Ancan named Central Command head

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 1, 2019): Ancan named Central Command head



NEW CENTCOM CHIEF. AFP chief, Gen. Noel Clement (left) hands over the flag of the Central Command to newly-appointed commander, Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan in a ceremony at Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City on Thursday (Oct. 31, 2019). Prior to his new post, Ancan served as commander of the 1st Infantry Division (ID), 25th Infantry Battalion, 72nd Infantry Battalion, 66th Infantry Battalion and as a UN military observer in Timor Leste. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)

Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the commander of the Zamboanga Del Sur-based 1st Infantry Division (ID), formally assumed leadership of the Cebu-headquartered Central Command (Centcom) Thursday.

He replaced Centcom acting commander, Maj. Gen. Dinoh Dolina in a ceremony presided by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Gen. Noel Clement held at Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City.

Clement was previously Centcom commander prior to his appointment to the military's top position.

Ancan, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1987, was appointed 1st Infantry Division commander in February.

“During his stint as the 1st ID (Infantry Division) Commander, he has led his unit to several successes and among them were notable accomplishments on the neutralization of high valued individuals and clearing of several guerrilla fronts,” Clement said.

Prior to his present position, he was designated as head of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade and the commanding officer of the AFP Peacekeeping Operations Center that managed the organization, training, and deployment of AFP units to the United Nations peacekeeping missions.

He was also the commander of the 25th Infantry Battalion, 72nd Infantry Battalion, and 66th Infantry Battalion and was posted as a UN military observer in Timor Leste.

“Based on his long list of accomplishments of which I have personally witnessed, we can deduce that Major General Ancan (has) the characteristic of leader that we are looking for to sustain and even intensify our efforts to enforce EO 70 and other initiatives of the command,” Clement added.

Ancan is a graduate of the Basic Airborne, Scout Ranger, Field Artillery, Explosive Ordnance and Disposal, and Peacekeeping courses; and finished at the top of his Command and General Staff Course class at the AFP Command and General Staff College.

“To be the commander of the Central Command is not an easy task, you have to hurdle challenges, defy odds, and offset the threats that loomed in every corner of your area of responsibility, it is upon you to formulate cohesive strategies and plans to definitively address the communist threat, allow development to progress, and uphold peace and security in the whole of the Visayas region,” Clement said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1084773

Reds harassment rants on Bacolod raids nothing new: Parlade

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 1, 2019): Reds harassment rants on Bacolod raids nothing new: Parlade



Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr. (left), of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, and Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate

So what else is new.

This was the reaction of Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC), after Bayan Muna Party-list Representative Carlos Zarate and progressive human rights group Karapatan again scored the military and police for its legitimate operations in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental on Thursday afternoon which resulted in the arrest of several underground members of communist front organizations.

"Rep. Carlos Zarate is once again complaining of government harassment of progressive groups with the arrest of underground members of the CPP NPA in four different underground offices run by Bayan Muna, Gabriela, KMU (Kilusang Mayo Uno), and ACT (Alliance of Concerned Teachers)," he said in a statement forwarded to the Philippine News Agency Friday.

Zarate, in earlier reports, denied claims by the security forces that of those arrested individuals, numbering to 57, including 10 minors, were undergoing firearms and explosive training. Also seized were assorted weapons and documents.

Zarate also scored the conduct of the operation as it was held during the eve of a long weekend as to ensure that the courts are closed and that the planted evidence cannot be challenged.

Parlade, who is also Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations, said Zarate used the same argument in defending the late Manabo Datu Kaylo Bontulan of the PASAKA Lumad Confederation during a previous press conference with former Gabriela Party-list Representative Luz Ilagan.

Zarate's efforts to defend Bontulan went to naught as the Lumad leader, member of the New People's Army (NPA) -- armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) -- was killed in April 2019 following an encounter with government troops.

"So where is this argument of Rep. Zarate leading? That this is another effect of 'red tagging' of groups critical of government policies? Let's identify a few of those captured and see if (CPP founding chair) Jose Maria "Joma" Sison and the NTF ELCAC is consistent with these groups which 'Joma' identified as his progressive allies," he added.

Parlade said one of those arrested in the Bacolod City operations was Romulo Bito-on known as "Muloy", who is working above ground as Deputy Secretary for Education Komiteng Rehiyon (KR)-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor.

Bito-on is also known as "Text", "Misoy" and "Derby" by the communist rebel ranks because he was former Platoon Leader, Regional Security Force/Sentro de Gravidad (SDG) of the CPP-NPA.

"To illustrate further their duplicitous nature as legal front and underground at the same time, Romulo was arrested with Analyn/Memalyn Bito-on alias 'Dobol' or Chin Chin to fellow teachers with Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT). But Analyn is also Secretary of Regional Unified White Area Committee KR-NCBS (Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor) More importantly she is also Finance (Officer) of KR-NCBS, so that husband and wife won't let go of the funds of their regional party," he added.

Parlade added that the Bito-on couple was nabbed in Barangay Taculing, Bacolod.

While teachers in Negros know Analyn as Secretary-General of ACT Negros, a legal organization, he said what these educators don't know is that Bito-on is also the Secretary of the "Katipunan ng mga Gurong Makabayan" (KAGUMA) for the entire Visayas.

"KAGUMA" is the CPP underground party group hiding within ACT,” he said.

Aside from these positions in the communist rebels' legal and underground organizations, Analyn is also a platoon leader of the CPP-NPA's Leonardo Panaligan Command, Parlade revealed.

"Not too far was the arrest of Noli Rosales alias 'Talisa' in Barangay Bata. He is the Deputy Secretary for Trade Union of RUWAC (Rural Workers' Association) KR-NCBS. That is his current legal cover. But 'Talisa' was a former member of Sentro De Grabidad, Far South Regional Party Committee before he was assigned to NCBS, because his cover in Mindanao was already blown. This is probably why Zarate is so interested in this case, the former being a close associate of Rosales, as he was dead NPA Datu Kaylo," he added.

Also arrested with Rosales is John Milton Lozande alias "Butch" and is known as the Second Deputy Secretary for United Front of KR-NCBS and National Chair of Unyon ng mga Mangagawa sa Agrikultura (UMA), another legal front organization of farmers aligned with KMU and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) and other communist rebel front organizations.

"But the illegal in him is his being a former intelligence officer of Regional Operations Command (ROC), KR-NCBS, CPP NPA. What this means is that he is very much involved in the series of killings of policemen, farmers, and progressive members in Negros, as narrated by James Durimon alias 'Juros'. Durimon is a SPARU (Special Partisan Unit) of NPA Negros who was recruited since age 14 until he surrendered last month to tell his story," he said.

Also arrested in the same operation was Proceso Quiatzon, coordinator of Karapatan-Negros, which led Parlade to ask what a human rights defender was doing in an NPA safe house with communist rebels.

"Now Karapatan's (Secretary-General) Cristina Palabay has a big problem how to explain all these. Karapatan-Negros has been bailing out captured NPAs ever since. In Mindanao Karapatan Secretary Gen Honey Mae Suazo, wife of NPA leader Donald Suazo, secured the release of Far South Mindanao Regional Party Committee head Canete. In 2012 during the term of Karapatan-Negros Secretary General Fred Caña, he bailed out NPA ROC Head Romeo Nanta. They also bailed out NPA Northern Negros head Hernando Llorente and NPA wife Faith Basergo. Now Palabay's coordinator is the one captured with these terrorists, even as they continue to deny their involvement with CPP terrorist acts. Bailing them all out will be a big problem especially after Karapatan's funds from Europe have dried up," he added.

Another captured CPP-NPA personality, according to Parlade, is Anne Villasica Kruger alias "Em-em" –known as Deputy Secretary for "Cultural/Propaganda" of KR-NCBS and Deputy Secretary for Social Media.

"She is also a former chair of BIEN South Manila. Activist? No, she is a former political instructor of an NPA Sandatahang Yunit sa Platun (SYP) Southern Luzon Regional Political Committee," he added.

He said these individuals were arrested in three different barangays and four different underground safehouses by joint military and police operatives by virtue of four Search Warrants issued by the court for violation of Republic Act 10591 otherwise known as Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition and RA 9516 or Illegal Possession of Explosives.

Also seized from them were 24 assorted firearms of different caliber, including a KG submachine gun, fragmentation grenades, and terrorist documents, items not commonly used by progressive activists as they claimed themselves to be.

"I wonder what NUPL's (National Union of Peoples' Lawyers) Edre Olalia and Neri Colmenares has to say about these. Planted evidence?" Parlade asked. "Let's see who will red-tag who when they raise their clench fist during the presentation to media next week. Better yet, let's see what Joma Sison has to say against the arrest of his armed 'social activists' which he also calls his progressive allies.”

He also attributed the precision of the raid against the communist underground members in Bacolod to the seamless coordination with the NTF ELCAC Legal Cluster with other agencies which resulted in the suspects' arrest, all unharmed.

"The raid was conducted with precision so they complain it was Gestapo-like. How lucky these people are the NTF ELCAC Legal Cluster interagency coordination and operations was seamless (so) they did not have time to react and shoot. They wish they can invoke EJK (extra-judicial killings) so there is no need for them to raise bail money. But they are so alive, thanks to democracy and this government's respect and adherence to the rule of law," he added.

The CPP-NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, 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/1084809

3ID head bids farewell

From the Visayan Daily Star (Oct 31, 2019): 3ID head bids farewell

Maj. Gen. Dinoh Dolina, 3rd Infantry Division commander, yesterday said goodbye to Army troops in Negros Island, whom he cited for his accomplishments as Army commander of Western and Central Visayas.

“All the accomplishment I received as your commander are because of all of your efforts. It's not for me, but it's for all of you,” Dolina told the 303rd Infantry Brigade troopers, whom he visited Camp Maj. Nelson Gerona in Murcia town, Negros Occidental, yesterday.

Dolina is scheduled to retire from the military service on Nov. 14. He, however, will relinquish the command of the 3rd Infantry Division to his successor, who has yet to be identified, two days earlier.

The name of Brig. Gen. Eric Vinuya, assistant division commander of 3ID and concurrent Joint Task Force Negros chief, has surfaced as among the candidates for the position to be vacated by Dolina.

There are six Army battalions under the supervision of 3ID in Negros, Panay and Bohol.

Dolina will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on Nov. 14.*

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/October/31/topstory7.htm

‘Declare NPA rebels unwelcome in Baguio’

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 1, 2019): ‘Declare NPA rebels unwelcome in Baguio’

But gov’t peace officer sees poverty, not insurgency, as bigger problem

Baguio City had always been considered a peace zone, but Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Thursday was asked to declare the communist New People’s Army (NPA) persona non grata, like in many cities in the country.

During a briefing for Agriculture Secretary William Dar, the Cabinet officer for peace and security in the Cordillera, local government and military officials gave an outline of the counterinsurgency and economic programs for the region.

But Dar said he saw poverty, not insurgency, as the bigger problem, and crushing the 50-year-old NPA in the Cordillera would require the government to improve the quality of life in at least 47 villages considered as “rebel influenced.”

These villages in Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao and Kalinga have been frequented by rebels or have residents suspected of supporting the NPA.

When asked if a ceasefire with the rebels can be pursued under the government’s “Whole of Nation Approach” policy to resolve insurgency, Dar, a former university professor, said he preferred dialogues to convince rebels to surrender and join mainstream society.

Enforced by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, the policy requires government agencies to focus their programs on the NPA.

White zone

But Baguio would be key to these programs if it no longer welcomed rebels, said Maj. Gen. Pablo Lorenzo, commander of the Army’s Fifth Infantry Division.

Throughout five decades of clashes, both government and NPA have respected Baguio as a “white zone” where no clashes take place, said Magalong, a retired police general who joined the briefing as chair of the Cordillera peace and order council.

“Rebels spent their R&R (rest and recreation) here,” he said.

Blocking their access to Baguio would have a strategic and a psychological impact on the armed rebel movement, Lorenzo said, adding that 27 towns in Abra province and seven towns in Kalinga province had declared the NPA as persona non grata.

It was not clear whether such a declaration in Baguio would make a distinction between the armed rebels and leftist groups based in the city.

These groups had brought attention to issues like indigenous peoples’ rights and Cordillera autonomy shortly after strongman Ferdinand Marcos was ousted in a people’s uprising in 1986.

Marijuana cultivation

The briefing also centered on marijuana cultivation which Magalong said had been financing rebel activities in the Cordillera.

According to him, rebels take 30 percent of marijuana profits, given that the illegal weed used to be abundant in outlying and uninhabited Cordillera outskirts.

This matter was raised because of pending bills in Congress that would legitimize marijuana cultivation for medical purposes.

Marijuana production areas have since dwindled due to the crackdown of the police and the military, Magalong said, adding that Cordillera officials would adjust should Congress pass the measure harnessing the weed for treating ailments.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1184328/declare-npa-rebels-unwelcome-in-baguio

Reds mull temporary ceasefire in tremor-hit Mindanao

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 1, 2019): Reds mull temporary ceasefire in tremor-hit Mindanao

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) announced on Friday that the New People’s Army (NPA) in Mindanao is studying the possibility of declaring a temporary unilateral ceasefire to help earthquake victims and assist relief and aid workers in far-flung areas.

“The regional Party committee and NPA command can consider declaring a temporary ceasefire so that Red fighters can concentrate on relief work for a few days,” Marco Valbuena, CPP public information officer, told the Inquirer in an online interview.

But he added: “However, they will have to weigh the relentless brutal military operations being carried out by the 73rd and 39th IB, and the SAF and RPSB forces (these are units serving as company guards of the Tampakan Mines and other big companies), in the areas of devastation.”

Valbuena said the CPP has ordered its armed wing, the NPA, to exert efforts to help tremor victims.

“The Party calls on the revolutionary forces under its Far South Mindanao Regional Committee and the NPA units to exert maximum effort to help the peasant masses and minority people in the affected areas,” Valbuena said.

He said the Maoist-inspired guerrillas and their allies could assist in rebuilding damaged homes, and repairing farms and community facilities.

“The NPA can secretly work with relief organizations who wish to deliver food and other supplies to the difficult-to-reach areas,” Valbuena said.

He confirmed that the series of strong tremors also affected some NPA units and areas under the influence of the communist rebels, although the CPP has yet to receive final reports on the extent of the damage.

“But since most of the areas are mountainous and farmlands, there are threats of landslides. But we have also yet to receive reports about that,” Valbuena said.

He said the CPP extends its sympathies to the people gravely affected by the earthquakes, particularly those in Tulunan, Cotabato, and other nearby towns./lzb

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1184528/reds-mull-temporary-ceasefire-in-tremor-hit-mindanao

Wife recounts militiaman’s last moments in hands of NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 1, 2019): Wife recounts militiaman’s last moments in hands of NPA



WIFE’S CRY. A screen grab from the video interview of Elizabeth dela Torre, live-in partner of Pablo Omblero, a CAFGU member in Valencia City, Bukidnon. The couple were forcibly taken by alleged members of New People’s Army as she saw the rebels execute Omblero on the night of October 27. (Video courtesy of Army’s 403rd IB)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The wife of a Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) member recounted the last words of her husband before he was executed by alleged members of the New People's Army (NPA) last October 27.

"He was asked (by the NPA) how long was he serving as a CAFGU, and he said he was a CAFGU for eight years. After he said those, I heard gunshots," Elizabeth dela Torre said of her husband in Visayan dialect as she began crying in a two-part video clip from the Army on Oct. 31.

In the video clip, dela Torre said she and her husband, Pablo Omblero were taken from their residence in Barangay Batangan, Valencia City, Bukidnon by seven gunmen to an undisclosed location.

Dela Torre recalled that she feared being killed next after her husband.

"I thought it was my turn, but they went close to him (Omblero) and shot him in the chest the second time," she said. The first shot was aimed at Omblero's head.

She added that throughout the eight years as a CAFGU, she doesn’t know Omblero had personal conflicts with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) - NPA, that is why she was shocked that the rebels abducted them and executed Omblero in front of her.

In the video, an interviewer asked her what she was going to do next, of which dela Torre replied that she will not cease to call for justice for Omblero.

"To those who killed my husband, you should be afraid now because I will fight back. I will find justice for my husband. Justice is all I wanted. I will have my vengeance, you better watch out because many will help me," she said.

In an earlier statement, Brig. Gen. Edgardo de Leon, the 403rd Infantry Battalion commander, said Omblero was considered a captive when he was forcibly taken by the NPA from his home.

He said under the International Humanitarian Law, a captive is not a combatant so he has the right to life and must be treated humanely.

“The NPA should have respected his rights enshrined by the IHL as he can no longer be considered combatant because he was already captured, disarmed, and therefore has no capacity to fight the armed NPA,” de Leon said.

He said they will be recommending to the city government of Valencia to create a fact-finding committee on IHL to investigate the shooting.

“We also ask the Commission on Human Rights and IHL watchdog Karapatan to join the investigation of this NPA-perpetrated IHL violation,” he added.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1084787

101 ex-NPA rebels who surrendered to military in Masbate get P1.9-M aid

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 1, 2019): 101 ex-NPA rebels who surrendered to military in Masbate get P1.9-M aid

Some 101 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who surrendered from Masbate received P1.9 million worth of cash and livelihood assistance, an Philippine Army official said on Friday.

Maj. Ricky Aquilar, 9th Infantry Division public affairs office chief, said the rebel returnees received their benefits at a military-sponsored Peace Caravan on Wednesday at the Cawayan Sports Gymnasium in Cawayan town.

Aguilar said the rebel returnees were former NPA regulars and mass-base supporters operating in various towns in Masbate province.

He said the rebel surrenderers, after undergoing evaluation and processing, received from the Department of Interior and Local Government the P15,000 cash assistance each.

Four former rebels were given P50,000 each as livelihood assistance while one received P78,000 for surrendering a firearm.

The Peace Caravan was also highlighted by a signing of a resolution declaring the NPA and its allied fronts “persona-non-grata” (unwelcomed)./lzb

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1184563/101-ex-npa-rebels-who-surrendered-to-military-in-masbate-get-p1-9-m-aid

Kalinaw News: 6th ID activates new sniper company

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 31, 2019): 6th ID activates new sniper company

SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The 6th Infantry Division activated the newly organized 61st Division Sniper Company in the morning of October 28, 2019 at Kampilan Grandstand here in Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin, Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Assistant Division Commander, Brig. Gen. JuvymaxUy, presided over the activation ceremony along with the celebration of 29th year of the AFP Code of Conduct Day.

The newly activated company will be commanded by Cpt. Judy M. Valera as he also assumed Command during the installation.
The activation of the company is a force multiplier to provide sniping capability to the Infantry Battalions of the Division for them to be more effective and efficient in accomplishing their respective assigned combat missions.

It also aimed to enhance the capability of land defense and support combat operations with minimum risk involved as well as conduct reconnaissance and surveillance operations to the supported unit.

The 61st DSC is composed of personnel that are sniper-qualified and qualified rifle experts that will undergo regular organizational training to further enhance their skills and capacitate them with the required needed skills.

“My experience in unit and sniper training will help me train you in the specialized skill that required us of what is expected from us. We should be proud of being chosen to be part of this unit of 6th ID since we are the pioneers,” said Cpt. Valera.

Brig. Gen. Uy in his remarks, emphasized that training and discipline are important to every member of the company and stressed the need of the personnel for evaluation every 6 months for them to be properly managed.

“The activation of your company is part of the organization and you must always remember that the accomplishment of the organization’s missionprecedes over individual objectives,” he said.

Meanwhile, the troops also commemorated the 29th year of the AFP Code of Conduct Day following the activation of 61st DSC, where they took their oath of allegiance to the Code of Conduct led by Maj. William S. Gallanta, Deputy Chief of the Office of the Ethical Standards and Public Accountability of 6th ID.

Division Public Affairs Office 6th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Maj Arvin G Encinas
Chief, Public Affairs Office, 6ID, PA
Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao
+6391775226469

[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/6th-id-activates-new-sniper-company/

Kalinaw News: MGen Ancan assumes as Commander of Central Command

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 31, 2019): MGen Ancan assumes as Commander of Central Command

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City—Major General Roberto Ancan assumed as Commander of the Cebu-based Central Command today, October 31, replacing acting commander MGen Dinoh Dolina.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy Hinirang Class of 1987, MGen Ancan is currently the commander of the 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army based in Labangan, Zamboanga Del Sur, a position he held since February 2019.

“During his stint as the 1ID Commander, he has led his unit to several successes and among them were notable accomplishments on the neutralization of high valued individuals and clearing of several guerrilla fronts.” Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Noel Clement said.

Prior to his present position, he was designated as Commander of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade and the Commanding Officer of the AFP Peacekeeping Operations Center that managed the organization, training, and deployment of AFP units to United Nations peacekeeping missions.

He was also the Commander of the 25th Infantry Battalion, 72nd Infantry Battalion, and 66th Infantry Battalion and was posted as a UN Military Observer in Timor Leste.

“Based on his long list of accomplishments of which I have personally witnessed we can deduce that MGen Ancan is indeed a fierce and both leader, the characteristic of leader that we are looking for to sustain and even intensify our efforts to enforce EO 70 and other initiatives of the command” Gen Clement added.

MGen Ancan is a graduate of the Basic Airborne, Scout Ranger, Field Artillery, Explosive Ordnance and Disposal, and Peacekeeping courses; and finished at the top of his Command and General Staff Course class at the AFP Command and General Staff College.

“To be the commander of the Central Command is not an easy task, you have to hurdle challenges, defy odds, and offset the threats that loomed in every corner of your area of responsibility, it is upon you to formulate cohesive strategies and plans to definitively address the communist threat, allow development to progress, and uphold peace and security in the whole of the Visayas region.” Gen Clement said.

Former CENTCOM Commander and now Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Noel Clement presided over the ceremony held at the Camp Lapu-lapu, Cebu City.

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/mgen-ancan-assumes-as-commander-of-central-command/

Kalinaw News: 126 former rebels, receive cash assistance; thousands of residents attended Masbate’s first peace caravan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 31, 2019): 126 former rebels, receive cash assistance; thousands of residents attended Masbate’s first peace caravan

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-At least one hundred twenty-six rebel returnees in Cawayan town, Masbate province received an immediate cash assistance from the government during the successful Peace Caravan at the Cawayan Municipal Gym in Barangay Poblacion Wednesday, October 30.

Aside from the said financial assistance, most of these former rebels who decided to return to the folds of the law and join the mainstream of our society will also be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) where additional livelihood, educational and other forms of assistance will be given to them.

Municipal Mayor Edgar Condor considered the event as a breakthrough in the government’s campaign to resolve the insurgency especially in their province which has long been a stronghold of communist terrorists.

Furthermore, he urged his constituents to actively support their newly created Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) and the numerous programs it is set to launch.

The peace caravan is the first convergence in the said province which was attended by at least four thousand five hundred residents who pledged to rally with the government’s campaign to push the armed conflict to its natural death.

As a symbol of its strong commitment to Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70) or the Whole-of-Nation Approach, Mayor Condor, the Battalion Commander of 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB) LTC NAPOLEON G PABON JR and other local officials signed the MTF-ELCAC commitment wall before a symbollic releasing of doves.

With the presence of the Commander of Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) MGEN FERNANDO T TRINIDAD AFP, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Director Anthony Nuyda, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Director Arnel Garcia, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Regional Director Engr. Arnel Dizon and National Housing Authority (NHA) Regional Director Alberto Perfecto and the representatives of other government agencies, 21 Barangay Captains attended the executive meeting where they were able to raise and discuss various concerns in their respective areas.

Meanwhile, Gen. Trinidad encouraged the local chief executives to be on board and help President Rodrigo Duterte in our collective goal to resolve the insurgency before his term ends.

“Wala pong iuunlad ang isang lugar kung may problema tayo sa seguridad. So ang seguridad po ay hindi lang problema ng militar, hindi lang po problema ng pulis, hindi lang po problema ng gobyerno, problema po nating lahat yan. Kung hindi po tayo magtutulungan, hindi po matatapos ‘tong problema na ‘to,” he added.

[Development will not be achieved in a place where there is security problem. Security is not just the problem of the military, it is not just the problem of the police, it is not just the problem of the government, it is everybody’s problem. If we will not work hand in hand, this problem will not be solved.]

According to MGen Trinidad, snail-paced development is observed in places where there is a presence of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) that is why he discouraged the public officials and other entities to provide any form of support to the CTG members and their ill motives to the community.

He also reassured the people of Cawayan of the JTFB’s intensified operations to preempt the armed rebels atrocities and continuing support to promote socio-economic programs and services in the province.

After the executive meeting, the residents were able to receive different services which includes free medical and dental check-up among others.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) offered free trainings while other government agencies present also conducted information dissemination about their existing programs.

On the same day, the municipality also signed a resolution declaring communist terrorists as persona non-grata.

Division Public Affairs Office 9th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Joash Pramis
Chief, Division Public Affairs Office, 9ID
Camp Elias Angeles, Pili, Camarines Sur, Philippines
Cell number: 09151434816
email: dpao.9id.pa@gmail.com

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/126-former-rebels-receive-cash-assistance-thousands-of-residents-attended-masbates-first-peace-caravan/

Kalinaw News: 402nd Brigade Conducts IP Culture Education

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 31, 2019): 402nd Brigade Conducts IP Culture Education

Bancasi, Butuan City – Serious in its objective to promote empowerment among the Indigenous People (IP), the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade conducted awareness lecture on IP Culture Education last October 26, 2019 at its Headquarters in Brgy Bancasi, Butuan City.

Said lecture aims to promote awareness on the customs and traditions of different ethnic groups in Caraga Region. It was attended by the IP soldiers of this unit undergoing Alternative Learning System (ALS) Program. The attendees will be capacitated as resource focal persons of the unit who will advocate cultural sensitivity to non-IP personnel and in conducting various civilian-military engagements.

The initiative is in partnership with the Department of Education, Division of Butuan City and IP Leaders namely Datu Rico H. Maca, the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur and Datu Engwan Ala, the Chairman of Surigao del Sur IP Crisis Committee (IPCC) and Municipal Chieftain of Carascal of the same province.

Ltc Julius Cesar C Paulo, the 402nd Brigades Executive Officer said, “During the lecture, customs and tradition of IP in Caraga Region were given emphasis so that our IP soldiers could effectively articulate on how to advocate cultural sensitivity to their peers and even to the civilian communities during stakeholder engagements. Likewise, the Republic Act 8371 also known as “The Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997” was also tackled in order to level-off understanding about the implementation of the law vis-à-vis the IP customary laws.”

In his statement, Col Maurito L Licudine, Commander of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade said, “We deemed it necessary that all our personnel must learn to respect and be sensitive on the IP culture in the AOR. As part of professionalizing our ranks and in line with the Army Transformation Roadmap, our troops now are even more capable to effectively engage with the IP communities that are frequently visited by the Communist Terrorist Group and are most vulnerable to deceptive recruitment using issues concerning IP culture and its ancestral domain”.

“We sincerely thank Datu Rico Maca and Datu Engwan Ala, both active IP leaders of Surigao del Sur province for partnering with us in this endeavour. Their contribution is a testament that they are promoting peace and development opportunities for the welfare of their tribes. Unlike other groups, let us be wary of the Left-Leaning Organizations of the CPP-NPA-NDF that just wants to sow chaos and take advantage on prevailing issues so that they can recruit innocent victims to take up arms against the government”, Col Licudine ended.

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]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/402nd-brigade-conducts-ip-culture-education/

Kalinaw News: IPs celebrates 22nd IPRA Anniversary in Surigao del Sur; CPP-NPA-NDF an obstacle for IPs progress – Army

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 31, 2019): IPs celebrates 22nd IPRA Anniversary in Surigao del Sur; CPP-NPA-NDF an obstacle for IPs progress – Army

Bancasi, Butuan City – The National Commission for Indigenous People (NCIP) of Surigao del Sur (SDS) in partnership with the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur celebrated yesterday, October 29, 2019, the 22nd Indigenous People Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997 and the 2nd IP Day Celebration of Surigao del Sur with a theme “Strengthening Future Leadership and Management of Ancestral Domains: Entrusting the IP Youths” held at Tandag City Gym, Brgy Bongtud, Tandag City of said province.

In support to the IP’s role in the pursuit of peace and development in Caraga region, the Brigade Commander of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, Col Maurito L Licudine, graced the momentous event together with Provincial Director of Police Provincial Office (PPO) of SDS, PCol James P Gofort.

More or less two-thousand (2,000) IPs from the different Tribal Communities of the municipalities/cities of the province attended the 2nd year celebration spearheaded by no less than the Regional Director (RD) of NCIP Caraga, Mr Ferdausi S Cerna, the SDS Provincial IP Mandatory Representative (IPMR), Hon Jimmy I Guinsod, and Datu Cesar Bat-ao, the Provincial Tribal Chieftain together with other local agency representatives.

The festivities started with a grand parade of all tribal communities around the City followed by an IP ritual at the gym highlighted by the presentation of NCIP SDS and IPMR Accomplishment Report.

RD Cerna in his speech said, “The 22nd year of IPRA celebration is not a celebration but more of a challenge. Challenge for the IPs to move forward despite the threats from the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and greedy investors. Through EO70, where basic services are surely to be rendered, I am sure we can win this war against insurgency. As what Sun Tzu have said, that the supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting, and this is what we are doing now”.

Meanwhile, Col Licudine in his message highlighted the significance of the government interventions that empowered IPs such as the institutionalization of the IP Structure, designation of IP Mandatory Representatives and the implementation of priority programs of PRRD that are already in the pipeline to include the special quota for IP enlistment to the regular force of the Philippine Army.

He said, “We congratulate the whole the IP community of SDS for celebrating 22nd IPRA Anniversary. After 22yrs of IPRA existence, however, many IPs still remain marginalize and isolated. This is because IPs have been exploited and controlled by the CTG for so long. They wanted the IPs to remain in poverty, without education and neglected so that they can continue to exploit the issues at the expense of the tribal communities.

“The CNTs are the obstacle of the IPs progress! They capitalized on destroying traditional leadership that IPs built, separate families and make the tribes fight each other. Hence, I call on all IP leaders and its members to unite and overcome this ploy of the CNTs and together let us end insurgency, resolve our internal rift and do not surrender your aspiration to pursue peace and development for your communities. Rest assured, you have the 100 percent commitment and support of the Army”, Col Licudine ended.

402nd Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army
CPT FRANCISCO P GARELLO JR (INF) PA
402nd Bde Civil Military Operations Officer
Contact Number:0915-054-3439/0948-641-6783
Add us on Facebook at: RAJAH KULAMBO (Stinger)

[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/ips-celebrates-22nd-ipra-anniversary-in-surigao-del-sur-cpp-npa-ndf-an-obstacle-for-ips-progress-army/

WESTMINCOM: Civil Service Commission Directors visit WestMinCom

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Oct 30, 2019): Civil Service Commission Directors visit WestMinCom



A total of 22 Civil Service Commission personnel paid a courtesy call to WestMinCom commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana at the command headquarters at 3pm today, October 29.



The team include CSC RO IX Directors Alvin Araneta, Mario Jose Cunting, and Faida Aisha Calapardo; Atty. Cynthia Rivera-Florendo; and their staff.

Also in attendance were CSC RO X Director Grace Belgado-Saqueton; RO XII Director Venus Ondoy; CARAGA Director Annabelle Rosell; and Atty. Mohammad Estrella and Mr. Serge Lumba Jr. from RO ARMM and RO XI respectively.



They made an ocular visit to the command.

WestMinCom’s Deputy Commander for Admin Brig. Gen. Francisco Ariel Felicidario III and Chief of Unified Command Staff Col. Leonardo Peña joined Lt. Gen. Sobejana in welcoming the visitors.

Source: PIO Western Mindanao Command

http://www.westmincom.com/civil-service-commission-directors-visit-westmincom/

WESTMINCOM: Rangers encounter Abus, discover encampment in Sulu

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Oct 31, 2019): Rangers encounter Abus, discover encampment in Sulu



Operating troops of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion encountered more or less 30 Abu Sayyaf Group members under Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan in Sitio Kan Mindang, Barangay Pangdanon, Patikul, Sulu at 8am of October 30, 2019.

Firefight ensued that lasted for about 50 minutes, after which enemy withdrew bringing along their casualties with them.

“We believe that a number of bandits were wounded and probably could have died due to loss of blood for our troops have seen lots of bloodstains in the enemy position and in their withdrawal route,” said Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, JTF Sulu commander.

Said encounter resulted in the wounding of 5 soldiers who were immediately extricated from the encounter site and are currently recuperating at Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Busbus, Jolo.

Recovered from the encounter site were 5 Improvised Explosive Devices, medical supplies, food supplies, 30 pieces empty gallons, personal belongings, detonating cord, 10-15 meters lead wire, 15 kilos rice, poncho, laminated sacks, 1 hammock, empty shells of 5.56mm and 7.62 mm link, and 2 backpacks.

The encounter further resulted in the discovery of an enemy encampment in Barangay Panglayahan of same municipality.

“The enemy encampment can accommodate more or less 50 persons,” Maj. Gen. Vinluan added.

While pursuing the fleeing enemies, operating troops chanced upon more or less 10 abus under Mundi Sawadjaan and Yusop in Sitio Kanlimbungan, Barangay Tanum, Patikul at 4:20pm of the same day.

The 20-minute firefight resulted in the slight wounding of 2 soldiers while casualty on the enemy side is yet to be determined.

WestMinCom commander, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana commended the rangers for their untiring dedication to their duties and made sure that the battle casualties will be given utmost care while undergoing medical treatment.

“I enjoin all the troops to press on until all the remaining bandits are neutralized and the peace that the people of Sulu are longing for is attained,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana said.

“But while military operations are vigorously undertaken, I encourage the remaining bandits to lay down their arms and end conflicts in a peaceful way,” added Lt. Gen. Sobejana.

Source: PIO Western Mindanao Command

http://www.westmincom.com/rangers-encounter-abus-discover-encampment-in-sulu/

EASTMINCOM: Eastmincom raised alert for disaster response

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Website (Oct 31, 2019): Eastmincom raised alert for disaster response



NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Eastmincom raised alert for disaster response with the recent earthquakes that struck different areas of Southern Mindanao.

Lt. General Felimon T. Santos Jr., Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command raised the alert level of all military units and directed the activation of their respective Disaster Response Unit or Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Task Force on October 31, 2019.

"Let us assist our local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council of these affected areas and provide the capability our units can offer. While doing so, let us continue to be vigilant to ensure that terrorists will not take advantage of the situation," Lt Gen Santos Jr said in his directive.

The directive includes the preparation of the different assets from the Navy, Air Force, Army and the military engineers needed in the conduct of the disaster response.

Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP

https://www.eastmincomafp.com.ph/2019/10/eastmincom-raised-alert-for-disaster.html

Bulatlat: 62 nabbed as Army, police raid offices of activist groups in Bacolod

Posted to the pro-Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)/National Democratic Front (NDF) online propganda publication Bulatlat (Oct 31, 2019): 62 nabbed as Army, police raid offices of activist groups in Bacolod

CIDG vehicle parked outside the office of Gabriela in Bacolod City (Photo courtesy of Paghimutad)

By VISAYAS TODAY
Reposted by Bulatlat

BACOLOD CITY — Authorities arrested 56 persons they alleged were communist rebels and “rescued” six minors supposedly undergoing “training and “indoctrination” during simultaneous raids on the offices of three activist groups and a private residence in Bacolod City early Friday evening, October 31.

Several firearms and grenades were also reported recovered during the raids on the offices of the Bayan Muna party-list and Gabriela in Barangay Bata, the National Federation of Sugar Workers at Libertad, and the home of Bayan Muna’s Romulo Bito-on and his wife Mermalyn, who were both arrested.

All three organizations have long been openly accused of being “legal fronts” of the communist movement.

Bito-on, on the other hand, has been previously arrested and charged for being an alleged communist.

But human rights group and some of those apprehended denied the accusations they were rebels and said the weapons had been “planted.”

Video taken of the search at the nearby office of Gabriela showed a police officer inspecting a revolver and ammunition taken from a backpack at a corner of the yard.

Local media quoted Captain Cenon Pancito, spokesman of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, as saying 49 persons, including the minors, were taken into custody from the Bayan Muna compound.

Among those arrested there were known activist leaders John Milton Lozande and Danny Tabura of the NFSW, Proceso Quiatchon of the human rights group Karapatan, Nilo Rosales of the Kilusang Mayo Uno, and Aldrin de Cerna of the Kilusang Mayo Uno.

Lozande said the raiders held them for around an hour and then he was called to a house in the compound and showed “an obviously planted” gun supposedly found in his bag.

Nine other persons were arrested at the Gabriela office and two more from the NFSW.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said among those arrested at the Gabriela office was Anne Krueger of the newly established alternative media outfit Paghimutad, which has been covering social issues, including extrajudicial killings and other human rights abuses.

They were all taken to the Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office.

Interestingly, the raids were covered by search warrants issued by Executive Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert of Branch 89 of the Regional Trial Court in Quezon City.

Karapatan, in a statement, called this suspicious and said this was reminiscent of the Oplan Sauron 2 operations in Negros Oriental in March, which were covered by search warrants issued in Cebu City.

Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate also condemned the “dastardly Gestapo-like raid … simultaneously conducted by state forces against the offices of Bayan Muna, Gabriela and NFSW in Bacolod, Negros Occidental.”

He noted that the raids were conducted “at night before a long weekend so as to ensure that the courts are closed tomorrow so that the planted pieces evidence and subsequent trumped-up charges filed cannot immediately be challenged.”

Karapatan called the raids part of a “full-blown crackdown on activists and red-tagged legal organizations,” noting that earlier in the day, police arrested Cora Agovida, the Metro Manila chairperson of Gabriela, and her husband Mickael Tan Bartolome of the urban poor group Kadamay, and claimed a .45 caliber pistol and two grenades were seized from their home.

However, Pancito told media the raids, which he described as “part of cutting the source of manpower to Red areas,” or territory were the rebels operate, would prove to be a “big blow to the Red fighters of the New People’s Army” and would “trigger the downfall” of the insurgency on Negros.

https://www.bulatlat.com/2019/10/31/62-nabbed-as-army-police-raid-offices-of-activist-groups-in-bacolod/

Calida calls Quezon youth activist 'pa-victim'

From Rappler (Oct 31, 2019): Calida calls Quezon youth activist 'pa-victim'

The military files charges against youth activist Alexandrea Pacalda 8 days after holding her in custody without a warrant



HABEAS CORPUS. A petition for habeas corpus is filed with the Supreme Court on September 23, 2019, to demand the release of youth activist Alexandrea Pacalda. File photo from Karapatan

As the Court of Appeals (CA) resolves whether to order the release of a detained youth activist, Solicitor General Jose Calida called the 23-year-old "pa-victim" (acting like a victim).

The CA 3rd Division will resolve the petition for the writ of habeas corpus of 23-year-old activist Alexandrea Pacalda – a petition that demands Pacalda's release based on the premise that she was illegally detained.

"This petition is nothing but a pa-victim case on the part of the petitioner...and the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL)," Calida said in a return of the writ submitted on behalf of the Philippine Army to the CA on October 10.

Pacalda was arrested without a warrant on September 14 by soldiers later identified as belonging to the army's 85th Infantry Battalion (IB). The 85th IB later claimed she was caught with a caliber .38 gun and 4 blasting cups.

Supreme Court issues writ

The petition was originally filed before the Supreme Court (SC) on September 23, after which the SC issued the writ on October 2.

Based on procedure, the SC tasked the CA to hear the case and it will be the CA that will decide whether to grant the privilege of the writ – or to put it simply, to order Pacalda's release.

However, on September 23, the military charged Pacalda with illegal possession of firearms and explosives. Calida said this makes the petition for the writ of habeas corpus moot because there is now legal basis to detain the youth activist.

Charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives are non-bailable. Pacalda was transferred from military custody to the provincial jail of Quezon after charges were filed.

Pacalda's lawyer, Rey Cortez of the NUPL, acknowledged that the charges are legal basis to detain her.

Cortez insisted, however, that the military still committed the violation of illegal detention when they arrested Pacalda without a warrant on September 14, and held her without legal basis for 8 days until September 23 when the charges were filed.

"Ang gusto lang namin makuhang ruling ay mag-rule na ang arrest at detention were illegal. At least magagamit na basis to file a motion to dismiss," Cortez told Rappler in a phone interview on Thursday, October 31. (What we want now is just a ruling saying that the arrest and detention were illegal. At least we can use that as basis to file a motion to dismiss.)

Was the arrest illegal?

Calida echoed the military's defense that Pacalda already admitted to being a member of the New People's Army and that she was willing to surrender. Two affidavits of voluntary surrender served as their basis.

Pacalda claims she was made to sign the affidavits under duress after 24 hours of sleep deprivation and "mental torture."

"She was forced to sign the affidavit of voluntary surrender because she was not in full possession of her mental faculties due to sleep and food deprivation, psywar, and mental torture since the day of her illegal arrest," said the NUPL in its memorandum sent to the CA.

The military said they caught Pacalda with firearms and explosives on September 14, but did not charge her at first due to the affidavit of surrender.

Calida cited Section 13 of the Rules on the Writ of Habeas Corpus, which states that "if it appears that the prisoner is in custody under a warrant of commitment in pursuance of law, the return shall be considered prima facie evidence of the cause of restraint."

That provision, Calida said, means that the court should declare the arrest and detention as valid.

"If the detention of the prisoner is by reason of lawful public authority, the return is considered prima facie evidence of the validity of the restraint," said Calida.

The CA is expected to rule soon.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/243858-calida-calls-quezon-youth-activist-pa-victim

Bulatlat: ‘Airstrikes hit civilian communities in Northern Samar’ – rights group

From the pro-Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)/National Democratic Front (NDF) online propganda publication Bulatlat (Oct 31, 2019): ‘Airstrikes hit civilian communities in Northern Samar’ – rights group

“What transpired cannot be considered as ‘surgical precision,’ but an overkill.“

By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL
Bulatlat.com

Human rights group Katungod Sinirangan Bisayas condemned the recent airstrike at the communities in Las Navas, Northern Samar allegedly by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

On Oct. 26, around 6:00 a.m, the Joint Task Force Storm of the AFP Central Command and the 8th Infantry Division conducted “surgical airstrikes” near the area of barangay Capotoan, Las Navas. According to the group, the state forces are in pursuit of the New People’s Army who the troops claim are encamping in the area.

The AFP said in its statement that its Joint Task Force Storm dropped 500-pound bombs on Oct. 26 in barangay Capotoan where about 50 NPA members are encamped.

The NPA unit in the area has not yet released a statement regarding the incident.

However Katungod received reports that several families were affected by the airstrike, causing trauma to the families that were displaced. They are now seeking refuge in nearby villages. Some residents were also forced to sleep in their farms at night.

Katungod condemned what they call as “draconian measures” in pursuing revolutionary forces which the State deemed as enemies.

As of Oct. 29, 10 families have evacuated from barangay L. Empon and 14 families from barangay Paco.

The residents said there are around 140 soldiers that have surrounded their barrio and are conducting intensive military combat operations. This has prevented the residents from going to their farms for fear of being branded as an NPA, the group said.

“What transpired cannot be considered as ‘surgical precision,’ but an overkill. Not only does it cause fear and trauma in the hearts and minds of the residents of nearby barrios, it also may cause widespread damage to the environment as well as the livelihood of farmers who rely on land for subsistence,” the group said in a statement.

They also expressed concern over the number of military troops deployed in the area saying that it will affect the livelihood of the farmers.

The group said that barangay Capotoan and nearby barrios have been subjected to intensive militarization and a massacre threat just a few months ago.

“Just around two weeks ago, barangay Sag-od and nearby barrios were subject to intensive combat operations and were also traumatized by successive encounters between the NPA and the State forces,” the group said.

The group called on the locals to demand respect for basic human rights and to end such massive attacks on the civilian population.

“We demand accountability for the recent incidents which have needlessly endanger human lives in the respective barrios. We also exhort local leaders, from the municipal to the provincial levels to truly defend their constituents and promote these communities’ safety and welfare,” the group said in a statement.

https://www.bulatlat.com/2019/10/31/airstrikes-hit-civilian-communities-in-northern-samar-rights-group/

7 soldiers hurt in clash with Abu Sayyaf in Sulu; some bandits believed dead

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 31, 2019): 7 soldiers hurt in clash with Abu Sayyaf in Sulu; some bandits believed dead

Seven soldiers were injured in a clash with members of the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu province, while a number of bandits were believed dead, the military said Thursday.

Troops from the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion of the Philippine Army encountered around 30 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists under the leadership of Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan in Sitio Kan Mindang, Barangay Pangdanon in Patikul town at about 8 a.m. on Wednesday.

The firefight lasted for about 50 minutes, with the ASG retreating and bringing with them their casualties, according to a report from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

“We believe that a number of bandits were wounded and probably could have died due to loss of blood, for our troops have seen lots of bloodstains in the enemy position and in their withdrawal route,” said Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu.

This initial encounter led to the wounding of five soldiers, who are now recuperating at Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Busbus, Jolo.

Recovered from the encounter site were five improvised explosive devices, medical supplies, 30 pieces empty gallons, personal belongings, detonating cord, 10 to 15 meters lead wire, 15 kilograms of rice, laminated sacks, a hammock, empty shells of 5.56mm and 7.62mm link, and two backpacks.

Vinluan said the firefight also lead to the discovery of an encampment of the terror group in Barangay Panglayahan.

“The enemy encampment can accommodate more or less 50 persons,” he said.

As they were pursuing the fleeing enemies, soldiers chanced upon around 10 bandits under the leadership of Mundi Sawadjaan and Yusop in Sitio Kanlimbungan, Barangay Tanum at about 4:20 p.m. on the same day.

The 20-minute encounter slightly wounded two soldiers, while the number of casualties on the enemy side has not been determined as of posting time.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Westmincom commander, commended the rangers for their “untiring dedication” to their duties in securing the province.

“I enjoin all the troops to press on until all the remaining bandits are neutralized and the peace that the people of Sulu are longing for is attained. But while military operations are vigorously undertaken, I encourage the remaining bandits to lay down their arms and end conflicts in a peaceful way,” he said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1184240/7-soldiers-hurt-in-clash-with-abu-sayyaf-in-sulu-some-bandits-believed-dead

Indian navy ships dock for goodwill visit

From the Business Mirror (Oct 31, 2019): Indian navy ships dock for goodwill visit

The INS Sahyadri

SHIPS from the navy of India made a call at the Port of Manila from October 23 to 26, for their goodwill visit, which comes as a part of the deployment of the said country’s eastern fleet to the Asean and West Pacific.

According to its embassy in the Philippines, both vessels were “indigenously designed and constructed by Indian ship builders.” INS Sahyadri is a guided missile-stealth frigate, while INS Kiltan is an anti-submarine warfare corvette.

Officials from the navies of the Philippines and India exchange pleasantries.

As part of their docking, the ships’ crew members had extensive interactions with their Philippine Navy counterparts, including formal calls on the latter’s leadership, visits to each others’ crafts, as well as operational interactions, such as a table-top exercise in harbor and an exercise at sea. The crew members of both navies bonded over social interactions and sports events hosted by the Philippine Navy.

Ambassador of India to the Philippines Jaideep Mazumdar and Commanding Officer Captain Ashwin Arwind hosted a reception in honor of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, attended by Philippine Army Vice Commander Maj. Gen Reynaldo Aquino, Philippine Fleet Deputy Commander Commodore Wilfredo Burgonio Jr., Naval Staff Chief Commodore Rey de la Cruz, as well as a large number of dignitaries from the diplomatic corps and the local Indian community. Undersecretary for Defense Policy Ricardo R. David visited the ships on October 25.

The embassy noted that the enthusiasm and warmth of activities conducted in Manila were “a true testimony of the strong bonds of friendship shared by both the countries and their navies. [The visit] of these ships to Manila, which came on the heels of the state visit of President Ram Nath Kovind, was much appreciated by various quarters of Philippine government, as well as the Indian diaspora in the country.”

Prior to their arrival in Manila, the ships were deployed for engagements with Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and Japan. The ships departed on October 26, to continue with the next phase of their deployment where more engagements are scheduled with Vietnam and Indonesia.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/10/31/indian-navy-ships-dock-for-goodwill-visit/

PHL, Japan hold 1st defense industry forum

Posted to the Business Mirror (Oct 31, 2019): PHL, Japan hold 1st defense industry forum

Officials from the Department of National Defense, Japan’s Defense Ministry and other stakeholders discuss issues on strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries.

THE Philippines and Japan renewed their cooperation in the field of defense during a forum on the two nations’ defense sectors.

“The inaugural Philippines-Japan Defense Industry Forum aims to promote defense-equipment cooperation between our countries, with the goal of contributing to each of our countries’ respective mandates and responsibilities,” Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna said in his speech.

Hosted by the International Cooperation Division of the Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency of Japan’s Ministry of Defense, the forum saw the attendance of defense industry and government stakeholders from the neighboring countries to discuss and exchange opinions, information and experiences about their policies and procedures in doing business, specifically in the procurement and export of defense equipment, material and technologies.

Luna pointed out that as the Philippines values the increasing and enduring defense alliance with Japan, the commitment to enhance its defense posture is further strengthened to guard against internal security issues and external maritime threats.

“We at the Department of National Defense fully support the recent amendment of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces Act that would allow the Japanese government and its Ministry of Defense the needed flexibilities for [its] military force to play a greater or increased role in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region by exporting quality defense equipment to foreign countries like the Philippines,” Luna said.

In March, the Philippines received spare parts for UH-IH “Huey” helicopters from Japan’s Defense Ministry, making it the first member-state of the Asean to receive excess Japanese defense equipment.

Aside from improving ties between Manila and Tokyo, the event was also beneficial to the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) while it “[transitions into] a credible and professional defense institution.”

It also provides an opportunity for the Defense Acquisition System teams and technical working groups to learn and understand Japan’s defense technologies, thus expanding the “competitive alternatives for the AFP modernization projects.”

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/10/31/phl-japan-hold-1st-defense-industry-forum/