Sunday, January 26, 2020

25 former rebels in Calbiga complete TESDA training

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 26, 2020): 25 former rebels in Calbiga complete TESDA training (By PIA-8 and 46IB, 8ID, PA)


TACLOBAN CITY, Jan 26 (PIA) -- Twenty-five (25) former rebels in Calbiga, Samar, recently completed training on production of organic vegetables and fertilizer NC II conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) - Samar.

The former rebels received certificates of completion in a simple graduation rites held on January 22, 2020 at the Headquarters of the 46 Infantry “Peacemakers” Battalion in Brgy. Polangi, Calbiga, Samar.

TESDA Samar Provincial Director Engr. Enrico C. Banario, confirmed the graduates and awarded the training certificates together with Ms. Ma. Teresa L. Calalang, associate director of BPI Foundation; Mr. Arthur F. Aguinaldo, project manager of BAYAN Academy; Hon. Eva L. Castillo, vice mayor of Calbiga; Ms. Delia C. Mabansag, PESO manager and LTC Rhomel Langcauon, commanding officer of the 46th IB.

Earning a National Certification II means that they can now be employed here and even abroad.

The skills training is part of a peace agreement with the government to provide former rebels with the opportunity to return to mainstream society, land a job, and live decent lives.

Said training is a project if the Samar Provincial Task Force in Ending the Local Communist Armed Conflict, particularly the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster. (PIA 8/46IB, 8ID, PA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033423

26 rebel returnees in Nueva Ecija receive assistance

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 26, 2020): 26 rebel returnees in Nueva Ecija receive assistance (By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)


Governor Aurelio Umali (4th from left) leads the awarding of checks to rebel returnees who are beneficiaries of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. (7th Infantry Division)

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija, Jan.26 (PIA) -- A total of 26 rebel returnees in Nueva Ecija received assistance from the government under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Each returnee was awarded with a check amounting to PhP15,000 during a ceremony led by Governor Aurelio Umali, Department of the Interior and Local Government Provincial Director Renato Bernardino and officials from the security forces.

“This is our way of urging rebels to surrender and return to the folds of the government,” Bernardino said.

For his part, Umali reiterated his support to the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict.

“The provincial government will be providing the necessary assistance to the former rebels in order for them to completely integrate themselves and live normally in mainstream society,” he assured.

In a statement, 7th Infantry Division Commander Major General Lenard Agustin renewed his call for other rebels to surrender.

“We are deeply encouraging every rebel to return to the folds of the government and peacefully embrace a new and normal life,” he stressed. (CLJD-PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033429

Gov’t, NGO hold Serbisyo Caravan in Maria Aurora

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 26, 2020): Gov’t, NGO hold Serbisyo Caravan in Maria Aurora (By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)


About 376 residents of barangay Dianawan in Maria Aurora town benefit from the Serbisyo Caravan conducted by different national government agencies, local government offices and a non-governmental organization. The activity started with a tree planting activity followed by the provision of services including free medical, dental, haircut and feeding as well as distribution of toothbrush, pails and fertilizers. (91st Infantry Battalion)

BALER, Aurora, Jan.26 (PIA) -- About 376 residents of barangay Dianawan in Maria Aurora town benefitted from the Serbisyo Caravan conducted by different national government agencies, local government offices and a non-governmental organization.

The activity started with a tree planting activity followed by the provision of services including free medical, dental, haircut and feeding as well as distribution of toothbrush, pails and fertilizers.

“A grand pulong-pulong or community dialogue was conducted where national and local government offices gave updates on their mandates and services to address the identified issues and concerns in the barangay. The highlight of that was the burning of a Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) flag by the residents to show support and commitment to the implementation of the Aurora Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and denounce the atrocities committed by the CPP-NPA,” 91st Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Reandrew Rubio said.
“We continue to work with government agencies, local government units and other stakeholders for active implementation of activities such as the Serbisyo Caravan, especially in the far-flung barangays, to bring the government closer to the people and effectively address the issues being exploited by communist terrorist groups,” Rubio furthered.

Among those that participated in the Serbisyo Caravan include the municipal government of Maria Aurora, Aurora Police Provincial Office, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of the Interior and Local Government and Kiwanis Division 2C4.

Also, Aurora Provincial Health Office, Fort Magsaysay Army Station Hospital, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Department of Labor and Employment, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Public Employment Service Office, Department of Agriculture, Department of Public Works and Highways, Bureau of Fire Protection, Provincial Cooperative Office and Aurora Electric Cooperative. (CLJD-PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033430

Gabaldon LGU provides assistance to rebel returnees

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 26, 2020): Gabaldon LGU provides assistance to rebel returnees (By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)


The municipal government of Gabaldon provide assistance to three rebel returnees. (7th Infantry Division)

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija, Jan.26 (PIA) -- The municipal government of Gabaldon provided Monday assistance to three rebel returnees.

91st Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Reandrew Rubio accompanied the surrenderees and paid a courtesy call to Mayor Jobby Emata.
“Each returnee received PhP2,000 as immediate assistance from municipal government. Emata also promised to shoulder the baptismal of their children and their enrolment to PhilHealth,” Rubio disclosed.

The military official assured the rebels that they will be assessed for qualification to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to receive immediate cash and sustainable livelihood assistance amounting PhP65,000.

“Those active members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who will lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law can surely avail the services of the government, specifically the ECLIP, for them to start a peaceful and new life,” he added.

In a statement, 7th Infantry Division Commander Major General Lenard Agustin said the Army is sincere with its advocacy for genuine peace and development.

“7ID will continue to provide what is due to the NPA members who will choose to surrender and go back to mainstream society,” he furthered. (CLJD-PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033431

Army, LGU award housing units to former Kadamay members

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 26, 2020): Army, LGU award housing units to former Kadamay members (By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)

MALOLOS CITY, Jan.26 (PIA) -- Army 48th Infantry Battalion and municipal government of Pandi led Wednesday the awarding of housing units to former Kadamay members.

Awarded in the 2nd batch of beneficiaries from Villa Louise and Pandi Heights were 500 housing units from National Housing Authority.


Army 48th Infantry Battalion and municipal government of Pandi lead the awarding of housing units to former Kadamay members. (48th Infantry Battalion)

“The activity is a manifestation of the mandate of Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach where different government agencies are working hand-in-hand to end the local communist conflict. By providing decent homes, the government has created avenues towards its goal for lasting peace and continuous development,” 48IB Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Felix Emeterio M. Valdez said.

“Those who came back to the folds of the law now has a house and a home to return to,” 7th Infantry Division Commander Major General Lenard T. Agustin said in a statement. (CLJD-PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033432

Active NPA member yields in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 26, 2020): Active NPA member yields in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)



SURRENDERED. A .45-caliber pistol and live ammunition turned over by Jose Marillo Lanang when he surrendered to the police in Camp Vicente L. Pimentel Sr. in Barangay Telaje, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur on January 24, 2020. Lanang, alias “Mark”, is an active member of Platoon 8 of the guerrilla front 19 (GF-19) of the New People’s Army. (Photo courtesy of PNP Surigao del Sur) 

An active member of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in the province of Surigao del Sur voluntarily surrendered to the Philippine National Police (PNP) on January 24 in Camp Vicente L. Pimentel Sr., Barangay Telaje in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

Col. James Goforth, PNP-Surigao del Sur provincial director,
identified the NPA member as Joselito Murillo Lanang alias “Mark”, 23, a resident of Purok Man-on, Tubo-tubo, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur.

Goforth said Lanang is an active member of the NPA’s Platoon 8 of the guerrilla front 19 (GF-19) operating in the area.

The surrender of Lanang, he added, was the result of the series of negotiations conducted by the intelligence operatives of the 2nd Surigao del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company (SDSPMFC).

Lanang also surrendered one Colt .45 pistol with serial number 151527 with a magazine containing five live ammunition, 140 pieces of 5.56mm ammunition, 14 pieces 7.62mm ammunition, and a backpack.

Goforth said Lanang is now under the custody of 2nd SDSPMFC for custodial debriefing.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Joselito Esquivel Jr., director of Police Regional Office in Caraga Region (PRO-13), welcomed the surrender of Lanang.

In a statement on Saturday, Esquivel said Lanang has made the right decision of taking the path towards genuine peace.

"We will help him process all that is needed for him to avail the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government,” he said.

Under E-CLIP, Lanang will be entitled to immediate cash assistance, livelihood assistance, and firearm remuneration, Esquivel added.

Esquivel also urged the remaining active members of the NPA in the area to lay down their arms and abandon the ideology that has done nothing in terms of peace and development.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091946

16 BIFF members yield to Army in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 26, 2020): 16 BIFF members yield to Army in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)



CEREMONIAL SURRENDER. Brigadier General Juvy Max Uy, Army’s 6th Infantry Division assistant commander (right), receives a rifle from one of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters members who opted to yield to military authorities in Maguindanao on Saturday (Jan. 25, 2020). The 12 former rebels earlier yielded to the Army’s 33rd and 40th Infantry Battalions before being brought to Camp Siongco, headquarters of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, for their proper presentation and surrender. (Photo courtesy of MILG–BARMM)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Optimistic that the new regional government will help them improve their lives, 16 members of Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered to military authorities in Maguindanao on Saturday.

Twelve of the surrenderers gave up to officials of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion (IB), led by Lt. Colonel Elmer Boongaling in Sultan sa Barongis town, while the four other BIFF members yielded to Lt. Colonel Rogelio Gabi, Army’s 40IB commander, in Gen. S. K. Pendatun town, also in Maguindanao.


They were presented to 6th Infantry Division assistant commander, Brig. Gen. Juvy Max Uy, at this camp in the presence of civilian officials including Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) spokesperson and interior minister Naguib Sinarimbo.

BIFF field commander Wazre Kompas told military officials that his group is tired of fighting and running away from air and ground attacks of government forces.

“Now we have BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) and we hope it will improve our lives,” Kompas said in the vernacular.

After their presentation to the Army officials in Maguindanao, the former rebels received financial aid from BARMM through Sinarimbo.

“To date, more than 110 BIFF (members) in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat have surrendered to military authorities and are now working on their livelihood,” Uy said.

He added the military will “always open its door” for those who wish to surrender, but will also continue hunting down lawless elements who sow fear in communities of the province.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091958

SAF 44 heroism deserves retelling: PNP official

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 25, 2020): SAF 44 heroism deserves retelling: PNP official (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



REMEMBERING SAF 44. National Police deputy chief for operations, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, leads the wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the heroism of the SAF 44 at the SAF headquarters in Taguig City on Saturday (Jan. 25, 2020). The 44 SAF commandos died in an encounter with Muslim rebels and private armed groups in Mamasapano, Maguindanao after neutralizing Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, five years ago. (PNA photo by Lloyd Caliwan)

The heroism of the 44 members of the elite Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) is a story that should be retold to the next generations, a ranking police official said Saturday.

“Our SAF 44 heroes did not die in vain. Had it not (been) for them, Marwan would have mobilized more extremists to terrorize the Filipino people. Had it not (been) for them, more innocent civilians would have (been) killed by their bombs,” Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, PNP deputy chief for operations, said in his speech during the commemoration of the SAF 44's 5th death anniversary at the SAF headquarters in Taguig City.

Eleazar said if not for their sacrifice, the country would have not achieved the peace and order it is experiencing today.

He recounted how the SAF commandos successfully carried out the mission assigned to them, as well as the stories of how the 44 slain commandos stood their ground despite being trapped, outnumbered, and outgunned by enemy forces.

“Once upon a time, a large group of elite police commandos was called upon to perform an impossible task of penetrating an enemy stronghold in a remote area of Mamasapano in Maguindanao to bring justice to the Muslim and Christian civilians who died from the bombs made by an international terrorist, Marwan," Eleazar said.

He said the task made possible by the SAF commandos was difficult as there was only one way in and one way out from a fully-armed community who would not hesitate to kill outsiders who would dare cross their paths.

Eleazar noted that PNP Chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa, has already assured full support not only to the relatives of the 44 fallen police commandos but also to the SAF as an institution through the procurement of modern firearms and other essential equipment.

Gamboa, he said, has also initiated reform programs to ensure the safety of all policemen in the front line and provide them with the necessary equipment to accomplish the missions that would be assigned to them.

“On our part, let us honor and give justice to our SAF 44 heroes by emulating the courage they displayed and the heroism that they showed. Let us honor them with the stories of courage and heroism that we must tell to the generations to come. Let us honor our SAF 44 heroes by being like them,” Eleazar said.

The commemoration of the SAF 44's gallantry came after the Sandiganbayan junked the cases against officials responsible for the mission to neutralize Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan -- former PNP chief Alan Purisima and former SAF director Getulio Napeñas.

Meanwhile, Eleazar welcomed the possible reinvestigation of the case in the Senate and assured that the PNP would coordinate.

"Tayo ay susunod sa anumang pag-uutos ng higher authorities (We will follow whatever is the command of the higher authorities)," he added.

In a separate statement, Gamboa paid tribute to the gallantry and heroism of the SAF 44.

"Their supreme sacrifice will never be forgotten. Today, we honor their heroism and patriotism with deep pride as our inspiration to continue on our sworn duty to protect our people from lawless violence, criminal acts, and illegal drugs that destroy the lives and future of our younger generation," he said.

This proves that the PNP is always ready to serve and protect, enshrined with heroism, Gamboa said, adding that the PNP is one with the slain police commandos' families and loved ones in mourning for their loss.

"Let us all salute them with pride as these 44 SAF commandos could be our modern-day heroes," he said.

On Jan. 25, 2015, 44 SAF members perished as they encountered rebels and private armed groups in Mamasapano, Maguindanao after neutralizing Marwan.

Marwan was tagged as responsible for training Filipinos in urban terrorism and in making improvised explosive devices, which were later used in a series of bomb attacks, especially in Mindanao.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091934

IP rescue group not Alamara members: PRO-11 chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 26, 2020): IP rescue group not Alamara members: PRO-11 chief (By Che Palicte)



Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal, Police Regional Office 11 Director. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)

DAVAO CITY – An official of the Police Regional Office in the Davao region (PRO-11) denied that those who attempted to rescue indigenous people (IP) from the Haran compound of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) here are members of the Alamara paramilitary group.

"It is not true, they are tribal leaders who just want their fellow IP brothers and sisters to go back to their communities," said Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal, PRO-11 Director said during a Saturday standoff when tribal leaders from Kapalong and Talaingod, Davao del Norte led by Datu Guibang Apoga attempted to rescue IPs housed at Haran Mission Center.

The Haran Mission Center, he said, is a fake evacuation center and not accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the school operating inside is not also accredited by the Department of Education (DepEd).
"They detained the IPs and there is an ongoing crime that we need to give an action. They have been deceiving the people," he added.

Escobal also asked the UCCP officials to cooperate and allow the IPs to return to their homes.

"We are helping those IPs gain freedom. I am asking Bishop Hamuel Tequis to cooperate and if he prevented these IPs to come out we will also arrest him," he added.

Tension ensued after Datu Apoga along with family members and relatives of those who are inside the center wanted to pull out the IPs and persuade them to go back to their respective tribal villages.


LEADER’S CONCERN. Datu Guibang Apoga, tribal leader from Talaingod who led the rescue attempt at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Haran Mission Center on Saturday (January 25), patiently waits outside the center hoping to convince his fellow IP brothers and sisters return to their respective villages. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)

Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib said Apoga along with other tribal leaders went to his office asking for assistance and transportation.

"I immediately responded to their request since it is for the betterment of their tribe. I provided transportation and food for their rescue," Jubahib said.

Upon the arrival of the group at the Haran center at around 9 a.m. Saturday, tension broke out after some group tried to break and rescue the IPs inside prompting the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) to intervene and deploy personnel to avoid further commotion.

Police Col. Kirby John Kraft, Director of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), ordered a lockdown barring entry and exit from the Haran center including journalists.

“We avoid commotion that's why we have to lock it down, " Kraft said.

DSWD assurance

Meanwhile, the DSWD and City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) have deployed social workers to help convince the IPs inside the center to return to their communities.

DSWD-11 Director Grace Subong, in an interview Saturday, said the agency is always ready to accommodate the IPs should they decide to leave the Haran center.


GETTING APPRISED. Davao City Acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte (right) listens to United Church of Christ in the Philippines Southern Mindanao Jurisdictional Area (UCCP SEMJA) head, Bishop Hamuel Tequis, as he narrated the event that happened inside the Haran center on Saturday (Jan. 25). (Photo by Kilab Multimedia)

LGU intervention

Davao City Acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte arrived at the facility at around 4 p.m. and held a dialogue with UCCP Southeast Mindanao Jurisdictional Area (UCCP SEMJA) head, Bishop Hamuel Tequis.

"Despite the little tension, no one was hurt. It turned out peacefully," he said, adding that he suggested having a second round of talks for both camps to further discuss the fate of the IPs.

Davao del Norte Gov. Jubahib, along with Escobal, later arrived to talk with Tequis, who told the former that the center is a “sanctuary of peace” and they will continue to serve the IPs as mandated by their Church’s teaching.

Jubahib, in his meeting with Tquis and other IPs housed at the center, presented the various program developments being implemented by the provincial government that benefits the IPs, particularly in Talaingod and Kapalong.

The monthly seed distribution, for instance, Jubahib said, will be their source of livelihood.

Apart from that, the provincial government through the National Housing Authority (NHA) will build 300 houses in Talaingod and 100 houses in Kapalong exclusively for the IPs.

He added that various access roads were also opened and scholarship grants were given to the IPs.

"This will eventually change their living conditions if they will go back to their communities," he said.

Responding to Datu Tungig Mansomuy-at ‘s statement that they will only go back to their communities as soon as the military is pulled from the areas and allow the Salugpongan schools to operate again, Jubahib said the military provides peace and protection in their areas while the DepEd-run schools were already established near the dismantled Salugpongan schools.

"The government put up these schools to provide good education to your children so there is no reason to establish the Salugpongan schools," he said.


RESCUED. Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib (right) talks with the five indigenous people who were rescued from the UCCP Haran Center on Saturday (Jan. 25). They were transported back to Barangay Dagohoy, Talaingod, Davao del Norte and were given PHP10, 000 each. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)
Five rescued

The dialogue yielded five IPs deciding to go back to their communities.

Among them are: Hasmin Boolan 25; Angel Amansor 22; Amyan Andel 25; Mayha Andel 18; and one minor alias Jenelyn, all from Barangay Dagohoy, Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

They said their decision was due to their situation inside the facility citing lack of water and food.

"It is hard living inside the evacuation center," Andel said.

Each received PHP10,000 from the Davao del Norte provincial government. They were provided transportation to Talaingod.

Jubahib committed to providing scholarship to the young IPs.

Haran's "Bakwit school" presently houses some 125 families or about 400 IPs from Talaingod and Kapalong in Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro and Arakan town, North Cotabato.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091966

VFA termination won’t affect PH security deals with US

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 26, 2020): VFA termination won’t affect PH security deals with US (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)



Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo (File photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte’s plan to scrap the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States would not have an adverse impact on other existing agreements aimed at boosting military alliance between Manila and Washington, Malacañang clarified on Sunday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said terminating the VFA is not tantamount to abandoning the Philippines’ defense and security cooperation with the US.


“‘Yung VFA lang naman ang mate-terminate (It’s just the VFA that will be terminated). So there is nothing to speculate about alliance natin with the (United) States. Ganoon pa rin. Wala namang mababago (It stays the same. Nothing will change),” Panelo said in an interview with dzIQ.

“Nandoon pa rin. Hindi naman mababago yun. ‘Yung VFA lang naman ang pinag-uusapan (The other agreements still exist. Nothing will change. We’re just talking about the VFA),” he added.

Apart from VFA, the Philippines has other existing pacts with the US, which include the 1947 Military Assistance Agreement, the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), and the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

The Military Assistance Agreement created the joint US Military Assistance Group to advise and train the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Meantime, the 1951 MDT seeks to boost the defense and security cooperation between Manila and Washington, while the 2014 EDCA aims to boost military ties in maritime security and domain.

On Thursday, Duterte threatened to terminate the VFA between the Philippines and the US within one month, in case Washington fails to “correct” the cancellation of Senator Ronal dela Rosa’s US visa.

The VFA, signed by Manila and Washington on Feb. 10, 1998, gives US forces the privilege to enter the Philippines sans passport and visa restrictions, as well as to use their permits and licenses in the host country.

Under the VFA, the US also keeps jurisdiction over its military when they commit crimes in the Philippines, unless these are punishable in Manila.

The Philippines can revoke the VFA by notifying the US of its intent to terminate the agreement.

More beneficial to US than to PH

Panelo defended Duterte’s planned termination of the VFA, as he stressed that the agreement was more advantageous to the US than to the Philippines.

“It’s a privilege granted to a military personnel of the US. More on them than to us,” he said. “Kapag na-terminate, yung mga pribilehiyo ng mga Amerikanong military, mawawala na (The termination of VFA will strip the personnel of American military of privilege).”

Panelo reiterated that the process to terminate VFA has already started.

He, however, could not say if there is a possibility that Duterte might change his mind about the revocation of VFA, in the event that Washington grants dela Rosa a US visa.

“Isa lang yun sa mga dahilan. So kung isa lang yun sa mga dahilan, hindi natin alam kung makakaapekto iyan sa mga desisyon niya. (The cancellation of Dela Rosa’s visa is just one of the reasons. So if that’s just one of the reasons, we don’t know if it can affect his decisions),” Panelo said.

“Dahil ang desisyon niya (Duterte) ay batay sa pag-labag sa ating kasarinlan. Kasama na rin ‘yung hindi paggalang (His decision was based on the US’ ignorance of the Philippines’ sovereignty),” he added.

Duterte’s relationship with Washington has apparently turned sour after US President Donald Trump signed the US 2020 budget, which includes a provision that authorizes US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to prevent Philippine officials involved in Senator Leila de Lima’s detention from entering the US.

De Lima has been detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center at Camp Crame in Quezon City since February 2017 due to her supposed role in the drug proliferation inside the national penitentiary during her stint as Justice secretary.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091954

New EastMinCom chief to Reds: 'We will break you hard'

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 26, 2020): New EastMinCom chief to Reds: 'We will break you hard'



END COMMUNIST INSURGENCY. Newly-installed commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), Maj. Gen. Jose Faustino, delivers a speech during the change of command ceremony in Davao City on Saturday (Jan. 25, 2020). Faustino vowed to put an end to the communist insurgency. (Photo courtesy of OPAPP)

DAVAO CITY -- The newly-installed commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) vowed to put an end to the communist insurgency and bring genuine peace in his area of responsibility.

"Anchoring on the intent of the Commander in Chief to end local communist armed conflict, as stated in the Executive Order 70, the Eastern Mindanao Command will remain resolute in its commitment to comply and endeavor to defeat the communist terrorist group and to finally declare the Filipino people as victors against these menace of the society which has been causing chaos, economic sabotage, and exploitation of the vulnerable communities for more than 50 years now," Maj. Gen. Jose Faustino said in his speech during the change of command ceremony held here on Saturday.

Faustino assumed the command from acting EastMinCom chief, Brig. Gen. Alfredo Rosario.

Prior to his new assignment, Faustino led the Army’s 10th Infantry Division while Rosario held the EastMinCom post in a temporary capacity after its chief, General Felimon Santos, was named as AFP chief-of-staff.

"The Eastern Mindanao Command has spearheaded the fight against the communist terrorists for several years already, and our efforts and innovations in ending local communist armed conflict have become the benchmark of success for the whole AFP," said the 55-year-old official, who once served as chief of the 11th Intelligence Service Unit in Davao City.

"We will continue to do so. Not because it is part of our mission, but because it is the righteous thing to do in my almost three decades of service to the nation," he added.

"I have come to understand not just the ideology behind this communist terrorist group but also the endless manipulations, the deceptions, the utter horror brought about by this group to our children, to our families. Countless innocent children have died, families broken, and parents suffering from the loss of their loved ones. Enough is enough. this has to end," he pointed out.

Faustino, whose area of responsibility covers half of Mindanao's land area, said he will "take the fight to the heart of their ideology, to the center of their comfort zones, and to the deepest and remotest guerrilla bases."

"We will not tire. We will not falter. We will break them hard so that no Filipino will become hostage to this godless communist ideology ever again," he said.

Active participation of LGU through good governance

Faustino said he is taking advantage of every opportunity to find solutions to the decades-long armed rebellion.

"Before, ending this insurgency is just a dream, a longing. While others have seen this as a dark tunnel with no end in sight, Eastern Mindanao Command has seen it otherwise," he said.

"For several generations, we have come to believe that the insurgency is a very complicated conflict. But here, this is no longer the case, because at this very moment, the Eastern Mindanao Command is no longer alone in this fight,” Faustino added.

He said local government officials, stakeholders, people’s groups as well as private individuals and business groups have all mustered their strength and rallied behind the military to end insurgency.

Good governance, he said, will be the key in addressing the communist rebellion, which is embodied in the "Whole-of-Nation" approach adopted by the government under Executive Order No. 70.

"The solution is quite simple - good governance and unity. Our indefatigable leaders, including the whole government machinery, have come to realize and set the bar on how to turn a dream into reality," he said.

Faustino said a majority of NPA members, who surrendered to the command, were facilitated by local government units.

"Indeed, this is a very good indicator of the growing trust and confidence of our communities to our local officials and to the local government. It also indicates that our local government units are really participating to attain our common goal of establishing conflict-resilient communities,” he said.

“I am calling perceived enemies of the state who are continually holding ground to conduct atrocities against innocent people, especially to our less fortunate brothers and sisters, to join the mainstream of the society," he added.

Heightened campaign against communist group

Meanwhile, Santos said he expects the EastMinCom to heighten its campaign against the communist terrorist group with Faustino at the helm.

He revealed that EastMinCom has cleared five guerrilla fronts of the communist group, dismantled four Pulang Bagani Commands, and neutralized a large number of New People's Army members, including high-value personalities.

“We also gained several surrenderers that can be attributed to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's sustained programs for former rebels and continuous engagement with Indigenous People leaders," he said.

Santos also expressed his gratitude to stakeholders for the unwavering support they have given to the AFP in its fight against the communist group.

"I have witnessed how you effectively converged your efforts and fulfilled your role in the National Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091972