Sabah cops won’t entertain ransom demands for kidnapped fishermen

From Free Malaysia Today (Oct 8, 2019): Sabah cops won’t entertain ransom demands for kidnapped fishermen

Sabah police chief Omar Mammah (centre) says police will step up intelligence work involving cross-border crimes and infiltration by Islamic State and Abu Sayyaf.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah police will not entertain any ransom demand from the abductors of three Indonesian fishermen in Lahad Datu last month, says state police chief Omar Mammah.

“We will not entertain the demands,” he said, disclosing that two calls were received – the first to the family of one of victims on Sept 25, two days after the kidnapping, and the other on Sept 30.

The sister of one of the victims received a call from the kidnappers, demanding a high ransom for the trio, but Omar declined to disclose the amount as investigations were ongoing.

“We are working with our counterparts in the Philippines to trace the victims who are believed to be on one of the Tawi-Tawi islands,” he told reporters after the monthly assembly at the police headquarters in Kepayan today.

The three Indonesian fishermen – Maharudin Lunani, 48, his son Muhammad Farhan, 27, and nephew Samiun Maneu, 27 – were kidnapped by seven armed men travelling in a pump boat.

The victims were catching shrimps at the Tambisan waters near Lahad Datu when they were kidnapped.

Earlier, in his speech, Omar said Sabah police will step up intelligence work involving cross-border crimes and infiltrations by Islamic State and Abu Sayyaf.

He said it was important to curb the menace as it was a matter of national security.

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2019/10/08/sabah-cops-wont-entertain-ransom-demands-for-kidnapped-fishermen/

Facial composite sketch of Hyrons couple kidnapper released

Posted to Philippine Lifestyle News (Oct 8, 2019): Facial composite sketch of Hyrons couple kidnapper released

The Philippine National Police released a “facial composite sketch” of the Hyrons couple kidnapper, Monday.

The suspect is one of the six kidnappers who abducted a British businessman and his Filipina wife at their beach resort in Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur on Friday night.

According to the report of the Regional Police Office (PRO) 9 Director Brig. Gen. Froilan Flores Quidilla, the suspect was captured by Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) at Hyrons Beach Resort owned by couple Allan Arthur and Wilma Hyrons.

The Hyrons couple kidnapper has a brown complexion, moderate physique, between 5’4-5’6 tall, approximately 30-35 years old, and weighs 75-80 kilograms.

“Any information that may help in the immediate resolution of the case may call Regional Director Qui­dil­la’s hotline numbers 0977-3102-365 for Globe and 0961-2977-064 for Smart,” said PRO-9 Spokesperson Major Helen Galvez.

P1-M reward for arrest of British national, Filipino wife kidnappers

Zamboanga del Sur provincial government offered a P1-million reward for anyone who could give information that would lead to the arrest of the British national and Filipino wife kidnappers.

“The provincial government of Zamboanga del Sur is exhausting all measures to rescue the lives of the Hyrons couple who were abducted by unidentified gunmen at their resort in Tukuran on Friday night,” the province said in a statement.

President Rodrigo Duterte warned foreigners to stay out of the Zamboanga region since he received a credible intelligence report that Islamic State (IS) and Abu Sayyaf terrorist groups target the area.

https://philippineslifestyle.com/facial-composite-sketch-of-hyrons-couple-kidnapper-released/

PH-US military drill kicks off in Subic Bay

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 9, 2019): PH-US military drill kicks off in Subic Bay



Philippine Marine Corps officials lead the opening ceremony of the third edition of “Kamandag” or “Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma ng Dagat (Cooperation of Warriors of the Sea)” at the Subic Bay International Airport on Wednesday. Photo by Joanna Rose Aglibot

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — A 10-day joint military training involving more than 1,500 Filipino and American troops officially began here on Wednesday.

The military drill was dubbed “Kamandag” or “Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma ng Dagat (Cooperation of Warriors of the Sea)is on its third edition.

The training is a Philippine-led military training exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and US forces that will run until Oct. 18, according to Capt. Felix Serapio, director of the Marine Corps Public Affairs Office.

Maj. Gen. Ramiro Manuel Rey, chief of the Northern Luzon Command, led the opening ceremony of the exercise at the Subic Bay International Airport here on Wednesday morning.

According to Serapio, the drill focuses on combined interoperability activities and humanitarian projects.

Troops from the Japan Self-Defense Forces are also joining the war games.

The participating forces will engage in assault amphibious vehicle and low-altitude air defense training, Serapio said.

The training will be held simultaneously in different locations, including Cavite, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Zambales, Pampanga and Palawan.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1175528/ph-us-military-drill-kicks-off-in-subic-bay

‘Kamandag’ joint US-Philippines exercises held next week

From the Philippine Star (Oct 8, 2019): ‘Kamandag’ joint US-Philippines exercises held next week

The military drills will involve amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism response and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions at various training sites in Zambales and Palawan from Oct. 9 to 18. Bullit Marquez/FIle

Filipino and American servicemen are gearing up for joint land-sea-air wargames dubbed “Kamandag” (Venom) to be held next week in some areas in Luzon and Palawan.

The military drills will involve amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism response and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions at various training sites in Zambales and Palawan from Oct. 9 to 18.

Next week’s military exercises will also include low-altitude air defense and threat reaction training.

Last month, army forces from both countries conducted a para drop operation involving 5,000 soldiers in a scenario to retake an area from the air.

However, organizers did not specify if the Amphibious Assault Exercise will be launched from the sea along the shorelines of Zambales and Palawan.

“Kamandag” is a word coined by Filipino forces for “Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma ng Dagat,” which translates to “Cooperation of Warriors of the Sea,” highlighting the partnership between the US and Philippine militaries.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/10/05/1957510/kamandag-joint-us-philippines-exercises-held-next-week

Philippine, US, Japanese forces prepare for Kamandag 3 kickoff

From the Business Mirror (Oct 8, 2019): Philippine, US, Japanese forces prepare for Kamandag 3 kickoff



UNITED STATES, Philippines and Japanese service members will begin the third annual Kamandag exercise on October 9, 2019, to promote multinational military interoperability, readiness and capabilities.

The exercise is scheduled from October 9 to 18, 2019, at various training sites throughout Luzon and Palawan.
During Kamandag 3, Philippine and US forces will conduct amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations and counterterrorism response operations. Japanese forces will train alongside US and Philippine forces in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

New for this year’s Kamandag, US, Philippine and Japanese forces will conduct assault amphibious vehicle training together. It will also be the first to include the US and Philippines in low-altitude air defense training and threat reaction training. Together, these activities represent an increase in military capability, and a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and demonstrate the ability to forward deploy forces in the event of a crisis or natural disaster.

The exercise will also feature cooperative health engagements, civil affairs interactions and community relations events throughout Luzon. The purpose is to exchange information on hygiene skills, life support, first response and safety protocols, as well as conduct religious ministry, primary education and athletic events. Humanitarian and civic assistance activities enable our service members to foster improved military to military ties, and provide support to local communities.

Kamandag 3 is a Philippine-led, bilateral exercise with the US. Kamandag is an acronym for the Filipino phrase “Kaagapay Ng Mga Mandirigma Ng Dagat,” which translates to “Cooperation of Warriors of the Sea,” highlighting the partnership between the Philippine and US militaries.

Exercises like Kamandag 3 strengthen international partnerships to rapidly respond to crises throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The goal of Kamandag 3 is to increase counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities through military exchanges.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/10/08/philippine-us-japanese-forces-prepare-for-kamandag-3-kickoff/

US and Filipino troops gear up for weeklong ‘warriors of the sea’ exercise in the Philippines

From Stars & Stripes (Oct 8, 2019): US and Filipino troops gear up for weeklong ‘warriors of the sea’ exercise in the Philippines



Amphibious assault vehicles carrying Marines from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment depart the USS Germantown in preparation for Kamandag drills in Subic Bay, Philippines, Monday, Oct. 7, 2019. TONI BURTON/U.S. NAVY
U.S. and Philippine forces will practice amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban combat, aviation ops and counterterrorism during the third-annual Kamandag exercise on the islands of Luzon and Palawan.

The activities at this month’s Kamandag — scheduled for Oct. 9-18 — will represent an increase in military capability and demonstrate the ability to deploy forces in the event of a crisis or natural disaster, the U.S. Embassy in Manila said in a statement Monday.

Kamandag — short for “Kaagapay Ng Mga Mandirigma Ng Dagat,” or “Cooperation of Warriors of the Sea” — will also involve Japan Self-Defense Forces conducting humanitarian-assistance and disaster-relief missions with U.S. and Philippine troops, the embassy said in its statement.

About 1,850 troops – 1,400 Americans, 350 Filipino and 100 Japanese – will be involved in the drills, according to information provided by the embassy Tuesday.

U.S. participants include the Okinawa-based III Marine Expeditionary Force and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit out of Camp Pendleton, Calif. Ships include two San Diego-based amphibious vessels, the USS Boxer and the USS John P. Murtha, along with the Sasebo, Japan-based dock landing ship USS Germantown.

“New for this year’s KAMANDAG, U.S., Philippine, and Japanese forces will conduct assault amphibious vehicle training together,” the embassy said in its statement. “It will also be the first to include U.S. and Philippine low-altitude air defense training and threat reaction training.”

Manila, which has clashed with Beijing over island territory in the South China Sea, is expanding its amphibious capability. Last year, the Philippine navy commissioned a second sealift vessel called the BRP Davao del Sur.

Last month, Philippine marines trained for the first time with eight amphibious armored vehicles purchased from South Korean company Hanwha Defense, according to Jane’s Defense Weekly.
The vehicles, like those operated by U.S. Marines and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, can each carry up to 25 troops and can be armed with a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher and a 12.7 mm machine gun, as well as smoke grenade launchers, according to Jane’s.

https://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/us-and-filipino-troops-gear-up-for-weeklong-warriors-of-the-sea-exercise-in-the-philippines-1.602197

Reds refute AFP’s claim that Laguna is ‘insurgency -free’

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 9, 2019): Reds refute AFP’s claim that Laguna is ‘insurgency -free’

A regional spokesperson of the communist rebels strongly refuted the claim of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that the province of Laguna is now “insurgency-free.”

Patnubay de Guia, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP)-Southern Tagalog, said in a statement Wednesday that the declaration by the military that Laguna has been liberated from the clutches of the communist New People’s Army (NPA), was part of the government lies and propaganda against the revolutionary movement.

De Guia said the government pronouncement was no different from the military’s “fake news” about NPA mass surrenders, localized ceasefires, and announcements that various local governments had declared the Communist Party of the Philippines-NDFP-NPA as “persona non grata” in their respective localities.

Late last month, the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division had declared that Laguna became the second province in the Calabarzon region to be declared as an “area with Stable Internal Peace and Security” (SIPS).

The SIPS status is achieved if the Maoist-inspired rebels were not able to initiate violent attacks for at least one year, according to the military.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1175472/reds-refute-afps-claim-that-laguna-is-insurgency-free

CPP: Protest movement to gain further ground amid deteriorating conditions under Duterte

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 8, 2019): Protest movement to gain further ground amid deteriorating conditions under Duterte


2019 CPP CPP CPP Statements Statements

The nationwide protest actions mounted by jeepney drivers and operators and other transport workers last September 29 successfully manifested widespread opposition to the Duterte regime’s anti-poor plan of phasing-out jeepneys in the guise of “modernization.” Several days later, 5,000 public school teachers and government employees joined demonstrations to demand a salary increase to allow them to cope with the rising cost of living.

Earlier, several thousand people joined protest actions across the country to mark the 1972 declaration of martial law and protest Duterte’s fascist reign. A few weeks earlier, students in Metro Manila and other cities rallied in their thousands to protest against the red-tagging of student and youth activist organizations and plans to establish police and military presence inside school campuses. At the same time, workers in different factories have been mounting protest actions and strikes as they assert their rights to organize and demand regularization and wage increases.

These protest actions show that the broad masses have not been cowed nor silenced by the acts of tyranny and state terrorism under Duterte’s undeclared martial law rule. Over the past months, Duterte’s security and defense officials have relentlessly red-tagged the different democratic organizations to paralyze and clamp down on their activities. Using public funds, they have organized “pro-Duterte” fascist-type groups to misrepresent the interests of the broad masses. All these have failed to stop the democratic organizations from asserting the people’s rights and giving voice to the grievances and demands of their constituents.

The recent mass actions also show that the various democratic sectors are increasingly vocal and active in pushing for their rights and welfare. In the face of worsening social and economic conditions in the cities and in the countryside, the people are being compelled to unite and take collective action. More massive protest actions in the coming months are bound to be ignited by Duterte’s anti-people economic and social policies and programs.

In the countryside, millions of peasants are being pushed to rise up in the face of the grave consequences of the liberalization of rice imports on hundreds of thousands of palay farmers, and widespread dispossession and economic displacement resulting from relentless land-use conversion and land grabbing to pave the way for corruption-ridden infrastructure projects, plantations, mining operations and energy and tourism projects.

In the cities, the broad masses of workers, semiproletariat and pettybourgeoisie are reeling from massive joblessness, rising prices of food and basic commodities, more onerous tax burdens, lack of income and low wages, homelessness, breakdown of public transportation and decaying social infrastructure and services and other social ills.

Instead of putting into place measures to address the socio-economic crisis, the Duterte government implements old and discredited neoliberal economic policies which perpetuate economic backwardness and dependence on foreign loans and investments. These are accompanied by such anti-people measures as higher taxes, cuts in social subsidies, wage freezes, suppression of workers rights and so on. These are made worse by bureaucratic corruption and criminal collusion.

The broad masses demand jobs, regular work, higher wages, lower prices, improvements in public services, an end to full liberalization of rice imports, a stop to land-use conversion, an end to corruption and police drug killings and other social ills. They cannot forever be placated by Duterte’s false promises, palliatives and short-term measures which fail to resolve the deeply rooted social and economic crisis.

With the Duterte regime’s refusal to heed their demands and aspirations, rising up in collective action is the only democratic recourse of the broad masses.

https://cpp.ph/2019/10/08/protest-movement-to-gain-further-ground-amid-deteriorating-conditions-under-duterte/

CPP/NPA-Negros Island: Armed revolution has just become most relevant

NPA-Negros Island propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 7, 2019): Armed revolution has just become most relevant

JUANITO MAGBANUA

NPA-NEGROS ISLAND

APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

OCTOBER 08, 2019

The US-Duterte regime is running out of tricks in its desperation to force the New People’s Army (NPA) into cooptation and capitulation. The revolutionary movement in Negros is not taking the bait of localized peace talks. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) is humiliated and BGen. Benedict Arevalo of the 303rd Brigade so red-faced with the screw-ups of his troops. They have devised several faulty schemes such as fake surrenderees, fake encounters, fake news and fake accusations and evidences against mass leaders and progressive groups. There is no one left to believe their lies and, as always, they turn to brute force.

And here comes BGen. Eric Vinoya who heads the Joint Task Force – Negros and, for sure, lords over the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict of Negros Oriental and Occidental. He, like his Commander-in-Chief Duterte, promises an iron fist in destroying the guerrilla fronts in Negros Island. But all it means is intensified and more brutal de facto martial law in Negros.

Vinoya arrogantly claims that Negrenses clamor for an end to local communist conflict but fails to grasp that the US-Duterte regime of which he plays henchman only justifies armed conflict even more with its tyranny, treachery, deception and massive corruption of the people’s coffers. Like all past regimes subservient to United States’ domination, Duterte has only gone further in licking the boots of the US and worst also seeks China’s favor putting Filipinos in a very treacherous situation.

Let me correct Vinoya. It is true that the people are fed up with atrocities but these are only perpetrated by the fascist troops you are a part of. The crimes of the AFP/PNP done in the service of the ruling class of big compradors and land lords are deeply etched in Philippine history and the minds of the people. The Negrenses know that you are heading a terroristic and fascist machinery that has wreaked havoc in their communities costing them their families, homes and livelihood. Within Duterte’s reign of terror, the political death toll in Negros has gone beyond a hundred and thousands have been terrorized. There were no other butchers so proud to acknowledge themselves in the implementation of bloody Oplan Sauron 1 and 2 but the AFP and PNP.

Vinoya threatens that JTF Negros will hit Negros rebels hard. The New People’s Army is ready to face these attacks. As the genuine people’s army, the NPA will launch tactical offensives to fight for and defend the people. Unlike the AFP/PNP, the people does not only support us unwaveringly but they fight with us. This is, in fact, a people’s war. Again and again, the AFP/PNP will fail while the revolutionary movement and the People’s Democratic Government will continue to strengthen.

BGen. Vinoya, what you must understand is that with the rottenness of the Duterte regime you staunchly defend, the armed revolution led by the Communist Party of the Philippines has just become most relevant.###

https://cpp.ph/statement/armed-revolution-has-just-become-most-relevant/

AFP-CRS: All Set for 'Kamandag' RP-US Joint Wargames

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 8, 2019): All Set for 'Kamandag' RP-US Joint Wargames

All set for 'Kamandag' RP-US joint wargames in areas in Luzon and Palawan from 9 to 18 October.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2750294328322607/?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/

AFP-CRS: Role of Youth in Fight vs. Insurgency, Terrorism

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 8, 2019): Role of Youth in Fight vs. Insurgency, Terrorism

Importance of the role of youth in fight versus Insurgency, Terrorism.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.745817715436955/2750287088323331/?type=3&theater

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

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

AFP-CRS: Former Marawi Terrorist Fighter, 5 Supporters Surrender in Lanao

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 8, 2019): Former Marawi Terrorist Fighter, 5 Supporters Surrender in Lanao

Pacalinog Bantogaranao, a former Marawi terrorist fighter along with 5 supporters surrendered in Lanao del Sur on October 7, 2019.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2749860455032661/?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/

AFP-CRS: UN-Habitat, TF Gangon Marawi Roll Out Housing Project

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 8, 2019): UN-Habitat, TF Gangon Marawi Roll Out Housing Project

United Nations-Habitat, Task Force Bangon Marawi roll out housing project.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2749856058366434/?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/

AFP-CRS: Former Marawi Siege Fighter, Five Supporters Surrender in Lanao

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 8, 2019): Former Marawi Siege Fighter, Five Supporters Surrender in Lanao

A Dawlah Islamiyah Maute Terrorist fighter who was involved in the Marawi siege and five of its supporters surrendered to Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion in Lumba Bayabao, Lanao del Sur, 9:30 a.m. Monday, October 7, 2019.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2749847438367296/?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: Loose firearms surrender in Lanao Norte

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 8, 2019): Loose firearms surrender in Lanao Norte

CAMP SANG-AN, Pulacan, Labangan, ZDS – A total of 28 loose firearms, magazines and ammunitions were turned over by the locals of Kolambogan, Lanao del Norte to the 5th Mechanized Battalion in the Sangguniang Bayan session hall 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 8, 2019.

“The concerted effort and intensified collaboration among our troops, local communities, local chief executives and other stakeholders resulted into this momentous activity”, said Lt. Col. Rolando Orengo, 55th Mech Battalion Commander.

The turned-over loose firearms were consist of one M14, three caliber 30 Garand, one M161A, one caliber .30 carbine rifles; one grenade launcher; nineteen handguns and two shotguns.

Mayor Lorenzo Manigos who facilitated the turn-over of the loose firearms thanked the Army for their effort in sustaining peace and development in the municipality.

He also assured the continuous collaboration and support of the local government to the 5th Mech Battalion.

Meanwhile, Col. Facundo Palafox IV, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade Commander who has operational jurisdiction over Lanao del Norte said that “This is part of our campaign against proliferation of loose firearms so that our people would feel more secured and safe in their daily activities.”

Palafox also urged the locals to cooperate and report to proper authorities for the proliferation of firearms in their communities.

For his part, Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, lauded the troops, the local government unit and stakeholders of Kolambugan.

“I urge everyone to continue our efforts in pursuing lasting peace not just for Mindanao but for the whole country. Let us conquer the challenges ahead of us and step up the momentum in sustaining our gains for our common aspiration”, said Ancan.

Ancan also asked for the trust and support of the constituents, local government units and stakeholders to the Armed Forces of the Philippines who continuously strive to attain just and lasting peace in the country.

Division Public Affairs Office 1st Infantry Division Philippine Army
CPT CLINT ANTIPALA
Chief, Division Public Affairs Office, 1st Infantry Division
E-mail: tabakdpao@gmail.com
Mobile Number: 09177938341

[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/loose-firearms-surrender-in-lanao-norte/

Kalinaw News: United Nations-Habitat, Task Force Bangon Marawi roll out Marawi housing project

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 8, 2019): United Nations-Habitat, Task Force Bangon Marawi roll out Marawi housing project

Marawi City – The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN- Habitat) and the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) broke ground a permanent housingproject in Barangay Kilala on Monday.

Around 500 families from the most affected area of Marawi City will receive permanent shelter units from the UN-Habitat as part of the agency’s Japan-funded Rebuilding Marawi through Community-Driven Shelter and Livelihood Project. These housing units will be built
on a 39-hectare land acquired and developed by the National Housing Authority (NHA).

Each shelter unit, which will stand on a 90-square-meter lot, will be a concrete, single attached, one-story structure with a total floor area of 46 square meters. It will include a toilet and a kitchen, as well as an electrical and plumbing system.

Bernhard Barth, UN-Habitat’s Human Settlements Officer of the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, underscored the importance of the event in the recovery of the IDPs, stressing that the groundbreaking “marks a very important phase in our contribution to achieving durable solutions for Marawi’s displaced population. We are grateful to NHA for granting this patch of land, where in a few months, we will see a new community breathe with life.”

The project is in line with government efforts to fast-tracking Marawi’s rehabilitation, which according to Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council Chairperson Eduardo D. Del Rosario remains on track for completion by December 2021.

Del Rosario, who is also TFBM chairperson, had repeatedly expressed confidence on meeting the deadline in rebuilding Marawi in coordination with the 56 member agencies of TFBM.

The beneficiaries of the shelter units to be built in the NHA’s Pamayanding sa Ranaw Residences at Dansalan are among those who can no longer rebuild their homes along the six-meter easement along Agus River, as well as the reclaimed area in front of Lake Lanao.

Skilled IDPs have been initially identified and will be employed in the construction of the permanent shelters through a cash-for-work modality under the livelihood component of the UN-Habitat project.

The house construction will commence in the first week of October and will be completed by November 2019.

The Rebuilding Marawi Project has adopted a community-based approach dubbed as the People’s Process that places the community at the center of their recovery process.

“At the heart of this Project is our partner communities who actively engage with other communities and stakeholders in the rehabilitation work. We believe that people have the inherent capabilities to cope with extreme difficulties once their potential are harnessed. The Project is designed that way to support the rebuilding of their lives and their physical assets,” Barth said.

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

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/united-nations-habitat-task-force-bangon-marawi-roll-out-marawi-housing-project-2/

Kalinaw News: Soldiers recover more firearms in Magpet, Cotabato

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 8, 2019): Soldiers recover more firearms in Magpet, Cotabato

MAGPET, COTABATO—Following the series of operations conducted by the government troops, six more high powered firearms were yielded here, October 7.

The said operations were conducted in response to the information disclosed by @HAROLD the team leader of the Special Partisan Unit of Guerilla Front 53 who surrendered to 72nd Infantry Battalion last September 29.

Five days after the said surrender, two more members of Militia ng Bayan (MB) identified as @ Toto, 46 yrs old , married, resident of So Family, Brgy Basak, Magpet, Cotabato and @Edwin, 22 yrs old also a resident same place voluntarily surrendered to the joint elements of 901Bde, 72IB and 3EOD P, 2EODC, EODB, ASCOM. In their return to the folds of the law, they turned over two M16 rifles and one M14 rifle. 

In a separate operation conducted last October 6, another three M16A1 rifles were recovered at vicinity So. Lacuacon, Barangay Balite of the said municipality. The said operation was made possible through the accurate information provided by @HAROLD to the operating troops of 72IB.

Lt. Col. Rey T Alvarado, CO 72IB, said that they will continue the conduct of follow up operations. Along with it, he mentioned that they will continue to pursue the CTG so that they will no longer have the chance to sow fear in the localities.

On the other hand, Col. Gabriel C Viray III, Commander 901Bde, lauded the actions of two MB members who responded to the call for unity and peace. He further said that the soldiers in collaboration with the different LGU and LGA are doing extra miles to send the message of peace to the members and supporters of the CTG to avail the opportunities being offered by the government.

“The surrender of these personalities was attained through the persuasion made by their relatives who are aware of the true intent of our government. With the aggressive implementation of EO 70 through the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) it is expected that more CTG members will surrender and eventually aid us to clear and lead North Cotabao to a peaceful and conflict-resilient province” he added.

Source: 72nd Infantry Battalion Philippine Army

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/soldiers-recover-more-firearms-in-magpet-cotabato/

32 Western Visayas execs probed for NPA links

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 8, 2019): 32 Western Visayas execs probed for NPA links

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — For allegedly receiving support from communist rebels in the May 13 elections, 32 local officials in Western Visayas are being monitored by the Philippine National Police.

Lt. Col. Joem Malong, spokesperson for the PNP in Western Visayas, said the local officials included 11 mayors, six vice mayors, 14 councilors and a provincial board member.

Sixteen of the officials are in Iloilo (five mayors, two vice mayors and nine councilors), nine in Capiz (four mayors, two vice mayors and three councilors) and seven in Negros Occidental (a provincial board member, two mayors, two vice mayors and two councilors).

No liability?

Malong, citing intelligence reports, said New People’s Army (NPA) rebels either allowed the officials to campaign in areas where they operated or directly campaigned for them.

Malong declined to name the officials but said they faced no liabilities if they merely received support from the rebels. Their names, however, were submitted to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“We are determining if they gave support in any form to the rebels in return for the electoral support,” Malong told the Inquirer.

The PNP has been asking local governments to pass resolutions declaring NPA rebels as “persona non grata” (undesirable or unwelcome) in their areas.

A police proposal to declare the NPA persona non grata in Iloilo City was rejected by the city council early this year.

The NPA on Panay Island downplayed the resolutions, saying these were instigated by the military and the DILG.

“The [declarations] are meant to assuage the [Armed Forces of the Philippines] and the Duterte administration amid their failure to defeat the revolutionary forces,” Julie Guerrero, spokesperson for the NPA’s Coronacion “Waling-Waling” Command, said in a statement

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1175312/32-western-visayas-execs-probed-for-npa-links

Groups demand release of 'Las Navas 3'

From the Sun Star-Tacloban (Oct 8, 2019): Groups demand release of 'Las Navas 3'

Photo courtesy of 20th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army

CAUSE-ORIENTED groups are demanding for the immediate release of three suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) who were captured by government troops in Las Navas, Northern Samar last week.

"The Northern Samar Small Farmers Association (NSSFA) is outraged by the false and malicious accusations hurled at one of our organizers, Christian 'Chanchan' Sabado, and his two farmer-companions, Anton Manoso and Edwin Piczon. The Las Navas 3, as we reiterate, are ordinary citizens, with no sufficient basis for their arbitrary arrest and torture," said Baby Senobio, NSSFA spokesperson.

"We call for their release as we denounce the continuing and worsening human rights violations and state fascism conducted by the Duterte regime, especially in areas of the countryside with intensified feudal exploitation and militarization," added the Student Christian Movement of the Philippines in a statement.

Joshua Sagdullas, spokesperson of Bayan Eastern Visayas, also challenged the report of the 20th Infantry Battalion (IB) on the circumstances leading to the arrest of the three suspected rebels.

He said the Army arrested the "Las Navas 3" on October 2 and only turned them over on October 4.

"Several eyewitness accounts testified that they saw Chanchan and his two other companions, at different points in time and locations, being maltreated by the military or reeling from the abuses they endured," said Sagdullas, adding that what Sabado brought were his "pen, sheets of papers and a change of clothes."

According to Sagdullas, Sabado, a former student of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Manila, came to Las Navas "as part of his research work relating to the continued pest infestation in Northern Samar."

"He was also investigating the intensity of the impact of low coconut prices of farmers in Northern Samar," he said.

The military, however, was quick to dismiss the statements made by Sagdullas and his allied groups, saying "their only goal is to discredit the peace and security efforts of your Army."

It added that Sagdullas's statements are "outright and patently malicious lies."

"The public should readily dismiss these social media postings of the terrorist-front organizations, as it is treacherously aimed at deceiving the populace and discrediting the government's peace and development efforts," said the 20th IB.

The Army maintained that the soldiers were conducting security patrol "to verify the reported extortion activities by the terrorist NPA" in Barangays Quirino, San Miguel and San Francisco in Las Navas.

"In the process of executing such security patrol, Chanchan and two others were caught carrying firearms, explosive and subversive documents which led to their apprehension and seizure of said war materials," said the military, adding that the documents contain an alleged list of business establishments as their source or target of extortion activities.

"Chanchan is a college student of PUP Sta. Mesa, Manila but failed to get his degree as he was recruited by the Sandigan ng Mag-aaral para sa Sambayanan (Samasa) in PUP, which makes him a full-time NPA. Per his own admission, he participated the attack of Geparayan Detachment, Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar last March 2017. Chanchan was sent by the Communist Party of the Philippines from Manila to help the propagation of White Area operations in Northern Samar," the 20th IB said in a statement.

According to the military, Sabado's two companions are both NPA members who were tasked to escort him on their way to Barangay San Francisco.

Meanwhile, the Army assured the families and the public that the arrested suspects "are treated humanely in accordance with the rule law."

They also urged the parents to monitor their children so they will not be deceived in joining alleged NPA front organizations.

The government continues its "all-out war" against the communist NPA following the order of President Rodrigo Duterte.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1826650

Ex-rebels turned tree farmers, forest guards

From Panay News (Oct 8, 2019): Ex-rebels turned tree farmers, forest guards

Former rebel combatants of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade plant tree seedlings in Aklan. After becoming beneficiaries since 2014, they already produced a total of 390,390 seedlings through the Payapa Masaganang Pamayanan program of the government. DENR-6

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Western Visayas (DENR-6) hired former members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade through the Payapa Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program.

Former rebel combatants, through the program, worked as forest guards in a reforestation project of the DENR-6, providing them sustainable livelihood in their Peace and Development Community (PDC) sites.

“With your PDC sites, we will help you build your community. Now you can live in peace among one another and start your economic activities. We wanted you to pursue sustainable development while we also ensure your safety,” said Environment secretary Roy Cimatu.

As DENR-PAMANA beneficiaries in Antique province, 22 were hired and worked as staunch forest guards, whose presence proved to be a strong deterrence to illegal tree cutters in the towns of Culasi and Belison, the agency said.

Since becoming beneficiaries in 2014, other groups in Aklan maintained plantations of timber, indigenous tree species and high value crops in three upland sites in towns Ibajay, Tangalan and Nabas, producing a total of 390,390 seedlings, it added.

According to DENR-6, a total of 57.51 hectares of land in Ibajay served as beneficiaries’ PDC site or settlement area through the Community-Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA) awarded to former rebels on April 25, 2018 – which allowed them to develop, utilize, manage and conserve a specific portion of the forestland consistent with the principles of sustainable development.

Meanwhile in Negros Occidental, 80 DENR-PAMANA beneficiaries were granted settlement areas in Kabankalan City, in Cadiz City there were 73 beneficiaries and San Carlos City (180 beneficiaries).

Last November 2018, the Negros group was able to produce 112,000 seedlings and continued maintaining and protecting 225 hectares of forestlands. They were also able to establish plantations with a total of 540 hectares in the hinterlands of Cadiz and Kabankalan, assisting as DENR forest rangers in law enforcement activities, the DENR-6 said.

It added the decommissioning of over 300 firearms at Camp Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz last Sept. 19 was a step closer to the completion of the peace pact.(With DENR-6/PN)

https://www.panaynews.net/ex-rebels-turned-tree-farmers-forest-guards/

Rights group says 3 farmers beaten up by soldiers but military says otherwise

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 8, 2019): Rights group says 3 farmers beaten up by soldiers but military says otherwise

Alexander Abiguna, of the group Katungod Sinirangan Bisayas, said the three—Christian Sabado, Anton Manoso and Edson Piczon—were beaten up before they were detained by members of the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion.

Sabado is member of the Northern Samar Small Farmers Association while Manoso and Piczon were watchmen of the village of Hinagonoyan, Catubig town, Northern Samar.

Abiguna said the three were on their way to a village in Las Navas town, also in Northern Samar, to investigate a case of pest infestation in abaca plants in the town and also the impact of falling copra prices on coconut farmers when they were arrested by soldiers.

“They were made to lie face down on the ground while the soldiers stepped on them multiple times. It also appears that they were manhandled and physically abused upon arrest,” Abiguna said.

He demanded the immediate release of the three farmers and condemned the alleged harrassment of civilians by the military.

The military denied the allegations, saying the three arrested farmers were not maltreated.

In a Facebook post, the 20th IB, said the three were members of New People’s Army.

The battalion, under Lt. Col. Juan Gullem, said the three arrested were carrying firearms, explosives and communist documents when accosted.

The military said Sabado, a native of Manila, admitted during interrogation that he was sent to Northern Samar for propaganda operations.

Manoso and Piczon, the military said, were regular NPA members.

The three were being “treated humanely in accordance with the rule of law,” said the battalion post.

A video showing a clean shaved Sabado was posted, too, to deny claims he had been beaten up. Sabado spoke in the video about being treated well.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1174559/rights-group-says-3-farmers-beaten-up-by-soldiers-but-military-says-otherwise

Maute militant, supporters surrender in Lanao Sur

From the Philippine Star (Oct 8, 2019): Maute militant, supporters surrender in Lanao Sur

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A member of the Maute group and five supporters of the Islamic State-inspired militant group surrendered to the 49th Infantry Battalion in Lumba Bayabao, Lanao del Sur yesterday.

Capt. Clint Antipala, public affairs officer of the First Infantry Division, identified the surrenderees as Pacalinog Bantogaranao, Monib Padati, Batalo Hajicaya, Tokiin Cuaro and Micky and Mobarak, both surnamed Hajicaya.

The military said Bantogaranao escaped at the height of fighting with Maute militants in Marawi in 2017 after the leader of his group Madie Maute was killed by government troopers.

The surrenderees are undergoing tactical debriefing.

Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, acting commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, said municipal government officials facilitated the surrender.

Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, Joint Task Force Zampelan commander, said government troopers would continue their operations against remnants of the Maute group.
 
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/10/08/1958342/maute-militant-supporters-surrender-lanao-sur

NPA couple who abducted cop in 2017 finally arrested

From the Mindanao Time (Oct 9, 2019): NPA couple who abducted cop in 2017 finally arrested

Two New People’s Army (NPA)s who were the main suspects in the abduction of a cop in 2017 was arrested by authorities in Lupon, Davao Oriental on Monday.

The two suspects were identified as Ricardo Robal Bisaya, 26, single, a resident of Purok New Cebu, Barangay Limot, Tarragona, Davao Oriental, and Lovely Jane Biligay Seroño, 22, and a resident of Purok Baktinan, Barangay Don Mariano Marcos, Lupon, Davao Oriental.

Maj. Jason Baria, the spokesperson of Police Regional Office XI, said around 8 a.m. on Monday, a composite team from Lupon Municipal Police Station, 2nd Davao Oriental Police Mobile Force Company, Pantukan Municipal Police Station and 28th Infantry Battalion served the warrant against the two.

The warrant was issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 32 Judge Emilio G. Dayanghirang III.

“The arrested persons were nabbed at Sitio Camarine, Barangay Napnapan, Pantukan, Davao de Oro (Compostela Valley),” Brig. Gen. Marcelo C. Morales, regional police director, said.

He added that Bisaya has a pending warrant of arrest for kidnapping a police officer, Senior Master Sgt. George C. Rupinta, last June 9, 2017 under Criminal Case number 2492-18 with no bail recommended.”

Further, he was also served with a warrant for a case of robbery dated June 22, 2018 with P100,000 bail recommended under Criminal Case number 2493-18; and homicide dated Aug. 20, 2019 with P120,000 recommended bail bond.

Likewise, Seroño was served the warrant for homicide dated August 20, 2019.

The suspects, who are live-in partners, are now under the custody of Lupon MPS for documentation.

“With the joint effort of the AFP-PNP, the long arm of the law has finally reached these criminals. For the NPA remnants, we are doing this because we wish to see our country free from fear, violence, and extremism,” he said.

“We ask you to go down and surrender and give peace a chance so that you can go back to your respective families happily and peacefully especially that the yuletide season is approaching,” he added.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/10/09/npa-couple-who-abducted-cop-in-2017-finally-arrested/

Sayyaf fighter killed, wife captured in Sulu clash

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 8, 2019): Sayyaf fighter killed, wife captured in Sulu clash

Special Forces killed an Abu Sayyaf fighter and injured his wife in a clash with a band of pro-ISIS militants in the southern Filipino province of Sulu, the military said Tuesday.

The Western Mindanao Command said troops from the 2nd Special Forces Battalion killed the militant in the jungle of Talipao town and retrieved his body and two automatic rifles with grenade launchers.

The militant’s wife, Nursaina Jarad Sahi, who was wounded during the fighting, had been rushed by soldiers to a military hospital in the capital town of Jolo. The woman, the military said, fought side by side with the Abu Sayyaf in the village of Upper Sinuman.

Soldiers fought about 30 militants for 20 minutes until the terrorists broke into smaller groups and escaped the military assault and leaving the body of the slain Abu Sayyaf gunman and his wounded wife.

“Troops also recovered one M16 rifle with an M203 grenade launcher and one Galil rifle with an M203 grenade launcher. Nursaina Jarad Sahi, who is also a militant’s wife, was nabbed in the engagement area with a firearm,” the military said.

There was no report of military casualties, but security forces were continuing with the hunt for militants in Sulu, one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region. (Zamboanga Post)

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/sayyaf-fighter-killed-wife-captured-in-sulu-clash/

PLEDS Cluster in Samar enhances collaboration on law enforcement, peace, security

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 8, 2019): PLEDS Cluster in Samar enhances collaboration on law enforcement, peace, security



The 46th Infantry Battalion (46th IB) of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, conducted an action planning workshop on October 7, 2019 in order to further enhance collaboration on law enforcement, promotion of peace and security and support among the cluster members of the 2nd District of Samar Local Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict.

“We should commit ourselves to the duties and responsibilities tasked to us by our higher-ups. Let us further strengthen our relationship to raise and maintain team collaboration in attaining our common mission,” Lt. Col. Rhomel R. Langcauon, commanding officer of the 46th IB, emphasized to his counterparts in the Philippine National Police.

The workshop resulted to the successful crafting and approval of a Joint IMPLAN of the Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support (PLEDS) Cluster.

The activity yielded positive results with the conduct of the oath-taking and ceremonial signing of the pledge of commitment by the following members: PMaj Daryll S. Chua, COP Calbiga; PMaj Edward G. Cugtas, COP Villareal; PCpt Jessie C. Mañas, OIC PNP, Pinabacdao; PCpt Niño T. Cabañas, OIC PNP, Hinabangan; PCpt Proven Troy T. Castro, CO 802 RMFB8, Canticum, Calbiga; PLt Esteban L. Refuncion III, COP San Sebastian; SFO3 Royce B. Perjes, BFP Calbiga; SFO1 Rex D. Llagas, Representative of BFP Villareal; SFO3 Merhlo Ty Neypes, BFP Pinabacdao; SFO3 Edwin Elizan, BFB Hinabangan; and SFO2 Archie D. Belida, BFP San Sebastian. (PIA-8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1028390

NegOr ELCAC sets 2nd Dagyawan in Canlaon City

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 8, 2019): NegOr ELCAC sets 2nd Dagyawan in Canlaon City



NEGROS ORIENTAL -- The Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF ELCAC) led by Gov. Roel Degamo is set to conduct the second leg of consultation and government service caravan simultaneously on Oct. 9 in Canlaon City as part of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s "whole of nation approach" in the anti-insurgency campaign.

Dagyawan aims to provide a platform in a solution-driven consultation with the community directly interfacing with government agencies.

It will be held at Canlaon City Gymnasium while the government services caravan will be conducted in Brgy. Bayog.

Concurrently, the Serbisyo Caravan will also provide a venue for barangay residents to access a one-stop shop of frontline government services and programs.

Barangays Lumapao and Bayog in Canlaon City are two of 16 barangays in Negros Oriental tagged as conflict areas due to the presence of communist insurgents.

“The caravan brings the services closer to far-flung barangays with the intention to bring the city or municipality government to the hinterland barangays because they are always there around and if the national agencies is not available they can continue to offer the services,” said Trovela.

The Dagyawan sa Barangay and Serbisyo Caravan was first held in Guihulngan City in September this year.

Regional Director Leocadio Trovela of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG-7) lauded the event as he cited the support and cooperation of member agencies as well as the city government of Guihulngan that made an impact on barangay residents who availed of the services and benefits of the intervention project and programs of the government.

In a solution seeking workshop or consultation, the barangay council members aired their primary issues, which some national government agencies (NGAs) participating in the Dagyawan addressed directly.

Meanwhile, the NOTF-ELCAC noted that some NGAs failed to participate in the Guihulngan activities, thus, a resolution was passed en masse during the meeting.

The resoluted cited Land Transportation Office, Department of Public Works and Highways, and Pag-IBIG Fund be explain their non-attendance during the Dagyawan in Guihulngan City.

After Canlaon City, the NOTF-ELCAC will hold the same activities in Sta. Catalina on Oct. 25, Zamboanguita on Nov. 8, and Valencia on Nov. 14. (jct/PIA7 Negros Oriental)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1028353

Agusanon youths participate in 1st Bayugan City Youth Leadership Summit 2019

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 8, 2019): Agusanon youths participate in 1st Bayugan City Youth Leadership Summit 2019 (By 3rd Special Forces Battalion, PA)

BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur, Oct. 8 – The youths from different barangays of this city have actively participated in the 1st Bayugan City Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) spearheaded by the Bayugan City Local Government Unit, in partnership with the 3rd Special Forces (Arrowhead) Battalion held on September 24-26, 2019 at the Lope A. Asis Memorial Gymnasium, this city.

Ryan Enriquez, Chairman and chief executive officer of the National Youth Commission (NYC) was the guest of honor and speaker during the opening. Bayugan City Mayor Kirk Asis, who was also a product of YLS and became the president and chairman of the National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL) also delivered his message.

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, a series of team building activities and workshops 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 were 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.

LTC Joey Baybayan, commander of 3rd Special Forces Battalion, expressed 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 (BFP), Bayugan City Police Station, and the LGU of Bayugan City for this effort to save the youth and transform them as ambassadors of peace to end local communist armed conflict in the city.

“The YLS is a mechanism and movement of peace-oriented advocates to protect our youth against Communist NPA Terrorists 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,” said Baybayan.

Said event which was anchored on the theme: “Bridging Attainable Objectives in Gearing the Youth and Government in Adhering to Nation’s Effort in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict,” is in support to the implementation of the Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict in the region. (1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan, CMO officer, 3SFBn/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1028350

Tagalog News: Narekober na IEDs galing sa NPA sa Caraga region, pinasabog ng Philippine Army

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 8, 2019): Tagalog News: Narekober na IEDs galing sa NPA sa Caraga region, pinasabog ng Philippine Army

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte -- Mahigit 600 improvised explosive devices o IEDs na narekober ng militar at pulisya sa rehiyon ng Caraga ang pinasabog ng 23rd Infantry Batallion, Philippine Army sa Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

Kabilang sa mga pinasabog ay ang 105 IEDs, 10 claymore mines at 526 na nitro 1500 TNT na nakuha mula sa mga rebel-infested areas ng probinsya ng Surigao del Sur.

Ayon kay Ltc Joey Baybayan, commanding officer ng 3rd Special Forces Battalion, kinakailangan na pasabugin ang mga ito dahil delikado kung itatago ng matagal lalo na’t posible itong sumabog sa oras na maexpose sa init o mga kemikal.

Hinikayat din ni Ltc Francisco Molina, Jr., commanding officer ng 23IB, Philippine Army ang publiko na kung may makakitang mga pampasabog o mga kahinahinalang mga bagay sa kanilang lugar ay agad na ireport sa pinakamalapit na istasyon ng Philippine Army o pulisya para sa karampatang aksyon. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1028419

Motiong town in Samar creates Task Force vs insurgency, poverty

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 8, 2019): Motiong town in Samar creates Task Force vs insurgency, poverty

The Municipality of Motiong, Samar on October 8, 2019, officially created the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF ELCAC), in accordance to EO 70 issued by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in December of 2018.

A joint meeting of the Municipal Peace and Order Council and the Municipal Development Council was held for the purpose of creating the MTF-ELCAC.

During the meeting, orientation lectures about the Executive Order 70 were provided by the team from Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management (SAKM) Cluster of RTF8-ELCAC headed by NICA-8.

Lt. Col. Reynaldo Balido Jr., the commanding officer of 87IB presented the RCSP operational framework and methodology, and reason for its conceptualization. He also mentioned that there is a need to create the MTF-ELCAC to facilitate the delivery of basic services and address the issues in the conflict-affected areas.

After the series of presentations and discussions, the Chair, Mayor Renato Cabael, spearheaded the creation of Motiong MTF-ELCAC which was supported by the members of the Joint MPOC-MDC. (PIA-8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1028431

W. Visayas reg’l task force clusters move to address insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8, 2019): W. Visayas reg’l task force clusters move to address insurgency



REACHING OUT. National Economic and Development Authority Regional Director for Western Visayas Ro-Ann Bacal says the clusters of the regional task force to end local armed conflict will come up with their interventions for targeted areas. In Western Visayas, 97 barangays stand to benefit from the government’s whole of nation approach to end the local armed conflict, she said on Monday (October 7, 2019). (PNA photo by Perla G. Lena)

The clusters under the regional task force to end local communist armed conflict will be coming up with intervention plans for targeted areas in Western Visayas.

The plans were made following the meeting of the task force with cluster heads last week, Regional Director Ro-Ann Bacal of the National Economic Development Authority in Western Visayas said on Monday.

“These will be put together in the implementation plan (IMPLAN). This will be shared next week when we meet in Cebu for the Visayas-Mindanao meeting where the National Security Authority (officials) will be coming together and will ask how the regions are doing,” Bacal said in an interview.

She said the national task force has established clusters to “identify interventions in specific areas”. The Philippine Army has provided cluster heads with a list of barangays for specific interventions.

In Western Visayas, the provinces of Iloilo, Negros Occidental, and Capiz are identified as areas that will be prioritized in the provision of focused services.

Interior and Local Government Regional Director for Western Visayas Ariel Iglesia, in a prior interview, said the region is second in terms of barangays that should be prioritized under the whole-of-nation approach to end local armed conflict in the country.

Nationwide, there are 798 barangays, he said with 97 in Western Visayas -- 77 are based in Negros Occidental while 20 are distributed in Capiz and Iloilo.

“We are the second-highest in the country, first is Bicol Region,” he said.

DILG sits as the lead agency of five out of the 12 lines of clusters that were created by the task force. It also sits as a member of four other clusters aside from serving as lead secretariat aside from the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development (CORD), who will lead the efforts of Western Visayas.

“We have our respective initiatives. All we need to do is to coordinate all the efforts for them to become synchronized towards attaining our objective that before the end of the President’s term, the target is to end armed conflict,” he said.

Bacal added that though the concentration will be at the three provinces, it does not mean that other provinces will be left behind.

“There are boundaries between these and usually it is in the boundaries where there are problems,” she said.

Bacal said their main objective is “really to tell people in the countryside that the government is doing something for them”.

“That their problems are being heard and that the different agencies are ready to provide them with the necessary support to resolve some of the problems that they are experiencing,” she said.

The regional task force she said is now looking at the security component as they entertain the idea for agencies to conduct an immersion.

In the end, she urged those who are still engaged in the armed struggle to let them know how the government can be of help.

“We know that you have had problems in the past, your situation and the fact that you seem not to feel the presence of government. We are telling you that we are now making an effort to go as far as where they are. So please help us make it secure for our workers to go to your places so that we will be able to reach out to you, your families, especially to barangays that we are targeting,” she said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1082538

Abu Sayyaf member killed, wife captured in Sulu clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8, 2019): Abu Sayyaf member killed, wife captured in Sulu clash

WOUNDED. Military physicians load suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member, Nursaina Jarad Sahi, into an ambulance to the hospital after she was wounded and captured following a firefight Monday (Oct. 7, 2019) in the hinterlands of Talipao, Sulu. Her husband, who was not immediately identified, was killed in the firefight. (Photo courtesy of Joint Task Force Sulu)

Government troops killed a suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and captured his wife, also an alleged ASG member, following a 20-minute intense firefight in the hinterlands of Sulu, military officials said Tuesday.

Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the firefight broke out around 3:40 p.m. Sunday in Sitio Kan Pataw, Barangay Upper Sinumaan, Talipao town.

Vinluan said troops from the Army’s 2nd Special Forces Battalion have clashed against 30 ASG bandits when they launched a tactical operation in Sitio Kan Pataw, Barangay Upper Sinumaan.

He said the troops captured Nursaina Jarad Sahi, who was wounded in the firefight and retrieved her husband’s remains following the firefight. Authorities have yet to establish the identity of the slain bandit.

The troops also recovered one M-16 Armalite rifle with an attached M-203 grenade launcher and one Galil rifle, also with a grenade launcher.

Nursain, who sustained shrapnel wounds, was taken to Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, the province’s capital, for treatment.

Vinluan said the troops have notified the immediate family of Sahi concerning her condition.

“It is unfortunate that Abu Sayyaf terrorists continue to endanger the lives of their own family and friends, like Ms. Nursaina. I feel sorry for her that she was abandoned, wounded and helpless during the firefight,” he said.

He attributed the operational gains to the cooperation and support of the Tausug community that reported the presence of ASG bandits in the locality.

Following the firefight, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, called on the remaining ASG members to surrender.

“We will never hesitate to accord combatants the chance to give up and abandon their cause in the name of genuine and sustainable peace and development in Mindanao. We are inclined to welcome fighters who wish to lay down their arms and join our security campaign to quell terrorism in the province,” Sobejana said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1082533

DepEd shuts down 55 Salugpungan schools in Davao

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8, 2019): DepEd shuts down 55 Salugpungan schools in Davao



CLOSURE. Jenelieto Atillo, spokesperson of the Department of Education 11 (Davao region), reads the agency's decision ordering the closure of 55 Salugpongan schools in the region on Monday (Oct. 8, 2019). The decision was based on the findings of the five-man fact finding committee created by DepEd-11 in August to investigate Salugpongan schools for regulatory violations and alleged links to the communist rebel movement. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)

DAVAO CITY -- Three months after suspending its operations for alleged irregularities and links with the communist rebel movement, the Department of Education (DepEd) 11 (Davao region) on Tuesday ordered the closure of the controversial Salugpungan Ta'Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center, Inc. (STTICLCI).

Jenelieto Atillo, DepEd-11 spokesperson, said the order, which affected 55 STTICLCI schools in the region, was based on the findings of the five-man fact-finding committee created by DepEd-11 in August.

Atillo made it clear that the decision did not rest solely on STTICLCI's alleged links with the New People's Army (NPA), but that the findings showed various regulatory violations, deficiencies, and compliance issues on the part of the school management.

Key findings

He said STTICLCI's closure came "after careful consideration, analysis, and thorough evaluation of the testimonies of the resource persons, key informant, and documents submitted."

Atillo said the 30-page findings submitted by the fact-finding committee to DepEd-11 Director Evelyn Fetalvero contained "substantial evidence" against STTICLC.

Among the key findings, he said, are the following:

- The STTICLCI failed to comply with the curriculum standards set by DepEd-11;

- It brought its students away from their homes without the consent of their parents and used them to generate funds by making them perform in various events, a violation of DepEd's Child Protection Policy;

- Teachers of the STTICLCI lacked the professional license to teach, or are not passers of the Licensure Examination for Teachers. Instead, classes of the core learning areas were conducted by learning facilitators, in violation of DepEd Order 21 series of 2014;

- The STTICLCI has been operating within the ancestral domain of tribal communities without obtaining the mandatory Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) and the subsequent certification precondition from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP);

- Some STTICLCI students do not have learner's reference numbers (LRN), a violation of the requirement of DepEd Order 26 series of 2015; and

- The STICLCI has misrepresented its enrolled data, and that the data contained in the document submitted to the DepEd do not match with the records in the DepEd learners information system;

Moreover, Atillo said that of the 55 schools in the region that applied for permits to operate for school year 2018-2019, only 28 applied for the succeeding school year (2019-2020).

Moving forward

Atillo assured that STTICLCI's closure would not affect its learners, who will be accommodated by DepEd-run schools near their areas.

He pointed out that in the Davao region alone, at least 33 DepEd-run schools are located adjacent to Salugpungan schools.

In fact, Atillo said more than a thousand Salugpungan learners have already enrolled in various DepEd schools since STTICLCI's permit to operate was suspended in July.

"We continue to remind and encourage the parents to enroll their child to DepEd schools. We assure you that we will accept them with or without credentials," he said.

Based on Fetalvero's order, he said STTICLCI was also directed to turn over its student records to DepEd school divisions’ office for proper custody.

He said STTICLCI executive director Maria Eugenia Nolasco has been informed of the DepEd-11 decision as early as September 20.

Atillo also clarified that STTICLCI may still appeal the DepEd-11 decision to Education Secretary Leonor Briones.

However, he added that "on our level, they (STTICLCI schools) are no longer allowed to operate and it's up to Secretary Briones if she will change the decision."

Wider probe

Atillo said the findings released by DepEd-11 will form the basis of another fact-finding investigation at the national level.

While he did not elaborate, Atillo indicated that a wider investigation will likely explore STTICLCI's alleged ties with the communist rebel movement.

He noted that STTICLCI's suspension on July 10 came about after Briones directed DepEd-11 to conduct an investigation to verify the allegations made by National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon that STTICLCI-run schools were being used as training and recruitment centers for the NPA.

Esperon's allegations were based on the testimonies of former STTICLCI students and teachers.

Meanwhile, STTICLCI has called on DepEd to "re-examine" the closure of its schools.

In a Facebook post on Monday, it called on DepEd to hold dialogues with Indigenous Peoples communities affected by the closure.

"Solutions to complex problems, such as those these closures are trying to address, cannot be one-note — they require study, cooperation, and a proper assessment of a community’s needs and problems. As such, government agencies must work in tandem to ensure all rights are protected and fulfilled, without sacrificing one for another," the STTICLICI said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1082563

3 Dawlah Islamiyah members surrender in Lanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8, 2019): 3 Dawlah Islamiyah members surrender in Lanao



SURRENDERED. A teenage member of the Dawlah Islamiyah and two others surrender on Monday (Oct. 7, 2019) to military troops in Lanao del Sur. They yielded two caliber .45 pistols and an M-79 grenade launcher. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 1st Infantry Division)

Three members of the Dawlah Islamiyah, including a teenage boy, surrendered to military authorities in Lanao del Sur, military officials said Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Rafman Altre, the Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion commander, said the three surrendered at his headquarters around 4:30 p.m. Monday in Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur.

Altre identified them as Juhari Mangotara, 16; Jamil Dimasangkay, 24; and Mail Tinga, 36. They yielded two caliber .45 pistols and an M-79 grenade launcher.

Altre said Mangoatara and Dimasangkay were involved in a firefight against government troops in Paigapo town in 2017 while Tinga in the Butig clash in 2016.

Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, acting commander of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade, said: “We are confident that the people and the local government of Lanao del Sur are now accustomed to peace and time for vibrant economic opportunities in the province."

“We will continuously collaborate with local chief executives and other stakeholders to encourage other supporters or even the locals with loose firearms to surrender and submit themselves to the folds of the law in order to sustain the peace we have achieved through our relentless military operation,” Cuerpo added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1082607