Residents say that they are open to the idea wherein the community can benefit and not the illegal mining operators.

Moreover, as the community has also appealed for the retention of the military presence in the area, 701st Brigade Commander Brigadier General Manuel Sequtin vowed that the 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.

However, more than addressing the people’s plight on poverty, the race for peace does not end with the mere provision of services. “This is not just giving of services. Talking to the people and them talking to us reestablishes that relationship. Poverty is not the only enemy. Insurgency is also the enemy which roots upon trust,” said PTF-ELCAC Vice Chairman Ednar Dayanghirang, who underscored the importance of eliminating the breeding ground of the NPA insurgents and promoting the resilience of the community against Communist ideologies.

For his part, Governor Dayanghirang stressed the Provincial Government’s commitment to fast-track the implementation of all interventions. Though funding for projects can be a constraint for the province, he assures 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. (PR-LGU DavOr/Karen Lou Deloso/Photo by Eden Jhan Licayan)

Military denies red-tagging CDO journalists

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 5, 2019): Military denies red-tagging CDO journalists

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The 4th Infantry Division (4ID) of Philippine Army denied involvement in red-tagging of Cagayan de Oro-based journalists.

"Red tagging is not part of our policy and campaign. We have nothing to gain from it. This is a cheap propaganda to create a divide between us," said Major General Franco Nemesio M. Gacal, 4ID commander, during a dialogue between 4ID and the
Cagayan de Oro chapter of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), Wednesday, September. 4.


Gacal also gave assurance that the military is not against media who are interviewing commanders of the New People’s Army (NPA).



Major General Franco Nemesio M. Gacal, 4ID commander, gives assurance that the military is not involved in the recent red tagging of CDO-based journalists. (ZRD/PIA Cagayan de Oro)

"We are not taking it against you. Through your articles, their statement na sinusulat niyo, nababasa namin ang intention ng kalaban (their statement that you are writing, we are able to determine the intention of the enemy). That is advantageous sa amin(to us) so why should we prevent you from talking to those NPA to get their side? It is like opening them in public, without your reports and articles mahihirapan din kaming e-assess ang kabilang side (we will find it hard to assess their side)," he added.

To resolve the issue, Gacal urges members of the NUJP to share information with the security forces.

We need to cooperate, share information so we can connect the dots to identify who is behind the red-tagging. Let us show them that we are not afraid of their tactics, he further said.

Meanwhile, Pamela Jay Orias, chairperson of NUJP Cagayan de Oro Chapter, expressed appreciation to the 4ID for reaching out to them. “Thanks to the military for clarifying things. This dialogue gave us assurance on what we should do,” she said.

Major Michelle Olaivar of the Police Regional Office 10, on the other hand, said the red-tagging incidents are still under investigation and they looking for more evidences to identify who is behind these incidents. (APB/PIA10)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026935

First-ever culture, peace colloquium to be staged at CDO

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 5, 2019): First-ever culture, peace colloquium to be staged at CDO

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is set to hold the first-ever Culture and Peace Colloquium with the theme, "Kultura at Kapayapaan Tungo sa Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay," September 9 at the Ricardo E. Rotoras Memorial Hall (Gymnasium), University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), here.

In partnership with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-10, Regional Development Council (RDC)-10, Office of the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) Region X, USTP, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-10, the activity will highlight the critical role of culture and peace in socio-economic development.


About 500 participants are expected from RDC-X members and accredited private sector organizations, members of the Regional Peace and Order (RPOC)-X, academe, particularly cultural studies students and instructors of higher education institutions, local civil society, particularly those from the culture and arts groups, media, and peace advocates.

The colloquium aims to promote culture, peace and conflict sensitivity in the development processes to positively impact inclusive and sustainable development in Northern Mindanao as well as to promote cultural awareness and strengthen linkages between and among the various stakeholders in the region through cultural education and peace advocacy. (PIA10)

Bukidnon students urge NPA to return to the fold of law

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 5, 2019): Bukidnon students urge NPA to return to the fold of law

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First-year students of the Bukidnon State University (BukSU) have written open letters urging communist rebels to surrender and return to mainstream society.

Cpt. Ryan Layug, spokesperson of the 403rdInfantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, said most of the letters are appealing to the
New People’s Army (NPA) to return to the fold of the law and grab the opportunity to live peacefully with their families and loved ones.


“BukSU invited me to talk about national security during the National Training Service Program Symposium. I shared to the students how the NPA are recruiting the youth. At the end of the forum, I asked them what will they say to communist rebels if they were given a chance to communicate to them,” he said

Layug said he was overwhelmed to read all the letters as he was not expecting many students to write.

“I was happy to see that the students, themselves, want the local communist armed conflict to end,” he added.

One of the letters said it is not yet too late to surrender.

“It is not yet over. You still have a time to be reborn. You are given a chance to change by the government so please take the opportunity.”

The 403rd Infantry Brigade plans to read all the letters in radio programs in Bukidnon so that the messages will reach the communist rebels and their families. (APB/PIA10)

Comelec brings voter registration to PMA cadets, soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2019): Comelec brings voter registration to PMA cadets, soldiers



OFFSITE REGISTRATION. Cadets and soldiers at the Philippine Military Academy take advantage of the off-site registration on Thursday of the Comelec in the academy. The off-site registration is to bring the Comelec closer to its partners. It is also held in the villages to ensure that eligible voters are able to register and vote during the election. (PNA photo by Liza T. Agoot)
FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) brought on Thursday its off-site voter registration to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) here to accommodate the cadets and soldiers of the top military school.

"First we went to the BCPO [Baguio City Police Office] to register our policemen, now we are here in PMA to give service to our partners from the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] through the PMA,” said lawyer John Paul Martin, Baguio city election officer.

“We are inviting all employees of PMA, the officials, cadets to come and register as a voter,” Martin said who also urged residents in nearby communities to avail of ongoing registration and avoid the inconvenience of queuing.

He said for the whole month of September, the last month of registration for the 2020 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) election, they have several on-site registrations to include more people to be voters.

“We try as inclusive as possible by going out and encouraging all organizations, all groups- the students, officers, cadets to join in the process, making themselves count in the democratic process,” Martin said.

For August alone, more than 4,000 voters have been registered.

However, this is not expected to increase the number of voters because, in Baguio alone, there have been around 30,000 voters who were delisted for failure to cast their votes in the last two elections.

“From 164,000, our list was trimmed to 130,000,” Martin said.

Those who prefer to proceed to the Comelec office can do so from Monday to Saturday starting at 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Comelec official said.

Registrants must bring with them an identification document like birth, baptismal or marriage certificate and valid ID, if possible.

PMA information officer Maj. Reynan Afan said the academy has about 2,000 personnel, including the cadets.

He said they always have the cadets register as voters in Baguio considering that they will stay in the academy for four years.

To date, there are 1,100 cadets in the PMA.

“We also want to pursue the interest of PMA, we would like to have a greater voice in the governance of the local government and national government through our right of suffrage,” Afan said.

First-time voter

Seaman 2nd Class Han Jerrick Javier, 25, who was among the more 2,000 expected to register at the PMA off-site registration, said he looks forward to casting his vote for the first time.

“Ngayon pa lang ako nagparehistro at sana maka-boto rin (This is my first time to register as a voter and hopefully to cast my vote during an election),” he said.

The native of Cavite, who entered the Phillippine Navy at age 21, was never enticed to register because of the difficult and tedious process. But the off-site registration will afford him the chance to exercise his right to suffrage.

Javier said he decided to avail of the off-site registration for a change.

“For a change, para mapabilang din ang boto ko sayang naman (so that my vote will be counted),” he said.

Aside from registering voters, the Comelec is also simultaneously doing an information campaign and lectures to encourage the public to participate in the elections.

The lectures also include the Comelec's anti-vote-buying drive.

“We need to let the people know that we are serious in conducting an election. It will generate awareness in them that they need to register and be able to choose the right leader. For them to know the importance of choosing the right leader and receive the best service from the government,” Martin said.

"This is just a small step to achieve a greater goal to inform one person who will inform the others, his peers, the community and achieve the goal of having educated voters,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079656

New Leyte road seen to help curb insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2019): New Leyte road seen to help curb insurgency



NEW ROAD. The newly-opened section of Mahaplag-Hilongos Road in the southern part of Leyte province. The ongoing construction of the road project that connects the towns of Mahaplag and Hilongos is seen as a big boost in the government’s drive against New People’s Army, Baybay City Mayor Jose Carlos Cari said on Thursday (September 5, 2019). (Photo courtesy of Emmanuel Saligue)

BAYBAY CITY, Leyte -- The ongoing construction of a road project that connects the towns of Mahaplag and Hilongos is seen as a big boost in the government’s drive against New People’s Army (NPA).

Baybay City Mayor Jose Carlos Cari, the proponent of the project during his stint as Leyte 5th district representative from 2010 to 2019, said in an interview Thursday the road, once completed, will drive away all NPA fighters in Leyte.

The Philippine Army confirmed that the remaining 15 armed rebels in Leyte have been hiding in the mountain areas between Mahaplag and Hilongos towns.


“The road will not just be providing better accessibility, but it will also help our Philippine Army completely address the insurgency problem since villages covered by the road project are critical areas,” Cari said in an interview.

The ongoing road project traverse upland communities of Mahaplag, Hindang, and Hilongos towns. Construction started in 2017 under the central government’s "Build, Build, Build" program and is up for completion in 2022.

Once fully completed, the 48.22-kilometer road, stretching from San Isidro village in Mahaplag town to San Roque in Hilongos town, will serve as an alternate route from Tacloban City to Hilongos town and Maasin City in Southern Leyte.

It is expected to reduce travel time from three hours and 22 minutes to just two hours and 50 minutes, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The DPWH regional offices reported that about PHP400 million have been released for the project from 2017 to 2018. For this year, the DPWH has included in its regular funds the PHP300-million requirement for the new road.

Among the project’s recipients are residents of San Antonio village in Hilongos town where a village chief was brutally killed by NPA members two weeks ago. They accused the village chief as “an active member of the Barangay (village) Intelligence Network" and an organized military asset.

“Hopefully, once this is completed, these villages will no longer be called as critical areas,” Cari added.

According to the military, there are only 15 remaining NPA fighters who have been hiding in the upland areas of the 5th district of Leyte following intensified combat operations in central Leyte and northwestern side of the island.

The NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, 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/1079650

33K applicants take PMA entrance exam

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2019): 33K applicants take PMA entrance exam



MILITARY'S CREME DE LA CREME. More young people are desiring to join the Armed Forces of the Philippines as cadets of the Philippine Military Academy. Proof of this is the record-breaking number of 33,000 examinees who took the annual entrance examination on August 25, 2019 at the 41 examination centers nationwide. (File photo by Liza T. Agoot)

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City-- The number of examinees who took the annual entrance examination of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on August 25 has breached the 2018 record, reaching 33,000, an officer said on Thursday.

PMA information officer, Maj. Reynan Afan thanked the public's continuous trust in the institution as the number of examinees has surpassed that of last year's 28,000.

“We attribute not just to the people’s trust in the PMA but also their trust to the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines]. We all know that the AFP has a high rate of approval rating. The youth now also have a strong desire to serve the country,” he said.

He said the examinees, aged 17 and those who will turn 22 by June 1, 2020, trooped to the 41 examination centers nationwide.

The AFP is expected to release in the next two to three weeks the top 1,500 passers, Afan said.

The successful applicants will then proceed to the next stage of screening- medical and physical examination at the AFP Medical Center in V. Luna, Quezon City to determine their physical and mental fitness to undergo a four-years rigid military training inside the country’s premier military institution.

From 1,500, the top 400 will be chosen to join PMA Class 2024.

Cadets' benefits

Afan said PMA cadets receive benefits and support from the government from the time they wake up in the morning until they close the lights at night.

“They have regular allowances, they are given different pieces of training and state-of-the-art facilities and the opportunity to have a career in serving the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.

On the day they take their oath as members of the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP), they are already members of the AFP.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079662

Troops seize food supplies of Reds in Lanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2019): Troops seize food supplies of Reds in Lanao

Government forces have seized food supplies of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the hinterlands of Lanao del Sur, military officials said Thursday.

Lt. Col. Rafman Altre, Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion commander, said the food supply, consisting of 160 kilos rice placed in 20-liter containers, was discovered Wednesday in Tagoloan II, Lanao del Sur.

“Reported by a concerned civilian, eight 20-Liter black containers buried and filled with 160 kilograms of rice were discovered and seized by our troops,”
Altre said.

It was the second time the troops have seized food supplies of the NPA rebels in the town of Tagoloan II, Lanao del Sur.


The first was April this year where the troops discovered 21 black containers also filled with rice in Barangay Sigayan, Tagoloan II.

Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the discovery of the food reserves “will make them hungry in the hinterlands.”

Brawner said the command’s focused military operation will be relentless against the NPA rebels in the hinterlands of Lanao del Sur.

“We will not allow these NPAs to sow terror in the hinterland communities,” Brawner said.

“We urged them to surrender and return to mainstream society. The discovery of the food reserves will make them hungry in the hinterlands,” Brawner added.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, Army’s 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, commended the efforts of the troops and the resident who reported the NPA’s food caches.

“We recognized the courageous action of the resident. We are just one text away, your Army is ready to respond and quell all threat groups in our area of responsibility,” Ancan said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079660

Village exec killed in Basilan ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2019): Village exec killed in Basilan ambush

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A village official was killed in an ambush while a former barangay executive was injured in another incident here in the region, a police official said Thursday.

Maj. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, identified the victims as Mario Japal, a councilor in Barangay Maligue, Isabela City, Basilan; and Tuayong Salam Laudin, 68, former barangay chairperson of Suhaile Arabi, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.

Galvez said Japal was killed in an ambush around 6 a.m. Thursday in Barangay Maligue, Isabela City, the capital of Basilan province.


Galvez said investigation showed Japal was driving his motorcycle on his way to report for work in Barangay Cabunbata in the same city when ambushed by an unidentified gunman.

Galvez, meanwhile, said Laudin was shot and wounded around 10:15 a.m. Wednesday in Sitio Kalayaan Island, Barangay Suhaile Arabi, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.

She said Laudin was walking home from his fishpond when repeatedly shot by an unidentified person.

She added that Laudin, who suffered three gunshot wounds, was rushed to the Siocon District Hospital for treatment.

Authorities are still investigating both incidents.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079670

Gov't agencies to provide free services in conflict areas

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2019): Gov't agencies to provide free services in conflict areas



FREE GOV'T SERVICES. The Magdegamo Medical Mission team of the provincial government of Negros Oriental will be providing free dental, medical and other services along with national government agencies during the "Gobyernong Serbisyo Para sa Bayan" Caravan in Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City on Sept. 11, 2019. A total of 16 agencies have initially signified their intent to join the caravan that will benefit villagers in conflict-affected areas. (File photo by Juancho Gallarde)

At least 16 national government agencies (NGAs) will participate in the “Gobyernong Serbisyo Para sa Bayan” caravan next week to deliver their respective basic services to residents of Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

The caravan is part of a two-day activity of the Negros Oriental Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NOTF-ELCAC) with Guihulngan City as the pilot area in the province to be served by the 12-cluster task force.


The first activity is slated on Sept. 10 at the Guihulngan City gymnasium where the “Dagyawan sa Barangay” will be held.

The following day, the NOTF-ELCAC will be in Barangay Trinidad for the "Gobyernong Serbisyo" caravan where the different NGAs are expected to offer their respective services to some 150 beneficiaries, said Jennifer Catan Tilos, Information Center manager of the Philippine Information Agency here, who heads the Strategic Communication Cluster of the NOTF-ELCAC, on Thursday.

Tilos said the number of NGAs could still change as Task Force chair, Governor Roel Degamo, is calling for a meeting on Sept. 9 to finalize which agencies are participating and what services are to be provided.

Initially, the list of NGAs and their services include the Department of Agriculture (livestock, seedlings, farm materials distribution); National Food Authority (selling of NFA rice); Department of Education (dental services/dental van); Department of Health (Libreng Gamot/medical and dental mission/dental van); Department of Labor and Employment (job fair); Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (free haircut, massage, manicure and pedicure, scholarship program); Philippine Statistics Authority (live birth/certificate of no marriage registration); Philippine National Police (medical/dental services, License To Own and Possess Firearm or LTOPF);

Armed Forces of the Philippines (medical and dental services/dental van/free haircut); Philippine Navy (free hair cut/massage/medical and dental services); Social Security System (issuance of SSS number, verification of SSS contributions, filing of funeral death claim, retirement, sickness, disability, maternity leave, employer’s registration, member data change request, salary loan, and loan verification); Land Transportation Office (mobile registration/renewal of license); PhilPost (Postal I.D.); Department of Trade and Industry (Diskwento Caravan); PhilHealth (new member registration); and Provincial Attorney’s Office (legal advice).

Other agencies listed but whose services have yet to be identified are the Philippine Coconut Authority, Department of Agrarian Reform, Land Bank of the Philippines, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

On the same day, Degamo will lead the groundbreaking of the province-funded PHP380-million farm-to-market road linking Barangay Hilaitan to Barangay Trinidad also in Guihulngan.

Trinidad is among the 16 barangays in the province’s seven cities and municipalities that the military has identified as conflict areas being affected by the insurgency problem due to the presence of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels.

The NOTF-ELCAC was created last month in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s Whole of Nation approach in ending armed conflict and attaining peace and sustainable development.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079686

'Military informant', companion shot dead in Dumaguete

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2019): 'Military informant', companion shot dead in Dumaguete

DUMAGUETE CITY – Unidentified suspects shot dead a “military informant” and his companion Wednesday night in Purok Hayahay, Barangay Calindagan here.

A report from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) identified the victims as Lori Ralloma de Jesus, male, of Capitol Area, Barangay Daro; and Mark Anthony Entoria Booc, 39, of Lower Luke Wright, Poblacion 1.
De Jesus was initially identified as an “informant” of the Military Intelligence Group 7 or MIG7
, the NOPPO report said.

Initial police investigation disclosed that at around 9:30 p.m., four unidentified men barged inside the house of Lope Guinsan in Purok Hayahay, Barangay Calindagan, and shot the victims using a cal. 45 pistol.

The two were rushed to a local hospital through the ONE Rescue Unit but were declared dead-on-the scene by Dr. Kenneth T. Coo.

Police recovered two fired cartridges and one fired slug of cal. 45, sachets containing suspected shabu, and drug paraphernalia from the crime scene.

NOPPO spokesperson Police Chief, Master Sgt. Edilberto Euraoba III said Dumaguete police personnel are still determining the motive of the crime and verify the supposed connection of the “MIG7 informant” to the military.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079610

Spanish Navy ship in PH for goodwill visit

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2019): Spanish Navy ship in PH for goodwill visit



GOODWILL VISIT. Members of the Philippine Navy band welcome the arrival of Spanish Navy (Armada Española) ship Mendez Nuñez (F-104) for a goodwill visit at the Pier 15, Manila South Harbor on Thursday (September 5, 2019). This is the first visit of a Spanish Navy ship in the country in over a century since the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War, that marked the end of Spain's colonial rule over the Philippines in 1898. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

The air defense frigate Méndez Núñez (F-104) of the Armada Española (Spanish Navy) arrived in Pier 15 of the Manila South Harbor on Thursday for a goodwill visit to the Philippines.

Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, Philippine Navy (PN) acting public affairs office director, said the Spanish frigate was provided with the customary meeting point procedure off Corregidor Island and was later escorted to its berthing area.

This marks the first time a Spanish Navy warship has sailed off Cavite and Manila after the post-independence period.

The F-104 is an Alvaro de Bazan-class frigate, manned by more than 200 sailors and led by Commander Antonio Gonzalez del Tanago de la Lastra.

The PN delegates, headed by the Navy Chief’s representative Commander Kenneth Lozañes, then accorded the visiting ship and its personnel a welcome ceremony, followed by a port briefing related to security health aboard the Spanish vessel.

Roxas said the Méndez Núñez's commanding officer and his party are scheduled to call on the PN Flag Officer in Command, Vice Adm. Robert A. Empedrad, at the Navy headquarters along Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

This goodwill visit will also involve confidence-building engagements between the PN and Spanish Navy personnel, such as a shipboard tour, reciprocal receptions, and friendly games.

A send-off ceremony with customary Passing Exercise (PASSEX) will cap off the visit. Their interaction with the PN will conclude on September 7 and they will proceed to Baler Bay in Quezon Province for the V Centenary commemoration of the first circumnavigation of the globe by Ferdinand Magellan and Juan Sebastian Elcano and the arrival of Spain to the Philippines.

This goodwill visit aims to develop and enhance the PN’s cooperation with the Spanish Navy geared toward capability development.

It further celebrates the two countries’ deep historical ties and reaffirms diplomatic relations established in September 1947, which opened opportunities for economic, cultural and educational agreements.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079640

Court orders arrest of Joma, wife, 36 others over NPA ‘purging’

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2019): Court orders arrest of Joma, wife, 36 others over NPA ‘purging’



Communist Party of the Philippines founding chair Jose Maria Sison

Exactly five days before the commemoration of the Inopacan massacre in Leyte by surviving families whose loved ones were among the hundreds of victims killed in a mass execution perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA) in the 1980s, a Manila court has ordered the arrest of Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairperson Jose Maria “Joma” Sison and 37 others including rebel group leaders and members.

Presiding Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina, of the Regional Trial Court Branch 32 in Manila, issued the Warrant of Arrest dated August 28, 2019, against Sison with aliases Joma, Armando Guerrero, Armando Liwanag, and his wife Juliet, former National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace negotiator, among others.

Also included in the arrest warrant are those charged with 15 counts of murder in connection with the Inopacan massacre, namely:

Rodolfo Salas alias Ka Bilog -- former CPP chair who was arrested in 1886 and granted an amnesty in 1992 by former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos;
Leo Velasco – NDFP consultant for the peace process;
Jose Luneta -- co-founder of Kabataang Makabayan and former CPP secretary general secretary; passed away in Germany on May 1, 2018;
Geronimo Pasetes;
Prudencio Calubid – NDFP peace consultant;
Luis Jalandoni -- NDFP senior adviser;
Sarmiento Eduardo – NDFP consultant;
Francisco Pascual, Jr.;
Mil Lominion;
Fortunato Felicilda;
Benjamin Beringel;
Quirino Quinawayan;
Fernando Rachel;
Pecario Sonana;
Jesus Solayao;
Lino Salazar;
Alfredo Taladro;
Tito Gabar;
Muco Lubong;
Felix Dumali;
Ciriaca Malimot;
Luzviminda Orillo;
Anselmo Balduhesa;
Alfredo Mabingay;
Bertino Oroza;
Bonifacio Padoc;
Rodrigo Paplona;
Prescillono Beringel;
Anastacio Dorias;
Nick Ruiz;
Sammy Labarda;
Charlie Fortaliza;
Luis Villena;
Rolando Caballera;
Donata Lumbrento; and
Luz Abejo.


The Court’s arrest warrant came following an order issued by Judge Medina on August 22, 2019, after finding probable cause that the “accused committed the offense as charged in the amended information”.

No bail was recommended for the 38 accused.

Based on estimates of former rebels and the victims’ relatives, the Inopacan massacre or mass purging, dubbed by the NPA as “Oplan Venereal Disease”, claimed the lives of about 300 residents in Leyte province.

Families of purging victims, during the 12th commemoration of the massacre on September 2, continue to cry for justice for their loved ones who were summarily executed by communist rebels on the suspicion of their ties with the military.

Charges were filed in 2006 after the skeletal remains of 67 victims were exhumed from shallow graves in Subang Daku village, Inopacan town, Leyte on August 28, 2006.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079704

Alleged BIFF leader nabbed in Cotabato City

From MindaNews (Sep 5, 2019): Alleged BIFF leader nabbed in Cotabato City

An alleged leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters was arrested Wednesday while recuperating at the Cotabato City Hospital for wounds he reportedly suffered during a military operation against the armed group.

The arrest came after a tip from the Naval Intelligence Security Group-Western Mindanao on the whereabouts of
Samad K. Masgal alias Madrox, who is also accused of involvement in illegal drug trade.


Samad Masgal on his hospital bed during his arrest on Wednesday, 4 September 2019. MindaNews photo by FERDINANDH CABRERA
Operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority in Region 12 and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao made the arrest in coordination with the city government and police office of Cotabato, police from Midsayap, North Cotabato and the 602nd Infantry Brigade.

Masgal, whose left arm was amputated, did not resist as the PDEA operatives read in front of him his arrest warrant.

He is tagged as a leader of the BIFF, which had reportedly pledged allegiance to the ISIS.

He was allegedly responsible for the killing of two soldiers and a policeman during a joint anti-drugs operation in August 14, 2016 by the PDEA, PNP, Army and Navy.

Eight soldiers were wounded that day. This was followed by an offensive against the BIFF in Nabalawag, Midsayap, North Cotabato.

The operation resulted in the confiscation of 600,000 pesos worth of illegal drugs and paraphernalia.

Madrox is facing illegal possession of explosives, murder, five counts of attempted murder and drug-related cases.

Madrox, 43, has residences in Nabalawag and Bonggo Island in Parang, Maguindanao where he managed to hide from authorities.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/09/alleged-biff-leader-nabbed-in-cotabato-city/

MILF Chairman: Representatives from Department of Science and Technology (DOST) XII made a courtesy visit at the Office of the Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Posted to the MILF Chairman Official Facebook Page (Sep 4, 2019): BARMM COMPOUND (September 5, 2019): The Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) meets with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister, Ahod "Al Haj Murad" Ebrahim today

The IDB representatives commended the current leadership for its coordination and cooperation all throughout the peace process.

The parties discussed the upcoming decommissioning of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which is scheduled on the 7th of this month.

©️2019MILFchairmanOfficial

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CPP/NPA-Western Samar: 63rd IB commanding officer lying; 5 soldiers dead after NPA counter-offensive

NPA-Western Samar propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 5, 2019): 63rd IB commanding officer lying; 5 soldiers dead after NPA counter-offensive

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY
NPA-WESTERN SAMAR
ARNULFO ORTIZ COMMAND
SEPTEMBER 05, 2019



The commanding officer of the 63rd Infantry Battalion-Philippine Army, Lt. Col. Rizaldo Laurena, is lying when he claims no soldiers were hurt after a successful counter-offensive by the Arnulfo Ortiz Command (AOC or NPA-Western Samar) against the said AFP troops last September 2.

Five soldiers were killed in the first clash between a unit of the AOC and elements of the 63rd IB at Sitio Rizal, Brgy. Bulao, Basey, Samar at around 7:50AM. According to civilian witnesses, the bodies were brought away on two ambulances.

The actual firefight lasted only lasted for four minutes. The Red fighters had already retreated to safe distance but the mercenary soldiers of the AFP continued to indiscriminately fire their machine gun and grenade launcher for more than 15 minutes.

The AOC condems the costly, anti-people, and destructive military operations of the AFP, the funds of which are better off spent for more productive expenses the poor masses can benefit from. The people are the ones spending for these military operations through the regressive taxation of the reactionary government.

Later that day, at around 2PM, Red fighters of the AOC again encountered a column of AFP troops at Sitio Guinpondoan, Brgy. Cogon.

In both military actions, they were able to immediately regroup and safely retreat without suffering any casualty.

The reactionary soldiers are conducting hot pursuit operations against the AOC after the latter’s victorious harassment (“haras-bomba”) against elements of the 46th IB last August 30 at Purok 1, Brgy. Mabini, Basey, Samar. Two AFP troops were killed in the NPA offensive. According to recent reports, of the four soldiers initially reported wounded, only one is left alive.

Meanwhile, a number of families from Sitio Guinpondoan evacuated to the nearby Sitio Rizal for fear that the fascist AFP troops will retaliate against them, recalling their experience during the reign of the butcher Palparan in 2004-2005.

It can be recalled that after the successful NPA ambush in Brgy. Beri, Calbiga last April against a peace and development team (PDT) of 46th IB, the military killed the captain of the said barangay.

Last August 25, armed men in bonnets believed to be soldiers searched through the house of the barangay captain of Sitio Guinpondoan and of one other resident, without carrying a warrant.#

Kalinaw News: Another Militia ng Bayan surrendered to the 75IB

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 5, 2019): Another Militia ng Bayan surrendered to the 75IB




BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur- Camp Jaime N Ferrer Sr, Brgy Maharlika, Bislig City (Stn) – A Member of Militia ng Bayan surrendered voluntarily surrendered to the 75th Infantry (MARAUDER) Battalion, Philippine Army through the joint efforts of Bravo Company and Battalion Intel Operatives under the supervision of LTC JAIME R DATUIN INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer, 75IB on September 2, 2019 at 8 o’ clock in the morning.

The surrenderee was identified as Romy Paquito Dela Serna aka Salvador, a Former Tack-in member of Team Abe, Squad 1, Platoon 1 of Weaken Guerrilla Front 14, North Eastern Mindanao Committee with one (1) calibre .45 pistol and with live ammunition.

In his statement, aka Salvador said that he left the group due to the continuous massive military operations, tired of running away of it, discrimination among the group and feared to be killed with nothing. “Dina na gusto nga muabot pa ang panahon na gumikan sa kasuko sa komindad, ako mapatay sa walay kapuslanan kay ang mga sibilyan wala nay simpatiya sa kalihukan, mao nga ni balik ko sa panggamahan sa gobyerno.”

With this LTC JAIME R DATUIN INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of 75IB said “once again, I am calling the remaining Communist New Peoples’ Army to surrender and grab the opportunity to live a normal life with their family and the benefits from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government for the Former Rebels”, Datuin ended.



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/another-militia-ng-bayan-surrendered-to-the-75ib/

Kalinaw News: NPA’s Food supplies siezed in Lanao del Sur

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 5, 2019): NPA’s Food supplies siezed in Lanao del Sur





CAMP SANG-AN, Pulacan, ZDS – Communist NPA Terrorist’s (CNTs) food supplies were seized by the operating troops of 82nd Infantry Battalion in the hinterlands Tagoloan II, Lanao del Sur, Wednesday, September 4, 2019.

“Reported by a concerned civilian, eight 24-Liter black containers buried and filled with one hundred sixty (160) kilograms of rice were discovered and sized by our troops”, said Ltc Rafman Altre, 82nd Infantry Battalion commander.

It was on April 2019 when the troops of 82IB also discovered twenty one (21) black containers also filled with rice in Brgy Sigayan of the same municipality.

According to Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., 103rd Infantry Brigade commander “Our focused military operation in Lanao del Sur is relentless, and we will not allow these CNTs to sow terror in the hinterland communities”.

“We urged them to surrender and return into the mainstream society. The discovery of the food reserves will made them hungry in the hinterlands”, added Brawner.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, commended the efforts of the troops and the brave resident who reported the CNT’s food caches.

“We recognized the courageous action of the resident. We are just one text away, your Army is ready to respond and quell all threat groups in our area of responsibility”, Ancan said.

Source:  103rd Infantry Brigade Philippine Army
 

Kalinaw News: 29IB, PNP, LGU and Youths converge for peacebuilding forum in AgNor

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 5, 2019): 29IB, PNP, LGU and Youths converge for peacebuilding forum in AgNor





DEL PILAR, Cabadbaran City- Around 280 youths from the three different barangays of Balang-balang, San Antonio and Tagbongabong gathered for a peacebuilding forum with a theme “Youth Unity for a Better Society,” conducted at the municipality of Remedios Trinidad Romualdez (RTR), Agusan del Norte on August 31, 2019.

The forum was participated in by the 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion, 13th Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB), POINTY Young “Matatag”, and the Local Government Unit of RTR.

The forum aimed to acquaint youth leaders with the current situation of peace and security in their area as well as to insulate them from the deceptive tactics of recruitment of the New People’s Army (NPA). A series of team building activities were also conducted which aimed to help the youths to develop and enhance their unity and leadership skills.

Hon. Vicente Cuestas, Barangay Captain of Balang-balang highlighted the importance of the forum to the youths, especially their vital role to play for nation-building towards peace and development.

Meanwhile, Hon. Bernarditha Daquipil, Sangguniang Bayan member of RTR emphasized that the youth is the most vulnerable sector in society that is susceptible to the NPA’s deception, recruitment and exploitation. And it is, therefore, justifiable to focus more on preparing and strengthening the youth, so they may have enough strength to resist the enticing lies of the enemy.

Moreover, Lt. Geoffrey A. Escanlar, Company Commander in the area, called on the youth leaders to spend time in educating themselves, “Rebellion and revolutions won’t stop the insurgency but will just ignite the fire. What you need to focus on is educating yourselves with the right knowledge and information so you won’t easily be caught in the snares of the NPA. Strive to be an advocate of peace and development in your area rather than being a burden to your community,” Escanlar ended.



29th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army
MAJ RONALD C PUTOL (INF) PA
Civil Military Operations Officer
Contact Number: ‎09173065872

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/29ib-pnp-lgu-and-youths-converge-for-peacebuilding-forum-in-agnor/

Philippines: Dozens of Foreign Militants Have Eluded Capture in South

From BenarNews (Sep 4, 2019): Philippines: Dozens of Foreign Militants Have Eluded Capture in South



Excavators tear down buildings and clear debris in the southern Philippine city of Marawi in front of what remains of the city’s Grand Mosque, Sept. 4, 2019.  Froilan Gallardo/BenarNews

Dozens of foreign militants have fanned out in the Philippine south to evade capture, a military commander said Wednesday, as an analyst warned that extremists could mount a large-scale attack reminiscent of the Islamic State siege of Marawi in 2017.

Government forces should watch out for more attacks from foreign extremists who have infiltrated the southern region and are moving to radicalize locals, said Jose Antonio Custodio, a security and defense analyst at the Institute for Policy, Strategy and Development Studies, a Philippine think-tank.

“A non-neutralization of the ISIS foreign militants will allow them to increasingly radicalize local groups and then this may lead to more Marawi-style attacks or suicide bombings,” he told Benar News, using another acronym for Islamic State and referring to a five-month siege carried out in the southern Philippine city by militants linked with IS.

The military commander for Western Mindanao, meanwhile, said troops were searching the region for about 60 suspected foreign militants, including people from Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Morocco and Afghanistan.

“They are scattered in our areas. They don’t have popular support. In due time, using our capabilities, we will neutralize them,” Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said, reiterating an earlier pledge that the foreign fighters would be accounted for by year’s end.

He said the foreigners were believed to be in areas where Philippine militant groups, including the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), were operating.

BIFF, numbering hundreds of fighters, split from the 12,000-member Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2008 and has since pledged allegiance to IS. Earlier this year, MILF assumed the leadership of an autonomous Muslim region in the southern Philippines as part of peace agreement with Manila.

Sobejana said a first batch of MILF fighters who trained under the military had been deployed to certain areas in the south to help government security forces catch the foreign suspects.

“Their role will be important as the role of every member of security forces. They will help us fight terrorism so that peace will be restored,” Sobejana said of the MILF fighters.

Custodio also commented on the new role for the MILF fighters.

“We can only hope that they will be effective. That will depend on the quality of training, the trust on them put by the military, the manner in which they are deployed, the competence of the AFP commanders and the reliability of the initial vetting process,” Custodio said.

Foreigners were among the hundreds of militants who laid siege to Marawi two years ago, but Philippine authorities have increased their vigilance for more militants from abroad infiltrating the south after an Indonesian couple killed 23 people in suicide bombings at a church in southern Jolo island in January, according to officials from both countries.

The two bombers had aligned with Abu Sayyaf fighters under the command of Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, touted as the new IS leader here following the death of Isnilon Hapilon in Marawi, authorities said.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/militant-concerns-09042019124955.html

Malaysia: Two Suspected Abu Sayyaf Members Killed in Shootout

From BenarNews (Sep 4, 2019): Malaysia: Two Suspected Abu Sayyaf Members Killed in Shootout



Hazani Ghazali, chief of the Eastern Sabah Security Command, answers questions during a news conference in Sabah, Malaysia, Sept. 5, 2019.  Handout/Royal Malaysia Police

Malaysian police said security forces gunned down two suspected members of the southern Philippine-based militant group Abu Sayyaf during a shootout at sea off Sabah state, police said Wednesday, days after Indonesia had warned about movements by armed groups in area waters.

Sabah state Police Commissioner Omar Mammah said members of a law-enforcement team, including the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM), were on patrol Tuesday night when they spotted two boats about 10 nautical miles (18.5 km) off Lahad Datu district.

“The team tried to intercept the two boats when the perpetrators fired shots at them,” Omar told BenarNews. He said the officers did not get hit, but returned fire.

Gunmen on one of the boats managed to flee as they entered Philippine territorial waters, he said, adding that the suspects left behind one of the boats, where the law-enforcement team found the body of a man with gunshot wounds.

“As soon as the shooting stopped, we inspected a boat where we found one dead body in it, while another body was found floating nearby,” Omar said. “We believe that the suspects were from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).”

Abu Sayyaf is a ragtag band of militants based in and around Jolo and Basilan islands in the southwestern part of the Philippines. Authorities could not determine the nationalities of the slain men as they did not carry identification documents, Omar said.

Other police officials later told reporters that the duo were between 30 and 40 years old. Security forces seized a vintage Garand rifle with a magazine and two live bullets, authorities said.

Sabah has been under a dusk-to-dawn sea curfew during the past few months as authorities took steps to curtail movements of armed groups involved in kidnap-for-ransom activities.

The alleged shootout took place just days after the state-run news agency Bernama reported that the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia had issued a “letter of notification” to local authorities, warning about the movement of armed groups between the southern Philippines and the east coast of Sabah, one of two Malaysian states on Borneo Island.

Bernama quoted Krishna Djelani, the Indonesian consul-general based in Kota Kinabalu, as saying that the warning was important to ensure that Indonesians, especially those working as fishermen and crew members of ships, took safety precautions.

During the past 19 years, more than 20 kidnapping incidents involving Indonesian victims had taken place, resulting in the deaths of almost 40 people, Krishna told Bernama. She did not elaborate.

“We were initially informed that there was a movement of armed groups from southern Philippines that had to do with kidnapping for ransom,” she said, adding that the notification was aimed at warning about 300,000 Indonesians living in Sabah.

“Any information that we receive, we have to warn the Indonesians there as a precaution lest they become victims (of abduction),” she said.

The killing of the suspects occurred days after Malaysia’s national police chief, Abdul Hamid Bador, told BenarNews in a wide-ranging interview that the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), along with maritime police, had “strengthened their presence in Sabah waters” in an effort to track down kidnap-for-ransom gangs operating along the state’s eastern coast.

“[W]e are focusing on mobility and the ability to block escape routes, to engage with the kidnappers while they are on the run,” Abdul Hamid said. “We have dozens of [coastal] check points. ... At each checkpoint there could be up to 30 security personnel.”

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/malaysian/malaysia-philippines-09042019165524.html

Army lauds LGUs for declaring NPA 'persona non grata'

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 5, 2019): Army lauds LGUs for declaring NPA 'persona non grata' 


MGen Pablo M. Lorenzo, commander of the 5th Infantry Division, urges rebels to surrender and avail of the various government programs during one of the episodes of the Tipon-Tipan sa PIA program hosted by Oliver Baccay. (Photo by PIA-2)

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan -- The commander of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army has lauded the initiatives of the different Local Government Units (LGUs) regionwide that have declared the New People’s Army (NPA) as “persona non-grata”.

Major General Pablo M. Lorenzo said he commended the decision of the local officials in passing resolutions declaring the NPAs as unwanted and unappreciated people in their respective communities.

He, however, clarified that they have no hands in the declarations and the resolutions are purely initiative of the barangay and municipal officials.

“We never dictated nor forced any official to pass a resolution declaring these rebels as persona non grata in their respective localities,” Lorenzo stressed amid accusations of the left groups that the Armed Forces are behind the declarations.

He said the whole of Rizal town, and some barangays of Lasam and Sto. Nino towns in this province have already passed resolutions to this effect as well as some barangays of Cauayan City, Sta Maria, San Mariano and Ilagan City in Isabela province.

“Maybe, these are the results of the inhumane acts done by the rebels in their communities, thus, local officials had find ways to voice out their resistance to insurgencies. This is a clear manifestation that they are longing for peace, security and progress in their locality,” Lorenzo said.

He also said that the NPAs’ 50 years of rebellion and revolutionary battle against the government promoted deception and resulted in the loss of lives and destruction to property.

On the other hand, Lorenzo urged NPA members to return to the fold of the law and to restart living normal lives.

He said there were already 220 rebels who surrendered in the last 2 years.

This year, he added that the benefit claims of at least 74 rebel-returnees under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Localized Integration Program (E-CLIP) are on process through the assistance of various government agencies and LGUs. (ALM/OTB/PIA-2 Cagayan)

AFP: NPAs recruit students from SUCs

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 5, 2019): AFP: NPAs recruit students from SUCs


MGen. Pablo M. Lorenzo, commander of the 5th ID,PA, explains to the media the recruitment tactics of NPAs. (Photo by PIA-2)

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) warned parents and guardians of students to be vigilant as left leaning groups conduct massive recruitment activities particularly in State Universities and Colleges nationwide.

Major General Pablo M. Lorenzo, commander of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, confirmed cases of mass-based groups recruiting students in campuses to join in their revolutionary movement against the government.

Lorenzo said majority of the recruited students were from big and highly reputable public universities and colleges and are mostly enrolled in popular and high standard degree courses while others are writers and contributors of school papers.

“There were those who joined the armed wing of the NPAs but they surrendered after realizing that they were deceived by the rebel group. Some of them continued their studies and they are now helping our government in encouraging the rebels to surrender,” Lorenzo said.

He said the rebel-recruiters belong to the legally organized fronts called “militia ng bayan” who may or may not be directly involved in armed struggle in the jungle but they provide mass-based support to the NPAs.

“They go to the campuses and indoctrinate the youth. When they got the sympathy of the young ones, they will first let them join street rallies until they will be trained to be combatants,” Lorenzo said.

He also confirmed that there were some students from Cagayan Valley who were recruited by the left groups, some have already surrendered whom they give security.

“If they will surrender, we assure them that they will be given a dignified exit from the rebellious society. Aside from the benefits that the government gives them, we also help them pursue their dreams,” Lorenzo said as he urged student rebels to surrender. (ALM/OTB/PIA-Cagayan)

Tagalog PR: Grupo nang isang datu sumuko upang harapin ang kanilang kaso

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 5, 2019): Tagalog PR: Grupo nang isang datu sumuko upang harapin ang kanilang kaso


BAYAN NG TAGO, Surigao del Sur, Setyembre 5 (PIA) -- Matagumpay ang ginawang boluntaryong pagsuko dala ang mga armas ng armadong grupo na pinamumunuan ni Jasmen Acevedo alyas “Datu Jasmen” kasama ang siyam na kasamahan nito na ipinipresenta sa mga media nuong Lunes, Setyembre 2, 2019 sa 36th Infantry Battalion Headquarters, Barangay Dayo-an, Tago.

Ito ay matapos ang ilang serye ng diayalogo sa pamamagitan ng mapayapang negosasyon na ginawa ng mga kinauukulan.

Ang grupo ni Datu Jasmen ay mga lumad na residente ng Barangay Umalag na sakop ng bayan ng San Miguel.

Ayun sa militar, ang mga ito ay dating mga kaanib ng NPA na nagbalik loob na sa gobyerno.

Isinuko ng nasabing grupo ang mga sumunod: isang M16 rifle, isang Carbine rifle, tatlong homemade shotguns at dalawang .45 na calibre ng baril.

Ayon kay Datu Jasmen, kaya sila ay gumamit ng armas ay dahil na rin sa banta ng mg NPA na nais kamkamin ang lupain ng kanilang mga ninuno.

Sinabi ni Datu Jasmen na sila ay mga “Bagani” ng kanilang tribong Manobo sa kanilang lugar, na kumakampi sa ating gobyerno.

Para na rin sa kanilang seguridad, ang grupo nila ay dinala sa headquarters ng 36IB, sa bayan ng San Miguel kasama ng mga lokal na opisyal, mga pulis, sundalo at IP leaders na tumutulong sa negosasyon.

Dito na rin pormal na inihain ang warrant of arrest sa nasabing grupo na binasa at ipinaliwanag sa kanila ni Police Lt. Colonel Allan Macapagal, ang Deputy Provincial Director for Operation (DPDO) ng Police Provincial Office (PPO) ng Surigao del Sur.



Ang mga sumuko ay nahaharap sa kasong “three counts of robbery with homicide” base sa pinalabas na warrant of arrest noong December 5, 2012 ni Presiding Judge Rufo Naragas. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

2 killed, 2 injured in NoCot shootings

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2019): 2 killed, 2 injured in NoCot shootings

COTABATO CITY – The North Cotabato police has stepped up its visibility in Kidapawan City and the 17 municipalities of the province on Thursday following the resurgence of riding-in-tandem gunmen preying on hapless civilian victims in the area.

Col. Maximo Layugan, provincial police director, issued the directive following the separate incidence of shooting carried out by lawless riding-in-tandems in the towns of Kabacan and Pikit on Wednesday.

In Kabacan town, spouses Danny and Jonna Racquel were aboard a motorbike going to the town public market when tailed and fired upon by gunmen onboard a separate motorcycle along Maria Clara Street at the Poblacion around 4:30 a.m.

“Jonna was dead declared on arrival at the hospital while Danny remains under close observation in the same infirmary,” Major Realan Mamon, Kabacan police chief, said in a report to Layugan.

Found at the crime scene were empty shells for a .45-caliber pistol. Police investigators are still digging deeper into the case.

Meanwhile, shortly before midnight on the same day, gunmen onboard a motorbike strafed a house in Barangay Silik, Pikit, killing a farmer-businessman and wounding his son in the process.

Capt. Mautin Pangandigan, Pikit police chief, identified the fatality in the incident as Ampog Tejiro, 55, while the wounded was Padido, his 27-year-old son.

The victims were inside their house when the riding-in-tandem zipped by and strafed them with bullets from an M16 Armalite rifle around 11:45 p.m.

Pangandigan said they are looking into personal grudge as a possible motive behind the incident.

Layugan directed the police offices of Kabacan and Pikit to quickly resolve the twin shooting incidents.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079605

BIFF leader-cum-drug pusher nabbed in Cotabato City hospital

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2019): BIFF leader-cum-drug pusher nabbed in Cotabato City hospital



ARRESTED. Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters sub-commander Samad Masgal while confined at a hospital in Cotabato City following his arrest Wednesday by police and anti-narcotics agents. Masgal is facing charges for multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder, illegal possession of firearms and explosives and illegal drug peddling. (Photo by PDEA-BARMM)

Police and anti-narcotic agents arrested on Wednesday a leader of the Islamic State (IS)–linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), who moonlights as a big-time drug peddler to fund their terror activities.

Juvenal Azurin, director for the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM), said authorities have been hunting
Samad Masgal, a sub-leader of BIFF operating in the borders of North Cotabato and Maguindanao the past three years until they ended up in their search for him at a hospital here.


“The long arm of the law finally caught up with him,” Azurin told reporters hours after PDEA and police read the arrest warrant for Masgal, also known as BIFF commander Madrox.

Masgal, who was facing charges for multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder, illegal possession of firearms and explosives and illegal drug peddling, was seriously injured in a recent clash with another group of armed men in Midsayap, North Cotabato.

He sustained a severe blast injury in his left arm that led to its amputation.

“It’s over for Masgal,” Azurin said, adding that the elusive leader was known as supplier of illegal drugs in Maguindanao and North Cotabato.

Military intelligence officials said Masgal provided funds for the IS-inspired BIFF – the Abu Toraife faction in Central Mindanao - out of his illegal drug trading business.

The PDEA, backed by soldiers and police, tried but failed to arrest Masgal during a law enforcement operation in Nabalawag, Midsayap in August 2014.

Masgal and his men killed two soldiers and a police officer during that operation that also forced the military to launch air and ground assaults.

However, the elusive Masgal managed to escape and allegedly hid in a community on Bongo Island, Parang, Maguindanao under a false identity.

Azurin said PDEA and other security forces received a tip from residents of Barangay Nabalawag that Masgal was confined at a hospital in Cotabato City.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079609

PH Army conducts free cervical cancer screening

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2019): PH Army conducts free cervical cancer screening



Photo from Philippine Army Facebook page

In line with efforts to combat cervical cancer, the Office of the Army Chief Surgeon (OACS) in partnership with the Philippine Army Officers Ladies Club Incorporated (PAOLCI) conducted its first free cervical cancer screening for female military personnel, their dependents, and civilian employees in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Wednesday.

The screening was done by pap smear employed by obstetricians from the OB Department of the Army General Hospital (AGH), PA spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said in statement.

This was conducted by the OACS, headed by Army Chief Surgeon Col. Memerto H. Losa, in partnership with the AGH and the PAOLCI, with its president, Anna Cruz and its adviser, Jessica O.Alberto.

More than 70 women benefited from the program.

“As part of our immeasurable duty as your health service provider in the Philippine Army, we would also like to ensure the health and wellness of our female military personnel, dependents and Civilian Employees, and extend our hands in preventing disease like cervical cancer,” Losa said.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death among Filipino women, with an estimated 7,277 new cases and 3,807 deaths every year.

The DOH recommends that women take the Pap smear every two to three years.

“[This] pap smear [is a good project because] a lot of our women usually take it for granted to take care of their health, mothers and single working women, wala silang (they don't have) time. It’s a good chance for them to take a break from their work and (undergo) check-up,” Cruz said.

This is the first time that the OACS hosted a free cervical cancer screening for its stakeholders.

The office is also set to conduct a free cervical cancer vaccination this September.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079595

Army hosts visiting Sri Lanka Defense Services Command

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2019): Army hosts visiting Sri Lanka Defense Services Command



Photo from Philippine Army Facebook page

The Philippine Army (PA) on Wednesday hosted representatives of the Defense Services Command and Staff College of Sri Lanka, who formally paid a visit to its headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City as part of efforts to boost up military ties between the two nations.

"The activity aims to foster bilateral training and military diplomacy through the exchange of command experiences, knowledge, and strategies of both forces in defeating insurgencies in their respective countries," PA spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said in a statement.

Also, PA chief-of-staff, Major Gen. Jesus B. Sarsagat, spearheaded the forum that tackled Disaster Response Training, Development of Cyber Security Operations, Civil-Military Operations, Counter-terrorism strategies as well as the importance of Army, Navy, and Air Force cooperation in addressing internal and external threats.

Group Captain Varuna Thushara Sampath Sirimanne and the other delegates also emphasized the vital role of the government and its leaders, not just in responding to threats but also in winning populace support, especially during their experience in the Sri Lankan Civil War that ended in 2009.

“The foreign academic travel is an appropriate opportunity for our defense forces to exchange ideas and information and build on our common aspirations and concerns to strengthen and friendship, as individuals, as institutions and as nations. Our transformation journey has taught us to put a premium and expertise that we learn from our allies and counterparts in the defense establishments,” Sarsagat said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079596

NTF ELCAC lauds DepEd sec for defending Salugpungan suspension

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2019): NTF ELCAC lauds DepEd sec for defending Salugpungan suspension



Major General Antonio Parlade Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations

An official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) on Thursday lauded Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones for successfully defending the suspension of 55 Salugpungan Ta’ Tanu Igkanogon (Salugpungan) tribal schools in Southern Mindanao schools during a recent budget hearing at the House of Representatives.

“The whole of government is working effectively in ending this local armed conflict by not succumbing to the pressure of Kamatayan (Makabayan) bloc that is using the power of the purse to reverse the decision of DepEd on the school's suspension,”
Major General Antonio Parlade Jr. told the Philippine News Agency.


By standing by its decision, Parlade said, DepEd is able to help the government stop the exploitation and recruitment of indigenous children into the ranks of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Briones, responding to Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Eufemia Cullamat query on why the 55 schools catering to indigenous peoples (IPs) were closed and what procedures were undertaken by the agency to justify the closure, said the 55 Salugpungan Ta’ Tanu Igkanogon (Salugpungan) schools were “temporarily suspended” due to their failure to comply with the requirements set down DepEd for private schools to be given a permit to operate.

“Rep. Cullamat is an IP and she should know that it’s her fellow IP leaders who are demanding for the closure of their schools, for the reasons cited, among several defects enumerated by DepEd,” Parlade said. “So why is Rep Cullamat insisting on this issue?”

He added that it is because of the millions of euros which they will miss from their foreign donors that not only goes to the training of these child warriors, but also to the other front organizations of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) that seeks to destroy the government.

Parlade, who is also Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, identified the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) and Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Inc (MISFI) as the organizations running these Salugpungan schools, with officials who are spouses of NPA leaders in Mindanao.

“Ibon Foundation, on the other hand, produces their manuals with radical literature and with editors who are spouses of CPP NPA personalities as well,” he said.

He added that it is ironic that Cullamat or any of the Makabayan bloc, especially Kabataan party-list Rep, Sara Elago did not question DepEd on the ongoing recruitment of young children, aged 13-16 in many high schools in Metro Manila and the provinces by communist-front groups.

“CPP records say that as of Sept 2015 they have recruited 8,635 children to Anakbayan and some to Kabataang Makabayan (KM), its underground mass organization, and eventually the NPA. These hypocrites in Congress are invoking UN conventions on the protection of children when in fact their organizations are clearly the one exploiting them,” he said.

The AFP, he said, cannot end this insurgency alone, but with help from civil society and parents to stop recruitment and foreign funding, the NTF ELCAC is confident it can deliver its mandate.

“But first we need each other's help in unmasking these criminals disguised as legal fronts or 'social activists' as Jose Ma Sison lamely defends them,” he added.

He said more than 50 years of deception should be enough to finally wake up everyone and Filipinos have suffered long enough from communist propaganda.

“Watch how they will again ignite our children's idealism by capitalizing on the Sept 21 anniversary of a Martial Law they designed to be declared by bombing Plaza Miranda,” Parlade added.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079633

Esperon vows to pursue perjury raps vs. Red front groups

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2019): Esperon vows to pursue perjury raps vs. Red front groups



National Security Adviser Hermogenes C. Esperon, Jr., (PNA photo by Benjamin Pulta)

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., on Thursday said he is bent on pursuing the perjury complaint he initiated against members of communist-front groups.

"I am going to pursue this case continuously," Esperon told reporters shortly after a hearing at the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office, which is conducting a preliminary investigation into the case.

"Respondents assert that they have not committed perjury because the elements of the crime are not present. Contrary to such assertion, the ultimate facts as narrated in the affidavit complaint substantially established that a crime under the Revised Penal Code has been committed," he added in his reply.

City Prosecutor Nilo Peñaflor has scheduled the next hearing on the case on October 3.

Esperon noted that the offense is committed by persons who knowingly make untruthful statements before a competent person authorized to administer an oath.

In his complaint, Esperon, also concurrent vice-chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), said respondents Cristina Palabay, Sr. Elenita Belardo, Romeo Clamor, Gabriela Krista Dalena, Editha Burgos, Jose Mari Callueng, Wilfredo Ruazol, Elisa Tita P. Lubi, Reylan B. Vergara, Sr. Maria Cupin, Joan May Salvador, and Gertrudes Ranjo-Liang all swore to a notary public that the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) is duly-registered non-stock, non-profit organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

"Contrary to the verification and certification, executed by petitioners, the SEC already revoked the certificate of RMP on August 20, 2003, for its failure to submit the required General Information Sheets and Financial Statements from 1997 to 2002. The revocation took effect on September 23, 2003," Esperon said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079622

Hurricane Dorian has Arrived

Hurricane Dorian has slammed in to my area. So far so good. Still have power. Just a heads up that if you don't see any posts for a couple of days it will most likely be the result of a power outage.

Best regards,
Retired Analyst