Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: 11/22/19

Friday, November 22, 2019

Kalinaw News: Serbisyo Caravan goes to the mountains of Quezon Province

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 22, 2019): Serbisyo Caravan goes to the mountains of Quezon Province

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal — A 2.5-hour travel over 7 kilometers of unpaved road did not dampen the members of RTF ELCAC CALABARZON’s desire to deliver services to the grassroots of Quezon Province’s Macalelon town on Wednesday.

In line with President Duterte’s Executive Order Number 70 which calls for a whole of nation approach in ending local communist armed conflict, national government agencies joined the LGU during the Serbisyo Caravan held in Region 4A.

According to Colonel Norwyn Romeo P Tolentino, Commander of the 201st Infantry Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over southern Quezon, around 500 residents of Brgy Malabahay benefitted from the first ever convergence activity under EO 70 in his area.

He added that the activity was successful because “aside from delivering the much needed services to our beloved constituents, representatives of national government agencies had a first-hand experience of the challenges and hardships which our people confront and experience in their daily lives which led them to realize that, indeed, a sense of urgency in addressing social issues is very much in order.”

He further emphasized that “collaboration between and among government agencies is the key to address the community’s concerns and liberate them from the Communist NPA Terrorists’ exploitation and deception.”

Aside from medical and dental missions, free haircut and massage, the team discussed prevailing issues in the barangay and joined the people in coming up with possible solutions which is part of the government’s advocacy for participatory governance.

Food packs and toys for the kids were also distributed during the caravan on top of the cash assistance extended by Mayor Nelson Traje to his constituents.

The event’s highlight was the distribution of government grants amounting to Php280,000,00 which was received by five former rebels with the residents of Brgy Malabahay as witnesses.

For his part, Major General Arnulfo Marcelo B Burgos Jr, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, lauded the unity of efforts shown by the different agencies.

“This is a tangible proof of the government’s genuine collective desire to bring what the people need and deserve” and that “the synergy of efforts among the different partner-agencies prove that the Filipinos’ Bayanihan Spirit is still very much alive in our midst,” said MGen Burgos.

He ended his statement by reaffirming the soldiers’ “commitment and support to this unprecedented government initiative which will pave the way not only for inclusive growth but also the attainment of just and lasting peace, prosperity and development which every Filipino truly deserve.”

Per the military’s record, the 1st and 2nd “Serbisyo Caravan” were held at Brgy Cagsiay III of Mauban and Brgy Magsaysay of Infanta, both of Quezon Province, on August 30 and September 20 respectively.

Numerous similar caravans are scheduled across CALABARZON by the Regional Task Force ELCAC in the coming weeks, months and years.

By 2nd Infantry Division

[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/serbisyo-caravan-goes-to-the-mountains-of-quezon-province/

Kalinaw News: Eastern Mindanao Command updates CSAFP on Eastern Mindanao security situation

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 22, 2019): Eastern Mindanao Command updates CSAFP on Eastern Mindanao security situation

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City- Lt. Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., Commander Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) has reported to General Noel S. Clement, Chief of Staff Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP) the operational and security updates in Eastern Mindanao as well as the Command’s present Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) effort in the areas affected by the recent series of earthquakes in its Area of Responsibility during the latter’s visit to Headquarters EMC here on November 22, 2019

In his report, Lt. Gen. Santos underscores the NPA’s reduction with the surrender of 667 NPA Regulars, death of 56 fighters and arrest of 82 other NPA personalities from January 1, 2019, to November 20, 2019. Added to the numbers are the surrender of 967 Militia ng Bayan (MB) and the withdrawal of support by 4,191 members of the Underground Mass Organizations (UGMO).

Likewise, he reported that on the same period there were 993 firearns of various caliber and 232 International Humanitarial Law banned landmines were captured and surrendered.

Further, in his report, these figures translate to the destruction of at least six NPA formations and the clearing of 51 Barangays from NPA affectation in Eastern Mindanao.

On HADR, Lt. Gen Santos informed the transition of effort from Relief Operations to Early Recovery and Rehabilitation Phase, with the deployment of Engineering Battalions to configure the evacuation centers and the construction of temporary shelters in coordination and collaboration with the different Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (LDRRMC).

In his response, Gen. Clement encouraged the Team EMC to work closely with other government instrumentalities relative to the implementation of Executive Order 70 and sustain the teamwork developed with partner agencies.

He further advised the Command to document and develop into template its actions, efforts, initiatives, and innovation during the calamity as part of its preparation for future calamities.

The visit ended with a talk with the personnel and a boodle fight.

Source: Eastern Mindanao Command

[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/eastern-mindanao-command-updates-csafp-on-eastern-mindanao-security-situation/

Kalinaw News: P5-M worth of half-way house for former rebels, to rise in Sorsogon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 22, 2019): P5-M worth of half-way house for former rebels, to rise in Sorsogon

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-With the sudden outpour of armed rebels surrendering to the government, another half-way house is set to be constructed in Sorsogon province.

No less than the Governor of the province, Francis “Chiz” Escudero led the turn-over of cheque and the groundbreaking ceremony of the P5 million worth half-way house for the Happy Home Project in Barangay Cogon, Juban town, Thursday, November 21.

The ceremony marks the start of the construction of the facility which will serve as temporary shelter for rebel returnees as they undergo the process of reintegration to the mainstream society.

Witnessing the event were the Commander of Joint Task Force Bicolandia, MGEN FERNANDO T TRINIDAD AFP, Regional Director of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Bicol Atty. Anthony Nuyda, officials of Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD), Taskforce Balik-loob Bicolandia, PNP and other E-CLIP committee members.

In his message, Gen. Trinidad thanked the provincial government for helping the former armed insurgents to reestablish their lives outside the armed movement which aids the relentless campaign to end the insurgency in the region.

“Sa pagtatayo ng half-way house na ito, nakakasiguro ako na mas magiging ligtas ang ating mga dating rebelde habang kasalukuyang sumasailalim sa mga programa ng E-CLIP. Kaugnay nito, patuloy pa rin naming hinihikayat ang ating mga local chief executives na pamarisan ang ganitong mga gawain upang mas maitaguyod ang kapakanan ng ating mga kapwa Bicolano na nais magbagong buhay na malayo sa kaguluhan,” Gen. Trinidad added.

[With the construction of this half-way house, I am confident that former rebels are safe while undergoing the program of the government’s E-CLIP. In connection with this, we are continuously encouraging other local chief executives to do the same and help us in uplifting the lives of our fellow Bicolanos who want to start a more peaceful life.]

Sorsogon is one of the three provinces in Bicol to have its own half-way house.

With the full-swing implementation of Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70) or the Whole-of-Nation Approach, more public facilities and projects are on its way to address the needed services in every community and stop the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) from using these problems to discredit the government and mislead the people that revolution is the only solution.

Furthermore, JTFB continues to magnify its call for unity and cooperation of everyone to attain a lasting peace in the region.

Source: 9th Infantry Division

https://www.kalinawnews.com/p5-m-worth-of-half-way-house-for-former-rebels-to-rise-in-sorsogon/

Kalinaw News: Six members and supporters of Communist Terrorist Group, surrender in Masbate

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 22, 2019): Six members and supporters of Communist Terrorist Group, surrender in Masbate

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-More and more rebels are now responding to the call of the government for them to abandon the armed movement and its useless cause.

Two members of Komiteng Seksyon sa Platoon 3 of Larangan 1, two members of Milisyang Bayan, one SPL and one supporter all of Komiteng Probinsya 4 voluntarily surrendered to the 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB) Thursday, November 21.

One cal. 357 revolver, four homemade shotgun and an improvised explosive device (IED) were also turned over to the said unit.

These surrenderees are now added to the snowballing number of rebel returnees who were encouraged to return to the folds of the law and live peacefully with their families instead of hiding in the mountains and allow themselves to be used in the Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTG’s) illegal activities.

Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) under MGEN FERNANDO T TRINIDAD AFP highlighted that these developments are product of relentless efforts of the government especially the Army’s Community Support Program (CSP).

Through CSP, residents in conflict-affected areas are enlightened about the true motive of the terrorists and are discouraged to support them but rather convince their relatives and friends who are members of CTG to surrender.

Furthermore, JTFB lauds the significant participation of former rebels in encouraging their former comrades to lay down their arms and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and other assistance made available by other government agencies through the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict 5 (RTF-ELCAC5) or Task Force Katuninongan asin Kauswagan.

It can be recalled that more than a hundred of rebel returnees who surrendered in Masbate were given an almost P2 million worth of financial assistance last month during the very first successful peace rally and service caravan in Cawayan town.

With the RTF-ELCAC which was created through the Executive Order No. 70 of Duterte administration, programs of different government agencies are synchronized to bring efficient services to the people and put an end to the five-decade insurgency.

Source: 2nd Infantry Battalion

https://www.kalinawnews.com/six-members-and-supporters-of-communist-terrorist-group-surrender-in-masbate/

MILF: North Cotabato Acting Gov. Mendoza turns-over 63 villages to BARMM

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Nov 21, 2019): North Cotabato Acting Gov. Mendoza turns-over 63 villages to BARMM

In Photo- North Cotabato Acting Provincial Governor Emmylou T. Mendoza turning over the symbolic key to the 63 villages to BARMM interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim during the ceremony at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, Cotabato City

Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao— North Cotabato Vice Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, acting provincial governor, and other provincial officials turned-over the 63 villages to BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim in a ceremony at the Shariff Kabunsuan Complex, Cotabato City yesterday.

During the plebiscite held early this year, the Sixty-three villages in North Cotabato opted to join the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). A historic event that never happened in the past.

“Please take care of our 63 barangays,” Mendoza told Ebrahim during the turnover rites highlighted by the passing of symbolic key between the two officials.

In Photo-North Cotabato acting Gov. Emmylou T. Mendoza delivering her remarks during the turn-over of 63 barangays to BARMM acting Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim

“To the 63 villages, I hope and pray that your transfer to BARMM would further lead to peace and unity in this part of the country,” Mendoza said.

ICM Ebrahim described the event as a new chapter in the once-solid Cotabato “empire” that stretches as far as South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces.

“Today, we see a bridge that reconnects the 63 barangays to its Bangsamoro homeland. Today is all about the people,” he said.

Ebrahim added that before the symbolic turnover, the Bangsamoro people had to go for almost two decades of peace negotiations with the national government, but on a recent note, experiencing the challenges on running a legitimate regional government.

The BARMM is the product of more than two decades of peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH-MILF).

The Bangsamoro Organic Law that created the BARMM was signed by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte on July 26, 2018.

The BARMM replaced the decades-old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), considered a ”failed experiment.”

The new political entity covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, and Lanao del Sur; the cities of Lamitan, Marawi, and Cotabato, and the 63 villages in six towns of North Cotabato.

Of the 63 villages, 13 are from the town of Midsayap; Carmen, seven; Pigcawayan, 12; Kabacan, seven; Pikit, 22; and Aleosan, two.

“To our dear brothers and sisters from the 63 barangays, thank you for believing in us and thank you for believing in the Bangsamoro cause. It is my honor to welcome all of you to the BARMM and to welcome all of you — home,” Ebrahim said during his brief remarks.

Meanwhile, in his closing remarks, BARMM Executive Secretary Abdulrauf Macacua aka Sammy Al Mansoor thanked Nort Cotabato Acting Governor Emmylou T. Mendoza for her contribution to the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), and her support to the victory of the yes vote in the 63 villages during the plebiscite in February this year.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1944/north-cotabato-acting-gov--mendoza-turns-over-63-villages-to-barmm

MILF: MENRE to recruit former MILF fighters as ‘palaw’ rangers to implement BARMM’s greening program

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Nov 20, 2019): MENRE to recruit former MILF fighters as ‘palaw’ rangers to implement BARMM’s greening program

Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao-– The Bangsamoro region’s Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) will recruit former fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as forest rangers to implement the government’s greening program in the region, a Manila Bulletin report said on Wednesday.

The hiring of 400 forest rangers from the BIAF would pursue the normalization track of the 2014 peace accord with the MILF, MP and Minister Abdulraf Macacua of the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MENRE) said

“The (hiring of 400 BIAF former combatants as forest rangers) would be like hitting two birds with one stone,” Macacua added, referring to the implementation of the normalization track and the enhanced greening program.

The “palaw guards,” as Macacua tagged them are the most potent protectors of mountains where they reside for decades. “Palaw” means mountain in Maguindanaon and Maranao dialects.

In the Manila Bulletin report, Macacua said that the prospected 400 “palaw” rangers will come from the BIAF not covered yet by the decommissioning process, and are retaining their service firearms to protect the remaining forest ranges in the region.

“They are the real forest rangers because they live in the forests and are aware of any intrusion,” he said.

“The will undergo formal trainings on the mechanics of effective planting and protection of trees in logged over areas in the Bangsamoro, focused initially in Maguindanao,” Macacua said during the Kapihan sa Bangsamoro.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1942/menre-to-recruit-former-milf-fighters-as----palaw----rangers-to-implement-barmm---s-greening-program

NDF/Sison: 3 Evils are driving forces of greed and state terrorism

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front (NDFP or NDF):
3 Evils are driving forces of greed and state terrorism

ON THE FRENZIED BRUTAL EFFORTS OF DUTERTE TO MILITARIZE AND MAKE THE PHILIPPINES FASCIST
By Jose Maria Sison

It is neither the Filipino people’s struggle for national and social liberation nor the far future of communism that is the cause of intolerable oppression and exploitation but the semicolonial and semifeudal ruling system.

Related news: Gov’t video on CPP- NPA riddled with disinformation

Under this system, the evil forces of foreign monopoly capitalism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism exploit and oppress the people. They are the driving forces of the reign of unbridled neoliberal greed and state terrorism.

They are being served by the frenzied but futile brutal efforts of Duterte and his military minions to militarize and make fascist the reactionary government and society under EO 70.

The rottenness and chronic crisis of this ruling system is now being aggravated by the Duterte regime because of its extremely traitorous, brutal, corrupt and plundering character.

https://ndfp.org/3-evils-are-driving-forces-of-greed-and-state-terrorism/

NDF/Sison: Duterte regime’s policies and acts cause for more intense protests

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front (NDFP or NDF):
Duterte regime’s policies and acts cause for more intense protests

COMMENT ON THE BETTER PART OF THE PRO-DUTERTE CONGRESS
By Jose Maria Sison

It is fine that from 64 there are now 78 congressmen signing the petition to stop the crackdown on the legal patriotic and progressive organizations. They deserve appreciation and congratulations. They are a significant number in view of the usual mechanical majority of congressmen that line up with the Duterte regime on foul legislative acts that rob, exploit and oppress the people.

What are those foul legislative acts of the majority of the House? To cite some: those aligned with the neoliberal economic policy and state terrorism, the mounting tax and debt burden, pork barrel from which to get cuts from private contractors, acquiescence to high interest loans and overpriced infrastructure projects, expanded coverage of endo system, imported rice to kill the local rice farmers, lopsided budget in favor of the president, the military and police at the expense of social services (public education, health and the like) and doubling of salaries of military and police and stagnation of the lower salaries for public school teachers, health personnel and so on.

The Duterte regime is unwittingly making the conditions exceedingly favorable for the armed revolution of the people by engaging in the gross and systematic violations of human rights in the urban and rural areas, in the militarization and fascisation of government and society under EO 70, in the corrupt misallocation of public resources and in excessive local and foreign borrowing to finance the consumption-driven importation of foreign manufactures and to prevent the industrialization and development of the Philippines.

Even while in office, Duterte will be hit hard by the consequences of his anti-national and anti-democratic policies and acts because of the rapidly worsening crisis of both the domestic ruling system and the world capitalist system, the intolerable suffering of the people from oppression and exploitation, the increasing anger of the people and the impending outbreak of widespread and intense mass protests, already bursting out in so many countries on a global scale.

https://ndfp.org/duterte-regimes-policies-and-acts-cause-for-more-intense-protests/

NDF/Sison: Elections 2022: Grim possibilities from Duterte regime, big challenges for the people’s movement

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front (NDFP or NDF):
Elections 2022: Grim possibilities from Duterte regime, big challenges for the people’s movement

ON DUTERTE’S FALSE PROMISE OF CLEAN ELECTIONS IN 2022
By Jose Maria Sison

Duterte’s promise to hold clean and honest elections in 2022 is patently false as it is stlll fresh in our minds what he did to rig the 2019 mid-term elections.

The rigging of the midterm 2019 elections was most evident during the so many hours of blackout of the vote count for senatorial and party list candidates. The blackout allowed the Duterte technicians to reconfigure the voting results with the application of an electronic dagdag bawas program.

But more was done to rig the elections. Long before election day, there was already a climate of terror generated by martial law in Mindanao, de facto martial law in so-called focus areas, red-tagging of critics and the opposition and the extrajudicial killings in the name of the bogus war on drugs and the anti-communist crackdown.

The climate of terror nationwide, the vote fabrication in most of Mindanao in favor of the pro-Duterte candidates, the displacement of public school teachers by the military and police as deputized Comelec personnel, red-tagging to prevent social activists from becoming poll watchers and of course the political patronage based on pork barrel favored the pro-Duterte candidates for local executive offices and prejudiced the chances of the opposition candidates,

If the 2022 presidential elections will be held at all in accordance with the 1987 Constitution, Duterte will become more than ever determined to rig the elections in order to guarantee his protection from arrest and prosecution for his crimes against humanity and to ensure that his legacy of criminal loot and dynastic power will be passed on to his family and political successors.

But there are other possibilities along the way to 2022. He can stage bloody false-flag operations to scapegoat the revolutionaries and the opposition and use such operations of his own design as pretext for martial law and fascist dictatorship like Marcos did. Another bad possibility is that Duterte dies or is completely incapacitated mentally due to his serious illnesses and his presidential powers are usurped by his hatchetmen in the National Task Force-ELCAC under E.O. 70.

There are still other possibilities and better ones. Because of the so many crimes committed by the Duterte regime, an inciting moment can suddenly arise to generate gigantic mass protests, like those against Marcos in 1983 to 1986 and against Estrada in 2000-2001, to overthrow Duterte before 2022.

Another benign but remote possibility is that Duterte will be persuaded to behave according to the 1987 constitution and give up his pipe dream of perpetuating dynastic and tyrannical rule because he runs the serious risk of losing all the ill-gotten wealth that he has already accumulated.

In the absence of gigantic mass protest actions comparable to those in the 1983 to 1986 or 2000-2001 in the Philippines and to those now occurring on a global scale, Duterte the coldblooded gangster and crook will never allow the legal opposition a good chance to replace him or his chosen successor through even relatively clean and honest elections.

The national democratic movement and the legal opposition are being challenged to build a broad anti-fascist united front and generate the gigantic mass protest actions that can isolate and destroy the power of a regime that is traitorous, tyrannical, genocidal, corrupt and swindling. They must consider that several inciting moments have arisen and passed but there will be even more coming before 2022.

https://ndfp.org/elections-2022-grim-possibilities-from-duterte-regime-big-challenges-for-the-peoples-movement/

CPP/CPP-Negros: An open letter to all Negrosanons

CPP-Negros Open Letter posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 22, 2019): CPP-Negros: An open letter to all Negrosanons

NOVEMBER 22, 2019

2019 Ang Paghimakas Negros Publications Regions

Download PDF

https://cpp.ph/2019/11/22/cpp-negros-an-open-letter-to-all-negrosanons/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Tunay na panlipunang pagbabago, hindi huwad na ECLIP program ang panawagan ng mamamayan

NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 22, 2019): Tunay na panlipunang pagbabago, hindi huwad na ECLIP program ang panawagan ng mamamayan

MARIA ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

NOVEMBER 22, 2019

Kung ipagmayabang ni Maj. Ricky Aguilar, tagapagsalita ng 9th IDPA, ang limpak-limpak na pondong ginagastos nila para sa kampanyang pagpapasurender ay tila ba tuwang-tuwa pa siyang nawawaldas ang kabang-bayan para sa walang katuturang pang-aatake nila sa mamamayan at rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Paano man bihisan, sadyang lumilitaw ang babaw at labnaw ng pagsusuri ng mersenaryong hukbo sa kalagayan ng lipunang Pilipino.

Paano naman matutugunan ng ipinagyayabang na P450,000 pondo sa pabahay at kung anu-ano pang pabuya kapalit umano ng pagsuko ang problema ng masa sa kahirapan kung wala ngang programa ang gubyerno para sa milyun-milyong pamilyang walang katiyakan sa panirahan at trabaho? Ano ang kakayahan ng berdugong militar mangakong ECLIP ang tugon sa suliranin ng masa sa kabuhayan kung ni wala ngang anumang malinaw na programa para sa lupa ang rehimen? Tatlong taon na ang lumipas ngunit wala ring anumang makabuluhang pagtaas sa sahod ng mga manggagawa, laganap pa rin ang kontraktwalisasyon at lalo pa ngang bumagsak ang bilang ng nalilikhang trabaho. Kaya bang solusyunan ng Oplan Kapanatagan ang pagkalumpo ng ekonomyang dulot ng mga patakarang neoliberal na ipinagpapatuloy ng rehimeng US-Duterte?

Para sa kaalaman ni Aguilar, pinatutunayan lamang ng kanyang pahayag kung ano ang tunay na prayoridad ng pagpopondo ng rehimeng US-Duterte – pasismo at hindi mga serbisyong tunay na magsisilbi sa mamamayan. Linalayon lamang niyang iwasiwas ang pasismo upang busalan ang paglaban ng sambayanan. Sa katunayan, sa panukalang P4.1 trilyong badyet para sa 2020, pumapalo sa P2.1 trilyon ang kabuuhang badyet para sa pasismo at pork barrel ng mga pulitiko. Habang nagkaroon ng malalaking bawas sa badyet ng sektor edukasyon, agrikultura, industriya at paggawa at kalusugan, lumobo naman ng halos doble ang badyet para sa depensa. Umaabot sa P236.2 bilyon ang badyet ng Dept. of Interior and Local Government (DILG) at P189 bilyon naman ang Department of National Defense (DND). Katumbas ito ng lampas 9% bahagdan sa kabuuhang badyet. Mayroon ding P8.28 bilyong badyet na nakalaan para sa confidential at intelligence funds ng iba’t ibang ahensya kabilang na ang Tanggapan ng Pangulo.

Samantala, P8.4 bilyon lamang ang nakalaan para sa Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) at P6 bilyon lamang ang badyet ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Ang Department of Social Welfare and Development ay makatatanggap lamang ng P158.6 bilyon.

Ang pondo para sa ECLIP at mga kahalintulad na proyekto ay nagsisilbi lamang balon ng korupsyon ng militar at pulis. Noong 2018 naglaan na ng lampas P400 milyon para sa pagpapagulong ng National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) ng Oplan Kapanatagan. Daragdagan pa ito ngayong 2020 at magbibigay ng P622 milyon para rito. Saan napunta ang pondong ito? Mayroon na bang anumang bayan sa rehiyong nagsabing nalutas ang kanilang suliranin sa kahirapan dahil sa Oplan Kapanatagan? Wala.

Nagsasayang lamang ng laway si Maj. Aguilar sa pagwawasiwas ng kung anu-anong benepisyo umanong matatanggap ng mga susuko. Ang pang-aapi at pagsasamantalang dinaranas ng masa ay hindi matutugunan ng kanilang halfway houses at kakarampot na konswelo-de-bobo. Ang panawagan ng mamamayan ay tunay na reporma sa lupa, pambansang industriyalisasyon at makabuluhan at pangmatagalang pagbabago sa lipunang pakikinabangan hanggang sa mga susunod na henerasyon ng masang Pilipino. Sa paglalantad ng kanilang makitid na pagkalulong na gapiin ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sukat na atakehin ang buhay at kabuhayan masa, higit na nagiging malinaw na tanging sa landas ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan tunay na malulutas ang kahirapan.

https://cpp.ph/statement/tunay-na-panlipunang-pagbabago-hindi-huwad-na-eclip-program-ang-panawagan-ng-mamamayan/

EASTMINCOM: Eastmincom Updates CSAFP on Eastern Mindanao Security Situation

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Website (Nov 22, 2019): Eastmincom Updates CSAFP on Eastern Mindanao Security Situation

Likewise, he reported that on the same period there were 993 firearms of various caliber and 232 International Humanitarian Law banned landmines were captured and surrendered.

Further, in his report, these figures translate to the destruction of at least six NPA formations and the clearing of 51 Barangays from NPA affectation in Eastern Mindanao.

On HADR, Lt. Gen Santos informed the transition of effort from Relief Operations to Early Recovery and Rehabilitation Phase, with the deployment of Engineering Battalions to configure the evacuation centers and the construction of temporary shelters in coordination and collaboration with the different Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (LDRRMC).

In his response, Gen. Clement encouraged the Team EMC to work closely with other government instrumentalities relative to the implementation of Executive Order 70 and sustain the teamwork developed with partner agencies.

He further advised the Command to document and develop into template its actions, efforts, initiatives, and innovation during the calamity as part of its preparation for future calamities.

The visit ended with a talk with the personnel and a boodle fight.

Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP

https://www.eastmincomafp.com.ph/2019/11/eastmincom-updates-csafp-on-eastern.html

WESTMINCOM: Drug suspect nabbed in Sultan Kudarat

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Nov 22, 2019): Drug suspect nabbed in Sultan Kudarat

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City-November 22, 2019

Combined elements of the 37th Infantry Battalion, 603rd Infantry Brigade and Kalamansig Municipal Police Station nabbed a drug suspect at early dawn yesterday, November 21, 2019.

The joint government forces arrested Rogie Arab La, Jr, 36, married, at his residence in Purok Acacia, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat at 3:45 a.m.

Seized in his possession were 4 small sachets of suspected shabu weighing 100 grams with street value of P3, 000.00 and cash amounting to P11, 300.00.

“The government’s war against drugs is the top priority of Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry Division in the conduct of support to joint law enforcement operation to help eradicate illegal drugs,” said JTF Central Commander Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon.

The suspect is now in the custody of Kalamansig Police for proper disposition.

“My commendation to the operating troops for a job well done,” said WestMinCom chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana.

“I enjoin all the troops under my command to remain steadfast in the accomplishment of our mission not only for ourselves but most especially for our fellow Filipinos who are longing for a long and lasting peace here in Mindanao,” added Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana.

Source: PIO Western Mindanao Command

http://www.westmincom.com/drug-suspect-nabbed-in-sultan-kudarat/

Reds call RPAs henchmen of AFP

From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 22, 2019): Reds call RPAs henchmen of AFP

The Apolinario Gatmaitan Comand of the New People’s Army belittled the joining of 266 former combatants of the defunct Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade with the Armed Forces of the Philippines as members of its Community Defense Unit (CDU).

Ka Juanito Magbanua, spokesperson of the Apolinario Gatmaitan Command, claimed that the RPA-ABB he called a criminal and mercenary group, has long betrayed the people and cooperated with the government.

Magbanua claimed that President Rodrigo Duterte has been using them as a trophy of the localized peace talks against the revolutionary movement.

He further alleged that the RPA-ABB has been used as goons, blue guards of landowners, and as apparatus for killings, as well as auxiliary forces of the Philippine National Police.

The 266 CDU members completed a 45-day basic military training on Nov. 5 at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz.

They have been tasked to secure their respective Peace and Development Community sites in Negros and Panay islands.

Capt. Cenon Pancito, 3rd Infantry Division spokesman, said the 266 CDU members form part of the 727 decommissioned RPA-ABB members, who were profiled by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process.

Pancito added that the former RPA-ABB fighters have been equipped with government- issued high-powered firearms, following the surrender of their guns and explosives, as part of the decommissioning process.

Some of the former rebels were also employed as forest rangers by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, tasked to protect the remaining forest cover of Negros Island.

Magbanua claimed, in a statement, that the weakening AFP and PNP troops in the wake of the guerrilla warfare launched by the New People's Army (NPA) is the reason why the RPA-ABB and the 254 newly recruited soldiers are being trained to become bait for the counter-revolutionary campaign.

The AFP can fool the RPA-ABB but never the NPA, Magbanua said, adding that the Red fighters will not exchange the people they fully and wholeheartedly serve.

He added that the NPA will not surrender its armed strength for the awards and medals of AFP and PNP officials.

Magbanua emphasized that the NPA will not turn their backs on the sustained operations in Negros Island, stressing also that there will be no peace and justice, without a just war.*

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/November/22/topstory7.htm

[ANALYSIS] Defining terrorism: Why it matters for counterterrorism efforts

From Rappler (Oct 27, 2019): [ANALYSIS] Defining terrorism: Why it matters for counterterrorism efforts (By Van Nguyen)

Without a shared definition of the term 'terrorism,' the old problem of 'one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter' will emerge

On March 15, 2019, a gunman attacked two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, taking 51 innocent lives and leaving many others injured. New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern promptly denounced the gunman as a terrorist. However, criticism was directed at some media coverage of the shooting for its reluctance to label the attack as an act of terrorism.

This raises an important issue that policymakers and the general public need to examine: How do we define terrorism? This theoretical issue has implications not just for journalism but also for counterterrorism efforts, particularly for multinational efforts in the Asia-Pacific region. The case of the Christchurch shooting can be recalled to examine why a precise definition of terrorism is crucial for the fight against terrorism.

Firstly, terrorism is now often a transnational crime. The victims, perpetrators, and their network of supporters often span across different national boundaries. In the case of the Christchurch shooting, the perpetrator is an Australian national, carried out his attack in New Zealand, specifically targeted a religious group of various nationalities, and had a network of ideological supporters and cheerleaders from abroad. Every country has a stake in counterterrorism as a victim or perpetrator could be one of their own nationals.

Secondly, an effective counterterrorism strategy would require the participation and trust of the general public. After the Christchurch shooting, a member of the public revealed alarming details of a rifle club that the shooter had previously associated with. If such information had been given to the relevant security services prior to the attack, it perhaps could have helped them prevent the tragedy.

Involvements of the general public can also play an important role in counter violent extremism programs. The general public would need to be informed on what terrorism is, and its definition would need to be transparent and objective as a measure of trust-building between government agencies, NGOs, and the general public.

Thirdly, if multinational counterterrorism efforts are to be effective, then a shared definition of terrorism should be the starting point. Without a shared definition, the old problem of “one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter” will emerge. The double standard seen in some media coverage may be a reflection of this problem. Multinational counterterrorism cooperation such as capacity building and intelligence sharing would be less effective if different parties cannot agree on how a terrorist is to be defined and identified.

Shortly after the Christchurch shooting, New Zealand and France co-sponsored the Christchurch Call in Paris to appeal to the tech sector and other governments to commit to eliminating online terrorist content. However, the Christchurch Call provided a vague definition of “terrorist” content. Looking closer to the Asia-Pacific region, a quick survey of previous multinational counterterrorism initiatives will reveal that the definitional issue of terrorism had also been largely ignored.

The 2001 APEC Leaders Statement on Counter-terrorism specifically mentioned terrorism, terrorists, and terrorist acts but lacked any precise definitions. The 2018 Joint Statement by the ADMM-Plus Defence Ministers on preventing and countering the threat of terrorism “condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations” without defining what they are. A similar pattern can be observed in the initiative of the Pacific Islands Forum Working Group on Counter-Terrorism. One would expect the legally binding 2007 ASEAN Convention on Counter-Terrorism to include a precise legal definition of terrorism but this is not the case. It only loosely defined “criminal acts of terrorism” by adopting the United Nations’ universal legal instruments.

Interestingly, the Christchurch shooting would not be considered as an act of terrorism under the ASEAN convention, as it remains outside the scope of the universal legal instruments. If the Christchurch shooting had taken place inside an ASEAN member state, the convention would be toothless to address it. This suggests that any convention, initiative, or cooperation on counterterrorism that lacks a precise definition of terrorism would likely remain weak. Governments are often reluctant to agree on a shared definition of terrorism due to various political reasons, but every country need to weigh this against the cost of having weak transnational counterterrorism efforts that could result in the proliferation of terrorism in its region.

Finding consensus for a precise definition of terrorism could be a difficult task to undertake but policymakers can look to other fields for inspiration. The fight against cybercrimes also faces political complications, yet the Council of Europe have managed to produce the Budapest Convention that contains precise definitions and regulations on cybercrimes. This legally binding convention provides a transnational legal mechanism for the harmonization of cybercrime laws and cooperation in law enforcement among member states. Although originally initiated as a regional effort, its global significance is self-evident with members now spanning across the globe, including many in the Asia-Pacific region.

Perhaps members of ASEAN can replicate a similar feat in the area of counterterrorism. Many regional counterterrorism platforms and initiatives are already in place. The next step to bring substance to existing platforms and initiatives is for the region to agree on a shared definition of terrorism. Not only would this be beneficial for regional counterterrorism efforts, it could be a first step for ASEAN to lead the way in developing a legally binding convention of global significance. – Rappler.com

[Van Nguyen is currently undertaking a Master of Conflict and Terrorism Studies at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. His research focuses on security issues in the Asia-Pacific region.]

https://www.rappler.com/views/imho/243225-opinion-defining-terrorism#cxrecs_s

Amid crackdown, IBP agrees to 'briefing' by anti-communism body

From Rappler (Nov 22, 2019): Amid crackdown, IBP agrees to 'briefing' by anti-communism body

'In the first place communism isn’t outlawed as a belief and membership in the communist party is no longer a crime. So why even bother to listen to such a briefing?' says Law professor and human rights lawyer Ted Te

ANTI-COMMUNISM BRIEFING. IBP national president Domingo "Egon" Cayosa defends the anti-communism briefing as being "helpful" for lawyers to make informed decision. Photo by Lian Buan/Rappler

Amid intensifying crackdown on activists, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has agreed to a "briefing" by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict or NTF-Elcac.

The IBP is the latest venue for the military's anti-communism roadshow, which has begun inside universities.

The briefing will be held Friday afternoon, November 22, at the IBP headquarters in Pasig, inside the main hall named after the esteemed human rights defender, former Supreme Court justice Jose Benedicto Luna (J.B.L) Reyes.

The briefing is being done against the backdrop of a growing list of more than 2,000 human rights workers charged in the 3 years of the Duterte administration.

IBP national president Domingo "Egon" Cayosa defended the briefing as "helpful."

"Briefing is not necessary but helpful for IBP to listen to different sides for proper balance and so that we can make well-informed decisions," Cayosa told Rappler in a text message.

IBP is the mandatory organization for lawyers.

"In the first place communism isn’t outlawed as a belief and membership in the communist party is no longer a crime. So why even bother to listen to such a briefing?" said Law professor and human rights lawyer Ted Te.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año wants to restore the Anti-Subversion law which would make membership to communism a crime.

Cayosa said: "Helpful and fair to listen to the left and the right, activists and conservatives, opposition and administration, complainants and respondents. I trust that IBP can ferret out the truth and will remain committed to the rule of law, human rights and due process."

'Be extra alert'

National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL) president Edre Olalia said the IBP must be "extra alert, critical and conscious" to the government's red-tagging not only of activists but also of fellow lawyers.

"Given the intention, design, framework and precedent of this orchestrated government roadshow doing the rounds of different sectors of society, our colleagues must be extra alert, critical and conscious that they will not be made unwitting tools in a well-laid trap of a vicious redtagging circus," said Olalia, one of the convenors of the recently-relaunched Concerned Lawyers for Civil Liberties (CLCL), which the IBP is a part of.

The CLCL is a group of lawyers formed during the Arroyo era, and which reorganized to oppose "government policies and actions that violate constitutional rights and civil liberties."

During its relaunch, Ateneo Human Rights Center executive director Ray Paolo Santiago listed as among the threats to civil liberties the rampant red-tagging, and the crackdown on dissent, which have seen charges filed even against lawyers. (PODCAST: Bakit malaking banta sa demokrasya ang crackdown sa progressive groups)

Olalia said the government's anti-communism roadshow is a "slanted propaganda under the guise of information to further demonize, villify, justify legal assault by weaponization of the law and even incite physical violence against those who dissent."

"In which case, our brethren in the profession has the duty to expose and oppose this so-called information drive as a fraud and folly that threaten liberties," said Olalia.

Cayosa said all "IBP officers and leaders regardless of ideology or orientation are invited."

https://www.rappler.com/nation/245518-crackdown-ibp-agrees-briefing-anti-communism-body

PMA fires swimming instructors of cadet who drowned during class

From Rappler (Nov 22, 2019): PMA fires swimming instructors of cadet who drowned during class

The civilian instructors are found guilty of 'negligence and imprudence' that led to the death of Cadet 4th Class Mario Telan Jr on November 8

PMA CAMPUS. The Philippine Military Academy, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar, in Baguio City. Photo from the PMA Facebook page

The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) has sacked two swimming instructors and recommended banning them from civil service after it found them guilty of negligence that led to the drowning of a freshman cadet on November 8.

“This Command has determined that Mr Robert S. Bete and Mr Antonio B. Catalan were found negligent and imprudent in the conduct of the course, ‘Fundamentals of Swimming,’ which led to the death by drowning of Cadet 4th Class Mario Telan Jr,” the PMA said in a statement on Friday, November 22.

Bete had been a regular employee of the academy, while Catalan was a “job-order” or contractual hire. The PMA said it has completed its investigation of both instructors’ involvement in the incident, and sent its results to the military’s Higher Headquarters.

The academy said Bete and Catalan, both civilians, have been recommended for “cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and barred from taking civil service examinations.”

The sanctions were based on Rule 10, Section 46 of the “Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service” or in other words, “gross neglect of duty,” the academy added.

Meanwhile, the PMA is still studying what sanctions to impose on two 4th class cadets who were “marchers” assigned to run a head count of their classmates before and after their swimming class, and on the chief of the academy’s Sports and Physical Development Unit.

Swimming classes in the country’s premier military school remained suspended “until all safety measures have been covered and are in place.” The academy plans to bring in a team from the Philippine Navy’s elite Special Operations Group “to be part of all water-borne training activities of the cadets.”

On Friday, November 8, the plebe Telan was found dead in the 15-foot deep end of the swimming pool at the academy’s campus, Fort Del Pilar in Baguio City, at 2:44 pm – nearly 3 hours since his swimming class ended at noon.

Police investigators have ruled out foul play in Telan’s death, which came in the wake of two other PMA cadets' deaths in a span of two months.

On September 18, Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio died at the campus hospital from injuries he sustained from hazing and torture in the hands of fellow cadets.

On October 28, Cadet 2nd Class Cedrick Gadia died of cancer at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center in Quezon City.

Dormitorio’s case put the spotlight on the lingering practice of hazing in the PMA, and led to the resignation of its Superintendent and Commandant of Cadets.

The academy’s new Superintendent, Vice Admiral Allan Cusi, vowed an impartial investigation of hazing cases, as well as of the drowning of Telan.

“I offer no excuses,” he told a congressional panel during his confirmation hearing at the Senate in Pasay City on November 13.

“The PMA is committed to leaving no stone unturned in the case of Cadet 4th Class Telan, and will continue to institute measures for the safety of all cadets so that this tragic incident will not be repeated,” the academy’s latest statement read.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/245544-pma-fires-swimming-instructors-cadet-drowned-during-class

U.S. funds P1 billion in programs to help BARMM transition, fight terrorism

From Rappler (Nov 22, 2019): U.S. funds P1 billion in programs to help BARMM transition, fight terrorism

Suicide bombings in Mindanao are a ‘major concern,’ says a top US counterterrorism official visiting Manila to boost cooperation in tactical response, border security, and cutting terrorist funding

FIGHTING TERRORISM. The siege of Marawi City in 2017 is a grim reminder of the insidious threat of terrorism in the Philippines. File photo by Bobby Lagsa/Rappler

A high-ranking US counterterrorism official visited Manila on Friday, November 22, to discuss cooperation with Philippine counterparts, as the US government announced nearly P1 billion in aid to programs geared at stopping terrorism and helping the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) establish itself.

US Ambassador Nathan Sales, Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the State Department, spoke with Philippine officials about “shared efforts against ISIS (Islamic State), al-Qaeda, and other terrorist groups that threaten our shared values and our shared interests,” he told reporters in a telephonic briefing on Friday afternoon.

The series of suicide bombings that began in Basilan in July 2018, followed by 3 incidents in Sulu from January to September 2019, is a “major concern” of the US government, Sales said.

“We’re concerned about the export from the Middle East of terrorist tactics, techniques, and procedures. Suicide bombing is not something that we’ve seen in the region here in Southeast Asia until very, very recently, and we are concerned about groups like ISIS and sympathizers of ISIS emulating what they see in places like Syria and places like Afghanistan,” he added.

The US would like to emphasize a “whole-of-government” approach to counterterrorism, Sales said, which would include border security, law enforcement, cutting financing of terrorism, and “counter-messaging to de-legitimize the false and violent interpretations of scripture” that terrorists and their supporters propagate.

Bangsamoro transition

The Philippine government’s program against terrorism is centered largely on the nascent BARMM, the result of decades of negotiations with Moro separatist groups from which several terrorist organizations splintered and multiplied.

Hopes of ending generations of violence in Mindanao triggered by its Muslim minority’s struggle for self-determination are pinned on the establishment of the region’s new, more substantially autonomous regional government than the nominal Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) that preceded it.

On Friday, the US Embassy in Manila announced funding worth $18.7 million or more than P950 million for programs to support the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the BARMM’s provisional government, until it holds its first elections in May 2022.

US Deputy Chief of Mission John Law met with BARMM officials in Cotabato City on Friday to discuss the programs, and to launch a new “Countering Violent Extremism” partnership with local government units and civil society groups, called Converge.

Converge is funded with P86 million from the US State Department’s Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, and will be operated by non-governmental organizations (NGO) including US-based The Asia Foundation.

Other programs include a health project worth P760 million, and an initiative “to bolster effective and accountable local governance,” called Forward Bangsamoro, worth P101 million.

Against terrorist financing

Earlier this week, the US Embassy and the Philippine Judicial Academy ran a workshop to train 24 judges from Mindanao in curbing money laundering, terrorist financing, and financial crimes. The participants were from Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga, and Marawi City – places that have had recent terror attacks.

Cutting terrorist financing helps prevent attacks from even happening, and one of the “most important counterterrorism tools” the US uses to do this is sanctions.

“When we designate terrorist groups, when we put them on our financial black lists, we can cut off the flow of money to them,” Sales said, adding that US blacklisting of terrorists and their financial supporters also cuts them off from the international banking system, as banks avoid being the subject of secondary sanctions.

Transnational organized crime is another way that terrorists get funding, and fighting it would require cooperation among governments.

“Terrorists seek to raise money through a number of different means: narcotics trafficking, human smuggling, as well as seemingly licit enterprises – front companies for terrorism,” Sales said.

The US recently pledged more counterterrorism cooperation with the Philippines. It was one of the major items on the 8th Bilateral Strategic Dialogue held in Manila in July, and reaffirmed by US Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Tuesday, November 19, when he visited Manila.

Counterterrorism operations and tactics are a staple in joint exercises between the US and Philippine militaries. The US also plans to set up a Regional Counterterrorism Training Center at the Philippine National Police Academy in Silang, Cavite, to service Southeast Asia.

“We’re using all of those techniques here in partnership with our Philippine government allies, and we hope to continue to have strong successes,” Sales said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/245573-us-funds-billion-programs-barmm-transition-fight-terrorism

Two-day summit for Madrasah administrators

From the Mindanao Daily News (Nov 22, 2019): Two-day summit for Madrasah administrators

The US Embassy in the Philippines and a nongovernment organization, Naawan HELPS-Community, concluded on Thursday the two-day summit of Madrasah administrators from Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan and the cities of Marawi, Cotabato and Isabela, at a hotel in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental. Photo by Divina M. Suson

LAGUINDINGAN, Misamis Oriental--Madrasah administrators converged in Lohas Hotel in this town for a two-day summit dubbed as Empowering Madrasah Educators (Empowering ME).

Nineteen administrators: eight from Maguindanao and Cotabato, six from Basilan and five from Lanao del Sur, participated in the gathering that aims to share the results of their impact projects, lessons, challenges and best practices through the United States (US) Embassy in the Philippines’ P12.7 million.

The event---organized by nongovernment organization Naawan Helps Empowers Liberates Protects Strengthens (Naawan HELPS)-Communities, Inc.--showcased the impact projects focused on improving the institutions’ school management practices, instructional quality and educational outcomes.

These administrators have previously participated in two five-day trainings, which was held in June 11-15 and July 5-9, on school management and education leadership emphasizing key American educational values of critical thinking, creativity, equality, inclusion and tolerance.

Part of which is designing impact projects that will be implemented in their respective Madrasah.

“This effort, along with the US Embassy’s training for Mindanaoan public school teachers through American English workshops and online courses, have assisted educators in Mindanao improve their students’ education and economic opportunities by enhancing the quality of instruction,” said Nina Lewis, Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer of the US Embassy in the Philippines.

For three years now, the US Embassy have already trained 225 Madrasah educators and 25 administrators to the program that focused on teaching skills for classroom teachers and providing materials on American English.

“The focus is on educating teachers on how to teach and on administrators that is something that we have added this year. Primarily it’s just support them in their classrooms and in managing schools,” Lewis added.

http://mindanaodailynews.com/news/front-page/latest-headlines/two-day-summit-for-madrasah-administrators

Army brings community support programs in Talaingod sitios

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 22, 2019): Army brings community support programs in Talaingod sitios

DAVAO DEL NORTE (PIA)—Community engagements through the Community Support Program (CSP) have brought the 56th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army to far-flung sitios of Talaingod this province.

Guesting during the Pakigsayod radio program of Radio 911 of the provincial government of Davao del Norte, 56th IB civil military operations officer, Capt John Louie Dema-ala said among the villages recently reached was Sitio Tibucag in Barangay Dagohoy where the command helped initiate the conduct of skills training on carpentry, abaca twinning, bead-jewelry making benefitting those who had come to the folds of the law and those formerly with the underground mass movement of the New People’s Army (NPA).

56th IB civil military operations officer, Capt John Louie Dema-ala (right), discusses the recent community supprt engagements in Talaingod sitios conducted by the Philippine Army at Radio 911.

With primary support of the Municipal Government of Talaingod, the 56th IB gathered the assistance of the Davao del Norte offices of Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) along with other national line agencies.

In a recent community engagement of 56th IB commander Lt Col Norman Valdez along with about 20 stakeholders of the municipal government and national line agencies took an eight-hour walk to Sitio Pongpong in Barangay Dagohoy from Sitio Kilometer 31 which is 31 kilometers away from the seat of the municipal government in barangay poblacion Sto. Nino. The 56th IB had deployed a team to roll out CSP in Sitio Pongpong.

Dema-ala also revealed the 56th IB having taken part in setting up makeshifts schools in far-flung villages in Talaingod particularly in sitios Lambid in Brgy Sto. Nino; Sitio Sambalungon in Brgy Palma Gil; Dulian, Brgy Palma Gil; Sitio Pongpong, Brgy Dagohoy; and in Sitio Dalingding, Brgy Palma Gil.

He said 56th IB troopers not only secured municipal and local workers and those from the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) but also took part in the carpentry.

Meanwhile, the 56th IB welcomes and calls for the benevolence of civic groups and support from national line agencies for Ata Manobo communities of Talaingod.

Just this weekend, the 5th Civil Relations Group (CRG) tied up with the 56th IB to deliver to an Ata-Manobo community of Talaingod 60 water tanks, 15 classroom tables and 50 chairs.

However, Dema-ala pointed out the need to capacitate members of IP communities and for them to help themselves so they can stand on their own through the services and assistance extended to them.

“Unta maisip nila kung unsa ang ilang mabuhat sa ilang sitio, sa ilang municipyo,” he said. (PIA XI/Jeanevive Duron Abangan)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1030585

EO 70 will hopefully continue beyond PRRD term -- army, intelligence officials

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 22, 2019): EO 70 will hopefully continue beyond PRRD term -- army, intelligence officials

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 22 (PIA) -- A military and an intelligence official in Eastern Visayas expressed optimism that the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 will be sustained even if the term of President Rodrigo Duterte ends in 2022.

In response to a query of the local media during the Panginsayod ha PIA held Tuesday at Hotel Alejandro, this city, Brig. General Ramil Bitong, assistant division commander of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army said he is hopeful that the next leadership will sustain the project even if President Duterte is no longer in power.

“I am positive that the program will actually be sustained or even more, supported by the next leadership,” he said.

The institutionalization of the process or the system which already started is a manifestation that the government is on the right track. Bitong believes that once the system is institutionalized there is no turning back anymore citing an example the information provided to the people which can no longer be retracted.

Meanwhile, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Deputy Regional Director Eustacio Bacabac admitted their predicament after the term of the president. However, with the intensified awareness campaign on EO 70 he is looking forward for a more positive development in the future.

Thus, he asked the participants to work together in order that this program of the government will be implemented successfully.

In the said forum, Bacabac also said the forum is a very opportune time to come together with the media especially that at this point in time the government is calling a whole of a nation approach to participate in the campaign to end the local communist armed conflict.

He emphasized that a strong partnership with the media is the hallmark of a well-informed citizenry.

“The vital role of the media in peace and development cannot be downplayed so the citizens could be fully informed of the government’s peace and development initiatives as active stakeholders of just and lasting peace as well as sustainable development,”

Bacabac further said. With the sharing of the strategies of the government in addressing the five decade problem of insurgency, the government is now motivated that the members of the media would join the journey for the success of EO70.

With barely months after the operationalization of the task force ELCAC all the 12 clusters have already showed some significant accomplishments.

In the region, more than 100 advocacy campaigns were already conducted by the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Executive order 70 signed by President Duterte last December 4, 2018 calls for the institutionalization of a whole of a nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace. (PIA/cba)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1030608

RTF-ELCAC 8 focuses convergence efforts in 38 priority areas

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 22, 2019): RTF-ELCAC 8 focuses convergence efforts in 38 priority areas

TACLOBAN CITY, Nov. 22 (PIA) - Focus on “conflict-prone” communities to end insurgency in the country. This was stressed by President Rodrigo Duterte during a joint command conference with the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and peace and security forces on November 18.

In the case of Eastern Visayas, the Regional Task Force-ELCAC and the various provincial and municipal task forces will focus on 38 barangays.
These are situated in four provinces particularly, Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar and Leyte.

For Eastern Samar, there are three priority barangays in the municipality of Can-avid.

For Northern Samar, there are eight barangays in four municipalities which are included in the target. These include five barangays in Las Navas, and one barangays each in the municipalities of Lope de Vega, Mapanas and Mondragon.

For the province of Samar, 20 barangays in four municipalities and city, have been identified as priority areas. These include four barangays in Basey, one in Calbayog City, 11 in Calbiga, and four in Pinabacdao.

For the province of Leyte, seven barangays in LGUs are the priority targets. These include four barangays in Baybay City, two in Mahaplag and one in Inopacan.

Following the President’s instructions, the twelve clusters must focus their efforts in these barangays towards ending insurgency in the region and in the country.

To recall, the 12 clusters include the Local Government Empowerment; International Engagement; Legal Cooperation; Strategic Communication; Basic Services; Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment; Infrastructure and Resource Management; Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support; Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management; Localized Peace Engagement; E-CLIP and Amnesty Program; and Sectoral Unification, Capacity-building, Empowerment and Mobilization. (PIA-8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1030620

Army lauds end of IP clan feud in Agusan Sur town

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22, 2019): Army lauds end of IP clan feud in Agusan Sur town

DISPUTE SETTLEMENT. The long-standing feud between clans of the Banwaon and Manobo tribes is finally resolved during a settlement in Barangay San Pedro, San Luis, Agusan del Sur on Tuesday (Nov. 19, 2019). It was facilitated by the local government unit, tribal leaders, and the military. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 26th Infantry Battalion)

The Philippine Army welcomed the settlement of a long-standing feud between two clans of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the town of San Luis in Agusan del Sur province.

In a statement on Thursday, Lt. Col. Romeo C. Jimenea, commander of the Army's 26th Infantry Battalion, commended the groups and individuals behind the settlement of the disputes of the warring clans from the Banwaon and Manobo tribes.

Jimenea said the conflict had already caused several deaths from both sides, affecting the area’s peace and order situation.

The dispute, he said, has also hindered the development interventions of the local government unit and government line agencies.

On November 19, local officials and top tribal leaders in San Luis facilitated a dialogue between the conflicting clans that resulted in the peaceful settlement of their dispute.

Datu Wilfredo Napungahan, municipal tribal chieftain of the Banwaon tribe in San Luis, led the settlement, which was witnessed by San Luis Vice Mayor Ronaldo Y. Corvera, tribal leaders, and Army officials led by Jimenea.

Representatives of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples also attended the settlement.

Jimenea said the reconciled clans have expressed full support for the implementation of Executive Order 70, which creates the National Task Force to End the Local Communist Insurgency (NTF-ELCAC).

He underscored the importance of the settlement, saying the New People's Army stood to benefit if the IPs in the area remain fractured.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1086770

Man with gun nabbed at Maguindanao checkpoint

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22, 2019): Man with gun nabbed at Maguindanao checkpoint

COLLARED. Soldiers present suspect Zaidbunan Esmael of Barangay Tambunan, Talayan, Maguindanao province who was caught with a handgun at an Army checkpoint in adjacent Talitay town on Thursday (Nov. 21, 2019). Confiscated from the suspect were a .45-caliber pistol and two magazines with 16 rounds of live ammunition. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Military personnel manning a checkpoint arrested a man with a loaded gun in Talitay, Maguindanao on Thursday.

Personnel of the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion were manning a checkpoint along the highway in Barangay Kiladap, Talitay, when they chanced upon the suspect, identified as Zaidbunan Esmael, of neighboring Barangay Tambunan, Talayan town.

Esmael was caught with a .45-caliber pistol and two magazines with 16 rounds of live ammunition, the 6th Infantry Division (6ID) said in a media statement.

Esmael was uneasy when the soldier asked him to open his motorbike’s utility box, which made the Army officers even more suspicious, the 6ID said.

Only last week, two men riding a motorcycle were also arrested after they were caught carrying a loaded handgun at the same checkpoint.

Maj. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon, 6ID commander and concurrent head of Joint Task Force Central, said strict security measures would always be implemented in Central Mindanao as part of the implementation of martial law.

“As a reminder, individuals bringing firearms illegally possessed and without proper documentation are subject to possible criminal charges,” Carreon added.

The suspect is detained at the Talitay municipal police station for investigation and filing of proper criminal charges.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1086782

Ex-NPA who killed Army escort dies in apparent suicide

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22, 2019): Ex-NPA who killed Army escort dies in apparent suicide

Google map of Magpet town, North Cotabato.

KIDAPAWAN CITY – A former communist rebel who shot dead his Army escort while under custody in the North Cotabato town of Magpet has committed suicide inside the police custodial facility Thursday, police said.

Captain Rolando Dillera Jr, Magpet town police chief, said police on duty found Noel Delgado dead at about 5:45 a.m.
Dillera said Delgado committed suicide by hanging using his “malong” (wrap-around cloth) inside the Magpet police lock-up cell.

“There was no foul play,” Dillera assured the public in a radio interview.

A resident of Antipas, North Cotabato, Delgado was a 19-year-old member of NPA Guerilla Front 53 operating in Magpet who surrendered to 72nd Infantry Battalion last month.

While under Army custody, he was sent to study at a training center managed by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

While coming in and out of the 7th IB headquarters, two soldiers served as his escorts.

But on Nov. 10, Delgado grabbed the firearm of one of his escorts, Private Randy Castor of the 72nd IB, and shot him dead. The other soldier was injured.

Delgado escaped but on Tuesday, Nov. 19, he surrendered voluntarily to chairperson Edgar Hantoc of Barangay Balite, Magpet.

He also turned in the two .45 caliber pistols of his soldier-escorts. Subsequently, Hantoc turned him over to the Magpet police office.

Dillera said the police on duty reported that he saw Delgado still in his bed asleep at about 4 a.m.

After checking the cell almost an hour later, the police officer on duty found him hanging, lifeless.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1086759

Village task force vs. terrorism to operate in E. Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22, 2019): Village task force vs. terrorism to operate in E. Visayas

VILLAGE TF VS. NPA. The Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division assistant commander, Brig. Gen. Ramil Bitong gives a brief talk about the New People's Army (NPA) activities in the region during a media forum in Tacloban City on Monday (Nov. 19, 2019). The army pushes for the immediate operation of the anti-terrorist task force to end local communists' activities down to the barangay level. (Photo courtesy of An Rehiyon Otso Yana)

The Philippine Army pushes for the immediate operation of the National Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) at the barangay level in Eastern Visayas.

The NTF-ELCAC created under Executive Order No. 8, is a convergence of all government agencies to attain peace and end the long-time conflict between the government and the communist group.

Brig. Gen. Ramil Bitong, assistant division commander of the Philippine Army’s 8 Infantry Division on Thursday, said the most critical part in fighting insurgency is at the barangay level, considering the village officials are the people most aware of the New People’s Army’s (NPA) activities in their communities.

“They are the people closest to the ground and know who among their constituents are members of the Communist Party of the Philippines–NPA,” Bitong told reporters in an interview, citing names of some officials who have children and relatives known as NPA members.

With the task-force ELCAC down to the barangay level, it would be of big help for the authorities to reach out to the villagers who are victims of persuasion of the NPA and convince them to come down from their mountain lairs, Bitong said.

As of October 2019, the NPA in the region has 506 active members and 447 firearms, affecting 144 remote villages in the region.

Although no barangay has yet to operate the task force ELCAC, there are 73 out of 4,390 villages regionwide that have formally declared the NPA persona non grata.

The Philippine Army pushes the declaration in villages and has been providing templates of the declaration to local government, with some translated into local dialects for village officials to understand its content.

The presence of the rebel group in the remote villages in the provinces, especially on the island of Samar, is considered a major setback for the region’s overall development.

“No organization ever existed without funds so we should stop feeding and providing them resources,” Bitong said.

The NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canda, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1086837

Missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal to conduct sea trials

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22, 2019): Missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal to conduct sea trials

BRP Jose Rizal. (Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)

The BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), the Philippine Navy (PN)'s first-ever guided-missile frigate, will be undergoing various sea trials from November 23 to 27.

Navy public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, in a statement Thursday night, said the sea trials will be conducted by the technical crew of South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).

The 107.5-meter long frigate will sail towards the open waters off Ulsan, Busan, and Mokpo in South Korea to measure its performance and general seaworthiness.

Representatives from international provider of classification, compliance and consultancy services to the marine industry, Lloyd's Register of Shipping will witness the activity to ensure that the ship’s construction has met the required standards.

Roxas said the sea trials are the last phase of construction prior to the frigate’s delivery to the Philippines scheduled tentatively in April or May 2020.

This will take place six months after the vessel was launched at the HHI shipyard for the first time at HHI shipyard in Ulsan last May 23.

"The PHP8-billion warship is a big-ticket acquisition of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that is poised to be the benchmark of PN’s transformation journey," she said.

Incidentally, BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), the sistership of BRP Jose Rizal, was launched in the same facility last November 8.

The contract for the two ships is placed at PHP16 billion with another PHP2 billion for weapon systems and munitions.

These ships are capable of conducting Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Electronic Warfare (EW) Operations. It is fully equipped with Surface-to-Air and Surface-to-Surface Missiles, torpedoes, launchers, and weapon systems.

The activity signifies that the PN is inching closer to its dream of acquiring highly capable warships.

Its crew and maintenance personnel are currently undergoing training in the Republic of Korea.

Roxas said the BRP Jose Rizal provides leverage for the Navy’s bid of becoming a stronger and more credible force that the Philippines as a maritime nation can be proud of.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1086765