Friday, November 1, 2019

AFP-CRS: Agusan del Sur Town creates municipal Task Force to End Insurgency

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 31, 2019): Agusan del Sur Town creates municipal Task Force to End Insurgency

The municipality of Bunawan in Agusan del Sur has formed a task force that seeks to implement government programs and projects aimed at ending the insurgency problem in the area.

Read more here: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1083650

#AFPyoucanTRUST #SupportOurTroops
|www.afpcrs.com



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

AFP-CRS: 22 years of IPRA: A challenge to IPs

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 31, 2019): 22 years of IPRA: A challenge to IPs

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.

Read here: https://www.kalinawnews.com/ips-celebrates-22nd-ipra-anniversary-in-surigao-del-sur-cpp-npa-ndf-an-obstacle-for-ips-progress-army/

#AFPyoucanTRUST #SupportOurTroops

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

AFP-CRS: Communists NPA Terrorists : Obstacles to IPs progress

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 31, 2019): Communists NPA Terrorists : Obstacles to IPs progress

"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

Read here: https://www.kalinawnews.com/ips-celebrates-22nd-ipra-anniversary-in-surigao-del-sur-cpp-npa-ndf-an-obstacle-for-ips-progress-army/

#AFPyoucanTRUST #SupportOurTroops



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

AFP-CRS: Celebrating 22nd Indigenous Peoples Rights Act in Surigao del Sur

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 31, 2019): Celebrating 22nd Indigenous Peoples Rights Act in Surigao del Sur

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.

Read here: https://www.kalinawnews.com/ips-celebrates-22nd-ipra-anniversary-in-surigao-del-sur-cpp-npa-ndf-an-obstacle-for-ips-progress-army/

#AFPyoucanTRUST #SupportOurTroops
|www.afpcrs.com



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

AFP-CRS: Indigenous peoples, exploited by communist terrorist groups for many years

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 31, 2019): Indigenous peoples, exploited by communist terrorist groups for many years

Read more here : https://www.kalinawnews.com/ips-celebrates-22nd-ipra-anniversary-in-surigao-del-sur-cpp-npa-ndf-an-obstacle-for-ips-progress-army/

#AFPyoucanTRUST #SupportOurTroops

Image may contain: 1 person, text


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

AFP-CRS: Indigenous peoples, exploited by communist terrorist groups for many years

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 31, 2019): Indigenous peoples, exploited by communist terrorist groups for many years

Read more here : https://www.kalinawnews.com/ips-celebrates-22nd-ipra-anniversary-in-surigao-del-sur-cpp-npa-ndf-an-obstacle-for-ips-progress-army/

#AFPyoucanTRUST #SupportOurTroops

Image may contain: 1 person, text


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

AFP-CRS: Joint law enforcement operations nabs NPA secretary

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 31, 2019): Joint law enforcement operations nabs NPA secretary

Joint elements of the 48th Infantry (Guardians) Battalion and the 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade, both of the 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army; the Bulacan Police Provincial Office (PPO); and, the Meycauyan Municipal Police Station successfully caught the former deputy secretary of a New People's Army group in Bulacan, that goes by the aliases “Hillary/Aye”

#AFPyoucanTRUST #SupportOurTroops



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

AFP-CRS: CPP-NPA secretary arrested

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 31, 2019): CPP-NPA secretary arrested

Digna dela Vega Mateo, alias "Hillary", is the Vice Secretary of the NPA group called Platoon Timog Sierra Madre.

She is also a coordinator of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) in Bulacan in 2018 and
supported the labor union unrest that sparked between NutriAsia-Marilao and its workers last year
was arrested by Joint PNP and Philippine Army units in a law enforcement operations by virtue of a standing warrant of arrest for murder.

#AFPyoucanTRUST #SupportOurTroops

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

AFP-CRS: 10 Abu Sayyaf members surrender in Basilan

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 30, 2019): 10 Abu Sayyaf members surrender in Basilan

A total of 32 firearms including one ultimax, two M14, four M16, one M203, four Carbine, and 20 Garand rifles were surrendered to government forces.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Ivan San Jose, commanding officer of the 18th Infantry Battalion, welcomed those local terrorists who surrendered.

Read more at: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/713337/10-abu-sayyaf-members-surrender-in-basilan/story/

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

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

AFP-CRS: Civilian tip-off leads troops to capture NPA camp

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 30, 2019): Civilian tip-off leads troops to capture NPA camp

An official of the Joint Task Force Negros (JTF Negros) attributed the successful capture of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) terrorist camp in Ayungon, Negros Oriental to the vigilance of the civilian populace in the area.

Brigadier General Eric Vinoya, JTF Negros Commander, said the locals provided precise information to the 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) about the location of the communist-terrorists, which led to the seizure of the group's lair at the boundary of Sitio Yamut and Sitio Talaptapan, Barangay Mabato, Ayungon .

Read more at: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1829528/Bacolod/Local-News/Civilian-tip-off-leads-troops-to-capture-NPA-camp

#SupportOurTroops #AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

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

AFP-CRS: 11 more brgys. in Bukidnon declare CPP-NPA ‘persona non-grata’

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 30, 2019): 11 more brgys. in Bukidnon declare CPP-NPA ‘persona non-grata’

The decision of the barangay officials including its law-abiding citizens came out after Malitbog Mayor Osmundo Dela Rosa issued Municipal Resolution No. 1, 2019 dated September 10, 2019 condemning the terrorists acts relentlessly committed by the CPP-NPA, its front groups and affiliates and declaring them as persona non grata in the municipality.

Such was adopted by the barangay governments as a basis to issue their resolutions.

Their sincerity was seen in public as they signed the Community Peace Covenant.

Read more at: https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029426

#AFPyoucanTRUST #SupportOurTroops | www.afpcrs.com



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

AFP-CRS: 11 more brgys. in Bukidnon declare CPP-NPA ‘persona non-grata’

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 30, 2019): 11 more brgys. in Bukidnon declare CPP-NPA ‘persona non-grata’

The decision of the barangay officials including its law-abiding citizens came out after Malitbog Mayor Osmundo Dela Rosa issued Municipal Resolution No. 1, 2019 dated September 10, 2019 condemning the terrorists acts relentlessly committed by the CPP-NPA, its front groups and affiliates and declaring them as persona non grata in the municipality.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army who has been serving the municipality for years, extended his gratitude to the local officials for their clever move of complementing the national government's program in ending the local communist armed conflict.

Read more at: https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029426

#AFPyoucanTRUST| #SupportOurTroops | www.afpcrs.com



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

AFP-CRS: Army Commander in Caraga urged local leaders and its residents to reject the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG)

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 30, 2019): Army Commander in Caraga urged local leaders and its residents to reject the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) 



The Army Commander in Caraga urged local leaders and its residents to reject the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) during the Municipal Development Council (MDC) and Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) Launching of the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) of the Municipality of Jabonga.

In his speech during the launching of MTF ELCAC in Jabonga town, COL Maurito L Licudine, Commander of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade challenged the local leaders and residents to reject outright the CTG and its allied left-leaning organizations in order to move forward in one direction particularly in ending the local communist armed conflict and attain a long and lasting peace in the said town.

Read more at: https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-to-agnor-town-local-leaders-and-residents-reject-communist-terrorist-group/

#AFPyoucanTRUST| #SupportOurTroops | www.afpcrs.com

Image may contain: 1 person, text


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

AFP-CRS: Army to Agnor Town Local Leaders and Residents: Reject Communist Terrorist Group

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 30, 2019): Army to Agnor Town Local Leaders and Residents: Reject Communist Terrorist Group

The Army Commander in Caraga urged local leaders and its residents to reject the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) during the Municipal Development Council (MDC) and Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) Launching of the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) of the Municipality of Jabonga.

In his speech during the launching of MTF ELCAC in Jabonga town, COL Maurito L Licudine, Commander of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade challenged the local leaders and residents to reject outright the CTG and its allied left-leaning organizations in order to move forward in one direction particularly in ending the local communist armed conflict and attain a long and lasting peace in the said town.

Read more at: https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-to-agnor-town-local-leaders-and-residents-reject-communist-terrorist-group/

#AFPyoucanTRUST| #SupportOurTroops | www.afpcrs.com

Image may contain: 4 people, people smiling, text


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

AFP-CRS: More firearms yield by Lanao del Sur locals

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 30, 2019): More firearms yield by Lanao del Sur locals

Additional firearms were turned-over by the locals of Lanao del Sur
to the 55th Infantry Battalion.

The firearms consists of one M14, one carbine with M203 attached, one Ingram and one M1 Garand rifle.

Read more at: https://www.kalinawnews.com/more-firearms-yield-by-lanao-sur-locals/

#AFPyoucanTRUST| #SupportOurTroops | www.afpcrs.com

Image may contain: text


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

AFP-CRS: Army, Armed group clash in Sibugay

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 30, 2019): Army, Armed group clash in Sibugay

Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion clashed against six members of a lawless armed group in Brgy Tampalan, Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay.

According to Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, 44th Infantry Battalion commander, “There were reports from the communities of the presence of a armed group, so we immediately respond that call and that resulted into this encounter”.

Read more at: https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-armed-group-clash-in-sibugay/

#AFPyoucanTRUST| #SupportOurTroops | www.afpcrs.com

Image may contain: 1 person, smiling, text


[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.]

Kalinaw News: NPA surrenderee pinpoints high-powered firearm’s

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 1, 2019): NPA surrenderee pinpoints high-powered firearm’s location (By 3rd Special Forces Battalion Philippine Army)



BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan Del Sur – Alias Kakar, a squad leader of Platoon 1 SDG, of Weakened Guerilla Front 30 (WGF30), Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) surrendered to the 7th Special Forces “Spartans” Company (7SFC), 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion (3SFBn) today and pinpointed the location of one 5.56mm M4 Carbine Bushmaster Rifle at the hinterland of Purok Bombels, Awisan, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur (SDS). The said surrenderee is currently at the 7SFC headquarters in Mararag, Marihatag, SDS for proper custodial debriefing.

According to Alias Kakar, 34 years old, he was recruited by a certain Otillo Galagate, a Militia ng Bayan member in barangay Tina, San Miguel, SDS 2-3 years ago.

“Walay kaugmaon tungod sa korapsyon ng mga kumander (walang kinabukasan dahil corrupt ang mga kumander),” said Kakar.

He said that to be with the Communist NPA Terrorists is to live in a miserable life.

“Di bale lisud ang kinabuhi basta kauban na ko ang pamilya. Ang akoang anak ug asawa (Hindi na baling mahirap ang buhay basta kasama ko ang aking pamilya, ang anak at asawa ko),” he added

The Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur’s all-out support to the President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict has gained tremendous results and positive feedbacks all over the CARAGA region. Recently, SurSur Governor Alexander Pimentel was designated as the Regional Peace and Order Council Committee Chairman for his steadfast commitment in initiating various peace and development efforts in the province.

Alias Kakar along with other new surrenderees will be enrolled to the Enhanced Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to receive benefits for choosing the path to peace. Based on the implementing rules and regulations of Administrative Order No. 10 signed by the President on 2018, Kakar, as a former member armed rebels, is qualified to receive E-CLIP’s livelihood assistance, reintegration programs, firearms remuneration and other benefits as provided by law for NPA surrenderees.



Source: 3rd Special Forces 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]

EXCLUSIVE: Chinese ‘naval warship’ harasses Filipino-crewed ship near Scarborough Shoal

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Nov 1, 2019): EXCLUSIVE: Chinese ‘naval warship’ harasses Filipino-crewed ship near Scarborough Shoal

The Chinese vessel insists that the commercial ship change course to avoid the shoal, and then tails it to make sure it stays away from the Chinese-controlled area in the West Philippine Sea



CHINESE WARSHIP? This photo from the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) of the oil tanker Green Aura indicates the presence of Chinese vessels near Scarborough Shoal on September 30, 2019. One of them calls itself a 'naval warship.' Photo courtesy of Captain Manolo Ebora

A Chinese vessel that introduced itself as a “naval warship” harassed a Filipino-crewed commercial ship near Scarborough Shoal (Panatag Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea on September 30, the ship’s captain Manolo Ebora told Rappler on Wednesday, October 30.

The Liberia-flagged, Greek-owned crude oil tanker Green Aura was transiting from Nongyao, Thailand, on its way to Longkou, China, when Ebora, a Philippine Navy reservist with the rank of lieutenant commander, decided to steer the commercial ship near Scarborough Shoal off Zambales to “find out the situation.”

He wanted to verify reports of a Chinese presence there.

Scarborough, or Panatag, Shoal lies approximately 120 nautical miles from the coast of Masinloc, Zambales, where it derived its Spanish name, Bajo de Masinloc.

The Philippines, by law, considers it part of its national territory, as China claims spurious “historical rights” to it. An international arbitral tribunal declared the shoal an international fishing ground. It lies within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone where all vessels have the right to innocent passage. 

(READ: China using fishing vessels for surveillance, control of West PH Sea – DND)

The Green Aura had been at sea for 4 days on Monday, September 30, when it reached Philippine waters. When it came within 12 nautical miles of Scarborough Shoal at around 7:30 pm, the ship’s Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) detected Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels nearby.

The officer-on-watch alerted Ebora, who immediately climbed to the bridge to take the helm.

When the Green Aura came within 6 nautical miles of the shoal, it received a radio call from a nearby vessel: “Green Aura, this is Chinese naval warship calling.”

Ebora immediately took the call and responded. The initial conversation went thus:

Ebora: Yes, naval warship, this is the [Green] Aura.
Chinese crew: Please inform [us of] your destination.
Ebora: We're going to China

'Naval warship'

The transmission appeared to come from one of several Chinese vessels in the vicinity, which appeared on Green Aura's ECDIS as the following:
China Coast Guard 3302
Zhongguo Haijing 3303
3066
China Coast Guard 3175
“Missing,” i.e. name unidentified

The one named “China Coast Guard 3302” was nearest Green Aura.

The vessels were “stationary,” Ebora said, all appearing to guard the southeastern end of Scarborough Shoal where a shallow portion serves as a “mouth” through which vessels could enter its inner lagoon.

Four of the vessels are registered under the Chinese Coast Guard, or “Zhongguo Haijing,” Chinese for “China Maritime Police.” A 5th vessel’s name could not be detected by ECDIS, which could have meant its Automatic Identification System (AIS) was turned off, Ebora explained.

The CCG used to be a civilian agency, until China placed it under the control of its People’s Armed Police in March 2018, turning it into a paramilitary force.



FILIPINO CREW. Ship captain Manolo Ebora (left) speaks to the crew of a 'Chinese warship' on the radio as his crew of fellow Filipinos steer the international oil tanker Green Aura near Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on September 30, 2019. Photo courtesy of Captain Manolo Ebora

What made Ebora and the officers onboard the Green Aura anxious on that evening of September 30 was the other vessel calling itself a “naval warship.”

“‘Yun ang pakilala nila. Hindi naman ‘coast guard’ eh, kaya ako nagtaka rin. Ang nakalagay nila, ‘coast guard’ pero makikita mo sa video, hindi naman nila sinabing sila’y ‘Chinese coast guard’ kundi ‘Chinese warship,’” Ebora said. (That was how they introduced themselves. It wasn’t “coast guard,” so it made me wonder. The name they put was “coast guard” but as you’ll see in the video, they did not say they were the “Chinese coast guard” but a “Chinese warship.”)

Challenge to alter course
After a few minutes, the Chinese vessel again radioed the Green Aura:

Chinese crew:

This is the Chinese naval warship. Please aim your course to 0-8-0 degrees.
Ebora: Why should I alter my course? I'm just passing this area. Is there any reason?
Chinese crew: Please aim your course to 0-8-0 degrees and sailing for 10 nautical miles and then you can...
Ebora: Why should I alter my course? We are [making] innocent passage.

The crew on the Chinese vessel wanted the Green Aura to stay 10 nautical miles away from the shoal as it sailed northeast in the direction of Bolinao, Pangasinan.

Ebora ignored the Chinese vessel’s challenge and maintained the Green Aura’s course. Several minutes later, he and his crew noticed the China Coast Guard 3302 start moving in the direction of the Green Aura’s path, apparently to block its passage.

Then, they received yet another challenge from the “Chinese naval warship”:

Chinese crew: Could you change your course to 0-8-0 degrees to make sure [of] the safety of your destination?
Ebora: Yes. May I know, is this a Chinese territory? Why should I alter my course?

The airwaves went silent for about a minute, after which Ebora insisted, “Chinese warship, why should I alter my course? Is this a Chinese territory? I [am] just [making] innocent passage in the Scarborough. But this is closest to the Philippines.”

There was no immediate response from the Chinese vessel, but a faint radio transmission from yet another vessel was heard addressing the “Chinese warship” in fluent English. Ebora could not identify its source.

'Chinese jurisdiction'

A few minutes later, the Chinese vessel again challenged the Green Aura, using the Chinese name for Scarborough Shoal to tell Ebora to steer away from it. Ebora rebuffed the Chinese crew.

“This is Scarborough Shoal. It’s not [Huangyan Dao]. We are just passing. May I know, is this a Chinese territory water? I think it’s not a Chinese [territorial] water,” he radioed back.

Ebora kept insisting on innocent passage as the Chinese vessel went silent for several minutes. Then, a different Chinese voice came on, using a sterner tone.

“This is China Coast Guard. This area is under the jurisdiction of Chinese government. You should keep away from this area,” it told the crew of the Green Aura.



COLLISION COURSE. When Captain Manolo Ebora insisted on maintaining the Green Aura's (the encircled icon) course, the China Coast Guard ship 3302 starts heading towards its path. Photo courtesy of Captain Manolo Ebora

Ebora tried to insist on his position, but the Chinese crew started responding in Chinese. The China Coast Guard 3302 also started to tail the Green Aura in an effort to drive it away.

“‘Nung pahuli na, medyo kinabahan ako, at nakalampas na rin ako sa Scarborough, medyo lumayo na ako,” Ebora said. (Towards the end, I got nervous, and since I was already past Scarborough, I started to veer away.)

That the Green Aura came within 6 nautical miles of the shoal should not have been an issue regardless of which country owned it because it qualified as innocent passage in the usual practice among mariners, said Ebora, who has been a commercial ship captain for 15 years.

The China Coast Guard 3302's position intending to cut the Green Aura in its course and then tailing it afterwards violated navigation rules. "Mali 'yon," Ebora added. (That was wrong.)

'No justice'

China has wielded de facto control over Scarborough Shoal since June 2012, after a nearly two-month standoff with Philippine government vessels. Chinese coast guards have since restricted Filipinos’ access to the shoal.

The incident reflects what former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio called China’s “double standard” in restricting innocent passage in areas it claims as territory.

In July, the Philippines called out China for having its naval warships pass unannounced – with their AIS turned off – through Philippine waters. China claimed innocent passage, despite the fact that it tends to restrict innocent passage through waters it claims to own.

“Medyo parang mali o masakit kasi sarili mong bansa, itataboy ka. Ikaw, para bang bahay mo, itaboy ka. Anong pakiramdam mo, di ba? Masakit ‘yon,” Ebora said. (It’s kind of wrong or hurtful that in your own country, you’re shooed away. It's like being kicked out of your house. How would you feel, right? It hurts.)

“Tapos sarili mo ring pagkain, gaya nung isda para sa mangingisda, iba yung kumukuha. Sarili mong kayamanan na dapat ikaw ang nakikinabang, iba ang nakikinabang,” Ebora went on, referring to China’s fishing blockade against Filipinos, who have long depended on Scarborough Shoal.

(Then even your own food, like the fish for the fishermen, is taken by others. Your own resources that you should be enjoying are benefiting others.)

A fisherfolk leader from Zambales told Rappler in September that the volume of their catch has declined by 80% since they were kicked out of Scarborough Shoal in 2012. (READ: Like a thief in your own territory)

"There is no justice," Ebora added.



WEST PHILIPPINE SEA. This broader ECDIS map image shows Scarborough Shoal adjacent to the western tip of Luzon. The red line represents the general direction of the Green Aura's course as it heads from Thailand to China on its voyage from September 26 to October 6, 2019. Photo courtesy of Captain Manolo Ebora

Proud to have made a stand

After the incident, Ebora gathered the Green Aura’s 21 crew members to tell them what happened, and to warn them of possible consequences when they dock in China. They all worried that the Chinese government would accuse them of intrusion.

“Pero proud din naman sila, palibhasa nga kami’y puro Pilipino, na hindi kami nagpa-bully, at saka ipinaglaban namin 'yung karapatan namin bilang Pilipino,” Ebora said. (But they were proud, too, since we're all Filipino, that we did not let ourselves be bullied, and that we stood up for our rights as Filipinos.)

When the Green Aura passed near Bolinao, Ebora called up the local Philippine Navy station to report the incident. The Navy confirmed that the area where the incident happened was within Philippine waters, Ebora said.

The Green Aura arrived in Longkou, China, on October 6. All 22 crew members were able to stay in China without incident.

Ebora came home to the Philippines on Tuesday, October 29.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/243936-exclusive-chinese-naval-warship-harasses-filipino-crewed-ship-scarborough-shoal

Family of executed militiaman cries for justice

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Nov 1, 2019): Family of executed militiaman cries for justice

BUKIDNON – The family of a pro-government militiaman who was abducted and executed by communist insurgents in Valencia City is crying for justice as troops continue to pursue New People’s Army rebels in the province, security officials said.

Officials said Pablo Omblero was killed by rebels after being taken captive last week. He was shot in the face and body.

Omblero’s partner said at least 7 gunmen barged into their house in the village of Batangan and dragged him away despite her pleadings. She said Omblero was also begging for his life.


“Pito sila nga nagsulod sa amo balay, ilang gihigtan akong bana, gidala mi sa Batangan, grabe among pakitluoy, among hilaka apan mga walay konsensya ug kasingkasing. Ilang gipusil akong bana kaduha bisag walay ikasukol, sako atubangan pa gyud. Ngano lugar ilang patyon akong asawa sa mga NPA nga klarong wala man mi nisukol ug ikasukol?” the woman told authorities.

Brigadier General Edgardo de Leon, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, also condemned the murder of Omblero. “The NPA should have respected his rights enshrined by the International Humanitarian Law (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.

“We ask the Commission of Human Rights and IHL watchdog KARAPATAN to join the investigation of this NPA-perpetrated IHL violation,” he added. There was no immediate statement from the NPA, but the rebel group has been linked to many executions of security personnel in the southern region. (Mindanao Examiner)

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/family-of-executed-militiaman-cries-for-justice/

Zambo mayor appointed anew as RPOC head, gets pat on the shoulder from Duterte for job well-done

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Nov 1, 2019): Zambo mayor appointed anew as RPOC head, gets pat on the shoulder from Duterte for job well-done

MAYOR BENG CLIMACO thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for re-appointing her as chairperson of the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) and citing her “steadfast commitment to security.”

Climaco took her oath along with other RPOC officers before President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang which was also attended by top national executives and members of the National peace and Order Council (NPOC).


The RPOC is a sub-national council and serves to provide a forum for dialogue and deliberation of major issues and problems affecting peace and order, including emergency, and recommend measures which will improve or enhance peace and order, and public safety in their respective areas of responsibility, including anti-insurgency measures and to initiate or oversee the convergence and orchestration of internal security operations efforts of civil authorities and agencies military and police among others.

Climaco was first appointed by Duterte in January 2017 succeeding then Dipolog Mayor Evelyn Uy as RPOC head. Since her election and assumption as the city’s chief executive in 2013, Climaco adapted security as her priority agenda through her flagship program Security, Health and Education.

Her administration has allocated some P1.2 billion for the security sector over the last 5 years. She provided the police and military patrol vehicles, firearms and ammunition, sea crafts, communication equipment and facilities, fuel, allowances and other forms of assistance in support to their mandates.

In a meeting with the Regional Development Council in Zamboanga Sibugay’s Ipil town in June, Climaco bannered the RPOC accomplishments and stressed that under her leadership the RPOC has become a platform to harmonize initiatives geared towards peace and development in Zamboanga Peninsula. (Zamboanga Post)

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/zambo-mayor-appointed-anew-as-rpoc-head-gets-pat-on-the-shoulder-from-duterte-for-job-well-done/

MNLF unwanted in Zamboanga!

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Nov 1, 2019): MNLF unwanted in Zamboanga!

ZAMBOANGA MAYOR BENG Climaco has stood firm in disallowing any activities here of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), especially the faction of Nur Misuari, whose loyal forces attacked the city in two separate occasions in the last 2 decades.

Just recently,
a letter purportedly signed by Mukisin Taguid-id and Jubail Kamlian asking the local government for a permit to allow about 500 MNLF members and supporters to gather here for a peace and federalism forum, and even invited Climaco to be one of their honored guests.

Climaco rejected the MNLF request and said she will not issue any permit to Taguid-id and Kamlian following the recommendation of the police and military authorities.

“Upon recommendation by the security forces, the city government of Zamboanga has denied the request of the Moro National Liberation Front for a permit to conduct a forum on peace process and federalism,” she said. The forum was supposed to take place on October 30.


Capt. Edwin Duco, a police spokesman, has confirmed Climaco’s statement and said they have recommended to the local government not to issue any permit that would allow the forum. “We recommended to the City Government to deny and disapprove the request for a permit,” he said, adding, the local police force and the military-led Joint Task Force Zamboanga had immediately convened to assess the MNLF request.

MNLF Denial

“We have been informed that there are false rumors circulating through SMS and social media platforms about the MNLF. The Office of the Chairman (Nur Misuari) of the MNLF Central Committee reiterates that it has no involvement in a since-cancelled forum that was to be held in Zamboanga City on Wednesday, 30th of October.”

“In connection with this, some have spread misinformation of a threat of confrontation between the MNLF and local government forces if the request for the permit of the said event would be denied. These are unfounded accusations and are not true. Please be vigilant and help stop the spread of lies that are causing undue panic and fear,”
it said.


Misuari was reported to have ordered all MNLF units, State and National Commands, including others to refrain from any provocative acts, saying, the MNLF now has engaged in peace process.

Climaco has previously rejected similar requests by the MNLF to hold its meetings here and told the former rebel group to be “sensitive and perceptive of the fact that the scars of the September 9, 2013 Zamboanga siege caused by the MNLF remain unhealed and fresh in the hearts and minds of Zamboanguenos.”

The mayor was referring to the attack by the MNLF here that resulted to the deaths of dozens of innocent civilians and the destruction it left, including the tens of thousands of families displaced by the violence.

The Sieges

Six years after deadly siege by hundreds of armed MNLF members, residents here are still crying for justice which remains elusive for the victims of the attack. Climaco also set September 9 as a “Special Day of Remembrance” in honor of all those who perished in the siege that lasted for 3 weeks.

Supporters of Misuari, the MNLF chairman, attacked Zamboanga after declaring independence and their failed attempt to raise the Bangsamoro Republik flag at City Hall. The siege displaced over 100,000 people and affected the economies of Basilan and Sulu which are dependent on Zamboanga for their trades and goods. Misuari has publicly denied involvement in the siege of Zamboanga.

In 2016, Climaco – who stood firm against the MNLF during the entire period of the crisis – has banned any so-called peace rally or gathering of the MNLF members in Zamboanga City.

She said such rallies will not be allowed in the as this might disturb Zamboanga anew. “I am giving you a categorical no; you must not disturb Zamboanga anymore. If you want to come up with your rally, make it in your area, Zamboanga will not welcome a rally by MNLF, not at this time because you still have to be accountable with the killings and devastations we are suffering from,” Climaco said in the past.

“The destruction wrought by the 2013 siege continues to linger, as internally displaced persons – both Muslims, Christians and Lumads, most of whom are those who eluded the conflicts in Sulu and Basilan – have suffered the brunt of the MNLF attack in Zamboanga,” she said.

Misuari signed a peace deal with Manila in September 1996 ending decades of bloody war. After the peace agreement was signed, Misuari became the governor of the Muslim autonomous region. But despite the peace accord, he said there was a widespread disillusionment with the weak autonomy they were granted.

Under the peace agreement, Manila would have to provide a mini-Marshal Plan to spur economic development in Muslim areas in the south and livelihood and housing assistance to tens of thousands of former rebels to uplift their poor living standards. Cabatangan It was the second attack by MNLF in the past decade.

In November 2001, hundreds of MNLF members occupied the Cabatangan Complex and held hostage dozens of civilians, including children; and another group also attacked a military base in Sulu province in an effort to stop the elections in the Muslim autonomous region after Misuari was ousted as governor.

More than 100 people were killed in the fighting and in the end, then Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat allowed the attackers to leave Zamboanga in exchange for the hostages.

Misuari then escaped by boat to Malaysia, where he had been arrested and deported to the Philippines and was eventually pardoned and released by President Gloria Arroyo in exchange for MNLF support to her election bid as well as her allies in the Senate and Congress in 2004. He also ran several times for governor in Sulu even while under detention, but lost.

Now, President Rodrigo Duterte said he wanted to resume the peace process with Misuari and ordered police and military not to arrest the MNLF chieftain. (Zamboanga Post)

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/mnlf-unwanted-in-zamboanga/