UP alumna finds passion for service thru ROTC

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 26, 2019): UP alumna finds passion for service thru ROTC



PASSION FOR SERVICE. 1Lt. Marjorie Siwa (right) says she developed a life of servitude when she was introduced to the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) in college. From dreaming of becoming a private lawyer, she chose to step up her involvement and joined the force officially to help far-flung communities receive government aid. (Photo courtesy of Marjorie Siwa)

When she was younger, 29-year-old 1Lt. Marjorie Siwa already planned that she would pursue law -- earn well, be a private individual, and have a good life.

But in college, she decided to give herself some challenge through joining the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC).

“In my stint in UP, first year, may choice kami kung ano yung kukunin namin (we are given the choice on what we want to take up) [I wanted to] be challenged, [I wanted to] strengthen my leadership skills,” she shared in an interview with the Philippine News Agency.

Siwa said that she used to have wrong impressions about the military before she did her training.

“Before, my perception of the military is purely one-sided, one dimensional, fight lang (it's purely about fighting). [I really thought], napaka stoic naman, hindi (They are so stoic and not so) approachable. Pero nung sumali na ako (But when I joined), I realized it is different. Para ka maka-survive sa military kailangan mo ng (To survive in the military, you need) intense discipline, commitment to serve, hard work,” she said.

She graduated from ROTC’s Military Science 1 in 2008 while she was taking up Political Science at the University of the Philippines in Diliman.

When she got her degree, she worked for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as a civilian employee.

“When I was a civilian employee, na-amaze ako sa lawak ng work na ginagawa ng (I was amazed with the scope of work done by the) AFP. (I was also amazed with the) dedication (of) men and women in uniform, nakikita ko yung mga sundalo kahit na (I see the soldiers) day and night, Pasko, ano ba nakukuha nila (What do they get for Christmas?),” she said.

“Iba pala yung satisfaction (The satisfaction is different). That’s when it hit me, I want to take it a step further. I joined the force” she added.

At present, she supervises civil-military engagements as an administrative officer of the 9th Infantry Division in the Bicol Region.

The Army hopes to see more Siwa in the force as the country is falling far behind its neighboring regions with regards to citizens who acquired military training.

It paved the way for President Rodrigo Duterte to order a comeback for mandatory ROTC among Filipino students.

Lobbying the Mandatory ROTC Bill

There are only 59,637 graduates from both basic and advanced training of the ROTC in 2015-2016. In 2017-2018, it reached a low of 46,936, according to AFP spokesperson Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo.

Reservist General Rolando Rodil was the one who drafted the proposed bill making ROTC mandatory among senior high school students. He explained in an earlier interview that, much as what he had experienced, the ROTC will instill discipline and love for country among the Filipino youth.

“I credit my current state to the things I learned from ROTC. Magandang program para ma infuse ang mga values ng love of country, patriotism sa ating mga kabataan (It is a good program to infuse values of patriotism among our youth),” he said.

Rodil said the need to make the ROTC mandatory among senior high school students is prioritized because the military is targeting a bigger pool of resources latest data from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Department of Education (DepEd) show only 20 percent of high school graduates reach college.

Rodil said the curriculum if the mandatory ROTC bill passes as law, would require students to take the training to qualify for graduation. The AFP will conduct meticulous screenings for future instructors and will only allow officers in the best practice to teach students.

The role of reservists, the general added, are (1) based on the expansion of regular force in case of war, rebellion; (2) to assist in disasters, socio-economic development, (3) secure vital government utilities: water and power, the AFP reserve units will help with defense preparedness; (4) and warfighters.

“They will be the first responders, nation builders, and guardians of private and public utilities,” he added.

ROTC Summit

On December 5, around 2,500 ROTC cadets from selected colleges and universities and uniformed personnel in the country will attend a summit in Quirino Grandstand to celebrate and drum up support for the ROTC.

The event is being organized by the Office of the President through the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) and Presidential Security Group, in coordination with the Department of National Defense and the AFP through the Office of the Reservist and Retiree Affairs (OJ9).

The activity will feature the silent drill.competition from among the best in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA), Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP), Philippine Army Officer Candidate School (PAOCS), Philippine Navy Officer Candidate School (PNOCS), and Philippine Air Force Officer Candidate School (PAFOCS).

The units are vying for the top prize of P300,000; the second placer will receive PHP200,000, and the third will get PHP100,000.

A PHP50,000 consolation prize will be given for each of the four other units.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1087037

Army: NPA intel officer killed in Isabela battle

From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 25, 2019): Army: NPA intel officer killed in Isabela battle

Army soldiers in Western and Central Visayas have been ordered to be relentless in pursuit operations against peace spoilers, following an encounter in Isabela between government troopers and suspected New People’s Army rebels, by Brig. Gen. Eric Vinoya, newly-installed 3rd Infantry Division commander.

While he commended the 62nd Infantry Battalion soldiers for the gallantry they displayed during an encounter Friday in Sitio Canlusog, Brgy. Cansalongon, Isabela that resulted in the killing of a member of the NPA, arrest of his injured comrade, as well as six others, as reported by the police last night, Vinoya urged Army soldiers to “fiercely hunt down these terrorists and bring them to justice.”

Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, identified the one killed in Brgy. Cansolongon, Isabela encounter, not in Brgy. Santol, Binalbagan, as earlier reported by the military, as Rassim Chanco, 27, of Brgy. Canlamay, Ilog, while Ernesto Amallo was the NPA member injured and captured.

Chanco was reported by Arevalo as the intelligence officer of the Central Negros Front, while Amallo, who is now being treated for his gunshot wound in a hospital, admitted being a member of the NPA and a squad leader of the NPA Central Negros Front.

Recovered by Army soldiers were a Daewoo 9mm pistol, two ICOM radio handsets, a rifle grenade, 50 meters of trip wires of improvised explosives device, subversive documents, a medical kit with assorted medicines, a CPP-NPA flag, 15 back packs containing personal belongings, two solar panels, among others.

The encounter was an offshoot of an incident where about 15 suspected rebels barged into the residence of Brgy. Capt. Eugene Zambrona in Brgy. Tinongan, Isabela Thursday last week, looking for him and the firearm in his possession.

Ka JB Regalado, spokesperson of the Leonardo Panaligan Command in central Negros, confirmed in a statement that he issued orders that troops from the LPC-NPA implement what he calls police action to arrest and disarm Zambrona, alleging that it was sanctioned by the People’s Democratic Government.

Regalado claimed that Zambrona is facing charges for threatening civilians, and accused him of arming his barangay tanods, among other accusations.

The incident in Brgy. Tinongan, Isabela came several days after town officials, including barangay captains, declared the CPP-NPA as persona non grata, a move also adopted earlier by other local government units in northern Negros.

Regalado also slammed the military for the alleged ransacking of the house of a certain Ernesto Amallo, who presented him as a member of the NPA, in Isabela town.

Also nabbed at the encounter site were Elizabeth Antrone, Erlinda Garsola, Maricic Bordago, Maricar Estoya, Jorgen Lisadio and Marencea Guadia.

Arevalo said they are trying to establish the background of the six women, who were at the encounter site.

Capt. Ruben Pajarito, Isabela police officer-in-charge, said yesterday that the six arrested suspects are now under the custody of the town police.*


http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/November/25/topstory4.htm

NDF/Sison: Incompetence and corruption mark hosting of SEA games

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Nov 25, 2019): Incompetence and corruption mark hosting of SEA games



ON THE CORRUPTION AND INCOMPETENCE IN PREPARING AND HOLDING THE 30th SOUTHEAST ASIAN GAMES
Statement by Jose Maria Sison

Like the rest of the Filipino people, I am appalled and disgusted by the Duterte regime’s naked and shameless incompetence, waste and plunder of public funds in the mismanagement of the hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Cayetano should immediately resign and be replaced by a Filipino Olympian, a World Record holder or a Former National Athlete, with known administrative skills and with a competent team. Corrupt and inept politicians like Cayetano, who are favored by a corrupt and incompetent regime like that of Duterte, should be banned from national sports bodies. They only know how to loot and plunder public funds, and they deny Filipino athletes the full state support they deserve.

The entire committee headed by Cayetano should resign. They are complicit in his bumbling and corrupt kind of leadership. They should all be investigated and prosecuted. The SEA Games can still be saved but it will require Herculean efforts and strong national unity that could only come from a high sense of patriotism and a credible new leadership. Cayetano does not have both. In fact, he and other Duterte minions are the main source of problems Filipinos now have to solve.

The new chair could appoint members from the ranks of veteran athletes, and representatives from Filipino professions and other sectors with proven competence in holding international events; in quickly but safely refurbishing the venues; in installing timekeeping and other digital equipment; in coordinating among multiple organizations all at the same time; in ensuring transport, communications and accommodations; and in providing adequate, timely and proper food to thousands; and other concerns.

The new chair and committee should quickly assess the situation. If the health and safety of all participating athletes would be their paramount concern, it might even be wiser for the Duterte regime to apologize for its corruption and incompetence and to announce a postponement of the games to the first quarter of 2020. It would thus be better than holding the games now under the circumstances that continue to shock us all. 

It is tragic that corruption in Philippine sports had to erupt in the days leading to the SEA Games. But that is the fault of the inept and the corrupt regime. It is bound to happen that its most brazen and bottomless greed would be exposed. The Filipino people should continue to support Filipino athletes. Their outrage is directed at the evil Duterte-Cayetano combine.

It is time to re-examine and finally end the corrupt bureaucrat capitalist rule of reactionary politicians, retired military generals and oligarchs in Philippine sports who thrive on stealing public funds. They are the plague afflicting Philippine sports.

Their corruption takes away from athletes the leadership roles, state funding and competent management of their national associations. Left on their own and with adequate state and public support, our athletes can do better in looking after their own development and welfare than the likes of Cayetano.

While it turns out the P50-million cauldron could be the most scandalous problem now, it should light up the paper trails of corruption, ineptitude and mismanagement that lead to and incriminate the Office of the President and the Office of the House Speaker.###

https://ndfp.org/incompetence-and-corruption-mark-hosting-of-sea-games/

Suspected rebels flee after 10-minute firefight with gov’t troopers, cops in Himamaylan

From the Cebu Daily News (Nov 25, 2019): Suspected rebels flee after 10-minute firefight with gov’t troopers, cops in Himamaylan



Ammunition for an AK-47 rifle, and personal belongings of suspected rebels are recovered at the encounter site in Barangay Caradio-an, Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental on November 24.| Contributed photo

A 10-minute firefight happened when a force of government troopers and police officers chanced upon members of suspected New People’s Army (NPA) late Sunday evening, November 24, in Sitio Tagmanok, Barangay Caradio-an in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

According to a military report, the rebels withdrew from the area towards the direction of Barangay San Antonio and Sitio Cunalum in Barangay Carabalan, both of Himamaylan City after the 11:20 p.m. firefight.
The report also stated that government troopers had no casualties, but bloodstains were found at the encounter site causing the soldiers to believe that there were casualties on the rebel’s side.

Recovered from the the encounter site were 23 rounds of serviceable 7.62 ammunitions for AK47 rifle, an AK47 magazine, two pairs of rain boots, a pair of BDA pants and a sweat shirt with a CPP logo printed on it.

Soldiers also recovered 10 meters of trip wire and backpacks containing personal belongings.

This is the second encounter between the government forces and the suspected NPA in Negros Occidental in the last two days.

On November 22, 2019, soldiers arrested a suspected rebel and another person, who was wounded and captured after a firefight between soldiers and rebels happened in Barangay Cansalongon, Isabela, Negros Occidental.

Read more: 6 female suspected NPAs nabbed in Negros Occidental

These encounters happened after the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police conducted joint pursuit operations against the suspected rebels who allegedly harassed and intimidated the village captain of Tinongan, Isabela and his family.

“They are now in a very desperate move that always led them into frustrations and embarrasments. This is a clear sign of their downfall”, Lieutenant Colonel Egberto Dacoscos, Commanding Officer of 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) said in a statement.

The joint group of soldiers from 62nd IB, 31st Division Reconnaisance Company and police officers from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion -6 (RMFB-6) made up the force that were involved in the firefight in Sitio Tagmanok, Barangay Caradio-an.




Major General Roberto Ancan, commander of the Central Command, is calling on rebels to surrender or be pursued and killed by government forces. Ancan made the call during the 11th founding anniversary of the 11th Infantry Battalion. | Florence Baesa

On the other hand, Major General Roberto Ancan, commander of the Central Command in a message this morning during the 48th founding anniversary of the 11th Infantry Battalion here called on the insurgents to surrender or else the security forces will enforce the full force of the law.

According to Ancan if the rebels will “lay down” their firearms they will live normal lives with their families.

“But if you will not, we will really go after you and kill you and will kill you again,” Ancan said.

Ancan also encouraged the local chief executives and different stakeholders to support the program of the national government to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC)./
https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/272132/suspected-rebels-flee-after-10-minute-firefight-with-govt-troopers-cops-in-himamaylan

NPA leader slain in Negros clash

From the Philippine Star (Nov 26, 2019): NPA leader slain in Negros clash

An intelligence officer of the New People’s Army (NPA)’s Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros-Cebu-Bohol-Siquijor was killed in an encounter with soldiers in Isabela, Negros Occidental on Friday.

Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, identified the fatality as Rassim Chanco, 27.

Ernesto Amallo, who admitted to be the squad leader of the rebel group, was wounded in the clash and arrested.

A 9 mm pistol, two radio handsets, a rifle grenade, a 50-meter tripwire of an improvised explosive device, subversive documents, a medical kit, two solar panels and 15 backpacks, which contained personal belongings, were among those recovered at the scene.

Six women found at the encounter site were invited for questioning by the Isabela police.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/11/26/1971823/npa-leader-slain-negros-clash

Cops nab alleged NPA leader inside hospital in San Juan

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 25, 2019): Cops nab alleged NPA leader inside hospital in San Juan



Jaime Padilla, an alleged leader of the New People’s Army, stands in front of a camera for a mugshot following his arrest for charges of multiple murder in San Juan City on Monday, November 25, 2019. (Photo from NCRPO)

An alleged leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) wanted for multiple murder was arrested by the police while seeking treatment at a hospital in San Juan City.

Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas, acting director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), confirmed in a press briefing Tuesday the arrest of Jaime Padilla, who was captured during the serving of a warrant on Monday at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center.

The suspect, aged over 60 years old, was confined in a private room for hypertension when he was arrested, according to Sinas.

There other persons “guarding” him were also arrested by the police. Sinas said the police will file a case of harboring a wanted person against the people “securing” Padilla.

He said police are checking the background of these three persons.

No firearm was recovered from the suspects when they were arrested, said Sinas.

Police are currently checking on the vehicles of the suspects to check if it carries any firearm or any related subversive documents.

The suspects are now detained at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group – National Capital Region Office at Camp Crame.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1194598/suspected-npa-leader-arrested-in-san-juan-hospital

British gov't thanks PH military for rescue of 2 UK nationals

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 26, 2019): British gov't thanks PH military for rescue of 2 UK nationals



RESCUED. Rescued British businessman Allan Arthur Hyrons, 70, and his Filipino wife, Wilma, speak with Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., Joint Task Forces Sulu commander, following a clash against their captors, the Abu Sayyaf Group bandits in Mount Piahan, Parang, Sulu Monday (Nov. 25, 2019). The couple's rescue came after a series of clashes since Friday that constricted the movement of the bandits. (Photo courtesy of Joint Task Force Sulu)

The United Kingdom on Monday extended its gratitude to the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the successful rescue of two British nationals, Wilma and Alan Hyrons, who were abducted in Sulu last October 4.

"I am very grateful for their tremendous efforts. We are in particular grateful to their Armed Forces for their courage throughout a difficult operation which resulted in Alan and Wilma’s release," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement.

READ: Gov't troops rescue Briton, wife from captors in Sulu

Raab said the UK has worked closely with the Philippine government on the couple’s case over the last two months.

"I am pleased to confirm that both Alan and Wilma Hyrons are safe and well, and being looked after by the Philippine authorities," he said.

The UK's Foreign Office officials have been in close contact with Alan and Wilma’s family throughout the case, who requested for privacy following their release.

Th Hyrons were rescued on the morning of November 25 after the AFP carried out a military operation on the island of Sulu.

The couple was abducted on October 4 by six gunmen from the family-owned resort in Barangay Alindahaw, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur.

The couple's rescue came after a series of clashes since Friday that constricted the movement of the Abu Sayyaf Group.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1087046

Joma Sison: Duterte afraid Robredo will learn how he ‘protects’ drug lords

From GGMA News Online (Nov 25): Joma Sison: Duterte afraid Robredo will learn how he ‘protects’ drug lords

Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison on Sunday claimed that President Rodrigo Duterte fired Vice President Leni Robredo as co-chairperson of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) because he is afraid that she will learn about how he protects drug lords.

Duterte fired Robredo from the ICAD a little over two weeks after appointing her to the position.

“Since the beginning, he has been afraid that she would discover from local officials and US intelligence how he actually protects the biggest drug lords under his mafia syndicate or crime family,” Sison said.

“Duterte was clearly never sincere in appointing VP Leni Robredo as co-chair of the ICAD. Now, Duterte looks like a fool, pasinto-sinto, by firing her after only two weeks,” he added.

In a lengthy statement, the Palace cited a number of reasons behind Duterte’s decision to fire Robredo, including her lack of action on the drug menace and the “transparency of her motive to politicize the issue.”

Robredo earlier said she would not resign as ICAD co-chairperson despite Duterte’s numerous criticisms of her.

“The people expect Robredo to expose the criminal operations of the Duterte drug empire and denounce how she has received no cooperation from Duterte and ICAD but attacks, disinformation and sabotage of her work as ICAD co-chair,” Sison said.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/716596/joma-sison-duterte-afraid-robredo-will-learn-how-he-protects-drug-lords/story/

Bello meeting with Joma ‘violated’ Duterte’s order

From the Manila Times (Nov 25, 2019): Bello meeting with Joma ‘violated’ Duterte’s order

ASIDE from his allegedly excessive travels abroad, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello 3rd is also being accused of violating Proclamation 360, which formally terminated peace talks between the Duterte administration and the communist rebels.

Bello’s critic, radio broadcaster Adolfo Paglinawan, said the Labor chief had skirted an International Labor Organization (ILO) conference in Geneva, Switzerland to meet with Jose Maria “Joma” Sison, founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines, who has been on a self-imposed exile in The Netherlands for decades.

“It happened in 2018. It was last year, not this year. Bello is mixing it up,” Paglinawan told The Manila Times on Sunday.

He added that the Labor secretary made it appear that his meeting with Sison had President Rodrigo Duterte’s blessings.

He challenged Bello to come up with proof that his meeting with Sison was permitted by the President, saying the latter would not violate his own proclamation.

“Even for the sake of argument, this assertion reeks first of incriminating the President in his serious dishonesty, not to mention treason, and second of disloyalty to the country’s Chief Executive and Commander-in-Chief just to save his skin,” Paglinawan added.

But Rolly Francia, spokesman for the Department of Labor and Employment, in a phone interview told The Times that Paglinawan was lying through his teeth.

Francia said Bello did not travel to Geneva in 2018 for the ILO conclave.

“In his three years as Labor secretary, Secretary Bello only traveled to Geneva this year for the ILO event, and after that went to Berlin, Germany for the opening of the POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) there,” he added.

“I was with Secretary Bello when he went to Geneva in June this year. I was a delegate to the ILO event,” Francia said.

Paglinawan filed criminal and administrative complaints against Bello before the Office of the Ombudsman and the Presidential Anti-Crime Commission (PACC) for the latter’s allegedly excessive travels abroad, which the complainant said caused undue injury to the government.

In a manifesto, senior Labor officials said a cursory review of the accusations against Bello found that most of the allegations were resurrected ones and reportedly dismissed already by the PACC.

“While the sinister attacks may be directed against Secretary Bello, we believe that his tormentors are willfully destroying the institution by maliciously implying that its officials merely kowtow to the secretary’s alleged ‘unauthorized’ acts in the performance of his duties,” the manifesto said.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/11/25/news/top-stories/bello-meeting-with-joma-violated-dutertes-order/658533/

Kalinaw News: First Philippine Indonesia Maritime Training kicks-off

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 25, 2019): First Philippine Indonesia Maritime Training kicks-off



NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Lt. General Felimon T. Santos Jr., Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command opened the First Philippine-Indonesia Maritime Training Activity (MTA) at the Naval Station Felix, Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City on November 25, 2019.

The one week combined force training activity that has kicked-off today and expected to conclude on November 30, 2019, will be hosted by the Philippines. It will involve personnel from the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) and members of the Indonesian Second Fleet Command.

The exercise ranges from naval doctrine discussion, tabletop exercise, and open sea drills and maneuvers, which aims to enhance the readiness of both navies in addressing their common maritime security concerns and interests.

In his remarks during the opening ceremony, Lt. Gen. Santos Jr. emphasized the proactive stance of both forces to be abreast with the dynamic maritime security environment.

“It is imperative for us to keep up with the everchanging maritime security environment and develop more robust approaches in addressing maritime security,” he said.

Four naval ships will be used during the MTA with NFEM deploying BRP Apolinario Mabini and BRP Liberato Picar, while the Indonesian will be utilizing KRI Layang and KRI Pandarong and will be sailing along the Philippine waters during the activity.

“The activity is Navy to Navy and it is more on military exercise compared to CORPAT- PHILINDO, which includes other civilian agencies from both countries,” Commodore Antonio C. Palces, Commander of NFEM explained.

First Admiral Rachmad Jahadi, Commandant, Maritime Security Task Force of Second Fleet Command of the Indonesian Navy attended the activity and led the Indonesian delegates, which is also in preparation for the future conduct of Coordinated Patrol along the common borders of the two countries in the Celebes Sea.

It can be recalled that the RP-RI Border Committee Chairmen’s Conference was held last week at the Water Front Hotel, Davao City wherein both Chairmen agreed to continuously intensify the conduct of Coordinated Patrol operations that will seek to ensure the security and maritime control in both countries’ common borders.

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/first-philippine-indonesia-maritime-training-kicks-off/First

Kalinaw News: 4ID and GMA Kapuso conducts relief operation in Bukidnon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 25, 2019): 4ID and GMA Kapuso conducts relief operation in Bukidnon



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – In response to needs of the earthquake victims, the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Philippine Army in partnership with Asia Brewery and GMA Kapuso Foundation distributed relief goods to the affected families in the three municipalities of Bukidnon on Thursday, November 21, 2019.

A total of 698 households from the 13 barangays under the municipalities of Kadingilan, Maramag and Don Carlos benefited the 1,000 packs of relief goods which contains two kilos of rice, four canned goods and five instant noodles. Likewise, 100 boxes of bottled mineral water and 300 boxes of juice were also distributed.

Meanwhile, troops of 4ID together with the civilian volunteers in Cagayan de Oro City and the personnel of GMA Kapuso Foundation headed by Ms. Ma Rose Ann L Cordero, project staff-social worker facilitated the hauling and repacking of relief goods a day prior the distribution.

It can be recalled that the province of Bukidnon was hit by a 5.9 magnitude earthquake last November 18, 2019 around 9:22 o’clock in the evening which resulted to the damage of properties and injured few barangay folks.

MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal, the Commander of the 4ID said, “I commend the troops, GMA Kapuso Foundation and the Local Government Unit of Bukidnon for initiating this relief operations, the affected families are in dire need of our help. This noble undertaking shows our genuine concern to the affected constituents in the province.”

“I call on everyone to remain vigilant and be prepared to respond to any emergencies for we cannot predict when an earthquake will hit us. Your Diamond troopers in partnership with the Local Government Unit, Non-Government Organization and other concern stakeholders are always ready to extend necessary support, you can assure our full commitment on these noble undertakings,” Gacal ended.

Source: 4th 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/4id-and-gma-kapuso-conducts-relief-operation-in-bukidnon/ 

Kalinaw News: Intense battle erupts between Army, Surigao Tribes

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 25, 2019): Intense battle erupts between Army, Surigao Tribes



Bayugan City, Agusan Del Sur— A fierce battle on the basketball court commenced today between the Indigenous Peoples (IP) Community and the Community Support Teams (CSTs) in Sitio Simuwao (Kilometer 9), Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur. This is the first inter-sitio basketball league in the conflict-affected area in Andap Valley Complex organized by the Sangguniang Kabataan of Diatagon, Diatagon Barangay Local Government Unit, the IP residents and the CSTs composed of the troops from the 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion (3SFBn), 41st Civil Military Operations (CMO) Company and the Philippine National Police.

The basketball court was constructed through the efforts of both Kilometer 9 IP residents and the composite Army and PNP personnel being falsely accused by the militant group, Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang a Sumusunod (MAPASU), a local affiliate of Bayan Muna Partylist represented by Eufemia Campos Cullamat, the sister of Pablito Sinzo Campos, alias Batik, a Communist NPA Terrorist nabbed by the 3SFBn and currently detained in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

“May labanan na nagaganap ngayon sa pagitan ng Army at mga tribo ditto sa KM 9, pero sa basketbolan. Ok Kaayo, “laughingly said by a resident of the sitio.

This is the effect of Martial Law in the IP Communities and this is the fear of anti-government groups and coddler of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs). They fear that their lies and allegations against the military and the President’s Whole-of-Nation Approach would be revealed naturally and that their ideology will become irrelevant enough to make it die a natural death.

“The IP Community is happy with the latest development in their area. Before, they are a bit skeptical about the military’s presence but the sincerity of the government to attain sustainable and genuine peace made this possible”, Lieutenant Colonel Joey B Baybayan INF (GSC) PA said.

“Our main advantage and weapon in our quest to end local communist armed conflict is the truth. No matter how many lies and propaganda the CNTs and their allied groups throw at us, truth will always prevail”, COL Allan D Hambala INF (MNSA) PA, 401st Infantry Brigade Commander added.

Meanwhile, 10 teams from neighboring sitios in Andap Valley participated in the league to include residents from Kilometer 16, (Sitio Han-Ayan) in Diatagon where Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV), an alleged hub of the CNTs exists.

Source: 3rd Special Forces Battalion

[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/intense-battle-erupts-between-army-surigao-tribes/ 

CPP: By firing Robredo, Duterte’s drug war is further exposed as a sham

CPP propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 25, 2019): By firing Robredo, Duterte’s drug war is further exposed as a sham

NOVEMBER 25, 2019

2019 CPP Statements

By firing Vice President Robredo from her position as co-chair of the Inter-agency Committe on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD), President Duterte has succeeded only in making himself look stupid.

Duterte claims he fired Robredo two weeks after appointing her for failing to come up with a plan to end the country’s drug problem, something he has failed to achieve for more than three years now, and which he first promised to end in six months.

Duterte had wanted to set up Vice President Robredo to fail in her appointed task by ensuring that the police and other agencies will be uncooperative with her. In doing so, however, the Duterte government merely succeeded in further exposing its drug war as a sham.

Contrary to Duterte’s aim, his firing of Robredo from the ICAD will have the counter-effect of encouraging more and more people to support her call to end the spate of extra-judicial killings perpetrated in the course of the drug war.

The Party enjoins Vice President Robredo to close ranks with the people, especially the tens of thousands of victims of the drug war, in their demand for justice. The upcoming Human Rights Day on December 10 will be an auspicious day to amplify this call across the country and the world.

https://cpp.ph/2019/11/25/by-firing-robredo-dutertes-drug-war-is-further-exposed-as-a-sham/

CPP/EV: Larab | Nobyembre 23, 2019

Regional/Eastern Visayas (EV) propaganda publication posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 25, 2019): Larab | Nobyembre 23, 2019

NOVEMBER 25, 2019


2019 Eastern Visayas Larab Publications Regions

Download PDF

https://cpp.ph/2019/11/25/larab-nobyembre-23-2019/

CPP/NDF-Eastern Visayas: Duterte regime’s inveigling of EV media for dirty propaganda war will backfire – NDF-EV

NDF-Eastern Visayas (EV) propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 25, 2019): Duterte regime’s inveigling of EV media for dirty propaganda war will backfire – NDF-EV

FR. SANTIAGO “KA SANNY” SALAS

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-EV

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

NOVEMBER 25, 2019

The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas today said the Duterte government’s recent enlistment of the media in the region for “counterinsurgency” is symptomatic of the militarization and fascization of the government and civil society. “The Duterte regime wants to align the entire government and civil society with the military’s “counterinsurgency” campaign that is being condemned for massive human rights violations,” NDF-EV spokesperson Fr. Santiago “Ka Sanny” Salas noted. “By inveigling the support of the region’s media in its dirty propaganda war, the Duterte regime aims to legitimize the deception and lies of psywar, the criminalization of dissent, and the silencing of the media. The so-called ‘whole-of-nation approach’ is nothing more than militarization and fascization, or the subordination of the entire government and society to the interests of the military, as well as the suppression of democratic rights.”

Fr. Salas also noted the crisis of the media in the region that provides fertile ground for co-optation by the military and the government. “We know where the media in the region are coming from. The media establishments are owned or backed by big businessmen, landlords and politicians. Most media persons are poorly paid and not unionized to protect their rights. They are forced to toe the line or commit self-censorship for the high military and civilian officials and other big interests. Like the rest of the country, there is a history of violence against media persons here.”

He added however that inveigling the media is bound to backfire on the Duterte regime. “The united front behind the so-called ‘whole of nation approach’ is a sham. The Duterte regime is not monolithic; there are splits and disagreements within its own ranks. It is also increasingly isolated from the people because of its fascist terrorism, plundering ways and subservience to foreign interests. The people are increasingly agitated by socioeconomic hardships caused by Duterte’s neoliberal regime such as onerous taxes, rice importation, neglected basic services, rotten infrastructure, environmental destruction and other burning issues. The media can never unite behind Duterte because of concerns such as the Red-tagging and attacks on media organizations, disenfranchisement of critical media outfits, harassment and coercion of journalists, trolling and cyber attacks against government critics and alternative media outfits, and the rising death toll and unresolved search for justice such as for the Ampatuan Massacre.

“We challenge the media in the region to speak truth to power, to fight for press freedom along with other basic democratic rights, and to take the side of the people against the rising fascism of the Duterte regime. The media in the region should rage against the dying of the light of freedom of thought and expression. But even if the Duterte regime succeeds in stifling and controlling the media such as during the Marcos dictatorship, it will not last. The people will simply stop listening to the mainstream media if it chiefly delivers the Duterte regime’s hogwash. In the end, the people will turn to the alternative media on the internet and other forms of mass information including agitprop and revolutionary propaganda because they know these are the ones giving the real score.

https://cpp.ph/statement/duterte-regimes-inveigling-of-ev-media-for-dirty-propaganda-war-will-backfire-ndf-ev/

CPP/NDF-Eastern Visayas: NDF-EV: Unable to defeat the NPA, desperate AFP resorts to landmine non-issue and other propaganda dirt

NDF-Eastern Visayas (EV) propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 25, 2019): NDF-EV: Unable to defeat the NPA, desperate AFP resorts to landmine non-issue and other propaganda dirt

FR. SANTIAGO “KA SANNY” SALAS

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-EV

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

NOVEMBER 25, 2019

The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas today said that one year after the Duterte regime’s Memorandum Order 32 placed Samar under virtual martial law, the New People’s Army (NPA) is going from victory to victory, leaving the Armed Forces of the Philippines reeling from continuing battlefield losses and resorting to dirty propaganda against the NPA.

“The victorious NPA guerrilla offensive last Nov. 12 in Borongan City, Eastern Samar is only the latest victory of the Red fighters against Duterte’s fascist troops,” said NDF-EV spokesperson Fr. Santiago “Ka Sanny” Salas. “The 8th Infantry Division’s whining that the NPA violates the laws of war is pure hogwash. The NPA uses command-detonated explosives, not anti-personnel landmines that are automatically set off and which are prohibited by international law because of the danger to innocent civilians.

“The 8th ID’s whining speaks of a double standard. The NPA legitimately uses command-detonated explosives with great success in Samar as poor man’s weapons within the bounds of the laws of war. Meanwhile, the 8th ID shamelessly brags about its rich man’s weapons, such as 500-pound bombs recently dropped by supersonic fighters in an alleged ‘surgical strike’ in Brgy. Capoto-an, Las Navas, Northern Samar. This turned out to be surgical stupidity in failing to hit the NPA while disregarding and thus almost obliterating civilians living in the area.”

Fr. Salas said the AFP is resorting to desperate measures to demean the NPA’s political and military superiority. “The NPA enjoys the support of the people and is adept as well in the guerrilla tactics of shifting from the enemy’s focus, concentrating elsewhere to attack enemy weak points, and dispersing for mass work, thus foiling the AFP offensives that can only temporarily focus at the most on a small percentage of the entire region. There is no way the 8th ID can defeat the NPA in Eastern Visayas, unless the NPA will become as stupid as the AFP and will pursue the purely military solution that is the enemy’s game. The 8th ID’s generals and colonels know this and resort to heaping dirt on the NPA such as making fake issues about landmines and child warriors, while grabbing money while they still can from fake surrenders and fake community support projects. The NPA will surely become ever stronger and deal heavier blows on the AFP, while the people are increasingly roused against the cruel and corrupt Duterte regime and its unseemly menage a trois puppetry with the US and Chinese imperialists.”#

https://cpp.ph/statement/ndf-ev-unable-to-defeat-the-npa-desperate-afp-resorts-to-landmine-non-issue-and-other-propaganda-dirt/

CPP/NDF-PKM Negros Island: Rehimen Duterte atubangon sang isganan nga mangunguma sang Negros

NDF-PKM Negros Island propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 25, 2019): Rehimen Duterte atubangon sang isganan nga mangunguma sang Negros

FELICIDAD MERCADO

SPOKESPERSON

PKM-NEGROS ISLAND

PAMBANSANG KATIPUNAN NG MGA MAGBUBUKID

NOVEMBER 25, 2019

Mabaskog nga ginapanawagan sang Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magsasaka (PKM) sa Negros ang hugot nga paghiliusa sang pumuluyong Negrosanon agud atubangon ang Memorandum Order (MO) 32 sang rehimen Duterte sa isla. Ang pagpanukot sang hustisya sa tanan nga biktima sang pasismo kag tiraniya kag ang pagtapos sa naka-ugat nga pyudalismo sa isla sang Negros malab-ot lang sa pag-usoy sang banas sang demokratikong rebolusyon sang banwa.

Kilala ang Negros bilang hasyenda kapital sang pungsod. Diri makit-an ang malagpad nga kadutaan nga ginahugakom sang mga despotiko, poderoso kag hakugan nga mga agalon mayduta nga amu man mismo ang nagapungko sa reaksyonaryong gobyerno. Gamit ang ila nga posisyon kag manggad, ila ginakontrolar ang laye, mga inutil nga ahensya sang gobyerno kag mangin ang mga mersenaryo nga pwersa sang estado agud magpabilin sa ila kamot ang pagpanag-iya sang kadutaan rason kung ngaa nagapabilin nga bugos kag paltik ang reporma sa duta nga programa sang reaksyunaryo nga gobyerno.

Nasandig sa isa ka monocrop nga ekonomiya ang Negros. Naglab-ot sa masobra 40% sang agrikultural nga kadutaan ang natamnan sang tubo nga sa diin ginamonopolyo sang pipila lamang. Lapnagon ang pagpang-agaw kag monopolyo sang kadutaan rason kung ngaa pito sa 10 ka mangunguma ang nagapabilin nga wala sang kaugalingon nga duta kag natulod sa pamugon sa katubhan. Ang mga mamumugon sa kampo nag-antus sang malala nga kawad-on sang duta, limos nga sweldo kag wala sang benepisyo. Padayon nga ulipon sa sistemang hasyenda, nagapangatubang ang mangunguma kag mamumugon sa kampo sa malala nga gutom kag kaimulon kag biktima sang mapintas kag madinugu-on nga patakaran sang pasistang estado.

Halin sa 1986 nga pagpatalsik sa diktadurya ni Marcos kag sa malawig nga paghari sa mga nagpakuno-kuno nga demokratikong rehimen, nagbunga naman ang krisis sang sosyedad sa isa ka pasistang diktadurya. Ang kontra-mangunguma kag tiraniko nga si Duterte nagpatuman sang MO 32 diri sa Isla upod na ang Executive Order 70.

Padayon nga ginabubu-an sang mga pwersa militar ang Negros sa diin naglab-ot na sa 12 ka batalyon nga ginakomposar sang mga batalyon sang AFP, SAF sang PNP, mga CAFGU kag RPA nga nagaserbi bilang goons sang mga dispotiko nga mga agalong mayduta kag dalagku lokal nga komprador burgesya. Asud-asud ang pagpang-atake sa mga pumuluyo ilabi na sa sahing mangunguma. Halin 2016, naglab-ot na sa 89 ang biktima sang extrahudisyal nga pagpamatay diri sa isla, 45 diri sa idalum sang MO 32. Samtang 93 na ang detinidong pulitikal.

Ang handom sang sahing mangunguma bilang produktibo nga pwersa sang pungsod ang makaangkon sang duta nga madugay na gindingut kag ginahugakom sang mga sakon nga agalon mayduta kag dalagko komprador burgesya gamit ang armadong instrumento sa pagpamigos kag paghimulos. Ini malab-ot lamang paagi sa pagsulong sa demokratiko nga rebolusyon sang banwa nga ang nangunang programa ang pagpatuman sang matuod nga reporma sa duta paagi sa libre nga pagpanatag sang duta sa sa mga mangunguma.

Ang New People’s Army bilang isa ka hangaway sang mangunguma ang nangunang hinganiban sa sahing pigos kag ginahimuslan agud tapuson ang sistemang mala-kolonyal kag mala-pyudal. Ang demokratiko nga gobyerno sang pumuluyo nga nagtib-ong sa gahum pangpulitika sang malapad nga pumuluyo ang amat-amat nga ginatukod tuhay sa nagalala nga kapintas sa polisiyang pang-ekonomiya kag pulitikal sang rehimen Duterte.

Malig-on kag padayon ginasuportahan sang masang mangunguma ang armadong paghimakas nga ginasulong sang NPA kay nagapati kami nga kon wala ang NPA wala gid lauman ang masang pigos.

Handa ang isganan nga mangunguma sang Negros nga atubangon ang diktadurya ni Duterte. Upod ang amon matuod nga hangaway nga New People’s Army, isulong ang pungsodnon demokratiko nga rebolusyon nga amu ang makawasak sa nagaka-agnas nga sistema sang malakolonyal kag malapyudal. Kumplituhon ang rekisito sa pagdaug sang pangmalawigon nga inaway banwa para maangkon ang matuod nga reporma sa duta, pungsodnon nga industriyalisasyon kag matuod nga kahilwayan kag demokrasya nga nakabase sa hustisya. Pasabton ang berdugo nga rehimen sa ila krimen nga ginkomiter batok sa malapad nga hanay sang sahing pigos kag patalsikon ang papet, diktador kag berdugo nga rehimen US-Duterte!#

https://cpp.ph/statement/rehimen-duterte-atubangon-sang-isganan-nga-mangunguma-sang-negros/

Iloilo towns create ELCAC task force

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 25, 2019): Iloilo towns create ELCAC task force

ILOILO CITY, Nov. 25 (PIA) - - Two municipalities in the province of Iloilo have already established their Municipal Task Forces to end the local communist armed conflict in their respective localities.

Director Teodora Sumagaysay of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) –Iloilo said the municipality of Calinog was the first to create its MTF to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) after its Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) and Municipal Development Council (MDC) convened on November 15, 2019 and passed a joint resolution for the creation of the task force.

This was followed by the municipality of Tubungan on November 19, 2019.

Calinog and Tubungan are among the six municipalities in the province of Iloilo with barangays that are influenced by insurgency as per report of the Philippine Army. Other municipalities are Alimodian, Maasin, Janiuay and Lambunao.

Sumagaysay said the municipalities of Janiuay, Alimodian and Maasin have already scheduled the joint meeting of their respective MPOCs and MDCs to establish their Task Forces.

For Janiuay, the meeting was last November 21; Alimodian on November 26; and Maasin on December 2, while the municipality of Lambunao has yet to submit its final date.

Earlier this month, DILG – Iloilo convened the local chief executives, MLGOOs and Chiefs of Police of these six towns to brief them about President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 and their involvement in the implementation.

The said officials agreed to establish their task forces the soonest time, said Sumagaysay.

Under the guidance of DILG, these local task forces ELCAC are created to ensure efficient and effective implementation of the EO 70 which institutionalizes the Whole-of-Nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace.

Sumagaysay said another orientation will be conducted for the members of the Provincial Task Force ELCAC to deepen their understanding on their roles and also their involvement in the government’s efforts to end local insurgency.

Participants will be briefed on EO 70, Joint Circular Operationalizing EO 70 and the Retooled Community Support Program during the orientation tentatively set this week.

Sumagaysay said the PTF ELCAC will have 12 clusters of efforts in planning and harmonizing the government programs and services to be brought to these insurgency affected communities. (JBG/laf/PIA-Iloilo)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1030664

Top 3ID official orders relentless pursuit vs terrorists in Negros

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 25, 2019): Top 3ID official orders relentless pursuit vs terrorists in Negros (By 3ID DPAO-Philippine Army)

CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz, Nov. 25 (PIA) - The 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army is determined to do all efforts to end insurgency in Western and Central Visayas.

Brigadier General Eric Vinoya, 3ID Commander, has ordered all units under his command to be relentless in pursuing operations against peace spoilers in the the area, following an encounter between the 3rd Infantry Division’s 62IB and terrorist New People’s Army in Sitio Tambo, Brgy Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental last November 22, 2019.

Vinoya has always been very passionate of ending insurgency in Regions 6 and 7 since he first reported as Assistant Division Commander of 3ID, and later, in concurrent capacity as Commander of Joint Task Force Negros.

It was during his time that the NPA suffered series of major defeats in its armed struggle.

“While I personally commend the troops of the 62nd Infantry Battalion for their gallantry in showcasing the might of the Army against the NPA terrorists, I urged all soldiers not to back down from our resolve to serve the Filipino people. Fiercely hunt these terrorists and bring them to justice. The constitution mandates the AFP to protect the people, and we will not be remiss with that mandate. We will even be using all available military resources just to ensure that NPA will be crushed in due time.” Vinoya said.

Vinoya has reiterated his call to the remaining fighters of the NPA to “surrender now or be killed”.

“You cannot win the war against the government forces. Sumuko na kayo at i-avail ang mga programa ng gobyerno. Pag di kayo sumuko, wala na tayong pag-uusapan. Alam nyo na kung ano ang mangyayari sa inyo. Kung anuman ang nangyari sa kasamahan nyo sa Binalbagan ay tiyak ding mangyayari sa inyo kung patuloy kayong mag papalinlang sa mga pangloloko ng ilan ninyong mga kasamahan,” he said.

He said that the government is sincere to help these misguided fighters should they surrender, citing among others the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) as a sincere effort of the government that surrenderees may avail once they decided to return to the folds of the law.

“We call on our brothers and sisters who are still in the mountains to abandon the armed violence. Likewise, we are calling on the relatives of the NPA to persuade their relatives to return to the folds of the government. We are sincere in our offer for peace, and we ensure the security and personal safety of those who will come down and we will help them join the mainstream society and live a peaceful life,” he added.

Meanwhile, Vinoya lauded the Negrenses for their strong commitment to end insurgency in Negros.

“Their coming out and signifying their stand that for more than 50 years NPA has not brought any good but chaos and perdition in the island sends a clear signal that these terrorist are no longer welcome in their communities,” he said.

He added “With the unmasking of the NPA's real intent, the people have now realized that indeed this group is the real enemy in their quest for progress and development. Working hand in hand with the government on peace and security operations specially on the immediate reporting of any presence of terrorist armed group to their soldiers to effectively locate and destroy the NPA is a leap forward towards putting an end to the CPP-NPA’s terroristic activities. The people are further assured that the Army will never abandon them in their fight to liberate Negros from insurgency.”

The encounter which resulted in the killing of one and the wounding of another was a product of the pursuit operations conducted by the troops of 62nd Infantry Battalion after receiving reports on the NPA intimidation activities in Barangay Tinongan, Isabela, NOC last November 20, 2019, and after receiving information from concerned citizens that more or less 15 CNTs are terrorizing the area.

Along with the two casualties are the recovery of one cal. 45 firearm and apprehension of three other unidentified personalities who were at the vicinity of the encounter site, with no casualty reported on the government side. (JBG/Capt. Cenon C. Pancito III/3ID-DPAO)

Source: 3rd Infantry Division, Division Public Affairs Office, Philippine Army

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1030684

Regional Campaign highlights E-CLIP Committees best practices in Eastern Visayas

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 25, 2019): Regional Campaign highlights E-CLIP Committees best practices in Eastern Visayas



TACLOBAN CITY, Nov. 25 (PIA) -- Former rebels and former NPA supporters in Eastern Visayas have experienced that indeed, the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the Duterte administration truly works.

This is attributed to the best practices and sincere implementation of the program by the members of the E-CLIP Provincial Committees in the Region as highlighted during the Regional Campaign on Strengthening Reintegration Efforts for Former Rebels and their Immediate Family Members through Convergence and Unified Process, held in Ormoc City on November 20-22, 2019.

On November 15, 2019, some 16 former rebels received financial assistance from the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar at the Provincial Governor’s Office. Each former rebel was given P15,000 as immediate financial assistance while two former rebels received the amount of P50,000 as livelihood assistance. The former rebels may also enroll for free for PhilHealth coverage. They may also avail of the Provincial Government’s “Libre Na, Libre Pa” program. When they are hospitalized, they and the watcher can avail of free food and when they go home from the hospital, they are given free transportation.

Moreover, Ms. Visitacion Giva of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office said that the former rebels were trained in Bakery and are now selling Buko Pie and other native delicacies. She added that whenever there are meetings at the Capitol, snacks are bought from the former rebels.

It is worth-sharing that the P5 million Halfway House for former rebels in Eastern Samar has undergone groundbreaking on November 9 and construction will soon start.

In Northern Samar, the former rebels underwent training on Cookery for 12 days, and Bread and Pastry for 18 days as part of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster efforts under the leadership of TESDA. With the help of the E-CLIP Committee, the former rebels formed a cooperative named Nagkakaisang Nortehanon Agricultural Cooperative. The LandBank is set to release their individual loans of P100,000 on November 29 with no less than the President of LandBank in attendance.

In the province of Leyte, a total of 86 Calubian farmers and people’s organization members who were former supporters of the CTGs recently completed the 90-day training under the More Income in the Countryside (MIC) compact farming for high value vegetables and fruit crops production.

Just recently, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla led the signing of E-CLIP enrollment forms for 61 former rebels from the 2nd and 3rd District of Leyte. (PIA-8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1030701

26 former rebels in Pangasinan return to government

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 25, 2019): 26 former rebels in Pangasinan return to government



MABINI, Pangasinan, Nov. 25 (PIA) - Twenty-six former rebels and rebel supporters from a certain barangay in Mabini town formally surrendered to the government in a simple ceremony on Nov. 20 held at the town plaza.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Provincial Director Redrico Maranan said, for the ‘Oplan Panagsubli’, the rebels chose to return to the government to help in the development of their communities. It took about four months to process the validation of these former rebels, he added.

Maranan said, this development was a result of the whole-of-nation approach of Executive Order 70 initiated by President Rodrigo Duterte for the rebels to return and surrender to the government.

“Pinili ninyo ang bumalik at makipagtulungan sa pamahalaan para mapaunlad ang pamayanan . Kayo po ang mga kababayan natin na mas nangangailangan ng pagkalinga ng pamahalaan. Ito ang magbubukas ng pinto para kayo ay tuluyang yakapin, unawain at tulungan sa inyong buhay,” Supt. Maranan told the former rebels.

Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino III told the former rebels, who once embraced and committed themselves to communist ideologies, "to commit themselves to the local officials of Mabini, to their families, and to the society.”

“Andito po kami na nangangako na hindi namin kayo pababayaan. Tuluy-tuloy ang mga programa ng gobyerno para sa inyo kapalit ng paniniwalang inyong tinalikuran,” he added.



SUPPORT ELCAC. Former rebels and rebel supporters from Mabini town formally surrendered to the government in a simple ceremony on November 20 held at the town plaza. Seen here is one supporter waving the Philippine flag. (VHS)

The former rebels were formally presented and turned over by the Police Regional Office 1 that was represented by Deputy Regional Director for Operations Ysmael Yu to the townsfolk of Mabini town, now under the present leadership of Mayor Ariel de Guzman.

Mayor De Guzman, for his part, said everything that his local government unit can do to support the former rebels will be given to them.

The Sangguniang Bayan passed a resolution which declared the rebels “persona non grata” in the whole municipality of Mabini to condemn the atrocities relentlessly committed by the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) terrorists in the said locality a few years ago.

An enlarged copy of the resolution was signed by the attendees of the Oplan Panagsubli during the ceremony. (JCR/JNPD/VHS, PIA PAngasinan)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1030672

Camiling holds ELCAC forum

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 25, 2019): Camiling holds ELCAC forum

About 250 barangay officials and partners from civil society organizations attended a forum on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict in Camiling, Tarlac. (Mayor Erlon C. Agustin)

TARLAC CITY, Nov.25 (PIA) -- About 250 barangay officials and partners from civil society organizations attended a forum on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict in Camiling town.

During the activity, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Angelo Alexis Barroga gave an overview on the Whole-of-Nation approach and Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP).

“RCSP is an inclusive program that aims to address identified issues of the community by closing the governance and development gaps through the provision of vital services while ensuring that development is sustained and peace is being promoted,” Barroga explained.

3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion Executive Officer Major Randy Bagaporo, on the other hand, discussed the attainment of inclusive and sustainable peace through the whole-of-nation approach.

Coinciding with the forum was the launching of the Neighborhood Watch which will increase people’s participation in maintaining the peace and order situation through the establishment of effective mechanisms of reporting incidents from private constituents to authorities.

Neighborhood Watch is the main implementing strategy of Barangay at Pulis Laban sa Krimen (BPLK) which is a program of DILG.

BLPK is a crime prevention program that aims to promote safe, peaceful and orderly communities which involves the efforts of citizens in partnership with the local enforcement entities such as the police, the punong barangay, and the barangay tanods.

“Through the Neighborhood Watch, citizens will remain alert for suspicious activities and will report such to the appropriate authorities like the barangay officials and the police. In this way, collaboration and partnership as one of the means in addressing the problem of criminality is strengthened,” Mayor Erlon C. Agustin said. (CLJD/TJBM-PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1030499

Government winning war vs NPA in Central Luzon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 25, 2019): Government winning war vs NPA in Central Luzon

Relentless focused military operations and continuous conduct of community support program by government instrumentalities in Central Luzon resulted in a series of encounters, recovery of various war materials and massive surrender of members and supporters of the New People’s Army (7th Infantry Division)

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija, Nov.25 (PIA) -- Relentless focused military operations and continuous conduct of community support program by government instrumentalities in Central Luzon resulted in a series of encounters, recovery of various war materials and massive surrender of members and supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA).

For the month of November, recovered war materials of the maneuver units consisting of the 91st Infantry Battalion, 69th Infantry Battalion, 48th Infantry Battalion and 84th Infantry Battalion totaled to 19 firearms.

“Recovered firearms include eight M16, one M14, one Carbine, three Cal 45, two Magnum 22, one Cal 22 sub-machine gun, one Cal 38 and two homemade pistol, two Improvised Explosive Devices, one hand grenade and five detonating cords,” 703rd Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Andrew Costelo disclosed.

Other materials such as ammunition, magazines, gadgets, bag packs, radios antennae, assorted medical supplies, rice containers, food stuffs, Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA flags and subversive documents were also recovered from the encounter site by the operating troops.

“Also for November, three members of NPA were killed during encounters, five were captured and number of surrenderees reached 600 regular members and supporters. Among the biggest include the 133 supporters under Malayang Aniban ng mga Magsasaka sa Manggang Marikit, Bagong Barrio at Yuson in Nueva Ecija,” Costelo added.

“In just a short period of time, we were able to accomplish more than what we expected or targeted. I am truly overwhelmed with the conquest of our operating troops on the ground conducting focused military operations who are very eager to pursue our mandate to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and we will engage, empower all sectors of society to be free and resistant to communist terrorist operations and infiltrations,” Costelo furthered.

For his part, 7th Infantry Division Commander Major General Lenard Agustin lauded the troops for a job well-done.

“We will be persistent with our focused military operations to ensure the safety of our people. The 7th Infantry Division, as your partners for Peace and Development, will remain dedicated in the performance of its duty and reinforce the realization of good governance, peace and sustainable development to significantly contribute to the total eradication of the Local Communist Armed Conflict by 2020,” he furthered. (CLJD/WLB-PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1030716

PH Navy's 'strongest' warship docks in Legazpi City

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 25, 2019): PH Navy's 'strongest' warship docks in Legazpi City

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Navy’s newly-acquired and most powerful sea asset has paid a visit to Albay and will remain at Legazpi Port here until November 26 when it leaves for Mindanao.

The Pohang-class corvette ship, named Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Conrado Yap (PS-39) in honor of the Filipino soldier who fought in the Korean War, was welcomed by the Naval Forces Southern Luzon (Navforsol) last Saturday, November 23.

Dubbed “Show the Flag” mission, BRP Conrado Yap’s arrival in Legazpi City was a message to the public that the warship is now owned by the Philippines and that the Philippine Navy was making efforts to secure the coast and waters of the country, said Lt. Emmanuel Agustilo, Navforsol spokesperson.

According to the Philippine Navy, the ship measures 88.3 meters long, with a beam of 10 meters and a draft of 2.9 meters, with displacement at 1,216 tons full load. It is rated for a crew of 118 personnel and can sustain operational presence for 20 days.

Considering its speed, which runs to a maximum of 25 knots for the distance of 4,000 nautical miles and its high artillery that included Oto Melara 76mm gun and variety of sensors including radars and sonars or sound navigation ranging, the BRP Conrado Yap is considered the Philippine Navy’s modern and strongest general purpose ship.

“Aside from its patrol functions, BRP Conrado Yap with its maximum speed can also help us in our humanitarian response and services especially in times of calamities,” Agustilo said.

The ship will enhance the Philippine Navy’s anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, he added. 

The Philippine Navy’s “most powerful” warship, named BRP Conrado Yap, arrives in Legazpi City on Saturday, November 23, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy)

It will also serve as a transition platform to train the Navy ahead of the arrival of the country’s first frigate warships in 2020. It can also tandem with the new Agusta helicopters which also have anti-submarine detection capabilities.

The BRP Conrado Yap is manned by more than a hundred maiden crew of Philippine Navy who underwent 13 weeks of necessary operational and warfare trainings in South Korea.

Agustilo said the vessel will be open to public visit on Monday and Tuesday, November 25 and 26, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It was open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. yesterday.

“For those who want to visit the ship on the said dates, please bring at least one valid ID. The Philippine Ports Authority has security protocols so bringing a valid ID is a must to enter the ship,” he added. (PIA-5)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1030681

Army condemns killing of tribal villager in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25, 2019): Army condemns killing of tribal villager in Agusan Norte



SLAIN TRIBAL FARMER. Authorities recover the body of Roy Olmo Biyog, 23, a farmer and a member of the Mamanwa tribe. Authorities say Biyog was killed on November 18, 2019 by communist rebels who accused him of being a military asset. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 402nd Infantry Brigade)

The Philippine Army in Caraga Region condemned Sunday (November 24) the killing of a tribal villager in the province of Agusan del Norte by suspected communist rebels.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine, commander of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, accused the New People’s Army (NPA) of carrying out the killing, denouncing the rebels and describing the act as “an outright disregard to the value of human life”.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) in the town of Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte recovered the body of Roy Olmo Biyog, 23, a member of the Mamanwa tribe and a native of Alegria town, Surigao del Norte.

Police said Biyog and six other tribal members were hunting wild boars in the hinterlands of Kabanikagan in Barangay Hinimbangan, Kicharao, on November 18, when they chanced upon five fully-armed men in the area believed to be NPA rebels.

Police identified the leader of the perpetrators as a certain Roy Forteza of the NPA's Guerrilla Front 16A of the rebels' North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

The rebels tied the hands of the victim, accusing him of being an asset of government forces and was shot to death in front of his companions on the evening of November 18, police said.

Licudine condemned the "cruelty done to the victim," saying the act violated the International Humanitarian Law.

“We will exert all efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the Army official said, adding that NPA atrocities "must be stopped and the perpetrators must be punished for their wanton killing of an innocent civilian."

Licudine also urged the local officials in the area, the government line agencies, and residents to unite and support the continuing efforts of the government to end the local communist armed conflicts in the area.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1086944

Negros soldiers told to hunt down ‘peace spoilers’

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25, 2019): Negros soldiers told to hunt down ‘peace spoilers’



CLASH SITE. Soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion recover personal belongings and other items at the New People’s Army lair in Sitio Canlusong, Barangay Cansalungon in Isabela, Negros Occidental after an encounter on Friday afternoon (Nov. 22, 2019). The clash left an NPA fighter dead and his comrade wounded. (Photo courtesy of 62nd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

The top Philippine Army official in Western and Central Visayas urged government troops to be relentless in the pursuit of an end to the atrocities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Brig. Gen. Eric Vinoya, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), said soldiers should never back down from their resolve to serve the Filipinos as all military resources will be utilized to crush the “peace spoilers”.

“Fiercely hunt down these terrorists and bring them to justice. The Constitution mandates the Armed Forces of the Philippines to protect the people, and we will not be remiss with that mandate,” said Vinoya, who concurrently heads the anti-insurgency unit, Joint Task Force Negros, in a statement on Sunday.

He commended the troops of the 62nd Infantry Battalion for their “gallantry in showcasing the might of the Army against the NPA” during the encounter in Barangay Cansalungon, Isabela, Negros Occidental on Friday afternoon.

The hour-long firefight left an NPA fighter dead and his comrade wounded. Seven suspected rebels were also arrested in the vicinity of the clash site, which also served as their hideout in Sitio Canlusong.

Soldiers recovered personal items such as clothes, slippers and rubber boots, hand-held radios, electrical wires as well as cooking utensils and food stuff.

Moreover, Vinoya reiterated his call to the remaining NPA fighters to return to the fold of the law before it’s too late.

“Surrender now or be killed. You cannot win the war against the government forces,” he added.

He said through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), the government shows its sincere efforts to assist former rebels.

“We ensure the security and safety of those who will come down and we will help them return to the mainstream society and live a peaceful life,” Vinoya added.

The 3ID commander also lauded the Negrenses for their strong commitment to end insurgency in the island, following the series of resolutions by several towns and villages in Negros Occidental declaring the CPP-NPA persona non grata.

“Their coming out to signify their stand that for more than 50 years the NPA has not brought anything good, but chaos and perdition in the island sends a clear signal that these terrorists are no longer welcome in their communities,” Vinoya said.

The CPP-NPA 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/1086952

E. Visayas LGUs aid 156 ex-NPA rebels through E-CLIP

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25, 2019): E. Visayas LGUs aid 156 ex-NPA rebels through E-CLIP



FORMER NPA SUPPORTERS. Members of a farmers' organization in Calubian, Leyte known for supporting the New People's Army (NPA) attend an orientation on Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) held on Nov. 4, 2019. Just this month, the program meant for NPA fighters and supporters has benefitted 156 people in Eastern Visayas region. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

Provincial governments in Eastern Visayas have intensified the implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefitting at least 156 former rebels this month.

Capt. Reynaldo Aragones, spokesperson of the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division, said local government units in Eastern Samar, Leyte, and Northern Samar provinces have been rolling out the E-CLIP to encourage more rebels to surrender.

“The concerted efforts undertaken by the task force on ending the local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) will make rebels realize that the government is sincere in the promotion of peace and the general welfare of all,” Aragones said in a phone interview on Monday.

Aragones said the latest release of financial assistance to former NPA fighters and their supporters was held last November 18 at the Eastern Samar provincial capitol in Borongan City.

Each of 10 former rebels got PHP15,000 from the provincial social welfare and development office as immediate financial assistance. Two of them received PHP50,000 in livelihood assistance.

In Northern Samar, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority provincial office introduced the 12-day cookery training to former rebels and 18-day bread and pastry making training on November 15.

The program meant for 60 former rebels, is under the poverty reduction livelihood and employment cluster being carried out by the Task Force ELCAC.

On Nov. 4, some 86 farmers and members of people’s organizations who supported the communist terrorist group completed the 90-day training on compact farming for high-value vegetables and fruit crops production in Calubian, Leyte.

Under E-CLIP, each former rebel is granted immediate assistance of PHP15,000 and livelihood assistance of PHP50,000. Surrenderers are entitled to firearms remuneration. The amount varies according to the kind of firearms surrendered.

E-CLIP is locally-driven, managed and implemented. The province or highly urbanized city is the focal point of authority and management of the integration program to provide more sustainability and consistency.

The program veers away from the past practice of pre-packaged interventions designed at the national level. It responds to the circumstances, needs, and concerns of former rebels through the provision of assistance and seeks to consider their basic rights and situations as men and women.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1086970

ASG leader killed, 5 followers hurt in Sulu clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25, 2019): ASG leader killed, 5 followers hurt in Sulu clash

ASG BANDITS SLAIN. ASG sub-leader Sibih Pisih, one of the five slain bandits during the two separate clashes that broke out on Saturday (Nov. 23, 2019) and Sunday with government troops in Sulu. (Photo courtesy of Army's 1102nd IB)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A mid-level leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and five followers were killed while 11 others wounded in two separate clashes in the province of Sulu, military officials said Monday.

Four of the 11 wounded were ASG bandits while the remaining seven were soldiers, said Col. Ignatius Patrimonio, the Army’s 1102nd Infantry Brigade commander.

Patrimonio said one ASG bandit was killed while four others wounded in the first clash that took place around 2:40 p.m. Saturday in Sitio Itum, Barangay Kabuntakas, Patikul.

He said the firefight, which lasted for about 45 minutes, ensued while the troops were checking the presence of ASG bandits following a tipoff from residents. The slain bandit was only identified as a certain Jalaide.

Patrimonio said five soldiers from the Army’s 32nd Infantry Battalion were also wounded during Saturday's clash, who were taken to the Camp Bautista Station Hospital and were discharged around 10 a.m. Sunday.

The second clash that occurred around 3:30 p.m. Sunday in Sitio Huton Mahablo, Barangay Silangkan, Indanan, killed five ASG bandits, including Sibih Pisih, an ASG sub-leader, Patrimonio said.

Pisih was previously under the group of Radullan Sahiron, the oldest ASG leader, and a certain Roger Sajih. He had allied with the group of ASG leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan who separated from the group of Sahiron, the military said.

Patrimonio said Pisih was in-charge of the ASG’s offshore kidnappings, specifically in the borders of Tawi-Tawi and Sabah, and had a standing warrant of arrest for the massacre of 22 civilians sometime in 2015 in Talipao, Sulu.

Patrimonio said the two soldiers wounded in the second clash that lasted for about 30-minute belong to the Army’s 2nd Special Forces Battalion.

Government forces recovered one M653 rifle, one Barret sniper rifle, and a .45-caliber pistol.

“The ASG has no safe place here in Sulu as the people themselves are now very active in reporting the ASG presence in their communities. They may evade government forces occasionally, but they will surely ran-out of luck as they are continuously losing their traditional lairs here in Sulu,” Patrimonio said.

Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., Joint Task Force Sulu commander, congratulated the troops for the series of successful combat operations against the ASG bandits.

“We will hunt you down one-by-one if you will not surrender. We will not stop until all of you are brought to justice,” Vinluan said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1086933

Army finds IEDs, war materiel in chase with BIFF

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25, 2019): Army finds IEDs, war materiel in chase with BIFF



BOMB-MAKING MATERIALS. Army troopers seize bomb-making components, improvised explosive devices, and a shoulder-fired grenade launcher weapon during separate operations against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the interiors of Shariff Saydona Mustapha and Datu Piang towns in Maguindanao on Sunday (Nov. 25, 2019). The military says combat operations against the BIFF and Dawlah Islamiyah Terrorist Group are ongoing. (Photos courtesy of the Army's 6th Infantry Division)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Ongoing military law enforcement operations in Maguindanao led soldiers to two bomb-making facilities of the Islamic State-linked linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) on Sunday.

Major Gen. Diosdado Carreon, the commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), said government forces found improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and components and various war materiel during the ongoing combat operations against the BIFF and Dawlah Islamiyah Terrorist Group (DITG).

Members of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the 601st Infantry Brigade (Bde) recovered three IEDs and bomb-making components while conducting combat operations in Barangay Inaladan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao.

Two of the recovered IEDs were placed inside “jetmatic” pumps while one was made using a four-liter water gallon.

"The IEDs were already rigged and ready to be used. It appears that they are planning to use these IEDs for something or somewhere where it will have a big impact," said Lt. Colonel Edwin Alburo, 57IB commanding officer.

Also on Sunday, another unit of 57th IB recovered an IED and a homemade grenade launcher left near the village hall of Barangay Buayan in Datu Piang, Maguindanao.

"One of the reasons that we launched these combat operations is to seek those terror devices immediately and disable them since different local government units in Central Mindanao are having their festivities as the year is about to end,” said Colonel Jose Narciso, 601st Bde commander.

On Sunday, the town of Midsayap in North Cotabato had its annual “Sinugba Festival” joined in by an estimated 2,000 people. No untoward incident was reported.

Last week, the province of Sultan Kudarat also successfully wrapped up its Kalimudan Festival that highlights the province’s 21st founding anniversary.

“The timely discovery of these war materiel will surely lessen their capability to wreak havoc and terror and disturb the peace-loving communities here in our JTFC area of operation,” Carreon said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1086951

Iloilo studes taught career options, refuse rebel recruitment

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25, 2019): Iloilo studes taught career options, refuse rebel recruitment



BRIGHTER FUTURE. Students in Tubungan town, Iloilo participate in the first Career Guidance Employment Coaching and Campus Peace and Development Forum in Western Visayas at the Tubungan National High School Gymnasium on Nov. 25, 2019. To prevent the students from being recruited by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), government officials and security forces presented to them a wide range of career choices that would ensure them a brighter future. (Photo courtesy of Emelyn Estando-Tano)

ILOILO CITY – Students in the municipality of Tubungan look forward to a wide range of career choices, and being a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) is never an option.

This, after the municipality of Tubungan’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and the Municipal Task Force To End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) joined forces for the first Career Guidance Employment Coaching and Campus Peace and Development Forum in Western Visayas held at Tubungan National High School Gymnasium on Friday.

Emelyn Estando-Tano, officer-in-charge of PESO-Tubungan, said 775 Grades 10 to 12 students of Tubungan National High School and Lanag Norte National High School participated in the event.

“We are guiding them (students) because we want them to become productive members of the society. If the other group (CPP-NPA) conducts recruitment among our youth, we are here to intensify also our recruitment for them to have a better future through having the right career path,” she said in a phone interview on Monday.

Tano said students were asked to wear attire that reflects their dream job, and noted that there was a number of them who wore the uniform of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

1st Lt. Ferdinand De Vera, Commanding Officer of the 61st Infantry Battalion's Bravo Company, gave a lecture on leadership skills and career opportunities in the Philippine Army.

“The Air Force unit also has their exhibit of K9 dogs for the students to be given the idea of the opportunities in the government service,” Tano said.

Also a member of Tubungan’s MTF-ELCAC, Tano said there were records of rebel recruitment of students as young as 13 years old in the town.

Students in Lanag Norte National High School come from far-flung villages, which she said are most vulnerable to rebel recruitment.

“The PESO is not only a bridge from the applicant to the employer, but can also bridge peace and development to our youth. We are also strengthening our partnership with the Department of Education to prevent rebel recruitment among our youth,” Tano said.

Aside from the military service, the students were guided on a career that matches their skills, and available training provided by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1087015

Alert up as BIFF attack military bases in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25, 2019): Alert up as BIFF attack military bases in Maguindanao



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Military authorities in Maguindanao and neighboring provinces have been placed on alert status since Sunday after the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) intensified its attacks against government forces and civilians.

Aside from setting off a motorbike rigged with improvised bombs, the BIFF attacked government forces in the so-called “SPMS box” in the province’s second district.

The SPMS box is a military term for Maguindanao’s four adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi), Mamasapano, and Salibo where the outlawed BIFF mainly operates.

Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, commander of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID) and head of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), has placed all units under his command on alert status to thwart any further attempt at disrupting the prevailing peace and order condition of the province.

On Sunday evening, BIFF attacked the military detachments of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Meta, Datu Unsay, Maguindanao, and the detachment of the 38th Infantry Battalion (38IB) in remote Barangay Kalanganan 1, Cotabato City.

“Some 40 rounds of rifle grenades were fired toward the Meta detachment at 7 p.m.,” Carreon said. About two hours later, another band of BIFF fired rifle grenades toward the Kalanganan detachment of the 38IB. No casualties were reported on government troops from both attacks.

Carreon lauded the soldiers for their presence of mind and for not indiscriminately firing at different directions.

"I commend our troops for their vigilance and presence of mind during these attacks. Keep up the good works and let us not give the enemy any chance to harm our fellow soldiers,” Carreon said.

Carreon vowed to "eradicate" terror groups in 6ID's area of jurisdiction.

“We will hunt them and will not allow them the space to regroup and gain strength," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1086992