Kalinaw News: BGen Vinoya is 3rd ID’s new Commander

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 12, 2019): BGen Vinoya is 3rd ID’s new Commander

CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – Joint Task Force Negros Commander Brigadier General Eric Vinoya has assumed the post of the Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID) during the change of command ceremony held here Tuesday, November 12.

BGen Vinoya who also served as 3ID’s Assistant Division Commander took over the helm of the said Army Division as Acting Commander, replacing MGen Dinoh Dolina who will bow out of the military service on November 14 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Lieutenant General Macairog Alberto, Commanding General of the Philippine Army was the Presiding General Officer during the change of command ceremony, which was attended by the local government officials, stakeholders, the media friends, field commanders and men and women of the 3ID.

In his message, BGen Vinoya underscored the importance of intensified stakeholder engagement in its peace and development efforts in Central and Western Visayas. He encouraged all Spearhead Troopers to sustain the gains that the Joint Task Force Negros and Joint Task Force “SPEAR” have achieved.

“All of these efforts should be done through the implementation of Executive Order (EO) Number 70 or the Institutionalization of the Whole of Nation Approach and the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict or NTF-ELCAC,” said Vinoya.

He challenged the local chief executives who are the chairmen of the Local Task Forces to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (LTF-ELCAC) to take the lead and be at the forefront in ending the insurgency in their respective locality. “I do believe that good governance is the key in ending the insurgency,” he emphasized.

The newly-installed Acting Commander also encouraged different government agencies to do their part and be the Army’s partners in fighting the insurgency to achieve genuine peace and development that everyone’s been longing for.

Further, he called on to the remaining members of the CPP-NPA Terrorist to abandon armed struggle and return to the folds of the law, enjoy the government services and live a normal life together with their loved ones.

Meanwhile, General Alberto expressed his full trust and support to BGen Vinoya for he believed that the latter’s accomplishments in the previous divisions are testaments to his competence and diverse capability to lead the 3ID.

Alberto challenged Vinoya to sustain the momentum of the peace campaign that the 3ID has gained.

He called on the officers, enlisted personnel and civilian workforce of the 3ID to always adhere to the highest standards of excellence and professionalism. “Regard your new leader with the same respect and support you have extended to your former commanders,” he added.

Before he was assigned at 3ID, BGen Vinoya served as the 28th Commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade that facilitated the declaration of the province of Bukidnon as Conflict Manageable and Ready for Further Development.

Vinoya also held various significant staff positions in the 4th Infantry Division and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

He honed his leadership and managerial skills through his military education and training both local and abroad. He took up his Infantry Officer Advanced Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, USA; United Nations Military Observer Course in Ontario, Canada; International Counter-Terrorism Fellows Program at Fort McNair, Washington D.C, USA; Basic Airborne Course and Infantry Officer Basic Course, both from Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC); and Intelligence Officer Course at the Special Intelligence Training School, ISAFP.

The newly-installed Acting Commander is a recipient of various awards that include an Outstanding Achievement Medal, Distinguished Service Star Medals, Gawad sa Kapayapaan Medal, Meritorious Achievement Medal, Gawad sa Kaunlaran Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Cross Medal, Bronze Cross Medals, Silver Wing Medals, Military Merit Medals both for Combat and Administration, Military Commendation Medals and numerous plaques and commendations.

Division Public Affairs Office 3rd Infantry Division Philippine Army
CPT CENON C PANCITO III (SC) PA
Chief, 3rd Division Public Affairs Office
Camp General Martin T Delgado, Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City
Contact: dpao.3idpa@gmail.com / 0917-124-1983

[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/bgen-vinoya-is-3ids-new-commander/

Kalinaw News: 9th Infantry Division, activates new CAFGU unit

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 12, 2019): 9th Infantry Division, activates new CAFGU unit

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-With the aim to institutionalize a more efficient and effective CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) management system, the Army in Bicol formally activated the 9th Division CAA Affairs Unit (9DCAU) Monday, November 11.

MGEN FERNANDO T TRINIDAD AFP, Commander of 9th Infantry Division officiated the unfurling of the unit colors, the Army’s traditional way of recognizing the birth of a new unit and commencement of its given mission.

Gen. Trinidad expressed his confidence with 22IB’s former Commanding Officer, LTC EDUARDO MONJARDIN, who will also be heading the 9DCAU, along with his assurance of the Division’s full support with the unit’s plans and programs.

“Tiwala ako na ang iyong posisyon na ito ay magagampanan mo ng buong husay katulad ng iyong pinamalas bilang pinuno ng Valor Battalion. Batid kong ang pagsisimula ng isang unit ay hindi madali ngunit sa pamamagitan ng ating pagtutulungan, lahat ay kaya nating mapagtagumpayan,” Gen. Trinidad added.

[With your position, I am confident that you will perform excellently just as when you were the head of the Valor Battalion. I know that it is not easy to start a new unit but if we will work hand in hand, everything is achievable.]

Aside from the activation of the 9DCAU, 22nd Infantry (Valor) Battalion (22IB) which previously caters the management of CAA’s will be reverted to its original function as a Maneuver Battalion. Preparations for 22IB’s subsequent deployment are being undertaken to strengthen 9ID’s intensified focused military operations in Bicol region. Meanwhile, a Sniper Company will also be activated to further enhance 9ID’s capability in addressing all forms of domestic threats and in securing the people and their communities in the region.

Moreover, with Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) 5 or Task Force Katuninongan asin Kauswagan where all local government agencies and local government units are working together in addressing the armed conflict, these new units will be very instrumental in the agressive campaign of the Army in Bicol to curb the atrocities and illegal activities hurled by Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).

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/9th-infantry-division-activates-new-cafgu-unit/

Kalinaw News: CTG Member who is a punong Barangay, killed in Masbate armed clash

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 12, 2019): CTG Member who is a punong Barangay, killed in Masbate armed clash

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-An incumbent Barangay Chairman who is a member of the armed rebels was killed in an armed encounter between government troops and communist terrorists in Milagros town, Masbate province around 6 o’clock in the morning Wednesday, November 6.

Joint elements of 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB) and 2nd Masbate Provincial Mobile Force Company (2MPMFC) are conducting combat operations in response to a report about the presence of the members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Barangay San Antonio when they encountered an undetermined number of terrorists who are part of Komiteng Seksyon sa Platoon 1 (KSPN 1), Larangan 2, Komiteng Probinsya 4 of Bicol Regional Party Commitee (BRPC).

Barangay Chairman Wolfert Dalanon AKA Ompong died on the spot while one M16 rifle, M653 rifle, carbine and a laptop were recovered in the encounter site after the one hour and twenty minutes firefight.

It was learned that Dalanon, who is an active member of the CTG, had been supporting the terrorists’ illegal activities and recruitment schemes.

In fact, initial reports revealed that the terrorists were having their training in his Barangay for several days now and today was supposed to be the graduation when the clash broke out.

Hot pursuit operation against the enemies who were seen scampering towards different directions is still on-going.

Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) under MGEN FERNADO T TRINIDAD AFP ordered the troops to tighten the security measures being laid down in the area.

Gen. Trinidad once again reminded the public officials to uphold their oath of office and give their constituents an honest and untainted service.

He underscored that giving CTG’s any form of support and joining their useless cause will only result in bloodshed and endanger the innocent civilians.

Furthermore, JTFB encouraged the rebels to surrender and rally with the government’s campaign to end insurgency especially now that Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) or Task Force Katuninongan asin Kauswagan is more than prepared to assist them in reestablishing their lives outside the armed movement.

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/ctg-member-who-is-a-punong-barangay-killed-in-masbate-armed-clash-2/

WESCOM: NPA High-Powered Firearms Recoveed in Norther and Southern Palawan

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Nov 9, 2019): NPA High-Powered Firearms Recoveed in Norther and Southern Palawan

NPA HIGH POWERED FIREARMS RECOVERED IN NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN PALAWAN

Camp General Artemio Ricarte, Puerto Princesa City - On November 8, 2019 at 8:00AM, operating troops of Western Command under Joint Task Force Peacock recovered two (2) 12 gauge shotguns, two (2) shotgun magazines, nine (9) live ammunitions for shotgun and subversive documents (communist ideology books) at Brgy Bono-Bono, Bataraza and Brgy Pulot Interior, Sofronio Española respectively following the surrender of eight (8) CNT members of KLG South led by Ka Allan.

In addition, another operating unit of WESCOM recovered one (1) cal. 30 Heavy Machine Gun of the CNT at Brgy Caruray, San Vicente. Said firearm was hastily buried by the insurgents upon sensing that military troops conducting focused military operations were approaching the area. The recovery was a success through the information provided by the local populace.

Vice Admiral Rene V Medina AFP, Commander, Western Command lauded these very recent accomplishments of Palawan Task Force ELCAC in finally putting an end to insurgency problem. The convergence of the efforts that is anchored on the effective implementation of the EO 70 or the "Whole of the Nation Approach" has resulted to the continued destruction of CTGs here in Palawan.



https://www.facebook.com/wescom/photos/pcb.1468026209996202/1468021563330000/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/wescom/photos/pcb.1468026209996202/1468021523330004/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/wescom/photos/pcb.1468026209996202/1468021503330006/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/wescom/photos/pcb.1468026209996202/1468022569996566/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/wescom/photos/pcb.1468026209996202/1468021576663332/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/wescom/photos/pcb.1468026209996202/1468021636663326/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/wescom/

WESTMINCOM: Dawlah Islamiya members, supporters yield to troops in LDS

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Nov 12, 2019): Dawlah Islamiya members, supporters yield to troops in LDS



Two Dawlah Islamiya/Maute Group members and two of their supporters yielded to the troops of the 49th Infantry Battalion in Masiu, Lanao del Sur yesterday, November 11, 2019.

Camar Gampong Musa, a.k.a Camar and Nasroding Comayog Patiilan, a.k.a Sangcopan; and their supporters Badroding Gampong Patiilan and Pacalinog Patiilan Comayog, all of Barangay Cormatan of same municipality, handed over 1 Caliber 5.56mm M16A1-Elisco Rifle, 1 Colt 45 pistol, 70 rounds of Caliber 5.56 ammunitions, 5 rounds Caliber .45mm ammunitions, 1 long steel magazine, 3 short steel magazine, 1 long plastic magazine, 3 short plastic magazine, and 1 bandolier.
The successful surrender of said personalities was facilitated by the Alpha Company, 49IB in coordination with the local government unit of Masiu.

“This accomplishment is attributed to the intelligence units who never falter in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities,” said Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan, Acting Commander of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan.

Said surrenderors were presented to the Association of Barangay Captains President, Sarip Rangiris Acob, after which they were brought to the 49IB headquarters for custodial debriefing.

“We are delighted by their decision to return to the mainstream of society instead of engaging in armed confrontations,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“We attributed our success to the local officials of Masiu for their untiring support on our campaign against terrorism that resulted to the surrender of terrorist members, whom to come out for it is but more fulfilling to end terrorism without a single bloodshed,” added Lt. Gen. Sobejana.

Turned over firearms are temporarily placed under the custody of 49IB for safekeeping.

Source: PIO Western Mindanao Command

http://www.westmincom.com/dawlah-islamiya-members-supporters-yield-to-troops-in-lds/

EASTMINCOM: Soldiers Redeploy to Fix Evacuation Tent Cities

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Website (Nov 12, 2019): Soldiers Redeploy to Fix Evacuation Tent Cities


NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Soldiers from the 39th Infantry Battalion were redeployed to assist the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (LDRRMC) of Makilala in raising back the tent city in four evacuation centers in the municipality after it was struck by a strong wind, heavy rain, and hailstorm on the afternoon of Monday, November 11, 2019.

The soldiers were pulled out from their relief operations to initially assist the soaked evacuees while awaiting the redeployment of the soldiers from the 534th and 512th Engineering Battalion who were deployed in putting-up and configuring evacuation centers in the affected areas.

It can be recalled that Eastern Mindanao Command raised the alert level and ordered the activation of the Humanitarian and Disaster Response (HADR) Task Force to assist the different LDRRMC of the areas struck by the series earthquake last month.



At present, Eastmincom is overseeing the conduct of disaster response through the 10th ID Task Force HADR which utilizes the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, 901st Infantry Brigade, 512th Engineering Battalion, 534th Engineering Battalion and 10th Division Emergency Response Company.

In Davao City, the 11th Forward Service Support Unit has been expanded into a Joint Logistics Center to support and forward the logistical needs of the units and the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council in the affected areas.



On the other hand, aircraft from the Tactical Operations Wing-Eastern Mindanao which were used in rescue operations and Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis are on continuous alert for their utilization.

On November 11, 2019, two AFP Mobile Kitchen Trucks were likewise deployed in Kidapawan to be utilized by some evacuation centers in the area.



Meanwhile, Lt. General Felimon T. Santos in his visits to the involved units expressed his appreciation to the dedication of soldiers to their duty and encouraged them to continuously assist the different Incident Command Post in the synchronized, orderly, equitable, and inclusive disaster management.

"You showed the finest virtue of service. Despite being a victim also of the calamity, we responded timely and selflessly and tirelessly committed ourselves and our unit to the most needy and somehow helped them in alleviating the suffering," he said.



"We shall continue to assist the different DRRMCs and the other Law Enforcement Agencies input order to the disaster response and encourage our stakeholders to abide by the established protocol so that we will give a synchronized, orderly, equitable, and inclusive disaster management," Lt. Gen. Santos added.

Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP

https://www.eastmincomafp.com.ph/2019/11/soldiers-redeploy-to-fix-evacuation.html

Robredo to seek help of U.S. intelligence to go after drug lords

From Rappler (Nov 12, 2019): Robredo to seek help of U.S. intelligence to go after drug lords

'The problem of drugs is not unique to us. We won’t be able to solve this on our own. We really need to work with other countries, especially those near us,' the Vice President says



NOT JUST WITH U.S. Vice President Leni Robredo continues consulting with various local and international groups on how to reform President Rodrigo Duerte's drug war. File photo by Jire Carreon/Rappler

Vice President Leni Robredo wants to tap into the United States intelligence resources to go after powerful drug lords in the Philippines.

Robredo, the new co-chairperson of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD), said this would be one of the agenda during her meeting with US embassy officials on Wednesday, November 13.

"I’m meeting with them tomorrow…. We want to know what resources are available for us, especially in the area of intelligence. We need a lot of help in going after the big-time drug lords. Perhaps they can help us there," the Vice President, speaking in Filipino, said in a chance interview in Pasay City on Tuesday, November 12.

Robredo said it is crucial for the Philippines to study the anti-drugs campaign of other countries, not just the US.

"We’re not only meeting with the US embassy. We’re going to talk to all those from the international community we can possibly speak to. Because the problem of drugs is not unique to us. We won’t be able to solve this on our own. We really need to work with other countries, especially those near us," said the Vice President.

The ICAD co-chair will be spending the next days meeting with both local and foreign groups as she moves to reform President Rodrigo Duterte’s violent war on drugs. (READ: Robredo opens ICAD meet: The enemy is drugs, not people)

The Vice President is a longtime critic of Duterte’s drug war, where, the police claims, more than 6,000 people have been killed in anti-drug operations. Human rights groups, however, estimate the numbers could reach almost 27,000 to include victims of vigilante-style killings. (READ: The Impunity Series)

Smarting from the Vice President’s latest criticism on the drug war, Duterte offered to make Robredo co-chair of the ICAD, a post that she accepted in a bid to stop the killings. (READ: The gamble of Leni Robredo)

The Vice President already said she wants the ICAD, composed mostly of law enforcement agencies, to open its doors to human rights and faith-based organizations.

She also said law enforcement personnel should have body cameras to ensure the "integrity" of drug operations.

On Monday, November 11, Robredo met with representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to discuss the "best practices" of other Southeast Asian nations in combating illegal drugs.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/244773-robredo-seek-help-united-states-intelligence-go-after-drug-lords

Rappler Talk: Retired rear admiral Rommel Jude Ong on PH Navy's 'rebirth'

From Rappler (Nov 4, 2019): Rappler Talk: Retired rear admiral Rommel Jude Ong on PH Navy's 'rebirth'

On Monday, November 4, Rappler editor-at-large Marites Vitug sits down with retired rear admiral Rommel Jude Ong to discuss the Philippine Navy's strategic vision for the future, among others



MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines, having one of the longest coastlines in the world, faces a host of challenges with its under-equipped navy.

But this is expected to improve as the Philippine Navy undergoes modernization, with the upcoming purchase of new vessels. The upgrades are part of capacity building as response to external threats, including maritime issues in the West Philippine Sea. (LIST: The Philippine Navy's upcoming vessels)

On Monday, November 4, Rappler editor-at-large Marites Vitug sits down with retired rear admiral Rommel Jude Ong to discuss the "rebirth" of the Philippine Navy and its strategic vision for the future, among others.

Ong was vice commander of the Philippine Navy. He is now the executive director of think tank Security Reform Initiative.

Why was the Philippine Navy "neglected" all these years? What can be done to improve awareness of maritime issues the country is facing?

Watch the discussion live on Monday at 2 pm.

https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/videos-podcasts/244002-interview-rommel-jude-ong-philippine-navy-rebirth#cxrecs_s

Preliminary contract for new PH Navy warships signed in South Korea

From Rappler (Nov 12, 2019): Preliminary contract for new PH Navy warships signed in South Korea

The Navy chief says they're figuring out where to get the P28 billion to buy a pair of brand new corvettes, which will be the Philippines' most powerful warships – if the plan pushes through



PHILIPPINE WARSHIP. The brand new BRP Antonio Luna, a multidimensional frigate, is launched to sea for the first time at the Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in South Korea on November 8, 2019. Photo from the Philippine Navy

The Philippine Navy’s plan to acquire two brand new corvettes is a step closer to fulfillment with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Department of National Defense (DND) and the South Korea-based shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), said Navy Flag Officer-in-Command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and HHI President Ka Sam-Hyun signed the MOU at the company’s shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea, on the sidelines of the sea launch of the navy’s second brand new missile-capable frigate, the BRP Antonio Luna, on Friday, November 8.

Empedrad, who was part of the Philippine contingent that witnessed the ship launch, spoke about the possible corvette deal to reporters on the sidelines of a ceremony marking the 69th “Birthday” of the Philippine Marine Corps at Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown in Taguig City, on Monday night, November 11.

"It’s basically an understanding on how to implement the project once the budget is available for the corvettes,” Empedrad said, admitting the deal is tentative pending a final agreement, which he said Lorenzana is pushing to be drafted and signed by the end of 2019.

The two corvettes, a type of small yet powerful warship, would cost a total of P28 billion, and the DND has yet to secure a commitment from the Department of Budget and Management for the amount. Lorenzana earlier said the acquisition could be financed through a government-to-government loan agreement with South Korea, which Empedrad said was still an option.

The Navy chief said they would prioritize acquiring the two corvettes "even if we sacrifice some of the [other] modernization projects because this is a very important project of the Philippine Navy.” 

(READ: LIST: The Philippine Navy's upcoming vessels)

The Philippines received a second-hand Pohang-class corvette from the Republic of Korea Navy last August. The vessel has since been renamed BRP Conrado Yap, and is currently the most powerful warship in the Philippine Fleet.

Empedrad said he asked Lorenzana to ask South Korea to donate another Pohang-class corvette that their navy is retiring this year.

Meanwhile, the two frigates HHI is building for the Philippine Navy are expected to be delivered 6 months earlier than scheduled. The BRP Jose Rizal, initially expected in September or October 2020, will be delivered by April or May, Empedrad said. The BRP Antonio Luna, which wasn’t expected until early 2021, will be delivered by September or October 2020.

The two frigates will be capable in the 4 dimensions of modern warfare: anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine, and electronic warfare. They will be fully equipped with surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, and torpedoes.
The planned brand new corvettes – not the Pohang-class ones – would be even more powerful than the frigates, which is why the Navy is pushing for their acquisition. The Navy is also planning to get 6 Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) and 8 Shaldag Fast Attack and Interdiction Craft with Missiles (FAIC-M) to build a credible maritime defense capability.

"Kung mayroon tayong (If we had) 6 OPVs that can patrol Philippine Rise and the West Philippine Sea, and then we have 8 Shaldag from Israel, and we have 2 corvettes, 2 frigates, kayang-kaya na nating i-secure ‘yung maritime [territory] natin (we’d already be quite capable of securing our maritime territory),” Empedrad said.

The Navy plans to acquire 6 OPVs from the Australia-based shipbuilder Austal, for which Lorenzana said he would seek Australia’s exemption from President Rodrigo Duterte’s ban on foreign deals. Half of that number may be built at Austal’s unit in Cebu City.

As for the FAIC-Ms, Empedrad said the P10 billion budget for the project is forthcoming because it is one of Duterte’s priority projects. The deal needs to be signed by the end of the year if the vessels are to be delivered before May 2022, when Duterte’s term ends.

If the project pushes through, 4 of the FAIC-Ms will be built at the Navy’s shipyard at Sangley Point in Cavite City. Empedrad said the Philippines would benefit greatly from the “transfer of technology” when the planned vessels are built locally.

The Philippine archipelago faces security threats from the sea. Chinese coast guards, warships, and research vessels have been plying its waters largely unchallenged. Foreign extremists have been entering the country's loosely guarded southern islands through the Sulu Sea. The priority deployments for the Navy’s new vessels will include the West Philippine Sea, which China spuriously claims as its territory, and the waters around southwestern Mindanao, to guard against bandits and terrorists.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/244771-preliminary-contract-new-philippine-navy-warships-signed-south-korea

[ANALYSIS] Scarborough Shoal and its threat to Philippine centers of gravity

Posted to Rappler (Nov 12, 2019): [ANALYSIS] Scarborough Shoal and its threat to Philippine centers of gravity (By Jose Antonio A. Custodio)

It is our economic assets, our commerce, and way of life that can now be threatened by the Chinese. Green Aura is a harbinger of things to come.



Unceasingly had drummed into them the utterance of The Times: "You are lions led by packasses."
– Francisque Sarcey, in Paris During the Siege, 1871

The harassment of the Liberian registered tanker the Green Aura by Chinese naval and coast guard elements off Scarborough Shoal has generated a huge amount of debate and discussion, especially with regard to the manner in which the Duterte administration attempted to sweep it under the rug. 

(READ: Maritime expert hits Panelo for downplaying China ship harassment)

The man of the hour, Captain Manolo Ebora justified his decision to stay his course in words that have since then been juxtaposed with the defeatist and servile “walang magagawa” (can’t do anything) statement of Rodrigo Duterte against Chinese aggression. Captain Ebora, who is a Philippine Navy reservist has since received awards and commendations for his act of defiance against the Chinese. Ironically, Duterte administration-sanctioned online trolls, media hacks, and even officials have started a shameful and treasonous campaign to smear the reputation of Captain Ebora.

In his confrontation with a Chinese coast guard vessel off Scarborough, Captain Ebora said: “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.”

Instead of using this as a rallying point to instill awareness of the extent of the Chinese threat to the country, Duterte administration officials made a mad scramble to downplay the incident. The following are the statements of administration officials that range from the weak to the bizarre.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo:

In a way, it's not our concern, because it's not a Philippine vessel.

Furthermore, the spokesman doubted the intentions of the Filipino captain of the Liberian registered tanker based on what he said was his discussion with the National Security Adviser. Both the spokesman and the NSA are not mariners.

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr:

We stick our noses in and 400,000 Filipino mariners get embroiled in a maritime issue about which our only interest is the safety of the parts of the crew who just happen to be Filipino and were not harmed…Want the employment [of] 400,000 Pinoy mariners to hang in the balance of the games an idiot native media likes to play? Now that's harming their livelihoods.

Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana:

It has been reported in certain news outlets that a commercial vessel with Filipino crew aboard, the Green Aura, was repeatedly challenged by Chinese Coast Guard vessels near Bajo de Masinloc on September 30, 2019. Since the Green Aura, a Liberian ship, was able to safely reach its intended port of destination unimpeded, we believe that what happened should not be blown out of proportion or sensationalized. An official report of this incident has been forwarded to the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) for their appropriate action. We, however, would like to reiterate our call for all countries to exercise prudence and respect freedom of navigation and passage in the WPS. Bajo de Masinloc is well within the Philippine EEZ, and the 2016 arbitral ruling declared that it is a common fishing area. The Chinese government must respect international maritime laws if it wants to earn the respect of the international community.

This then reveals a glaring lack of understanding of what the Chinese threat poses to the Philippines that is present and slowly building up at Scarborough Shoal.

It is important that the Philippines has to condemn what the Chinese vessel did to the Green Aura at Scarborough Shoal. That shoal is ours and the Exclusive Economic Zone is also ours and China has no business being there. However we need to show where exactly the shoal. Its strategic importance is usually left out of the discussion. This enables the officials in the Duterte administration to engage in efforts to downplay any incident in the area. Ironic, since the secretary of national defense had stated in 2017 in relation to the Chinese presence in Scarborough Shoal that:

That’s very, very disturbing. Very much (more) disturbing than Fiery Cross because this is so close to us.

Contrast that with his statement on Green Aura:

Since the Green Aura, a Liberian ship, was able to safely reach its intended port of destination unimpeded, we believe that what happened should not be blown out of proportion or sensationalized. (Author’s emphasis)

Scarborough Shoal is 120 miles away from Zambales and 150 miles away from the National Capital Region. Going by the 9-dash line or the 10- or 11-dash line that the Chinese have arbitrarily and outrageously drawn up to mark what they claim is their territory in the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea, this leaves the Philippines with only 12 nautical miles of territorial water and the rest beyond that is China’s. That is outrageous and unprecedented by international laws and standards.

Scarborough Shoal allows the Chinese not just to enforce that illegal claim but also to threaten and coerce the Philippines in its major centers of gravity. Any general or admiral in the Philippine military worth the stars on his or her shoulders should know the definition of a center of gravity. It is simply defined as “a source of power that provides moral or physical strength, freedom of action, or will to act.”

Hence, what are the centers of gravity in the Philippines that will be affected by Scarborough Shoal?

• Our military command and control system, as the General Headquarters and Service Headquarters are grouped around the National Capital Region.

• Our major military bases, such as major navy, army and air forces bases in the National Capital Region and elsewhere in Luzon.

• Our maritime trade: the port of Manila alone accounts for approximately 20,000 ship visits a year, annual cargo shipments of almost 100,000,000 tons, more than a million passengers a year.

• Our commercial air traffic consists of more than 50 aircraft movements per hour at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and more than 40 million passengers a year.

• Our political centers – executive, legislative. and judiciary (yes, they actually have value) – are all located in Metro Manila.

• Most of our major urban centers are located at the National Capital Region and Central Luzon and Calabarzon, which have a combined population of a quarter of the country’s total population.

It is not just military assets that can be interdicted and harassed by the Chinese presence at Scarborough Shoal. More importantly, it is our economic assets, our commerce and way of life that can now be threatened by the Chinese. Green Aura is a harbinger of things to come. Scarborough’s other intent is to play a direct role to also ensure a malleable administration in Malacañang Palace. If bribery of Filipino politicians will not work, or if there are protests against Chinese influences in the Philippines, Scarborough Shoal will be classic gunboat diplomacy to keep the Filipinos in line and submissive through the threat of economic blockade. True enough, a single Chinese Coast Guard ship at Scarborough Shoal that did not scare off a Captain Ebora has instead managed to elicit submissive, weak, and even at times pro-Beijing treasonous statements from Filipino officials.

Yet, there are many things that can be done by the Duterte administration, from mobilizing international support on diplomatic and economic areas to applying pressure on China for its misdeeds in the South China and West Philippine Seas, and conducting public awareness campaigns for Filipinos to support the government against China’s territorial ambitions. This can be a decisive factor in unifying the people.

Unfortunately, the Duterte administration has preferred to enable China’s territorial aggression and has even taken a step further to allow Beijing the ability to spread its influence in the Philippines through debts, influx of hundreds of thousands of Chinese nationals in inadequately-regulated enterprises, a do-nothing approach in the West Philippine Sea, and deliberate attempts to foment national disunity by discrediting those Filipinos (like Captain Manolo Ebora) who oppose Chinese expansionism.

In matters of national security, it appears that the policy makers and leadership in the Philippine national security sector and the Philippine military are more hell-bent on running after activists and local marginalized communists than in facing the real threat on the Philippine Republic posed by Chinese imperial ambitions. Even though there is widespread distrust of China from within the Philippine military who view it as the country’s number one external threat.

It is not just that Duterte cannot do anything for the Philippines, it is that he and his administration are already doing quite a lot for China. Hence, even if it was the previous Aquino administration that committed the monumental blunder of losing Scarborough to Chinese occupation, it is still well within the mandate and responsibility of the Duterte administration to vigorously defend against and treat with utmost alarm the aggressive presence of the Chinese at Scarborough Shoal, especially since this is very near our sociopolitical, economic, and military centers of gravity.

As a final point, Beijing must be so thoroughly pleased with itself that it does not even have to reward its ambassador to Manila for the great inroads that have been made by China into the Philippines. Filipino politicians and legislators, in a shameless act of subservience, personal self-interest, and perhaps even treason, did it themselves when they heaped awards and praises on the outgoing Chinese ambassador. – Rappler.com

[Jose Antonio Custodio is a security and defense consultant. He specializes in military history and has post-graduate studies in history from the University of the Philippines. He occasionally teaches history and political science in several universities in Metro Manila.]

https://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/244680-analysis-scarborough-shoal-threat-centers-gravity-philippines#cxrecs_s

6 soldiers killed, 20 wounded in Eastern Samar clash with communist rebels

From Rappler (Nov 12, 2019): 6 soldiers killed, 20 wounded in Eastern Samar clash with communist rebels

Improvised bomb blasts meet Philippine Army soldiers acting on a tip that NPA rebels were harassing communities in the outskirts of Borongan City



Government troops clashed with communist rebels from the New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Samar province on Monday, November 11, killing 6 soldiers and at least one guerrilla. Some 20 other soldiers were wounded, said Captain Reynaldo Aragones, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division, on Tuesday, November 12.

At around 5 pm Monday, 3 platoons of the Army’s 14th Infantry Battalion (IB) acted on a tip from a civilian who said that armed NPA insurgents were extorting money and food from communities in the vicinity of Barangay Pinanag-an, Borongan City.

Six improvised explosive devices (IED) went off “simultaneously” as the soldiers arrived in the mountainous area, followed by a firefight with an estimated 50 guerrillas that lasted about 30 minutes.

Aragones said the IEDs appeared to have been planted beforehand, and the blasts were mainly what killed the 6 government soldiers and wounded 20 others.

The clash left an undetermined number of guerrillas wounded. An initial report of the incident said that a “captured CNT was killed during the encounter.” CNT stands for “communist NPA terrorist,” the military’s term for communist guerrillas.

Aragones asked to withhold information on the casualties because their families have yet to be informed.

“Nakakalungkot 'yung nangyari sa amin. May nagbuwis na naman ng buhay sa tropa ng 14th IB,” Aragones said in a media interview. (What happened to us is saddening. Yet again, troops from the 14th IB gave their lives.)

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines to end the communist insurgency, after unsuccessful attempts at peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front (NDF), the political wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the NPA.

The Duterte administration has instead pushed for "localized peace talks" through the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), created in December 2018, to hold negotiations between local government units and local fronts of the communist rebels.

The CPP-NPA-NDF rebellion started in 1969 and is now Asia's longest-running insurgency. It had about 25,000 guerrillas at its peak in the late 1980s, but its numbers have since dwindled to about 4,000. The fighting between government forces and the rebels have have killed thousands.

The islands of Samar and Negros in the Visayas are among critical areas in the battle between the government and communist guerrillas. On October 26, the military launched “surgical airstrikes” on an alleged NPA encampment in Las Navas, Northern Samar, that caused “heavy casualties” among the guerrillas, the military said.

The Army is still in pursuit of the guerrillas they encountered on Monday, Aragones said on Tuesday. They suspect the presence of an NPA encampment near the site of the battle.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/244731-soldiers-killed-wounded-eastern-samar-clash-communist-guerrillas

Duterte, Misuari agree to set up peace coordinating body

From ABS-CBN (Nov 12, 2019): Duterte, Misuari agree to set up peace coordinating body

MANILA—President Rodrigo Duterte met anew with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari in Malacañang on Monday night.

Both leaders have agreed the creation of a coordinating body between the government and MNLF, Sen. Bong Go told reporters.


sherrie ann torres@sherieanntorres

President Duterte & MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari met at 7PM Monday. Both agreed to create a GPH-MNLF coordinating body. The President will meet with Misuari again in Davao next month according to Sen @SAPBongGo  Sen Go @ANCALERTS @ABSCBNNews @DZMMTeleRadyo


10:19 AM - Nov 11, 2019

The President is set to meet Misuari anew in Davao City in December, he added.

The Palace earlier said the GPH-MNLF coordinating committee "will serve as a venue to seek for the cooperation of the MNLF to achieve immediate peace in Sulu by, among others, helping in combating the Abu Sayyaf Group and convincing MNLF relatives to return to the folds of the law."—With a report from Sherrie Ann Torres, ABS-CBN News

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/12/19/duterte-misuari-agree-to-set-up-peace-coordinating-body

Sick and using Fentanyl, Duterte should yield to Leni —Joma Sison

From GMA News Online (Nov 11, 2019): Sick and using Fentanyl, Duterte should yield to Leni —Joma Sison
Jose Maria Sison on Monday night asked President Rodrigo Duterte to yield his office to Vice President Leni Robredo.

The founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines said Duterte's illnesses and use of the potent opioid Fentanyl have take their toll on the Chief Executive.

"The illnesses and the use of Fentanyl, which Duterte himself has publicly admitted and which circumstances have also exposed more amply, have taken a toll on him physically and mentally," Sison said in a statement.

"He has frequently taken long rests and the small amount of work that he has done is lucrative to himself and his criminal accomplices but is greatly detrimental to the people," he added.

Sison made the remark after presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo announced that Duterte was going to take a three-day break.

He later corrected the announcement, saying Duterte will be continue to work albeit from his residence in his hometown Davao City.

"It is better for him to resign and yield his office to his vice president before he dies or continues to languish in bed with his euphoric Fentanyl," Sison said.

"That might put a stop to his scheme of fascist dictatorship and the ongoing drive of militarization and fascization under EO 70," he added.

Duterte's Executive 70 institutionalizing localized peace talks or peace talks between the national and local government has been the subject of criticisms from the CPP-NDF.

Sison alleged that EO 70's provisions weaponize civilians against the communist rebels.

“The EO limits the Philippine government to the framework of military suppression and psywar use of fake surrenders and fake encounters, misrepresented as localized peace talks. EO 70 seeks to weaponize the civil bureaucracy for the armed counterrevolution or military suppression of the revolutionary government and movement of the people,” Sison said in an earlier statement.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/715072/sick-and-using-fentanyl-duterte-should-yield-to-leni-joma-sison/story/

6 soldiers dead, 20 wounded in Eastern Samar clash

From the Philippine Daily Inquier (Nov 12, 2019): 6 soldiers dead, 20 wounded in Eastern Samar clash

At least six soldiers were killed while 20 others were wounded in an encounter in a remote village in Borongan City, Eastern Samar on Monday afternoon.

Reports reaching the Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas based in Palo town, Leyte, showed that the government troops belonging to the 14th Infantry Battalion based in Oras town, Eastern Samar were in Sitio Bangin, Barangay Pinana-an in Borongan City on a patrol operation about 5 p.m. when they encountered about 50 members of the New People’s Army.

The rebels were reported to have detonated six improvised explosive devices while they were firing at the soldiers.

Killed in the battle that lasted for almost an hour were Sergeant Rex Jadulco; Corporals Ronaldo Go and Limar Banug; Private First Class Kent Loyd Agullo, and Junmar Buranday; and Private Charlie del Rosario.

Those wounded were Sergeants Kenneth John Arcina, Cyril Baja, Rando Doris, and Marlon Orsal; Private First Class Albert Abegonia, Denmark Gonsaza, Dandreb Gealon, Riel Bilagon, Rex Batis, Jr., Jerwin Ormob, Rene Abuda, Mark Geric de Leon; Privates Darwin Aborquez, Jayson Beros, Roger Moore Ditched; Corporals Dominador Antonio, Aljin Aguillos, and Linlito Donayre.

One rebel was said to have been killed in the incident.

The bodies had been retrieved while the wounded soldiers have been airlifted to a medical clinic at Camp Lukban, the headquarter of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, Samar.

The encounter site was said to be “infiltrated” by communist rebels.

The death of the six soldiers and the wounding of 20 others were seen as a major blow to the government’s campaign to end the region’s insurgency problem, particularly on Samar Island.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1188797/6-soldiers-dead-20-wounded-in-eastern-samar-clash

Tagalog News: Palawan TF-ELCAC tiniyak ang seguridad ng 8 sumukong NPA

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 12, 2019): Tagalog News: Palawan TF-ELCAC tiniyak ang seguridad ng 8 sumukong NPA

Press Conference ng Palawan Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), kung saan iniharap sa mga mamamahayag ang walong miyembro ng New People's Army (NPA) na sumuko sa Joint Task Force Peacock ng 3rd Marine Brigade. (Larawan ni Leila B. Dagot/PIA-Palawan)

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan, Nob 8 (PIA) --Tiniyak ni Governor Jose Chaves Alvarez, chairman ng Palawan Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) ang kaligtasan ng walong sumukong pinuno at mga miyembro ng New People's Army (NPA) sa lalawigan kamakailan.

Sa Press Conference, sinabi ni Alvarez na nakahanda ang gobyerno na tugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga ito, maging ng kanilang pamilya upang ma-proteksyunan mula sa posibleng panganib dulot ng kanilang pagbabalik-loob sa pamahalaan.

Aniya, bukas ang palad ng lokal man at nasyonal na mga ahensiya ng gobyerno na bumubuo sa PTF-ELCAC para sa sino mang kasapi ng rebeldeng grupo na sumuko na at magbagong-buhay.

Sinabi ni Alvarez na nakahanda ang pamahalaan na suportahan ang pangangailangan ng mga susuko, maging ng kani-kanilang pamilya, pagdating sa aspetong pananalapi at seguridad.

“We have enough funds in the provincial government to start them in their new life, and the military as well will secure them, and provide them with all assurances that they will not be harm by external forces… (Mayroong sapat na pondo ang pamahalaang panlalawigan upang makapagsimula sila sa panibagong buhay, maging ang mga sundalo ay iingatan sila, at bibigyan ng katiyakan ng kaligtasan mula sa ano mang panganib),” pahayag ni Alvarez.

Kaugnay nito, pinasalamatan ni Vice Admiral Rene Medina, commander ng Western Command (WesCom), at co-chairman ng PTF-ELCAC ang tropa ng pamahalaan na nagtrabaho at nasa likod ng pagsuko ng mga dating miyembro ng NPA, maging ang pamilya ng mga ito na humihikayat sa kanilang pagbabalik-loob sa gobyerno.

Tiniyak din ni Medina na tutulong ang gobyerno upang makamit ng mga ito ang kaloob na Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Kamakailan lang, boluntaryong sumuko sa Joint Task Force Peacock ng 3rd Marine Brigade ang pinaka-mataas na pinuno ng Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) sa Palawan, kasama ang pito pa nitong miyembro.

Sa Press Conference ng PTF-ELCAC, kung saan iniharap sa mga mamamahayag ang walong sumuko, sinabi ng pinuno nito na isa sa pinakamalalim nilang dahilan ng pagsuko ay ang kanilang pamilya, na madalas tumatawag sa kanila at nakikiusap na huminto na sa gawain ng mga makakaliwang grupo.

Bukod pa dito, naniniwala sila na sa kasalukuyan ay seryoso ang gobyerno sa pagkakaloob ng mga programa at proyekto na tutugon sa mga pangangailangan at daing ng mga mahihirap.

Inihayag din niyang dalawang beses na siyang nag-planong sumuko dahil sa hindi magandang kalagayan ng kaniyang kalusugan, subalit hindi aniya siya makahanap ng mamamagitan upang mailapit siya sa mga awtoridad.

Samantala, isinuko rin ng walo ang kani-kanilang mga armas, na base sa programa ng pamahalaan ay may kaakibat ding halagang ipagkakaloob sa mga ito. (LBD/PIAMIMAROPA-Palawan)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029866

Six soldiers of 14IB, Avenger Battalion offer their lives to win Peace in Eastern Samar

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 12, 2019): Six soldiers of 14IB, Avenger Battalion offer their lives to win Peace in Eastern Samar



CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, Nov. 12 (PIA) -- The military confirmed that six (6) soldiers of 14IB, Avenger Battalion, sacrificed their lives for a peaceful place to live in for the people of Eastern Samar.

Major General Pio Diñoso, commander of the 8th Infantry Division said these heroes fought gallantly and bravely until the last breath and last drop of their blood during an encounter of government troops against more or less fifty (50) Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in the hinterlands of Brgy. Pinanag-an, Borongan, Eastern Samar on November 11, 2019 around 5 o’clock in the afternoon.

Diñoso said the encounter happened while the government troops were responding to persistent reports from civilians that there are CNT’s extorting money and foodstuff from the poor farmers of Brgy. Pinanag-an and its adjacent barangays.

While the troops were on their way to their rebels' lair that is also being used as a bomb-making facility, they encountered the NPA terrorists who employed several improvised anti-personnel mines.

The soldiers fought back and after 30 minutes of intense firefight, the enemy withdrew in different directions. The firefight resulted to six (6) killed in action (KIA) on the government side, while one NPA rebel was killed.

The names of soldiers who were wounded and killed were already identified but are withheld until such time that their immediate families have been formally notified, MGen. Diñoso said.

Diñoso added that immediate assistance will be accorded to the bereaved families while hot pursuit operations will continue to bring the perpetrators to justice; and eventually bring an end to local communist armed conflict for the sake of sustainable peace not only in Eastern Samar but also in the entire Eastern Visayas. (PIA-8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1030068

SurSur town forms task force to end insurgency

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 12, 2019): SurSur town forms task force to end insurgency (By 36IB, Phil. Army)

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Nov. 12 -- The local government unit (LGU) of Carmen created recently the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) held at the municipal hall, Carmen, this province.

Mayor Jane Plaza, the chairperson of the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) and Municipal Development Council (MDC), said the activity aims to formally organize its members for the full implementation of the said task force to combat insurgency in the municipality.

The meeting discussed the clustering of the duties and responsibilities of the MTF-ELCAC following the implementation of the Executive Order No. 70 that the government shall prioritize and harmonize the delivery of basic services and social development packages in conflict-affected areas and vulnerable communities.

Mayor Plaza said the creation of the task force will help the town in solving insurgency because peace and development can only be attained if the insurgency problem in the area is solved.

“There can be no development without peace, and there can be no peace without development. The convergence of all efforts and resources is needed to solve insurgency,” Mayor Plaza said.

MTF-ELCAC Carmen plans to implement the said EO down to the barangay level.

According to reports, Carmen town has been considered as an insurgency-affected municipality, four of its barangays were categorized as rebel-influenced including the sitios.

It can be recalled that a major encounter happened in the municipality, which resulted in four rebels killed and captured six high powered firearms and various war materials just recently this year.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel, Commander of 36IB, lauded the members of the MPOC and MDC of Carmen for their bold move to end the local communist armed conflict in their municipality.

"The action of the Municipality of Carmen to end insurgency will pave the way for lasting peace in their communities. The delivery of basic services and social development packages of the government will be a priority to achieve a conflict resilient and an insurgency free community," he said.

"I'm calling the local chief executives in the province of Surigao del Sur to emulate the same act of courage to eradicate the menace that destroys our economy and abuse our democracy. Let us converge our efforts towards a long and lasting peace that every peace-loving Surigaonon is longing for, " Lt. Col. Diagmel added. (Lt. Jonald Romorosa, CMO, 36IB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Source: Civil Military Operations (CMO), 36th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1030035

9th Infantry Division activates new CAFGU

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 12, 2019): 9th Infantry Division activates new CAFGU (By Philippine Army 9th Division Public Affairs Office)



CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-With the aim to institutionalize a more efficient and effective CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) management system, the Army in Bicol formally activated the 9th Division CAA Affairs Unit (9DCAU) Monday, November 11.



Maj. Gen. Fernando T. Trinidad, commander of 9th Infantry Division officiated the unfurling of the unit colors, the army's traditional way of recognizing the birth of a new unit and commencement of its given mission.

Gen. Trinidad expressed his confidence with 22IB's former commanding officer, Lt. Col. Eduardo Monjardin, who will also be heading the 9DCAU, along with his assurance of the division's full support with the unit's plans and programs.

"Tiwala ako na ang iyong posisyon na ito ay magagampanan mo ng buong husay katulad ng iyong pinamalas bilang pinuno ng Valor Battalion. Batid kong ang pagsisimula ng isang yunit ay hindi madali ngunit sa pamamagitan ng ating pagtutulungan, lahat ay kaya nating mapagtagumpayan," Gen. Trinidad added.

[With your position, I am confident that you will perform excellently just as when you were the head of the Valor Battalion. I know that it is not easy to start a new unit but if we will work hand in hand, everything is achievable.]

Aside from the activation of the 9DCAU, 22nd Infantry (Valor) Battalion (22IB) which previously caters the management of CAAs will be reverted to its original function as a Maneuver Battalion. Preparations for 22IB’s subsequent deployment are being undertaken to strengthen 9ID’s intensified focused military operations in Bicol region. Meanwhile, a sniper company will also be activated to further enhance 9ID’s capability in addressing all forms of domestic threats and in securing the people and their communities in the region.



Moreover, with the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) 5 or Task Force Katuninongan asin Kauswagan where all local government agencies and local government units are working together in addressing the armed conflict, these new units will be very instrumental in the agressive campaign of the Army in Bicol to curb the atrocities and illegal activities hurled by Communist Terrorist Group (CTG). (DPAO, PA)

Source: Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO), 9th Infantry Division, Philippine Army

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1030046

19 NPA supporters surrender in Nueva Ecija

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 12, 2019): 19 NPA supporters surrender in Nueva Ecija

About 19 supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Nueva Ecija voluntarily surrendered to the folds of the government. Formerly members of Milisyang Bayan and other groups who are supporters of the Komiteng Larangang Guerilya Sierra Madre of the NPA, they surrendered to 91st Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Jose Mari F. Torrenueva II last Saturday, November 9 in barangay Antipolo, Bongabon town. (7th Infantry Division)

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija, Nov.12 (PIA) -- About 19 supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Nueva Ecija voluntarily surrendered to the folds of the government.

Formerly members of Milisyang Bayan and other groups who are supporters of the Komiteng Larangang Guerilya Sierra Madre of the NPA, they surrendered to 91st Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Jose Mari F. Torrenueva II last Saturday, November 9 in barangay Antipolo, Bongabon town.

“This new batch of surrenderees was accomplished through the assistance of the 84th Infantry Battalion and 1st Police Mobile Force Company of the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office,” Torrenueva disclosed.

The surrenderees are residents of barangays Oliveti, Pesa, Macabaclay and Antipolo in Bongabon.

“I am very pleased that our people are now seeing the futility and wrongness of supporting the armed struggle being championed by the NPA. The people can rest assured that my unit will not tire in reaching out to our people in other areas where NPA still wields influence,” Torrenueva said.

This marks the second time in a week that supporters of NPA surrendered to the government.

Last November 6, a total of 53 NPA supporters surrendered to the 84th Infantry Battalion in Caranglan, Nueva Ecija and 24 to the 91st Infantry Battalion in San Luis, Aurora.

“I noticed the increasing number of surrenderees this week in the provinces of Nueva Ecija and Aurora. This is a clear manifestation that the people are now well-informed of NPA deception which resulted to their decision to renounce their support from the rebels and shifted their support to the effort of the government to attain lasting peace. We are also looking at the effect of the efforts of Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict as it is now working well down to the barangay level,” 7th Infantry Division Commander Major General Lenard T. Agustin said in a statement. (CLJD-PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1030087

LGU, Army hold dialogue with IP children in NPA-infiltrated area in Bukidnon

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 12, 2019): LGU, Army hold dialogue with IP children in NPA-infiltrated area in Bukidnon (By 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

IMPASUG-ONG, Bukidnon, Nov. 11 - To create awareness on the importance of education and children's rights, the Municipal Government of Cabanglasan and the 8th Infantry Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, held a dialogue with 50 children from Sitio Calacapan, Barangay Canangaan, Cabanglasan on November 9.

These children were believed to be affected by the exploitation of the New People's Army (NPA).

Sitio Calacapan was identified by the security forces as the supply route of the NPA and sometimes a resting place.

During the dialogue, Mayor Reynante Inocando underscored the importance of education to the IP children and encouraged them to go to school.

“You all have the right to attend school, there are many IPs who have already graduated and are performing well. I want you to be one of them someday,” he said.

Inocando, who also led the distribution of foodstuff, explained the role of the security forces. "They are our soldiers and our defenders from any threats, do not be scared because they are here to protect us.”

On the part of Philippine Army, the 8th Infantry Battalion promoted the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government to the communities. The program is intended to help NPA members who want to surrender and once again go back to mainstream society.

Parents and elders also attended the dialogue.

Meanwhile, the municipal government of Cabanglasan and the 8th Infantry Battalion will continue its strong partnership to improve the plight of its vulnerable constituents especially the children in whose hands lie the future of the country. (8th IBn/PA)

Source: 8th Infantry Battalioon, Philippine Army

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1030089

3 hurt in NoCot birthday party grenade attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12, 2019): 3 hurt in NoCot birthday party grenade attack



Google map of Aleosan town, North Cotabato.

MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato — Three unidentified men onboard a motorbike lobbed a fragmentation grenade at a birthday party and hurt three partygoers, including a minor, in Aleosan, North Cotabato on Monday.

Citing a police report from Aleosan municipal police office, Lt. Colonel Bernard Tayong, speaking for the North Cotabato police, said the grenade attack happened at around 5 p.m. in the residence of the Cantomayors where a birthday celebration was being held.

Tayong identified the blast victims as 13-year-old Genie, Randy, 44, and Eleuterio, 64, all surnamed Cantomayor, and residents of Barangay Bagolibas, Aleosan, about 15 kilometers north of here.

While the party was going on, the motorcycle-riding attackers arrived and stopped in front of the Cantomayor’s house.

“One of them lobbed a hand grenade and they fled right away,” Tayong said quoting the Aleosan police report.

Investigation as to the motive and identities of the attackers is still going on.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085714

Navy exercise to enhance interoperability with reservists

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12, 2019): Navy exercise to enhance interoperability with reservists

NAVY EXERCISE. Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief (center), keynotes the opening of the five-day Exercise Pagsasama 2019 at the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in Zamboanga City on Monday (Nov. 11, 2019). The activity involves the participation of Navy regular forces and reservists. (Photo courtesy of Westmincom PIO)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The chief of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) has advised the participants of the Exercise Pagsasama 2019 to utilize the training to enhance interoperability and develop their skills.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Westmincom chief, issued the advice as he keynoted the opening of the five-day naval exercise Monday at the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon, this city.

“Exercise Pagsasama 2019” is a unilateral exercise being conducted by the Philippine Navy to enhance the regular and reserve force’s capacity to work together in conducting naval operations.

The exercise includes civic actions and community relations activities, training on maritime operations, communication procedures, and information sharing.

“It is widely recognized that knowledge and know-how are the keys to success. But I also agree with the statement uttered by the NBA Coach Pat Riley that if you are not getting better, you are getting worse. So, make the most out of this Pagsasama Training so that you will be able to enhance whatever you have learned and developed in the past,” Sobejana said.

Sobejana said he is certain that through the various scenario-based exercises, the readiness and interoperability will be much enhanced, as the reserve force will be incorporated with the regular force.

“The reservists will always be our partner in the pursuit of our end-state goal- a long-lasting peace and progress which I believe can be achieved through people empowerment in addressing challenging environment and patriotic response to opportunities geared to reinvigorate an economically sustainable society,” he said.

Rear Adm. Erick Kagaoan, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (Navforwem) commander, said the exercise aims to further hone the skills and improve strategies and good leadership while instilling discipline, solidarity, and team work among all participating units.

He said the activity also conducted to enhance the readiness and interoperability between the Philippine Navy units and the Philippine Navy Reserve Force to include the Marine reservists to the call of service in times of national emergencies and disasters.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085722

NPA 'instructor' yields in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12, 2019): NPA 'instructor' yields in Sultan Kudarat



SURRENDER. The .30-caliber Garand rifle and hand grenade yielded by New People’s Army instructor Jimmy Aba Salune who surrendered to the military in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat on Monday (Nov. 11, 2019). Before his surrender, Salune was also the leader of Team Cherry Mobile of the New People’s Army West Daguma Front - Far South Mindanao regional command. (Photo courtesy of 6IB)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Hardship in the mountains and continuous running away from pursuing government forces, has prompted a communist rebel instructor from Sultan Kudarat to surrender to military authorities, the Army here said Tuesday.

Former New Peoples’ Army (NPA) rebel Jimmy Aba Salune alias "Tayron" surrendered Monday to the Army's 6th Infantry Battalion in Centro Poblacion, Barangay Salangsang, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, a military official said.

Before his surrender, Salune was the leader of Team Cherry Mobile of the New People’s Army West Daguma Front - Far South Mindanao regional command, said Lt Col. Clairemont W. Pinpin, 6IB commander.

Salune, who is also an instructor for communist recruits, brought with him a .30-caliber Garand rifle and a fragmentation grenade, Pinpin said.

"The pressure from the ongoing focused military operation led Salune to leave the group,” Pinpin said, adding that the intensified military operations eventually resulted in hunger and hardship among the rebels.

Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division chief and Joint Task Force Central commander, welcomed Salune's surrenderer, saying the latter can now "live peacefully now with his family".

Carreon said Salune is entitled to receive the benefits from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government.

The NPA, together with the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085718

6 soldiers killed in bomb attacks, clash with NPA in E. Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12, 2019): 6 soldiers killed in bomb attacks, clash with NPA in E. Samar



The encounter site in Pinanag-an village, Borongan City, Eastern Samar as shown in this Google image.

At least six soldiers were killed and 20 others were wounded when the New People’s Army (NPA) detonated six explosives late Monday afternoon and fought with government troopers in a remote Pinanag-an village in Borongan City, Eastern Samar.

The three platoons of soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 14th Infantry Battalion suffered heavy casualties after the simultaneous explosions followed by a 30-minute gun battle with 50 NPA fighters around 5 p.m. on Monday, according to initial reports reaching the Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office here.

Killed were Sgt. Rex Jadulco, Cpl. Ronald Go, Cpl. Limar Banug, Pfc. Kent Loyd Agullo, Pvt. Charlie Del Rosario, and Pfc. Junmar Buranday.

A communist terrorist was also killed during the armed encounter.

The 20 wounded soldiers were airlifted to Camp Lukban station hospital in Catbalogan City in Samar inside the headquarters of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division.

Pinanag-an village is about 22 kilometers upland from Borongan City. The site is very remote with an air distance of 12 kilometers from upland Canloterio village, the nearest point accessible to vehicles.

The military is still conducting clearing and retrieval operations as of Tuesday morning.

The military has repeatedly condemned the NPA for using landmines in their attacks, showing disrespect to basic human rights. The terrorist attack also disregards the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085728

Man claims body of young NPA rebel killed in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12, 2019): Man claims body of young NPA rebel killed in Agusan Norte



TRAGIC REUNION. The father of 'Joey', the young NPA rebel killed during an encounter in Santiago, Agusan del Norte, on November 2 claims the dead body of his son. Reginaldo T. Mira of Guigaquit, Surigao del Norte, said the last time he saw his son was on October 2, 2017, the day he decided to join the NPA at the young age of 17. (Photo courtesy of 29IB)

The father of the New People’s Army (NPA) member killed during the November 2 encounter in Santiago, Agusan del Norte, finally surfaced and claimed the remains of his son.

In a statement on Monday, the Army's 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) said that after examination and investigation, the dead body of Alias “Joey” was finally turned over to his father, Reginaldo T. Mira.

Joey, 19, native of Guigaquit town, Surigao del Norte was killed during the armed confrontation.

“I felt deeply sad knowing that someone as young as ‘Joey’ was deceived by the NPA’s sweet lies and as a result had engaged in their terrorist acts,” said Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, commander of 29IB, in the same statement on Monday.

The Army said Joey was only 17 years old when he joined the communist movement.

For two years, he served as a member of the NPA's Guerilla Front Committee 16, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC), the statement added.

The Army said Mira was emotional when he identified his son, saying that the last time he saw him was on October 2, 2017.

“That was the day when he decided to join the NPAs,” Mira was quoted as saying.

Mira also expressed gratitude to the Army for giving them the opportunity to give his son a decent burial despite being a member of the NPA.

“They (Army) exerted efforts to bring down the dead body of my son from the encounter site,” Mira said.

Criste has called on parents in Agusan Norte to be watchful to their children, relatives, and friends.

“Do all your best to protect them against the lies and deceit of the NPA that destroys many of people's lives and dreams,” Criste said.

He also called on the remaining NPA rebels in the area to stop the recruitment of minors, return to the fold of the law, and avail of the integration program of the government.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085727

BARMM trains MILF volunteers on water search, rescue

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12, 2019): BARMM trains MILF volunteers on water search, rescue



DISASTER RESPONSE TRAINING. Former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front embark on a weeklong training on Water Search and Rescue operation at the Army’s 6th Infantry Division training school in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao starting on Monday (Nov. 11, 2019). The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has set similar training in other parts of the region soon. (Photo courtesy of READI-BARMM)

To build the capability of former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in disaster response, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has embarked on a week-long training of about 50 MILF volunteers on Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) operation.

With the help of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, the training is being conducted inside the military unit’s training school in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Monday's training aims to equip members of the “Bantay Tulay at Baha” unit the capability to respond swiftly to flooding situations.

“The MILF volunteers are tasked to monitor bridges and floods in the BARMM and take rescue operations when necessary with the needed skills and ability to respond during calamities,” said lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, concurrent minister of BARMM’s Ministry of the Interior and Local Government.

Sinarimbo, who is also director of the Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence –BARMM, added that the training also aims to help educate the public about safety and disaster resilience of communities on the ground.

Similar WASAR training will take place in other parts of the region, he said.

The BARMM comprises the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, and Basilan; the cities of Cotabato, Marawi, and Lamitan; and the 63 villages in six towns of North Cotabato province.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085744

Cops nab 2 'BIFF members' in Sultan Kudarat town

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12, 2019): Cops nab 2 'BIFF members' in Sultan Kudarat town



ARRESTED. One of two suspected members of the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (in handcuffs) sits still as police officers document the high-powered weapons seized from them following a raid in Barangay Makat, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat on Monday (Nov. 11, 2019). Seized during the raid were an M-16 rifle, a homemade M-79 grenade launcher, a hand grenade, and ammunition, among others. (Photo courtesy of Columbio MPS)

Lawmen arrested two alleged members of the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat on Monday.

Capt. Arnel Legada, Columbio police chief, identified the suspects as Solaiman Maonon and Mamatantu Dindo, both of Purok 3, Barangay Makat, Columbio.

“We served separate search warrants around 3:30 a.m. against the two who were caught by surprise,” Legada said, adding that the serving of the warrants was witnessed by local officials.

Authorities seized from the house of Maonon an M-16 rifle, 27 rounds of live ammunition, a hand grenade, and a short steel magazine for the M-16 rifle.

Police also seized at the house of Dindo a Garand rifle, a homemade M-79 grenade launcher with seven rounds of 40mm live ammunition, 46 live rifle ammunition and six steel clips for Garand rifle.

The suspects were immediately brought to the Columbio municipal health office for medical examination and proper documentation of the seized weapons.

Charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 or Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition are being prepared against the suspects.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085749