Saturday, September 28, 2019

Police present 3 masked rebel surrenderers

From the Manila Times (Sep 29, 2019): Police present 3 masked rebel surrenderers

ILIGAN CITY: The Lumbia Airport Police Station presented on Friday three masked men who were alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) that chose to return to the fold of law. 

Authorities said the masked men from Barangay Tinapolan surrendered to Lumbia Police Station Chief Capt. Dennis Ebsolo. 

Police said the alleged rebels laid down their weapons — a Garand refile, a caliber .45 pistol and ammunition, including three grenades. 

The three ex-rebels said they decided to surrender because they were tired of hiding for eight years, adding their families were deprived of education and had nothing to eat. 

Col. Henry Dampol, City Police director said, the three men would benefit from the government Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. He also urged other NPA rebels to surrender. 

Meanwhile, the Army’s 4th Infantry Division organized its corps of “social media warriors” to wage an information war against communist propaganda.

Laguna declared insurgency-free; fourth to be so in PHL, says AFP

From GMA News (Sep 27, 2019): Laguna declared insurgency-free; fourth to be so in PHL, says AFP

The province of Laguna is now free of communist insurgents, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the provincial capitol have declared.

Laguna became an area with what the AFP called a Stable Internal Peace and Security or SIPS after it recorded no violent activity attributed to the
New People's Army over the past year.

The military said its records showed no atrocities committed by the NPA in Laguna over the past 12 months.

Laguna is the fourth province to be declared insurgency-free after Cavite in 2018; and Romblon and Marinduque in 2019.


Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez and Brigadier Arnulfo Burgos Jr. signed a memorandum of agreement as regards the SIPS for Laguna during a meeting of the province's peace and order council.

Colonel Alex Rillera, commander of the 202nd Infantry Brigade, the declaration "is a testament of Laguna’s peace-loving people’s desire to liberate themselves from the clutches of terrorism and instead harness their economic potentials by ensuring peace in their community.”

Hernandez expressed confidence that business in Laguna will boom after the announcement.

Meanwhile, 12 rebel returnees were awarded P584,000 under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Burgos, in a statement, claimed that the awarding was tangible proof of the government's desire to end local communist armed conflict.

"The quest for an inclusive peace is now on the doorstep of each Filipino,” he added

Burgos then congratulated the residents of Laguna for the status and called on remaining NPA terrorists to surrender.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/709620/laguna-declared-insurgency-free-fourth-to-be-so-in-phl-says-afp/story/

CPP: Larab | Setyembre 28, 2019

Larab propaganda publication posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 28, 2019): Larab | Setyembre 28, 2019


2019 Eastern Visayas Larab Publications Regions

Download PDF

https://cpp.ph/2019/09/28/larab-setyembre-28-2019/

CPP/NDF-Negros: NDF-EV accuses 8th ID of murdering couple who were town councilor, barangay captain

NDF-Negros propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 28, 2019): NDF-EV accuses 8th ID of murdering couple who were town councilor, barangay captain

FRANK FERNANDEZ
SPOKESPERSON
NDF-NEGROS
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
SEPTEMBER 28, 2019

The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas today strongly condemned the extrajudicial killings of Jiabong town councilor Claudio Gabiana and his wife Asuncion, barangay captain of Brgy. Jose Roño, Paranas, Western Samar last September 15, and blamed the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army for the crime. Their murders bring the number of local government officials summarily killed by suspected state forces in the region this year to eight.

According to Fr. Santiago “Ka Sanny” Salas, spokesperson for the NDF-EV, the killings were “carried out under the direction of the military against local officials suspected of supporting the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), to terrorize other government officials as well as civilians into accepting their ‘counter-insurgency program.’”

Reports reaching the People’s Democratic Government reveal that three armed men shot Claudio dead as he was opening up shop in the couple’s home in San Jose Roño at around 7 a.m. They then entered the house and fatally shot Asuncion in her room. Before dying, she identified the assailants to witnesses as members of the paramilitary CAFGU. The killers ran straight to soldiers of the 87th Infantry Battalion-Philippine Army who were at a nearby covered court, but who did nothing to stop them.

“The NDF-EV is outraged at this string of attacks by the 8th ID on local officials for no other reason except they were suspected supporters of the CPP-NPA,” said Fr. Salas, who stressed the Gabianas were civilians with no involvement in the armed struggle but were noted for supporting the human rights struggle of the peasants. Prior to the Gabiana couple, five barangay captains and a barangay councilor were killed in Northern Samar and Western Samar by suspected military elements. Other town and village officials have faced threats for resisting the atrocities of Duterte’s troops.

According to Salas, the killings are part of the implementation of the Duterte regime’s “whole-of-nation” approach as declared through Executive Order 70, by which the military takes over the civilian government and compels local officials into participating in their “counter-insurgency” operations. “Should they refuse, they are maliciously tagged as supporting the CPP-NPA and and face threats and even summary execution,” he said.

He also cited the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) recently established in each of the six provinces in the region, saying it will only further empower the Armed Forces of the Philippines to coerce civilian officials.

Fr. Salas urged the people of Eastern Visayas to express their indignation over this latest act of military brutality, to continue exposing the acts of terror committed by Duterte’s armed minions, and to intensify their call for justice for all their victims. He likewise urged local officials to be steadfast in their commitment to defend their constituents’ democratic rights and basic interests, and to join human rights defenders, church people, media persons, professionals and others in a broad unity against the fascist tyranny of Duterte.

https://cpp.ph/statement/ndf-ev-accuses-8th-id-of-murdering-couple-who-were-town-councilor-barangay-captain/

OPAPP: Decommissioning of former combatants, healing in conflict-affected areas highlight Peace Month celebration

From the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Website (Sep 27, 2019): Decommissioning of former combatants, healing in conflict-affected areas highlight Peace Month celebration

The decommissioning of non-state combatants and their weapons, and the social healing being carried out in conflict-affected areas in some parts of the country took center stage during the month-long celebration of the National Peace Consciousness Month.

“This year’s Peace Month saw the positive results of the Duterte’s administration peace and development agenda. What we witnessed in this month’s peace celebration is the commitment of our brothers and sisters, who previously fought against the government, to change their lives, as well as the continuing efforts to heal and spread reconciliation throughout conflict-prone areas, particularly in Marawi City,” Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. emphasized.



Galvez noted that the theme of this year’s Peace Consciousness Month “Tapang at Malasakit Para sa Kapayapaan” reflects the administration’s strong political will and commitment to implement all signed peace agreements and promote peacebuilding across the nation.

“The theme only proves that the peace roadmap that the Duterte administration is trekking is correct and acceptable,” he added.

Galvez noted that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte had in fact witnessed two historic events in the Philippine peace process.

On September 7, more than a thousand Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and 920 of their weapons were decommissioned. Within three phases, about 40,000 of these MILF combatants will be decommissioned until 2022.

In the Visayas, at least 727 members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas/ Revolutionary Proletarian Army/ Alex Boncayao Brigade – Tabara-Paduano Group or KAPATIRAN, a communist rejectionist group, underwent the process of disposition, including more than 300 of their weapons last week.

By far, this is the biggest number of members of former rebel groups who have agreed to put their weapons beyond use and start their transition into peaceful and civilian life.

Healing and reconciliation

Various efforts to promote social healing and reconciliation in conflict-ridden areas are being spearheaded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).



In Marawi City, OPAPP, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Task Force Bangon Marawi, Bishops Ulama Conference and other local peace partners launched the “Ride for Peace.”

The message from the riders was loud and clear: they were one in saying that the people of Lanao del Sur reject all forms of violence, as they vowed to help in the rehabilitation of Marawi City.

The ride kicked off at the Provincial Capitol, passed by the Lanao Lake, and ended in the municipality of Butig, Lanao del Sur.



Calls for forgiveness and healing also reverberated during the first commemoration of the Palimbang Massacre in Sultan Kudarat. The memorialization was held after 45 years since the incident.

In Northern Luzon, residents held a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of fallen state troopers who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the nation’s peace and freedom.

A marker was also unveiled to memorialize the gallant contribution of the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) fighters who fought side-by-side with government forces against the communist group for 33 years.

Galvez also met with former members of a revolutionary group based in the Cordillera who have agreed to create a Joint Evaluation and Monitoring Committee (JEMC) that will keep track of the progress made in the implementation of the peace agreements signed by the parties.

This mechanism, Galvez said, will also serve as the venue wherein the parties can jointly develop comprehensive and sustainable programs to help transform former combatants, their families, and communities.

Empowering the youth to handle the peace process

This year’s peace month celebrations also focused on the role of the youth in peacebuilding efforts through the institutionalization of Peace Education in secondary schools and universities.

“Building a culture of peace is one of the pillars of the Six-Point Peace and Development Agenda of the Duterte Administration,” Galvez said, adding that the current administration “recognizes the powerful concept of peacebuilding as a vital instrument to ensure all programs of the government are conflict-sensitive and peace-promoting as it tries to address the root causes of the conflict in the country.”



“Peacebuilding efforts through peace education will shape our new generation with peace lens that will aid them in making sound policy and decisions in the future,” he said.

“We are doing all of these to prepare our future generations since they will be the ones who will carry on the challenging task of moving forward the Philippine peace process,” Galvez said.

He was referring to the existing partnerships between OPAPP and other academic institution in developing learning materials as tools “to handle disputes promote dialogue and understanding the dynamics of conflict, art of mediation and conflict management, reconciliation and unity which ultimately help put an end to the ‘generational cycle’ of violence in our country.”

National Peace Consciousness Month is commemorated September of every year by virtue of Proclamation No. 675 issued last July 2004. Under the said proclamation, OPAPP has been mandated to spearhead the nationwide Peace Month celebrations among national and local government agencies in partnership with other peace stakeholders.

Specifically, the event aims to “instill greater consciousness and understanding among the Filipino people on the comprehensive peace process to strengthen and sustain institutional and popular support for and participation in this effort, as well as in the global movement spearheaded by the United Nations to promote a Culture of Peace based on nonviolence, respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, tolerance, understanding and solidarity.” 

AFP-CRS: Secretary Galvez pushes for peace education

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 28, 2019): Secretary Galvez pushes for peace education

Image may contain: 12 people, people smiling, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2728378793847494/?type=3&theater

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

AFP-CRS: Nueva Viscaya declares NPA 'Persona Non Grata'

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 28, 2019): Nueva Viscaya declares NPA 'Persona Non Grata'



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2728426167176090/?type=3&theater

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

AFP-CRS: NTF ELCAC EXEC: MAKABAYAN Bloc's Resolution 374 Hypocrisy

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 28, 2019): NTF ELCAC EXEC: MAKABAYAN Bloc's Resolution 374 Hypocrisy



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/pcb.2728429687175738/2728427827175924/?type=3&theater

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

AFP-CRS: Army deploys new batch of officers

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 28, 2019): Army deploys new batch of officers

Image may contain: 1 person, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2728430667175640/?type=3&theater

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

AFP-CRS: 4 suspected Abu Sayyaf members held in Zamboanga City

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 28, 2019): 4 suspected Abu Sayyaf members held in Zamboanga City

Image may contain: 1 person, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2728432147175492/?type=3&theater

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

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

Kalinaw News: 4ID lauds launching of MisOr Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict

Posted to  (Sep 28, 2019): 4ID lauds launching of MisOr Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict



EUREKA, Gingoog City – Misamis Oriental vows to crush the insurgency problem as the province officially launched the Misamis Oriental Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MOTF-ELCAC) yesterday September 26, 2019 at Sitio Moya, Brgy. Eureka, Gingoog City.

The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division lauds the province for achieving another milestone in operationalizing President Duterte’s Executive Order 70. MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal, Commander 4th ID and Chairperson of RTF ELCAC 10 Technical Working Group (TWG) said, “Since the launching of the Convergence Areas for Peace and Development (CAPDev) program and the RTF-ELCAC of Northern Mindanao last June 2019, Misamis Oriental has been proactive in its efforts to fully implement CAPDev as the region’s banner program to address the root causes of insurgencies, internal disturbances and tensions, and other forms of armed conflict and threats through sustained delivery of basic services and social development packages in poor, conflict affected areas and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.”

ASec Romero, the representative of Secretary Andanar who is the designated Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security in Region 10 (CORDS-X) said, “I congratulate Misamis Oriental for the launching of its MOTF-ELCAC. With the convergence of everybody, we will be able to end not only the insurgency problem of the barangay but also socio-economic inequities”.

Governoner Bambi Emano, the Commander who will lead the MOTF-ELCAC, said “The programs and projects we have brought in Brgy. Eureka are just the beginning and we will also bring all these in other areas where they are badly needed. Peace and development is just around the corner and we will achieve it together.”

Brgy. Chairman Duque III couldn’t contain his happiness and said, “I have long been dreaming of living in a peaceful Brgy Eureka. My goal is to change this place and it is finally happening. We will fully support our government and accept these projects and use them to live a better life.”

Also conducted was the unveiling of the MOTF-ELCAC logo which represents unity in diversity and was followed by the signing of the Brgy Resolution declaring the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) and their allied organization as Persona Non-Grata. Millions worth of projects and programs were also brought to Brgy Eureka by the national, regional, provincial and city government agencies.

MGen Gacal added, “I would like to congratulate all the agencies and stakeholders involved for the successful conduct of the launching. With convergence, I am optimistic that our collective effort and passion to serve will be able to put an end to the local communist armed conflict.”




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

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

Kalinaw News: Bayugan City, Army conclude the 1st Bayugan City Youth Leadership Summit 2019

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 28, 2019): Bayugan City, Army conclude the 1st Bayugan City Youth Leadership Summit 2019




BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur (ADS) – The Bayugan City Local Government Unit in partnership with the 3rd Special Forces (ARROWHEAD) Battalion conclude the 1st Bayugan City Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) with theme: “Bridging Attainable Objectives in Gearing the Youth and Government in Adhering to Nation’s Effort in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict” held from September 24-26, 2019 at Lope A. Asis Memorial Gymnasium.

The YLS was graced Honorable Ryan A. Enriquez, Chairman and CEO of National Youth Commission (NYC) as guest of honor and speaker during the opening, Bayugan City Mayor Kirk A. Asis, who is also a product of YLS and became the President and Chairman of the National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL) whose members include young elected officials throughout the country to include Mayor Isko” Moreno of Manila and Vice Mayor Lord Arnel P. Ruanto of Infanta, Quezon, who is a member of the NMYL and a personality development resource person who facilitated trainings and seminars of various institutions to include the Office of the President, University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University and more.

YLS emphasizes positive activism through values-based interactive discussions on the role of youth in nation building, the youth of today, prejudice and biases, strengthening the youth spirit, the role of youth in ending local communist armed conflict in the city. Further, series of team building activities and workshop to craft their YLS Action Plan will be conducted.

After the activity, the 90 YLS graduates composed of Sangguniang Kabataan members, Out-Of-School Youth and Indigenous Peoples (IP) Youth will be integrated to the Propelling Our Inherited Nation through our Youth, Incorporated (POINTY Inc.) who will also be the core group to lead the succeeding youth leadership summits in Bayugan City.

The 3rd Special Forces (ARROWHEAD) Battalion under the leadership of LTC Joey B Baybayan expresses his gratitude to the partner units and government agencies; the 8th Special Forces (DRAGOONS) Company, 401st Infantry (UNITY) Brigade, the POINTY Inc. Bureau of Fire Protection, Bayugan City Police Station, and the Local Government Unit of Bayugan City for this effort to save our youth and transform them as ambassadors of peace to end local communist armed conflict in the city.

YLS is a mechanism and movement of peace-oriented advocates to protect our youth against Communist NPA Terrorist and its allied militant groups’ recruitment which violates the Republic Act on Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, the Anti-Human Trafficking Act and other Human Rights laws by recruiting minors and the youth in their armed and political struggle to overthrow the government.


[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]

‘Rebels’ kill civilian

From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 28, 2019): ‘Rebels’ kill civilian

Three alleged New People’s Army rebels shot and killed a civilian Thursday in Brgy. Macagahay, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.

The victim identified by the police as Anjie Cesar, 28, of Brgy. Sikatuna, Isabela, died on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds.


PCapt. Hansel Lumandaz, officer-in-charge of the Moises Padilla Police Station, said yesterday that Cesar was shot by the three suspects, who were reported to be in their early 20s, after he was asked for water to drink.

Lumandaz said Cesar and his brother, JR, and a certain Kristopher Zaragosa were sitting in front of their house, when they were approached by the three suspects, who shot the victim in the back.

Two empty shells of a .45 caliber pistol and a pouch for a .38 caliber revolver were recovered at the crime scene by the Moises Padilla police, who were beefed up by troopers of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, in the investigation of the incident.

Lumandaz said the eyewitness to the incident told them that the suspects are NPA members.

He also said that they are verifying reports that the victim used to be a former rebel, who was allegedly facing complaints of being “maoy (crazed)” in the barangay, whenever he got drunk.

Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, yesterday debunked claims that the victim was a military asset, and said the victim may have been liquidated for getting out from the NPA organization.

Meanwhile, a certain Robert Mariposa is now being treated for his injuries at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City, after he was shot yesterday allegedly by Elvie Sanipa in Sitio Capaclan, Brgy. Inayawan, Cauayan.

Mariposa was hit in the left arm and chest, after he was shot by the suspect with a homemade shotgun, the Cauayan police said.

Sanipa remained at-large as of press time.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/September/28/topstory8.htm

Search is on for next PNP chief as Albayalde prepares for retirement

From Rappler (Sep 28, 2019): Search is on for next PNP chief as Albayalde prepares for retirement

Top police officials say there are 3 top contenders for General Oscar Albayalde’s post



READY TO RETIRE. PNP chief Oscar Albayalde hit the mandatory age of retirement on November 8, 2019. File photo by Lito Borras/Rappler

The search for the next Philippine National Police (PNP) begins as top cop General Oscar Albayalde prepares for retirement.

On Saturday, September 28, Albayalde holds his testimonial parade at the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City – a ceremony which honors the accomplishments of retiring alumni.

The event is set to be attended by top officials in the PNP and senior officials from the Philippine Military, where classmates of Albayalde from the PMA 1986 Sinagtala Class hold key positions.

The ceremony involves elaborate marches and speeches in honor of Albayalde and an address by the outgoing police chief himself.

Albayalde hits the retirement age of 56 on November 8, around 5 weeks from his testimonial parade.

Usually, police chiefs hold their retirement parade one to two weeks before the big day. Former police chief and now Senator Ronald dela Rosa held his on the week of his retirement in April 2018.

Albayalde opted to hold his on September 28 because the date coincides with his class' walkout parade in 1983.

The search is on: With Albayalde set to retire, the search for his successor begins.

Even months before the Saturday program, observers have begun asking who would succeed him.

Albayalde and top officials have repeatedly mentioned 3 candidates:

Deputy chief for operations Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa
Chief of directorial staff Lieutenant General Camilo Cascolan
Metro Manila police chief Major General Guillermo Eleazar


The first two are known generals who have been assigned at least once to the Davao Region, the home base of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Eleazar, meanwhile, holds the same ace as Albayalde did when he was in the running for PNP chief – he has been portrayed in media as being a disciplinarian, enough for the President to notice and acknowledge publicly.

Gamboa and Cascolan are classmates of Albayalde, but Eleazar is a known Albayalde comrade for their history of working together in the Metro Manila police district. Prior to clinching the top post, Albayalde was Metro Manila police chief, while Eleazar led the Quezon City Police District.

Albayalde, who had laughed off the possibility that the President could extend his term, has not publicly endorsed any of the contenders.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/241238-search-on-next-pnp-chief-albayalde-poses-retirement

Seek consent before hiking Iloilo mountains: Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28, 2019): Seek consent before hiking Iloilo mountains: Army



RESTRICTED. Choppers carrying members of the Philippine Army's 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) during their operation against the rebels in Ongyod village, Miagao town on Monday (Sept. 23). Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, 61st IB commander, advised tourists to seek permission from authorities before they pursue hiking plans in Miag-ao and Igbaras after a series of encounters between soldiers and rebels since Sept. 20. (Photo courtesy of Army's 61IB)

The Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) on Friday advised tourists to ask permission from authorities before they visit mountainous and remote areas in the towns of Miag-ao and Igbaras, Iloilo.

This, after there had been a series of encounters between the government troops and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) since Sept. 20, Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, 61IB commander said in an interview.

“Warning for them is to seek consent from village captain or the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the area or the Army detachment before they go to the mountains,”
he said.


The Army's 61IB recently encountered with the Suyak Platoon, Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon Panay in Igcabugao village on Wednesday.

Prior to this, a rebel was killed in an encounter in Ongyod village in Miag-ao town on Monday.

The series of encounters prevented the rebels in their planned attack on the Century Peak Energy Corporation (CPEC) and its hydro-power plant in Igbaras.

Although the situation in Igbaras and Miag-ao had normalized, Batara urged the public not to go to remote areas without the knowledge of the authorities.

He advised those who do not have important matters to attend to in the mountains to “not pursue their hiking plans.”

Batara said there are Army detachments in the mountainous areas “but rebels might threat civilians and extort for rice and food.”

He warned the public against going to the villages of Ongyod, Onop, and Tuog in Miag-ao.

“We do not know the intention or plans of the communists, maybe they (rebels) will come back,” he said, as the rebels might retaliate as one of their comrades was killed in an encounter.

“They might retaliate and an encounter might transpire. They are going to communities as they are making the locals as a human shield,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081666

100 ex-NPA members, supporters torch rebel flags in NoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28, 2019): 100 ex-NPA members, supporters torch rebel flags in NoCot



TORCHING REBEL FLAGS. Former communist rebels and supporters set ablaze flags of the New People’s Army in Arakan, North Cotabato after they reaffirmed their support for the government on Friday (Sept. 27, 2019). The newest batch of ex-rebels and NPA supporters, numbering to 120, pledged to reject any form of intrusions by the communist rebels to their communities. (Photo courtesy of 19th IB)

Some 120 former members and supporters of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) torched on Friday the flags of the rebel movement before military and local officials in Arakan town, North Cotabato.

Lt. Col. Benjamin Dao-on, Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion commander, said the former rebels also broke their loyalty to the movement by signing the “Panunumpa sa Pagsalikway sa CPP-NPA-NDF.”


The CPP stands for the Communist Party of the Philippines, with the NDF or National Democratic Front serving as an anterior political coalition with other left-leaning organizations in the country. The NPA is the communist rebel movement's armed wing.

The event, held at the Arakan gymnasium, was capped by a peace rally condemning the CPP-NPA-NDF and the burning of communist rebels’ flags.

Before Friday’s NPA flag-torching event, the town government of Arakan, representatives from national government agencies and the Army conducted a peace-building and development seminar for the discontented group in Barangay Poblacion, Arakan last Sept. 20-22, 2019.

Dao-on said the program aims to affirm the participants' decision to go back to the fold of the law.

The participants were from the remote villages of Datu Ladayon, Lanao Kuran, Tumanding, Malibatuan, Badiangon, Kabalantian, San Miguel, Salasang, Sto. Nino, Kinawayan, Kulaman Valley, Sumalili, Gambudes, and Binoongan.

“The group’s rejection of the communist rebels’ ideology and presence in their communities eventually led to their burning of the CPP-NPA-NDF flags and signing the peace covenant on Friday,” the military official said.

In the same event, Datu Narro Layura testified against the leftist groups, which he said, are actively helping the NPA to spread anti-government propaganda.

“Now we were awakened by the fact that we were fooled and that the government is now helping us,” he said in the vernacular.

“We no longer run away when we see soldiers,” said Layuran, who formerly headed a group of mass-based NPA supporters in Arakan.

Under Executive Order 70 or the "whole of nation" approach against communist insurgents, the latest batch of ex-rebels from Arakan is eligible to receive livelihood grants from the government.

The CPP-NPA-NDF 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/1081709

Tight security up as Zambo Hermosa festival opens

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28, 2019): Tight security up as Zambo Hermosa festival opens

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) is deploying some 2,000 policemen, soldiers, and force multipliers to secure the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, which opened Saturday here.

Col. Thomas Joseph Martir, ZCPO director, said the policemen are from the Special Action Force (SAF), Regional Mobile Force Battalion-9 (RMFB-9), and the 900 new police who are undergoing Field Training Program (FTP).

Martir said the soldiers are from the Army’s 74th Infantry Battalion, which is under the Task Force Zamboanga, while the force multipliers are the barangay tanods (village watchmen) and private security agencies. They will be assigned to various venues of activities including at the shrine of Our Lady of the Pillar.


The Smoke Out Zamboanga - Grilled Food Fiesta and the Zamboanga Grand Midnight Sale will mark the opening of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, the highlight of which is the feast of Our Lady of the Pillar on October 12.

The two activities will run from September 28 to October 12, from 9 a.m. to 12 midnight.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has issued an executive order prohibiting the parking of motorcycles, four-wheel vehicles, unauthorized flying of drones (except by the police and military), bringing of backpacks, and wearing of certain clothing and accessories in particular certain areas in this city from September 28 to October 13.

Salazar said the prohibition aims to ensure the safety and security of people during the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival in honor of the feast of Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar on October 12.

Martir said they have also laid down security measures for the other activities such as the float parade, street dancing, and regatta.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081734

Cuerpo named Army's acting 103rd brigade commander

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28, 2019): Cuerpo named Army's acting 103rd brigade commander



ACTING BRIGADE COMMANDER. Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the Army's 1st Infantry Division commander (right), led the installation Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo II as the acting commander of the Marawi City-based 103rd Infantry Brigade on Friday (Sept. 27, 2019). (Photo courtesy of the Army's 103rd Infantry Brigade)

Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo II was installed Friday as acting commander of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade based in Marawi City.

Cuerpo, who has been deputy commander of the unit, vowed to uphold the priorities and directions of the previous commanders, as the guide of the unit to maintain the cohesiveness efforts in the pursuit of peace and development in Lanao del Sur.

He replaced Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner who has been assigned as Commandant of Cadets of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).


Brawner, who headed the 103rd Infantry Brigade since Dec. 5, 2018, replaced Brig. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro who resigned following the death of Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio by hazing.

Cuerpo has pledged to "vigorously continue" assisting the Task Force Bangon Marawi, the agency tasked with the recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of the most affected area of Marawi City.

Cuerpo belongs to the PMA Class of 1990, and is an Airborne and Special Forces officer with expertise in operations, intelligence, and managerial acumen.

He is a graduate of Master in Development Management in Asian Institute Management in Makati City, Command and General Staff Course in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Command and General Staff College.


Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, has congratulated Cuerpo for his designation.

“I am confident that with your leadership experience and dedication to work, you will steer this unit to greater heights,” said Ancan, who installed Cuerpo as the acting 103rd Infantry Brigade commander.

“To the Haribon troopers, let us always act with the utmost professionalism, respect to human rights, rule of law and international humanitarian law. Continue to progress as a professional, capable and responsive officers and leaders of our armed forces,” he added.

He also commended the unit for its aggressive performance in sustaining peace and order in its area of responsibility.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081721

Maguindanao town declared ‘BIFF-cleared’

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28, 2019): Maguindanao town declared ‘BIFF-cleared’



Mayor Zamzamin Ampatuan of Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao. (Photo courtesy of Gilmar Lao – Cotabato Media Group)

A town mayor in Maguindanao on Friday said that his town is free from terror elements of the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Mayor Zamzamin Ampatuan of Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao, asserted such during the Regional Peace and Order Council in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RPOC-BARMM) meeting held at the BARMM compound here.

The mayor said that his constituents’ support to security sectors has made his town cleared from the BIFF.

“It was unprecedented, it never happened in the past,” Ampatuan said of the town's "all-out support" to military and police authorities.

Ampatuan said it was the people who voluntarily provided the police and military of the BIFF’s location and plot to disrupt the town’s peace and order.

“Credit should go to the people who also shun violent extremism,” he said. “Residents, mostly farmers, alert us, the police and the Army when they see BIFF roaming around their villages,” he told the security officials.

Ampatuan said the BIFF forces relocated to areas outside of the municipality after the incident and have not returned since.

Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, who attended the meeting lauded Ampatuan and his people for the determination to reject terrorism.

Sobejana urged other local officials in Maguindanao and other parts of BARMM to emulate the cooperation being displayed by the Rajah Buayan people in "repulsing terrorists threatening to sow terror in their communities."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081723

DavNor town to declare Reds as 'persona non grata'

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28, 2019): DavNor town to declare Reds as 'persona non grata'



Lawyer Elisa Evangelista-Lapina, municipal administrator of Santo Tomas town, Davao del Norte, and former Peace 911 focal person of Davao City. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)

SANTO TOMAS, Davao del Norte--This municipality will formally declare the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) persona non grata on Monday (September 30), an official said.

Atty. Elisa Evangelista-Lapina, the municipal administrator, said the declaration adheres to the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to free the municipalities from communist insurgency by not welcoming the presence of the NPA and other armed groups.


Vice Mayor Gabrielle Eric Estela said a resolution declaring the CPP-NPA persona non grata was already approved on September 23.

About six insurgency-vulnerable barangays here have already been declared by the military as cleared of NPA presence, namely: Magwawa, San Jose, Tulalian, Balagunan, Bugungon, and New Visayas.

Lapina noted that the NPA has been operating in some parts of the town "for the longest time," prompting the local government to heighten its anti-insurgency initiatives.

"There is really a need to declare that they are no longer welcome in our municipality. They even make it as their resting place," Lapina said.

She said some of the NPA units Davao City's Paquibato District, which has earlier been declared insurgency-free, have fled to this municipality.

As a result, Lapina, who used to head Davao City's anti-insurgency initiative dubbed Peace 911, expressed interest in replicating the program here.

Davao City's Peace 911 was launched by the city government of Davao in May last year. It is a peace and development initiative that seeks to bring together all local and national government offices to address the root causes of insurgency in the city's hinterlands.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Freddie Mesa Jr., the executive officer of the Army's 89th Infantry Battalion, said the rebels have been spotted in areas bordering this town and Paquibato district.

Mesa said the active rebel group operating in the town is the NPA's Guerilla Front 55 composed of about 36 members.


"We are doing our best to locate and neutralize them," he assured.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081735

Albayalde urges next PNP chief to continue key programs

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28, 2019): Albayalde urges next PNP chief to continue key programs



CONTINUITY. Outgoing PNP chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde wants his successor to continue key policies such as the strict implementation of practical programs for crime prevention and suppression, the campaign against illegal drugs, and the internal cleansing. He will step down from his post upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 on November 8. (PNA photo by Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

BAGUIO CITY -- Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde on Saturday urged his successor to continue key policies, such as the strict implementation of practical programs for crime prevention and suppression, the intensified campaign against illegal drugs, and the internal cleansing, among ranks.

“It is very important for the successor, especially if you are the chief or commander whether in the police or military, the keyword is continuity. We are not like other institutions where one's project will be different from that of the successor. Hopefully, before I retire as PNP chief, we see it to it that we are able to institutionalize our Patrol Plan 2030, our internal cleansing program, our internal discipline in the PNP and all other operational thrusts,” Albayalde told reporters on the sidelines of the testimonial parade and review in his honor at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) here.

He, however, noted that the next PNP chief can make improvements to these programs.

Meanwhile, the outgoing PNP chief recounted his experiences as a PMA cadet and its vital role in his career.

“More than half of my life was centered here and I started my dream here. This was where I learned as a soldier, as an official and as a leader. So I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my alma mater, the PMA,”
Albayalde said.


Asked on the legacy that he will be known for, the PNP chief said it is up for the Filipinos to judge him.

“I really do not know. Let the people judge me. I don't know what the people will say. Whatever they will say I will accept. For myself, I did everything. I gave my best,” he said.

He said he is not privy on why an old allegation linking him to illegal drugs resurfaced.

“I don't know. I really do not know why a very old and recycled issue was brought up again. Well, I just thought that things are really like that. It's all part of public service,” he said.

Albayalde, who also served as Pampanga provincial police chief, was relieved from post due to command responsibility after several of his men were found to be involved in illegal drugs activities in Mexico town in 2014. The case, however, was dismissed.

Albayalde, a member of the PMA Sinagtala Class 1986, took over the helm of the 190,000-strong PNP in April 2018, replacing Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa.

He will step down upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 on November 8.


After graduating from the PMA, Albayalde joined the elite PNP Special Action Force (SAF).

He also holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration at Manuel L. Quezon University in Manila.

Prior to his appointment as PNP chief, Albayalde served as director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in July 2016.

During Albayalde's term as NCRPO chief, some 20,000 Metro Manila policemen secured the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in 2017.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081717

Dormitorio’s death won't affect PMA cadets' routine

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28, 2019): Dormitorio’s death won't affect PMA cadets' routine



NORMAL ROUTINE. PMA spokesperson, Maj. Reynan Afan, says life goes on normally for the cadets more than a week after the death of Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio, in a media interview Saturday (Sept. 28, 2019). Afan said no cadet has expressed intention to quit training despite the incident. (PNA photo by Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

BAGUIO CITY -- The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on Saturday said the death of Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio due to alleged maltreatment has no negative impact on the routine of its cadets.

PMA spokesperson Maj. Reynan Afan said the incident is an isolated case.

"Patuloy po ang pag-aalaga ng PMA sa (mga) kadete. Noong nangyari ito, naging bukas ang PMA sa lahat ng klaseng imbestigayon with proper authorities at wala po siyang itinago at cover-up na ginawa (The PMA continues to nurture its cadets. When this incident happened, PMA became open to all kinds of investigation with proper authorities and there was no cover-up)," Afan said in a media interview on the sidelines of the testimonial parade and review for outgoing Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde at the PMA grounds here.

Despite the incident, Afan said no cadet has expressed intention to quit training.

He also assured parents of cadets and those who intend to enter the academy that their sons and daughters will be treated properly.

“Siguro po ang magandang mapagnilayan nating lahat, pati mga magulang ng mga kadete, ano ba ginawa ng PMA nang nangyari ito? At saka ano ang ginawa ng PMA bago nangyari ito? (I think a good thing to reflect on, including for parents of cadets, what has PMA done after the incident? What has been PMA doing before this happened?)," he added.

Afan said the cadets continue to mourn Dormitorio's death but at the same time, they maintain their normal study routine inside the academy.

There are an estimated 300 plebes at the academy, he said.

"We were told to give them regular check-ups. If you will ask how regular, we leave that to the PMA Hospital. What is important is we give the fourth class cadets, the plebes, extensive check-ups," Afan said.

Meanwhile, Police Regional Office Cordillera (PROCOR) director, Brig. Gen. Israel Ephraim Dickson said Police Col. Allen Rae Co, Baguio police director, will be filing charges against six PMA cadets tagged in Dormitorio's death next week.

Co said the murder case may likely be added to another case for violation of the Anti-Hazing Law they would file against the suspects.

He said the murder case would stand since investigation showed there was “evident premeditation” from the suspects to harm the 20-year-old PMA cadet.

However, Co said it would still be up to the prosecutor’s office which appropriate charge should be filed in court.

He also revealed the police might also file a case of criminal negligence against two medical personnel of the PMA station hospital.

The medical staff supposedly diagnosed Dormitorio as having urinary tract infection and discharged him after a four-hour observation on September 17 but the cadet died the next day.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081730