Saturday, February 29, 2020

67 Manobo families flee homes in Surigao del Sur

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 29): 67 Manobo families flee homes in Surigao del Sur (By: Chris V. Panganiban)

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur, Philippines — Sixty-seven families in the hinterlands of Lianga, Surigao del Sur have fled their homes again, fearing hostilities between government troops and New Peoples Army (NPA) rebels might escalate.

The families — coming from the Sitios Simowao and Emerald of Barangay Diatagon — evacuated due to
tensions between soldiers and the NPA that started with a grenade attack on a house in Emerald last Feb. 21, which resulted in the wounding of three civilians, including a five-year-old girl.

The group Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod (Persevering Struggle for the Next Generation) or Mapasu blamed the attack on government forces while the Army’s 3rd Special Forces Battalion pinned the responsibility on the NPA.


The attack blew off the roof of the house and wounded Andrea Gallergo, 55, Marimar Terse, 19, and Reynafe Calipay, 5, all residents of Sitio Emerald. They were said to be watching television inside the house at the time.

First Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan, a civil-military officer of the Army unit, said soldiers immediately responded to the scene, providing first aid to the victims and bringing them to the Lianga District Hospital.

The displaced residents sought refuge in the neighboring Sitios of Km. 16, Han-ayan, and Kabulohan.

Among the evacuees are four teachers and 62 students of the Simowao Community Learning Center, which is run by the Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (Trifpss).

The teachers were forced to suspend their classes due to the incident.

The evacuees said they lost sleep thinking about the brewing tension in their communities hence they decided to leave.

Some of the evacuees allegedly heard threats from soldiers that, if there would be another NPA attack, they would fire upon civilians in retaliation.

But the military said the grenade attack was a conspiracy of the NPA and Mapasu to feign harassment by the Army in order to trigger the evacuation of residents.

Lt. Col. Joey Baybayan, commanding officer of the Army’s 3rd Special Forces Battalion, said an informant has already described the plot to them.

Col. Allan Hambala, commander of the Army’s 401st Brigade, said the NPA was threatened by the march of development into the hinterland villages which would render them irrelevant.

The U.S. Navy Can’t Afford to Lose the Philippines

Posted to gCaptain (Feb 27. 2020): The U.S. Navy Can’t Afford to Lose the Philippines (By Admiral James Stavridis, USN, retired (Bloomberg)



President Rodrigo Duterte salutes while passing members of custom police REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco

The first time I sailed into Manila Bay, I was a young ensign on a Navy destroyer. It was in the late 1970s. I felt I was part of an unbroken line of U.S. sailors going back to 1898, when Admiral George Dewey destroyed the Spanish fleet in that natural harbor at the start of the Spanish-American War.

The U.S. took the place of Spain as a colonizing power, and the Filipinos fought a long insurgent struggle for independence until World War II. After the war, thankfully, the U.S. granted independence, but the two nations have maintained very close political, military and person-to-person ties.

Now, thanks to the country’s brash president, Rodrigo Duterte, that alliance is facing its toughest test in decades. The U.S. needs to act quickly or face letting the Philippines drift closer to China. That would be bad for America and worse for the Filipinos.

It’s hard to overstate the closeness of the U.S.-Philippines relationship. There have been waves of immigration to the U.S. — some 4 million Filipino-Americans today make up the second-largest Asian ethnic group in the country. The U.S. Navy in particular has had a huge number of sailors who are descended from those islands, including my close friend Vic Mercado, a retired admiral now in a top civilian job at the Pentagon.

For decades, U.S. ships and aircraft have pulled into the Philippines – Naval Base Subic Bay and nearby Clark Air Force Base were at one point the American military’s largest foreign installations. (Both were turned over to the Filipino government in the early 1990s.) And perhaps most important, the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, signed in 1951, stipulates that either nation will respond militarily in the event of an attack on the other.

Relations have not always run smoothly, but the military-to-military plank of the alliance has always been strong. Even during the erratic presidency of Duterte — who vacillates among the U.S., China and Russia, trying to play one against the other for concessions — military operations have continued. U.S. Special Forces trainers have been deeply involved with their Filipino counterparts, working against al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups waging a vicious insurgency in the southern part of the archipelago.

The U.S. provided a half-billion dollars in security assistance from 2016 to 2019. So it was shocking when the Philippines notified the U.S. this month that it intended to withdraw from the Visiting Forces Agreement, which since 1999 has allowed the presence of American troops. U.S. officials were surprised and dismayed; Secretary of Defense Mark Esper put it very mildly when he called it a “move in the wrong direction.”

It appears that the decision would immediately stop U.S. forces from operating with their Filipino counterparts, canceling nearly 300 annual training exercises on land and sea. Many observers think it is Duterte’s retaliation for U.S. criticism of his harsh campaign against drug dealers, which permits the police to apply deadly force liberally and extra-judicially. While many in the Philippine Senate want to reverse the decision to withdraw from the agreement — there is a 180-day “cooling off” period before it would take full effect — Duterte appears determined to diminish what he sees as unwarranted American influence in his country.

Assuming this breakdown in relations goes forward, what will be the effect on American strategy in the region? In blunt terms, how important are the Philippines to the U.S.?

The short answer is that the Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, is critically important to American security and geopolitical influence. First and most immutably is the geography: The Philippines are essentially the “backboard” of the eastern part of the South China Sea, which carries 35% of the world’s maritime trade and sits over billions of barrels of oil and trillions of cubic feet of natural gas. China asserts sovereignty over the entire sea, and has pushed its claims in recent years through economic pressure, military expansion (including building artificial islands as bases), the sinking of its neighbors’ fishing boats, and other provocations.

Add to this both the deep generational connections between the U.S. and the Philippines and the significant military-to-military ties, and you can see how fundamental the visiting-forces agreement is to security and diplomacy for both nations. For the Philippines to walk away from staunch U.S. help against the terrorist-led insurgency in the southern islands would be a significant mistake.

Washington needs to do all it can to keep the communications open at the highest political and military levels, and yet not get dragged into Philippine domestic politics. The backup plan, if Duterte follows through on his threat, should be to craft a sort of “visiting forces agreement lite” acceptable on both sides; point out to the Filipino people that drawing closer to China over time will lead to a relationship favoring Beijing that the U.S. will not be able to undo; and rely on the deep cultural and historical ties.

Relations between the U.S. and the Philippines have always been fraught, but this is the biggest crisis since the fall of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986. Washington should not allow Duterte to push his people into the arms of China, which can use proximity and a perceived lack of U.S. engagement in ways that America’s friends in the Philippines, and across the entire South China Sea, will come to regret in the decades ahead.

https://gcaptain.com/the-u-s-navy-cant-afford-to-lose-the-philippines/

AFP-CRS: CPP-NPA Commander Dead, NPA Hideouts Overrun in Bukidnon

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 26, 2020): CPP-NPA Commander Dead, NPA Hideouts Overrun in Bukidnon

“Once again, we are calling on the remaining CNTs to surrender; abandon your futile armed struggle to avoid unnecessary waste of lives, avail the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and take the chance to live peacefully with your families and love ones.”

-MGen FRANCO NEMESIO M GACAL AFP
Commander, 4th Infantry Division

#AFPyoucanTRUST| www.afpcrs.com



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

AFP-CRS: OPAPP Condemns NPA Slay of Returnee

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 26, 2020): OPAPP Condemns NPA Slay of Returnee

“We cannot achieve peace if the other side continues murdering people with impunity. These killings do not achieve anything but perpetuate the cycle of violence. We know that the CPP-NPA organization has a lot of legal fronts. If this is the case, then why don’t these groups just file a case against their former comrades instead of murdering them? The means simply does not justify the end.”

-Sec. Carlito G. Galvez Jr.
Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process

#AFPyoucanTRUST| www.afpcrs.com

Image may contain: 1 person, text


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

AFP-CRS: Former Abu Sayyaf Members, Get Government Aid

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 26, 2020): Former Abu Sayyaf Members, Get Government Aid

“As I always say, peace is a shared responsibility. I am happy that our partners and stakeholders are always there to support us in our peace campaigns. Through our convergence, we are able to sustain the momentum and attain positive results in our journey toward peace and sustainable development here in the region [Southern Mindanao].”

-LTGEN CIRILITO E SOBENOJA AFP
Commander, Western Mindanao Command

#AFPyoucanTRUST| www.afpcrs.com

Image may contain: 1 person, text


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

AFP-CRS: Community Information Led to Discovery of Dwindling CPP-NPA Group's Arm Cache

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 26, 2020): Community Information Led to Discovery of Dwindling CPP-NPA Group's Arm Cache

An arms cache of a dwindling CPP-NPA group in the Northern boundary of Davao Oriental and Davao De Oro was discovered by the troops of 66th Infantry Kabalikat Battalion in an isolated area of New Bataan, Davao de Oro.

#AFPyoucanTRUST| www.afpcrs.com

No photo description available.


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

AFP-CRS: Civilian Vigilance, key to the Capture of a Ranking CPP-NPA Member in Surigao del Norte

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 26, 2020): Civilian Vigilance, key to the capture of a ranking CPP-NPA member in Surigao del Norte

"We, call on the same misguided CNTs to surrender and give-up their arms before it is too late for them. Our government will give you another chance to live normal and peaceful lives. Our ECLIP or Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program will make sure that you will be able to get back to live peacefully with your families, all you need to immediately do is to surrender and go back to the folds of our laws.”

#AFPyoucanTRUST| www.afpcrs.com



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

AFP-CRS: Dwindling CPP-NPA Group's Arms Cache Discovered in Davao de Oro

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 27, 2020): Dwindling CPP-NPA Group's Arms Cache Discovered in Davao de Oro

An arms cache of a dwindling New People’s Army group, in the Northern boundary of Davao Oriental and Davao De Oro, was discovered by the troops of 66th Infantry Battalion in an isolated area of Sitio Danawan, Brgy. Manurigao, New Bataan, Davao de Oro.

"While we are focusing on pursuing those who continue the armed struggle, let us continue to support the peace initiatives of our local government unit counterparts so that, hand-in-hand, we can sustain the peace gains we have achieved the previous year."



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

AFP-CRS: CPP-NPA finance officer nabbed in Surigao del Norte

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 27, 2020): CPP-NPA finance officer nabbed in Surigao del Norte

Government forces arrest Joselyn Fortuna Curiba, 42, finance officer of a CPP-NPA at a checkpoint in Barangay Sico-sico, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte, last February 24.

“The operation that led to her arrest is part of our aggressive campaign against insurgency and wanted persons. Curiba is the finance officer of the CPP-NPA's Guerrilla Front 16 (GF-16), who is facing charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention.”- PBGen Joselito T Esquivel Jr
Director, Police Regional Office 13

 Image may contain: 1 person


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

AFP-CRS: 20 CPP-NPA Rebels Receive Cash, Livelihood Assistance from the Government

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 28, 2020): 20 CPP-NPA Rebels Receive Cash, Livelihood Assistance from the Government

GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE. Barely a month after they surrendered to the “Balik-Loob” Assistance Center (BAC) of the Army’s 60th Infantry (Mediator) Battalion (60th IB), 20 former members of the Communist New Peoples’ Army (NPA) have been given a head start in their journey to a new life with immediate cash grants, livelihood support and other interventions extended to them by the government.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

Image may contain: one or more people


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

AFP-CRS: 58 Former CPP-NPA Rebels Get Cash Aid

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 28, 2020): 58 Former CPP-NPA Rebels Get Cash Aid

TOWARDS LASTING PEACE. At least 58 former rebels, who surrendered in Davao de Oro, received a total of P3.295 million cash assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) and firearm remuneration.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com




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

AFP-CRS: 40 Alleged MILF Members Nabbed in Bukidon

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 28, 2020): 40 Alleged MILF Members Nabbed in Bukidon

ILLEGAL POSSESSION. Bukidnon police have arrested 40 suspected members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Talakag town on Monday afternoon for illegal possession firearms and explosives.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com




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

AFP-CRS: Child Warrior Rescued from Terror Group

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 28, 2020): Child Warrior Rescued from Terror Group

CHILD WARRIOR RESCUED. “Bentong,” a 14-year-old child warrior recruited by the New People’s Army (NPA) was rescued by elements of the Philippine Army’s (PA) 10th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Lamak, Barangay Mansawan, Don Victoriano Chongbian, Misamis Occidental.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com




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

AFP-CRS: Senate Approves Anti-Terror Bill 1083

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 28, 2020): Senate Approves Anti-Terror Bill 1083

ANTI-TERRORISM BILL. The Senate, with a vote of 19-2 with no abstention, has approved a bill providing authorities the power to track down suspected terrorists through tapping, intercepting, and recording spoken and written conversations.

Senate Bill 1083, or the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, aims to curb terrorism by prosecuting and penalizing “those who have committed, about to commit, and those who support terroristic acts.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

Image may contain: 1 person, text


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

AFP-CRS: 22 Ex-BIFF Combatants Complete Army's Reintegration Program

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 28, 2020): 22 Ex-BIFF Combatants Complete Army's Reintegration Program

RETURNING HOME. Brig. Gen. Roberto S. Capulong (right), the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, welcomes one of the former combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters back to the mainstream society after he and 21 others have completed the initial phase of the reintegration program inside Camp Lucero, the brigade's headquarters in Carmen, North Cotabato on Wednesday. The returnees are former BIFF extremists who recently surrendered to the military’s 34th and 7th Infantry Battalions in the province. (Photo courtesy of 602nd IBde)

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com




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

AFP-CRS: Additional Soldiers Deployed to Negros to Assist in Anti-CPP-NPA Drive

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 28, 2020): Additional Soldiers Deployed to Negros to Assist in Anti-CPP-NPA Drive

COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROGRAM. More than 100 troops from the 14th Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion of the Philippine Army will help in the military’s campaign against Communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com



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

AFP-CRS: Peace Process Chief to CPP-NPA: Stop Using 'Child Warriors' to Fight Your War

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 28, 2020): Peace Process Chief to CPP-NPA: Stop Using 'Child Warriors' to Fight Your War

STOP NPA RECRUITMENT. Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Carlito Galvez Jr. denounced anew the alleged inhumane tactic of communist rebels of recruiting children to become armed guerrillas.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com


Image may contain: 1 person, possible text that says '28FEBARY2020 PEACE PROCESS CHIEF TO CPP P-NPA: STOP USING 'CHILD-WARRIORS' TO FIGHT YOUR WAR "The CPP-NPA is destroying the future of our children and the hope of our nation. Instead of inspiring them to be upright, peaceful and law-abiding citizens, the insurgents are molding them into child warriors with sole purpose of fighting the government." Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Office Presidential aceProcess CRSAFP ©crsatp atpcrs.com CiviRelationsServiceAFP #AFPyouconTRUST'


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

AFP-CRS: CHR Denounced on Being Silent on NPA's Youth Recruitment

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 28, 2020): CHR Denounced on Being Silent on NPA's Youth Recruitment

SPEAK UP. Members of the League of Parents of the Philippines, League of Youth for Peace Advancement and the Coalition for Peace hold a picket rally in front of the Commission on Human Rights office in Quezon City on Thursday (Feb. 27, 2020). They questioned why the CHR is not taking action on the recruitment of children into the militant movement and later on trained as "child warriors." (PNA photo by Ben Briones)

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

Image may contain: 2 people


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



AFP-CRS: Stop Recruiting 'Child Warriors'

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 28, 2020): Stop Recruiting 'Child Warriors'

STOP NPA RECRUITMENT. Galvez pointed out that the CPP-NPA have managed to survive due to their aggressive recruitment of young members, especially those coming from marginalized sectors and learning institutions nationwide.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

Image may contain: 1 person, text


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

AFP-CRS: Bulacan Police Launches 'First Line of Defense' of Bulacan Industries Against Communists

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 28, 2020): Bulacan Police Launches 'First Line of Defense' of Bulacan Industries Against Communists

INDUSTRIAL PEACE. The regional police here has launched the Joint Industrial Peace and Concerns Office (JIPCO), a proactive effort to shield the workforce from radical labor organizations and prevent the infiltration of communist groups in Central Luzon’s industrial zones.

Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 (Central Luzon) Director, Brig. Gen. Rhodel O. Sermonia, led the launch of the project at the Auditorium Victory Church in Barangay Sumapang Matanda, City of Malolos, Bulacan on Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2020).

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

Image may contain: text


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

AFP-CRS: Why is CHR Silent on NPA Attacks, Recruitment of Minors?

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 28, 2020): Why is CHR Silent on NPA Attacks, Recruitment of Minors?



SPEAK UP. Anti-communist groups slammed the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) for allegedly snubbing the longstanding violence and atrocities committed by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and its front organizations.

Members of the League of Parents of the Philippines, League of Youth for Peace Advancement and the Coalition for Peace hold a picket rally in front of the Commission on Human Rights office in Quezon City on Thursday (Feb. 27, 2020). They questioned why the CHR is not taking action on the recruitment of children into the militant movement and later on trained as "child warriors." (PNA photo by Ben Briones)

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

Image may contain: 2 people


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

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Imperyalistang panghihimasok ng US, mananatili sa kabila ng pagsasawalang-bisa ng VFA

NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 29, 2020): Imperyalistang panghihimasok ng US, mananatili sa kabila ng pagsasawalang-bisa ng VFA

MARIA ROJA BANUA
SPOKESPERSON
NDF-BICOL
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
FEBRUARY 29, 2020

Hanggang angas lang ang hakbang ni Duterte na talikuran ang Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). Kamakailan, inamin na ng imperyalistang US na patuloy silang ‘magbibigay ng tulong’ sa militar ng Pilipinas di umano’y para labanan ang insurhensya. Lingid sa kaalaman ng publiko, nagsasagawa na ng counterinsurgency training ang mga mersenaryong hukbo ng Pilipinas at US sa Palawan mula pa noong Enero. Nagpatuloy ito kahit sa kainitan ng isyu hinggil sa VFA. Patunay ito sa kahungkagan ng mga deklarasyon ng papet na rehimen.

Punitin man ni Duterte ang anumang papel ng kasunduan sa mga imperyalista, nananatili at mananatiling malakolonya ang bansa. Labas sa VFA, napakaraming tagibang na kasunduan sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at mga imperyalista at iba pang umuusbong na kapitalistang kapangyarihan. Sa larangang militar, umiiral pa rin ang Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), ang pangunahing kasunduang nagpapahintulot sa panghihimasok ng US sa bansa. Wala man ang VFA, nananatiling epektibo ang Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), na nagpapahintulot sa preposition ng mga gamit pandigma ng US sa bansa at pagtatayo ng pasilidad ng militar ng US sa loob ng mga base ng AFP.

Hindi rin mahihiwalay ang mga pang-ekonomya at pampulitikang patakaran ng bansa sa imperyalistang kontrol ng US. Ang malawakang liberalisasyon ng agrikultura, pagpapataw ng mabibigat na buwis sa mamamayan, pagsasapribado ng mga batayang serbisyong panlipunan at ang tulak sa pederalismo o pagpapalit ng Konstitusyon ay bahagi ng pangkabuuhang neoliberal na programa ng imperyalistang US. Kahit ang kampanyang kontrainsurhensya ng lahat ng papet at pasistang rehimen ay nakabatay sa balangkas ng US Counterinsurgency Guide (US COIN).

Naninindigan ang NDF-Bikol na dapat ibayong palakasin ng mamamayan ang laban sa imperyalistang panghihimasok. Dapat ilantad ang mga tagibang na kasunduang pampulitika at pang-ekonomya at higit pang ipanawagan ang pagsasawalang-bisa ng mga ito. Sa kanayunan, dapat higit na palakasin ang rebolusyong agraryong magpupundar ng ekonomyang nakaasa-sa-sarili at hindi nakasalig sa dayuhang pamumuhunan. Mula sa pakikibaka nina Simeon Ola at Elias Angeles laban sa pananakop hanggang sa makabagong kilusang pagpapalaya laban sa imperyalismo, nananatiling matatag ang pagkakaisa ng mamamayang makibaka para sa tunay na kalayaan.

Labanan at ibagsak ang imperyalismo!
Lumaban at lumaya!
Talingkas sa pagkaoripon!

https://cpp.ph/statement/imperyalistang-panghihimasok-ng-us-mananatili-sa-kabila-ng-pagsasawalang-bisa-ng-vfa/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Duguan ang kamay ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU

NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 29, 2020): Duguan ang kamay ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU

MARIA ROJA BANUA
SPOKESPERSON
NDF-BICOL
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
FEBRUARY 29, 2020




Mapanghati at mapanlilang ang mga pahayag nina Presidential Peace Adviser Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr., AFP SolCom Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr. at 31st IBPA Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Eric Culvera. Matapos ang matagumpay na operasyon laban sa rebolusyonaryong taksil na si Antonio Benzon, Jr, alias Hazel, pinalutang nila ang tanong na bakit kailangang patayin ng BHB ang isang taong nais mamuhay nang payapa. Ito ay tusong pagpapakalat ng takot na pinapaslang ng BHB ang sinumang pinilit sumuko o napwersang pumapaloob sa ECLIP.

Una, napakalayo sa hinagap na ihalintulad ang mga rebolusyonaryong taksil sa mga pilit pinasusuko ng militar at pinapalabas lamang na BHB. Mulat ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan na gatasan lamang ng mga upisyal-militar ang ECLIP. Hindi nito itinuturing na kaaway ng mamamayan ang masang pinilit, tinakot at inabuso upang magsabing kasapi ng CPP-NPA-NDFP.

Ikalawa, hindi ninais ni Antonio Benzon, Jr. alias Hazel na “mamuhay nang payapa”. Umalis siya sa Pulang hukbo dahil hindi niya naatim ang mga aksyong disiplinang ipinataw sa kanyang pagsuway sa mga alituntunin ng hukbo at mga patakaran ng Partido. Mulat niyang ipinagkanulo ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan at ang masa para sa kanyang personal na pakinabang. Pinili niyang maging masugid na bahagi ng death squad ng mga militar at pulis. Pinataw ng Pamprubinsyang Hukumang Bayan ang parusang kamatayan sa kanya matapos ang masinsing pagsusuri sa kanyang mga kasalanan sa taumbayan at sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Ito ay tapat na pagpapatupad sa mga alituntunin at patakaran ng demokratikong gubyernong bayan.

Kaya kung mayroon pa ngang dapat pangambahan ang mga sumuko o pumaloob sa ECLIP, ito ang hayok-sa-dugong AFP-PNP-CAFGU. Mahaba na ang kasaysayan ng militar at pulis sa pagsasangkalan at pagpapahamak ng sarili nilang mga elemento at asset kapag hindi na nila ito nakikitang kapaki-pakinabang.

Noong Abril 8, 2019, pinaslang ng militar ang asset nilang si Rolando Epil at tatlo pa nitong kasamahan sa Brgy. Buri, Mandaon, Masbate. Pinalabas na ito ay engkwentro sa pagitan ng BHB at ng 2nd IB, 9th ID at PNP. Walang BHB sa lugar noong panahong iyon.

Upang palabasing nakabingwit naman sila ng malalaking isda, pinagbibihis nilang BHB ang sarili nilang tropa. Noong Setyembre 2019, lumabas naman ang balitang sumuko si Joselito Naag, na di umano’y kadre ng BHB at isa sa “Most Wanted Persons” sa Albay. Elemento ng AFP si Naag at walang kinalaman sa BHB.

Sunud-sunod ang mga pekeng engkwentro kung saan sinasabak ng matataas na upisyal ng militar at pulis ang kanilang mga elemento. Sa kada pekeng pinasusuko, higit na kumakapal ang kaning mga bulsa. Sarili na nilang tropa at mga asset ang lumalapit sa BHB upang mag-ulat tungkol sa pambabarat ng mga upisyal-militar sa kanilang sweldo o allowance.

Mahigpit na nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa mamamayang Bikolano na manatiling kritikal sa mga mapanghating pahayag ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU. Wala itong ibang layunin kung hindi pahinain ang pagkakaisa at ilayo ang loob ng mamamayan sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Panagutin ang mga mayroong tunay na inutang na dugo at ninakaw mula sa taumbayan. Sa
diwa ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan, makakamit ng nagkakaisang mamamayan ang tunay na mapayapang pamumuhay.

https://cpp.ph/statement/duguan-ang-kamay-ng-afp-pnp-cafgu/

Kalinaw News: Philippine Army, hopeful passage of P12-M project in CamSur

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 29, 2020): Philippine Army, hopeful passage of P12-M project in CamSur (By 9th Infantry Division)



CAMP ELIAS ANGLES, Pili, Camarines Sur-A P12 million worth of livelihood project under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) was inaugurated in Bula town, Camarines Sur province, Thursday, February 27.

Residents from the Barangays of La Victoria, La Purisima and Panoypoyan are the beneficiaries of the newly constructed Abaca Fiber Production Center and new equipment for coco coir production and other livelihood programs such as farm animals raising and sugar candy making.

Town Mayor Amelita Ibasco expressed her gratitude to PAMANA for choosing the municipality of Bula as one of the recipients of the project.

PAMANA is a national government’s program “that extends development interventions to isolated, hard-to-reach, and conflict-affected areas, ensuring that they are not left behind.”

Lt. Col. Tommy Deliva, Battalion Commander of 83rd Infantry Battion (83IB) underscored that this development is a proof of the government’s sincerity in providing quality service to the public especially in terms of livelihood programs.

83IB is very instrumental in realizing the implementation of the project following the creation of Bula Task Force for PEACE last year which also paved the way for more projects intended for uplifting the lives of the residents in the said town.

Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) under MGEN FERNANDO T TRINIDAD AFP lauded the commitment of 83IB and their partners to consistently meet the needs of the populace which is anchored in the Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70) or the Whole-of-Nation Approach which end goal is to solve the insurgency problem in the country.

Also present during the event were Paul Escober, Area Manager for Bicol-Quezon-Mindoro of PAMANA OPAPP and representatives of various government offices.



[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/philippine-army-hopeful-passage-of-p12-m-project-in-camsur/

Kalinaw News: Former rebels receive E-CLIP benefits in Cam. Sur

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 29, 2020): Former rebels receive E-CLIP benefits in Cam. Sur (By 9th Infantry Division)



CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-As a head start in their journey to a more peaceful life, two former rebels who recently surrendered to the government were given financial aid last Friday, February 28.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the provincial government of Camarines Sur led the awarding which was held at the Capitol Convention Center in Pili. Beneficiaries of cash assistance were alias Mimoy, former finance officer of Norben Gruta Command and alias Randy, commanding officer of Militiang Bayan.

Both of them received a livelihood assistance amounting to P50,000 and an immediate assistance amounting to P15,000 while Randy, who surrendered a firearm received an additional P60,000 firearm remuneration under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) ensures that formel rebels can avail a holistic package of benefits such as livelihood, medical, education, housing and even legal assistance.

According to Francia Abaldonado, Local Government Operations Officer of DILG-Camarines Sur, E-CLIP aims to assist the surrendering rebels while they undergo the process of reintegration in the mainstream society.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Emerson Sumilang, Battalion Commander of 9th Infantry Battalion (9IB) urged the remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) to surrender as well because President Rodrigo Duterte and the government are serious to help them to start anew.

Furthermore, Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) under MGEN FERNANDO T TRINIDAD AFP believes that the snowballing number of surrenderers is a clear manifestation of how operative and effective the intensified campaign against insurgency.

Nevertheless, JTFB once again called on the Bicolanos to unite and work hand in hand with the government to put an end to the 50-year old insurgency problem in the country and attain a peaceful and sustainable developments in the communities.



[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/former-rebels-receive-e-clip-benefits-in-cam-sur/

Kalinaw News: Army encounters NPA in Guihulngan City

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 29, 2020): Army encounters NPA in Guihulngan City (By 303rd Infantry Brigade)



BRGY LIBAS, ISABELA, Negros Occidental — Troops under 62nd Infantry (Unifier) Battalion encountered more or less 10 NPA terrorists at So Agpapatao, Brgy Binobohan, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental around 6:10 pm of February 28, 2020 (Friday).

After receiving several reports from concerned citizens regarding the presence of armed Communist-NPA-Terrorists (CNTs) group in their place, one (1) platoon of Alpha Company of 94 IB under the operational control of 62IB was dispatched to immediately conduct combat operation to go after the armed NPAs who continue to threaten and sow fear among the residents. While the troops are approaching the area, they were fired upon by the NPAs forcing them to retaliate and engage them in a firefight.

The exchange of fires lasted for about 12 minutes, afterwhich the armed NPAs scampered towards different directions.

The said encounter resulted in two (2) CNTs members killed and recovery of two (2) cal.45 pistols, one (1) cal .38 pistol, four (4) pcs cal. 45 magazine loaded with live ammunitions, cal .38 service ammunitions, improvised shotguns and several subversive documents.

Lieutenant Colonel Egberto O Dacoscos, Commanding Officer of 62IB stated that the two (2) killed individuals were members of the Special Partisan Unit (SPARU) of the CNTs who were responsible in killing innocent civilians in Guihulngan and Canlaon City. They were part of the group that continually threaten the people who will not cooperate with them.

“I urge the other members of the said terrorist group to surrender and return to the mainstream society, or else this unit under my command will continuously hunt them down. With the help of the people we are sure that you will fail”

“Through the Whole of Nation Approach, I am encouraging the people of Guihulngan City as well as the whole Negrense that it is now time that we work together against the NPA Terrorists. Continue cooperating with us, by giving reliable and timely information regarding the presence of armed group in your area. In order for the security forces to stop them in their terroristic activities in our communities,” he added.

The 62IB dispatched additional troops to conduct pursuit operations against the NPA Terrorists.





[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-encounters-npa-in-guihulngan-city/

Kalinaw News: NPA head extortionist killed in Bukidnon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 29, 2020): NPA head extortionist killed in Bukidnon (By 10th Infantry Agila Division Philippine Army)



A high ranking New Peoples Army (NPA) member was killed after an encounter between Government troops and a group of NPA in Damulog, Bukidnon Friday afternoon, February 28, 2020.

Lieutenant Colonel Oscar Partuza, Commanding Officer of 3rd Infantry Battalion identified the slain NPA member as Eduardo Arnado alias Choi, Deputy Secretary of Guerilla Front 53 (GF 53) and concurrent head extortionist of NPA groups in North Cotabato, Northern part of Davao Del Sur and Southern Bukidnon

Accordingly, elements of 3rd and 19th Infantry Battalions were conducting security operations in the said area after they recieved a tip from a local resident on the presence of armed group in a remote area at Sitio Lamparuc, Barangay Sampagar, Damulog, Bukidnon when the skirmish transpired.

The NPAs scampered to different directions after 10 minutes exchange of fire, leaving the dead body of Arnado.

Furthermore, recovered from the encounter site were one Caliber .45 pistol with magazine and ammunition, spent shells from various high powered firearms, subversive documents and personal belongings left by the fleeing NPA members.

Meanwhile, Hon Melino Buro, Municipal Mayor of Damulog conducted site assessment to check the well being of the residents nearby while Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) is now on the process of conducting legal procedure and scene of the crime operations in the encounter site.



[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/npa-head-extortionist-killed-in-bukidnon/

Kalinaw News: 11th ID receives 257 new Candidate Soldiers

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 29, 2020): 11th ID receives 257 new Candidate Soldiers (By 11 Infantry Division "Alakdan Troopers")



Jolo, Sulu – The 11th Infantry Division welcomed in its fold 257 new breed of candidate soldiers who will compose the Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) Class 638 and ‎639-2020 at the grounds of Alakdan Troopers on February 24, 2020.

The two batches of CSC, who are composed of 214 males and 43 females, were carefully selected by the Division Candidate Soldier Selection Board after a series of physical, medical and psychological fitness test. They will join the members of the second batch of CSC who are currently in their fifth week of rigorous military training at Camp Bud Datu, Indanan, Sulu.

Furthermore, the recruitment and training aims to fill-up the personnel necessity of Alakdan Division to further strengthen its mission capability. The recruitment quota will depend on the status of the Philippine Army’s needs regardless of how many personnel will retire from the service and the requirement of the 11th Infantry Division being a newly organized division.

Lieutenant Colonel Ronaldo C. Mateo, Assistant Chief-of-Staff for Personnel, G1 presented the Candidate Soldiers for their oath taking while Senior Master Sergeant Feliciano M. Lazo, Division Sgt Major facilitated the oath declaimer. Lt. Colonel Allan M. Mangaser, Training Commandant of the 11th Division Training School presented the opening of the said course and was declared open by Colonel Wendell J. Basat, Assistant Chief-of-Staff for Education and Training, G8.

Meanwhile, Major General Corleto S. Vinluan Jr., Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu and 11th Infantry Division encouraged the aspiring soldiers to survive the 6-month military training. He said that soldiery is never an easy task but is always the noblest profession.

“Soon you will undergo a training that will eventually eliminate your civilian antics and turn you to a disciplined military individual. As you undergo the training, I encourage you to always remember your purpose why you entered the military profession,” he said.




[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/11th-id-receives-257-new-candidate-soldiers/

Kalinaw News: AFP, stakeholders conduct follow-up relief operation

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 29, 2020): AFP, stakeholders conduct follow-up relief operation (By 11 Infantry Division "Alakdan Troopers")



Troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu (JTF) under the Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) once again join hand-in-hand with its stakeholders in a relief operation conducted for the fire victims in Jolo, Sulu following a series of assistance which started on February 6, 2020 up to this day. Reportedly, a fire incident transpired on February 3, 2020 which critically damaged 1,377 houses in the areas of barangays takut-Takut, Chinese Pie, and Tulay. Also, roughly 2,739 Tausug families lost their homes and livelihood.

Among the stakeholders who took part in donating additional relief goods were SoPhil Deep Sea Fishing Association Incorporated, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Western Mindanao Command and Darul Ifta’.

The relief packs included rice, assorted canned goods, noodles, dried fishes, cooking utensils, personal hygiene kits and water containers which supported the immediate needs the victims. These were distributed simultaneously in designated evacuation centers namely Jolo Youth Center, Senator Santanina Rasul Complex, Jolo Municipal Tennis Covered Court and in barangays Chinese Pier, Takut-takut and Tulay in coordination with the Local Government Office of Jolo under the leadership of Mayor Kherkhar S. Tan on February 22, 2020.

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go visited the fire victims on February 13, 2020 to check their morale and assessed their needs which need further attention. With this, the JTF is always enthusiastic in reinforcing the efforts of the local government units and concerned stakeholders in providing manpower, security and transportation in the swift delivery of goods.






[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/afp-stakeholders-conduct-follow-up-relief-operation/

Negros gets more troops

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 29, 2020): Negros gets more troops (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Philippine Army deployed more soldiers in Negros Island for combat and civil-military operations, in implementation of Executive Order 70 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte.

EO 70 seeks to institute a "whole of government" approach in addressing the communist insurgency, and the creation of a Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in every provinces.


The 33rd Division Reconnaissance Company, that is capable of conducting long range combat and reconnaissance operations to hunt armed New People’s Army rebels, arrived yesterday on board Navy ship BRP Tausug, while the 14th Civil Military Operations Battalion, composed of more than 100 CMO personnel, arrived days earlier at the BREDCO Port in Bacolod City.

Soldiers of the 33rd DRC came from Panay island, while the 14th CMOB was redeployed from Luzon to Negros.


The 33rd DRC troopers are well trained in conducting combat operations, similar to the elite units of the Philippine Army, including the Scout Rangers and Special Forces, Col. InocencioPasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said.

Pasaporte said that the arrival of 33rd DRC will help them in the conduct of focused military operations against the remaining NPA rebels in Negros, while the 14th CMOB is expected boost in the implementation of their Retooled Community Support Programs (RCSP) in conflict-affected areas.

Negros island is a priority area for clearing of armed local insurgents and dismantling of the existing four NPA guerilla fronts by the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

Pasaporte said the deployment of 14th CMO troopers will further elevate the capability of the 303rd Infantry Brigade to support the different RCSP teams and strengthen their partnership with local government units and other government agencies.

Earlier, he revealed that the CPP-NPA in Negros is bent on destroying the RCSP program, which is an effective tool of the government for ending the local armed conflict.

“With the support of local government units, other agencies and communities, we will achieve a peaceful province, free from the influence of the NPA,” Pasaporte said.*

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/February/29/topstory4.htm

NPA leader slain in encounter in Bukidnon

From MindaNews (Feb 29, 2020): NPA leader slain in encounter in Bukidnon
By MALU CADELINA-MANAR

KIDAPAWAN CITY (MindaNews / 29 February) – An alleged high-ranking leader of the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter around 3 p.m. Friday with government forces in Damulog, Bukidnon, the military said.

The 19th Infantry Battalion
identified the alleged rebel as Eduardo Lembang Arnado alias Commander Choi, 58, who reportedly operated in Bukidnon and North Cotabato.

Arnado was a resident of Sitio Spring, Barangay Salasang in Arakan, North Cotabato, and was said to be the first deputy secretary of NPA Guerilla Front 53 of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Arnado also functioned as finance officer of the guerilla front, the 19th IB said.


Some civilians in Sitio Lamoro, Barangay Sampagar in Damulog town tipped off Arnado’s presence to the military, it said.

It added Arnado and 20 of his men went to Lamoro for a meeting about the construction of a dam in the area.

Elements from the 19th and 3rd Battalions then went to the area and engaged the rebels in a firefight. (Malu Cadeliña-Manar/MindaNews)

Army officer nabbed for asking money from applicants

From MindaNews (Feb 29, 2020): Army officer nabbed for asking money from applicants (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)

COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 29 February) — An Army officer was arrested Friday by joint army counter-intelligence group and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in the Bangsamoro Region over reports he was getting money from applicants at the 6th Infantry Division.


Lt Col Samsudin Pulua. Photo courtesy of CIDG-BARMM

Major Arvin Encinas, spokesperson of Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) confirmed the arrest of Lieutenant Colonel Samsudin Pulua, deputy executive officer of the 6th Civil Military Operations Battalion of the division.

Around 11am on Friday, the operatives staged an entrapment operation in Pulua’s residence in Julian Street, Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao.

The officer did not resist arrest after he was reportedly caught in the possession of an envelope with marked money and “boddle money” amounting to 5,000 pesos.

Reports said Puluan was asking money from Army applicants in exchange for slots in the quota for recruits allotted for the 6th ID.

Encinas said the Westmincom is saddened and disturbed by what they learned.

He said the military would not tolerate any wrongdoing by its members no matter who commits it.

Pulua will face civil and administrative cases before a court martial.

He is now under the custody of CIDG-BARMM. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera/MindaNews)

OPAV’s Serbisyong Malasakit Caravan serves 762 residents of Matuguinao, Samar

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 29, 2020): OPAV’s Serbisyong Malasakit Caravan serves 762 residents of Matuguinao, Samar (By PIA-8)

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TACLOBAN CITY, Feb 29 (PIA) -- The Serbisyong Malasakit Caravan of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) went to Matuguinao on February 26 and was able to cater to the needs of some 762 grateful residents.

The Serbisyong Malasakit Caravan, which is a one-stop-shop of government services that serves Filipinos in the far-flung areas, was held at the Municipal Covered Court of Matuguinao town, a landlocked municipality in the coastal province of Samar.

This is very much in line with President Duterte’s EO 70, institutionalizing the whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace.


The said activity was participated by the troops of 801Bde, 87IB, Camp Lukban Station Hospital, and 1368th Dental Detachment, CLSH all of 8th Infantry (STORMTROOPERS) Division, Philippine Army, HTOG8 of Philippine Air Force and the other different government agencies such as TESDA, DTI, PDEA, PCA, PNP, DSWD, PSA, PHILHEALTH, DA, DOH, DEPED, LTO/LTFRB, DILG, DAR, PAG-IBIG, DOST, PHILFIDA, BFP, SSS, DENR, BIR, OPCDA, and LGU Matuguinao, headed by Hon. Aran Dela Cruz Boller, the Municipal Mayor.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines particularly the Philippine Army provided services like free haircut, massage, shoe repair, circumcision, dental and medical services, leafleting, display of tarpaulin, stage band to the local populace of Matuguinao.

It also conducted football clinic and distribution of soccer ball to the students of Matuguinao National High School.

Presidential Adviser for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Diño was represented by Engr. Ricardo Mendoza and Nicolas Terovellas with Janmarc Peñalosa and Stephanie Alcover. (OPT/PIA-8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1035508

Ifugao police hold outreach activities

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 29, 2020): Ifugao police hold outreach activities (By Marcelo B. Lihgawon)

Featured Image

LAMUT, Ifugao, Feb. 29 (PIA) - - The Philippine National Police (PNP) with the support of stakeholders in the province conducted outreach activities to deliver some of the needed services in the community.

The Hingyon Municipal Police Stations (MPS), in partnership with the Alliance of Legally Married Police Wives Helping in Action Inc. (ALPHA Inc), TESDA-Ifugao and Regional Mobile Force Battalion, conducted an outreach activity at Humalophop, Mompolia, a far flung barangay of the municipality serving about a hundred pupils, and community folks. 


Personnel of the Ifugao Mobile Force Company distribute slippers to pupils of the Ampocol Elementary School in Lamut town. Said items were donated by kind-hearted stakeholders .(IPMFC)

The Lamut MPS also conducted similar the activity at Pullaan Primary School of barangay Bimpal that benefitted more than 60 pupils and teachers while the Ifugao Mobile Force Company held one at Ampocol Elementary School in Ambasa, Lamut serving 25 people.

The beneficiaries were given school supplies, hygiene kits, food packs, slippers and free haircut. They were also oriented on peace and order particularly the End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) , anti-drug and implementation of local laws .

Meanwhile, personnel of the Apha (Adamant) Company of the 54th Infantry Battalion and other peace keepers joined in the conduct of Brigada Eskwela at Impugong Elementary School in Tinoc town.

Other stakeholders like barangay officials, parents and faculty members joined the activity that promotes culture of bayanihan among education partners to address the needs of the education sector. (JDP/MBL- PIA CAR, Ifugao) 


Free haircut for the young and the old.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1035427

Ex-MILF fighters get P137.6-M in decommissioning grants

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 29, 2020): Ex-MILF fighters get P137.6-M in decommissioning grants (By Noel Punzalan)



COTABATO CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)- Region 12 has released PHP137.6 million in grants to more than a thousand decommissioned combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Maguindanao, an official said on Friday.

Cezario Joel Espejo, DSWD-12 director, said the financial assistance was used for the second phase payout of the Bangsamoro Transitory Family Support Package (BTFSP), with each of the 1,376 MILF decommissioned combatants receiving PHP100,000 each in financial aid.

Espejo said
the latest number of combatants provided with government assistance since February 21 was part of the 12,000 combatants to be decommissioned this year.

The succeeding batches of decommissioning would be done between 2021 and 2022.


“This is just one of the promises of our government for the people of Mindanao. It only shows the government will never forsake them,” Espejo said in a statement.

Espejo also lauded their partners from the Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and the Independent Decommissioning Body created by the national government and MILF to oversee the process of decommissioning of MILF forces and weapons.

The aid packages form part of the socio-economic program component provided for under Executive Order (EO) No. 79 signed in March 2019 which focuses on the normalization track of comprehensive agreement on Bangsamoro under the final peace agreement signed between the government and MILF.

EO 79 aims to reintegrate decommissioned MILF combatants into mainstream society through the provision of livelihood and other appropriate programs and services.

Norhata Benito, normalization program head, said each of the decommissioned fighters received PHP80,000 under BTFS and PHP20,000 cash for the livelihood settlement grants (LSG).

The BTFSP is composed of food subsidy and family, hygiene, kitchen, sleeping, and shelter kits.

The LSG, on the other hand, maybe used as seed capital to start micro-enterprises or to purchase starter kits for the re-establishment of damaged livelihood.

In September last year, President Rodrigo Duterte and his Cabinet secretaries--including DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista-- witnessed the first phase of decommissioning of 1,190 former MILF combatants in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1095183

2 former rebels get E-CLIP benefits

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 29, 2020): 2 former rebels get E-CLIP benefits (By Connie Calipay)



LEGAZPI CITY – Two former rebels who recently surrendered to the government were given financial aid in Camarines Sur, a 9th Infantry Division (9ID) official said on Saturday.

Capt. John Paul Belleza, 9ID Public Affairs Office Chief, said the beneficiaries of cash assistance
were alias Mimoy, a former finance officer of Norben Gruta Command; and alias Randy, a commanding officer of Militiang Bayan.


"The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the provincial government of Camarines Sur led the awarding which was held at the Capitol Convention Center in Pili, both of them received a livelihood assistance amounting to PHP50,000 and an immediate assistance amounting to PHP15,000 while Randy, who surrendered a firearm received an additional PHP60,000 firearm remuneration under the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP)," Belleza said in a phone interview.

Belleza added Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) under Maj. Gen. Fernando Trinidad believes that the snowballing number of surrenderers is a clear manifestation of the effectiveness of the intensified campaign against insurgency.

"JTFB once again called on the Bicolanos to unite and work hand in hand with the government to put an end to the 50-year-old insurgency problem in the country and attain peaceful and sustainable development in the communities," he added.

Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) ensures that formel rebels can avail of a holistic package of benefits such as livelihood, medical, education, housing, and even legal assistance.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1095205