Sunday, February 2, 2020

5 Indonesian captives spotted in Sulu

From the Philippine Star (Feb 3, 2020): 5 Indonesian captives spotted in Sulu (Roel Pareño)

Army troopers are tracking down five Indonesian fishermen being held captive by Abu Sayyaf bandits after the victims were reportedly spotted in the hinterlands of Maimbung, Sulu.

The Joint Task Force Sulu (JTFS) intensified its intelligence gathering as it gave assurance that the troops are ready to execute plans to liberate the captives.


The JTFS did not give details of its plans as it would compromise the safety of the victims and the operating forces.

The captives – identified as Arsyad Dahlan, La Baa, Riswanto Hayono, Edi Lawalopo and Syarizal Kastamiran – were seized by six armed men as they were fishing in the waters off Lahad Datu in Sabah, Malaysia on Jan. 17.

The kidnappers took the victims to Sulu, the military said, adding that two of the suspects were killed in an encounter on an island off Parang town, three days after the kidnapping.

The military expressed belief the kidnappers might have handed over the victims to another group before the encounter broke out.

Sources said the captives were spotted two days after the military launched an airstrike and ground offensives in the hinterlands of Barangay Tambaking, Maimbung, where the followers of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Majan Sahijuan, alias Apo Mike, were believed hiding.

The group of Apo Mike has been tagged in the cross-border kidnapping, reportedly in connivance with a contact from Sabah, the source said.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/02/03/1989918/5-indonesian-captives-spotted-sulu

5 more suspects charged in Sagay massacre

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 3, 2020): 5 more suspects charged in Sagay massacre (By Jeffrey Damicog)

Five more persons were also charged with multiple counts of murder over the 2018 Sagay City massacre, the prosecutor’s office announced.
Aside from the two primary accused, Assistant State Prosecutor Ferdinand Fernandez said that the five persons charged were Dario Dayanan, Edgar Cabiles, Jethro Danoso, and two others only known as Regan and Klark.
“The five failed to attend the preliminary investigation and submit counter-affidavits,” explained Fernandez who assured that he gave them opportunities to respond to the allegations against them.

The multiple murder charges have been filed against seven persons before the Sagay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Negros Occidental in September last year after Fernandez found probable cause to indict them based on the murder complaint filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Fernandez was the one who conducted the preliminary investigation of the multiple murder complaint filed by the PNP against National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW) members Rene Manlangit and Rogelio Arquillo.

PNP later filed an amended complaint before Fernandez and included the five other respondents.

The case concerns the Oct. 20, 2018 killing of nine NFSW members inside Hacienda Nene in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.

The victims were allegedly enticed to join the NFSW and were manipulated by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) to occupy the property as part of Oplan Bungkalan and Okupasyon.

Fernandez conducted the preliminary investigation of the case from April to September in 2019 after the Sagay City Prosecutor and the Region VI Regional Prosecutor inhibited themselves from handling the preliminary investigation.

CPP: Condemn Duterte’s disregard for public health

CPP propaganda posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb3, 2020): Condemn Duterte’s disregard for public health



The Filipino people are on the receiving end of Rodrigo Duterte’s gross disregard for public health in the face of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus outbreak. Much like the indifference he has shown during recent calamities, Duterte spurned responsibility to take decisive action against the possible spread of the virus which has now hit dozens of countries.

Afraid of China’s admonition, Duterte has opted to secure his selfish interests over the people’s welfare. Only after widespread condemnation did he accede to a travel ban from the virus’ country of origin. This is belatedly after the World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency, and different governments have decidedly taken drastic measures to limit the spread of the virus.

Aggravating this is the dismal state of public health in the country, where the majority who are poor have no access to free public health services. Having decreased the health budget year upon year since taking power, the Duterte regime failed to fund enough medical experts and equipment to determine and treat highly contagious diseases.

The Communist Party of the Philippines holds the Duterte regime accountable for its negligence and ill-preparedness. The Party urges health-related people’s organizations to mobilize for widespread information campaign so as to take precautions and prevent panic among the masses. The Filipino people must push for government health subsidies most especially for the poor who are most vulnerable to medical disasters. They must also fight large pharmaceutical companies who are exploiting the situation and bleeding the people.

https://cpp.ph/2020/02/03/condemn-dutertes-disregard-for-public-health/

CPP/NDF-Ilocos: 81st IBPA launches opening salvo of 2020’s HRVs but people’s orgs resolute in further weakening the isolated Duterte regime

NDF-Ilocos propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 1, 2020): 81st IBPA launches opening salvo of 2020’s HRVs but people’s orgs resolute in further weakening the isolated Duterte regime

KA ROSA GUIDON
TAGAPAGSALITA
NDFP ILOCOS
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

FEBRUARY 01, 2020

The 81st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army (IBPA), together with La Union’s police force, started the year with something they do best: violating human rights. Borne out of constant practice, their opening salvo for this year’s wave of Red-tagging, harassment and intimidation is as good as perfected, especially against the unarmed populace.

Intensified human rights violations

The National Democratic Front – Ilocos Region decries the Philippine Army’s most recent spate of disregard for the basic rights of the people, more particularly to belong to an organization and to assemble peacefully. On January 23, in the municipality of Agoo, members of the 81st IBPA tagged TIMEK (or Tignayan ken Namnama dagiti Babassit a Mangngalap ti La Union) as having links with the Communist Party of the Philippines and thus an ‘enemy’ of the government. The group, which includes Civil Military Operations Head Capt. Rogelio Dumbrique, then asked for a list of members. They also told TIMEK leaders to alert them if there is anyone organizing a meeting.

Prior to this, on January 21, Sgt. Benito Queñano Imus Jr. and PFC Ken Cabutaje Raposas already visited the residence of a TIMEK leader. When asked what their business was, they intimidated that they were calling on him because they consider the organization as ‘hot.’ They refused to elaborate on what that meant.

On January 28, Sgt. Imus and a certain Cpl. Garcia arrived uninvited to the house of another TIMEK leader. Once again, they badgered the mass leader for a list of members but the latter also bravely and rightly refused to provide them with one.

As early as mid-November, the same elements have harassed leaders and members of TIMEK. The military checked their associations by showing them pictures of other Red-tagged individuals, illegally monitored their movements and took their pictures.

Similar incidents have and are also taking place in Ilocos Norte and Sur. Red-tagging and the assignation as ‘enemy’ of a fascist government such as Rodrigo Duterte’s is a prerequisite to intensified violations of human rights. It is the military’s twisted method of justification before resorting to extrajudicial steps where a dissenting individual could be silenced similar to the killing of Randy Malayao a year ago. Also, such summary executions cause terror that could spread among other revolutionary and progressive forces. Most recent example of this is Ilocos Sur Judge Mario Anacleto Bañez, the people’s judge who acquitted Rachel Mariano from false charges of being a member of the New People’s Army, after a year of unfair incarceration.

Duterte’s funeral

Herein lies the irony. Regardless of how intensely the military harasses the revolutionary and progressive forces of the region, the US-Duterte regime is already severely isolated from the masses and its downfall is likely, if not imminent. More importantly, it has no one to blame but itself for such outcome.

Beginning his presidential term as a novelty, he is now exposed as the most trapo of all trapos in the bureaucracy. Decomposing trash will always stink no matter how one tries to hide the rot. He worsened poverty in the country through neoliberal policies like the Rice Tariffication, TRAIN (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion) and onerous debt to China. He claimed the lives, livelihood and peace of millions of Filipinos through the Oplan Tokhang, Oplan Kapanatagan and Martial Law in Mindanao. He is currently under fire for his belated actions regarding the new strain of corona virus that could cause widespread illness and death amongst Filipinos.

Red-tagging, harassment and intimidation of mass leaders and organizers thus only serve to fan the flames of resistance. One or two voices might be silenced through state terrorism but revolutionary ideals persist in crowds of the oppressed, exploited and neglected. The spirit of struggle will never waver in the countryside where armed revolutionaries establish organs of democratic political power through agrarian reform and well-planned and well-executed military offensives. The US-Duterte regime, with the help of the military force supposed to protect it, is merely arranging its own funeral. Meanwhile, millions and millions of Filipinos in the countryside and in the cities continue to resolutely march towards a socialist victory. ###

https://cpp.ph/statement/81st-ibpa-launches-opening-salvo-of-2020s-hrvs-but-peoples-orgs-resolute-in-further-weakening-the-isolated-duterte-regime/

Kalinaw News: Agusan Del Sur town officials, Military Rally Community Support amidst continuing communist armed confli

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 3, 2020): Agusan Del Sur town officials, Military Rally Community Support amidst continuing communist armed conflict (By 60th Infantry (MEDIATOR) Battalion)



LORETO, Agusan Del Sur- A week into the on-going focused military operations of the 10th Infantry (AGILA) Division in Agusan del Sur—which resulted to the killing of several CPP-NPA terrorists and the recovery of numerous firearms, bombs, and subversive documents—the Local Government of Loreto initiated the conduct of community dialogues or “pulong-pulongsa barangay” in the conflict-affected areas and vulnerable adjacent communities of said town starting Saturday.

The activity was initiated to assist the affected communities cope with the consequences of the war brought about by the CPP-NPA’s terroristic and criminal atrocities in the area.

Leading the community dialogues herself is Loreto town Mayor, Lorife “Aping” Otaza-Magadan, who rallied her constituency to support and allow her administration to make true its promise of building a peaceful, orderly, and insurgency-free “Shine, Loreto! Bibo, Loreto!”

The consecutive community dialogues were held over the weekend in Sitio Moto, BrgyPoblacion and BrgyMagaud with some 700 residents in attendance.

The attendees raised their various issues particularly on the continuing harassment of CPP-NPA terrorists within their communities. Meanwhile, Mayor Magadan and the other LGU department heads present answered concerns pertaining to government services, programs, and projects.

Also taking part in the dialogues were Vice Mayor Randolph Plaza Jr. and members of Loreto’s SangguniangBayan; military officials; and some civil sector leaders.

1001st Infantry Brigade Commander, Colonel John Oberio,who is also the ground commander of the ongoing military operations here, expressed his confidence of the troops’ capability to “finish the war.” Oberio, however, also said that while the full might of the armed forces is at their disposal, “we can always choose to do this the peaceful way.”

In support, Lt. Col. Ronald Sarmiento of the 60th Infantry Battalion reassured the residents that while the military is determined to push through with its operations and defeat the armed CPP-NPA terrorists, those who would like to return to the folds of law only need to surface and voluntarily submit themselves to the authority.

“We have our BalikLoob Assistance Centers everywhere, you can surrender directly to the mayor, or you can ask your relatives to contact any one of us to facilitate your safe return. Avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program now. We guarantee your protection and we will help you go back to your families and resume your normal lives as soon as possible,” Sarmiento added.

Some tribal leaders and former rebels who benefitted from the government’s support in ridding of the CPP-NPA’s influence in their respective communities also gave their testimonies during the dialogues.

A few days earlier, BrgyBinucayan, another red-flagged area of the same town, declared the CPP-NPA-NDF and its front organizations “Persona Non Grata” in their barangay.






[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/agusan-del-sur-town-officials-military-rally-community-support-amidst-continuing-communist-armed-conflict/

Kalinaw News: 3 NPA rebels surrender

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 3, 2020): 3 NPA rebels surrender (By 73rd Infantry Battalion)



Malapatan, Sarangani Province – After a weeklong combat operation against Communist Terrorist launched by 1002Bde, Troops of Alpha Company Commander under 1st Lt. Fausto of the 73rd Infantry Batallion,welcomed another three (3) Communist Terrorist who voluntarily surrendered at Sitio Loot,Barangay Poblacion, Malapatan, Sarangani Province on Sunday early in the morning, February 02, 2020.

The Communist Terrorist rebel who are members of the Platoon South, Weakened Guerilla Front TALA, Far South Mindanao Region are Jemel D. Pondong @Rodel, Onil D. Pondong @Arnel, and Roger L. Balandan @Dab all of Sarangani Province. The surrenderees also turned over one (1) M1 Garand .30 Caliber.
The relentless offensive operation of the troops and encounter on January 29, 2020 at Sitio Manag-agol, Brgy Kinam. Malapatan, Sarangani Province that resulted to the death of two (2) Communist Terrorist pressured the surrenderees to flee and abandon their comrades. In addition, their decision to surrender was brought about by extreme anxiety, hunger, and fatigue from days of walking, and sleepless night.

“The return of the Communist Terrorist rebels to the folds of the law is the outcome of an effective combat operation, information provided by the populace and collaboration with civil authorities. We assured that the rebel returnees will be given financial assistance and livelihood package as part of the Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government to former rebel,” Lt. Col. Valdez 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]

Participatory Coconut Planting Project-ELCAC, PCA’s contribution to RTF-ELCAC 8

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 3, 2020): Participatory Coconut Planting Project-ELCAC, PCA’s contribution to RTF-ELCAC 8 (By PIA-8)

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PALO, Leyte, Feb. 2 (PIA) -- The Philippine Coconut Authority’s (PCA) contribution to the regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Region 8 (RTF-ELCAC 8) is the Participatory Coconut Planting Project - ELCAC implementation.

This was disclosed by Engr. Erwin Abonales during the January 31 meeting of the Association of Government Information Officers in Region 8 (AGIO-8) held at the DOST Regional Office.

The PCPP-ELCAC involves the giving of cash incentives to qualified farmer participants at P85 for every good seedling produced and stabilized in the field.

In 2019, PCA-8 was able to plant 286,000 coconut seedlings through PCPP-ELCAC. These were implemented in the 38 priority areas of RTF-ELCAC 8.

For 2020, Engr. Abonales disclosed that PCA-8 will implement the project in 75 priority barangays in Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte, NorthWest Leyte and Southern Leyte.

For each barangay, there will be 10 participants, 10 hectares area to be planted with 1,430 coconut seedlings. This will entitle each participant to get P121,550.

The budgetary requirement for the 75 barangays is P9,116,250.

For Eastern Samar, it will be implemented in Can-Avid’s three barangays, Pandol, Boco and Balagon.

In Northern Samar, it will be implemented in Barangays Magsaysay, Quirino, San Antonio, San Francisco and Perez in Las Navas town; Barangay Carry in Lope de Vega; San Jose in Mapanas town; and Barangay Cagmanaba in Mondragon.

In the province of Samar, it will be implemented at Barangay Macatindog in Calbayog City; Barangays Bulungan, Beri, Banangaran, Daligan, Sinalangtan, Canbagtic, Guinbanga, Caambungan, Hindang, Antol and San Mariano, Laya, Parog and Manaing in Calbiga town; and in Barangays Mabini, Loog, Maa and Canoolum in Basey town.

In the province of Leyte, the project will be implemented in 4 barangays of Burauen, 3 barangays in MacArthur and 1 barangay in Lapaz.

For Northwest Leyte, it will be implemented in 10 barangays in Albuera, 5 in Mahaplag, 5 in Hilongos, 2 in Hindang, 3 in Inopacan and 4 in Baybay.

In Southern Leyte, the project will be implemented in 4 barangays in Bontoc and 3 in Sogod town. (PIA-8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033850

Trader survives ambush in NoCot, kills 1 attacker

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 3, 2020): Trader survives ambush in NoCot, kills 1 attacker (By Noel Punzalan)



FOILED SLAY TRY. The vehicle Engr. Jade Omar Tayuan from Cotabato City with some bullet holes after he was ambushed by a motorcycle riding-in-tandem along the national highway in Pikit, North Cotabato on Sunday (Feb. 2, 2020). Tayuan escaped unharmed and managed to kill one of his two attackers by ramming the suspects' motorbike. (Photo courtesy of Jess Ali -DXMY Cotabato)

A businessman based in this city survived a broad daylight ambush in Pikit, North Cotabato, and managed to kill one of his two attackers on Sunday, police said.

Maj. Mautin Pangandigan, Pikit police office chief, said Engr. Jade Omar Tayuan, 50, of Peñafrancia Village, Barangay Rosary Heights 11 here was driving his red Mitsubishi Montero along the national highway in Pikit when he was attacked by two men onboard a motorbike at 1 p.m.


“Tayuan was unharmed in the ambush,” Pangandigan said adding that the former chased the suspects and rammed his vehicle to the motorbike, killing one of them in the process while his companion escaped.

Pangandigan identified the slain suspect as Antong Ibrahìm, alias Anthony Balindong, 20, of Sitio Migkampong, Barangay Batulawan, Pikit.

Pangandigan said the motive of the attack remains unknown as the investigation is still going on.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1092720

Army hunts down NPA rebels after S. Kudarat clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 3, 2020): Army hunts down NPA rebels after S. Kudarat clash (By Edwin Fernandez)



Google map of Senator Ninoy Aquino town in Sultan Kudarat province.
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- The military in Sultan Kudarat province launched Sunday a manhunt against a band of communist rebels who ambushed patrolling soldiers in Sen. Ninoy Aquino town over the weekend.

Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, said the clash late Friday last week
left three New People's Army (NPA) insurgents dead in a brief firefight in Barangay Bugso, Sen. Ninoy Aquino town.

Carreon said platoon-size troopers from 37th Infantry Battalion, led by Lt. Col. Roberto Go, were on patrol in the village when attacked by about 20 NPA rebels at 8 p.m.

“The incident triggered a 30-minute firefight that left three NPAs dead whose identities have yet to be ascertained,” Carreon said in a report released Monday.

He added soldiers clashed with communist insurgents from the NPA's Daguma Front, Far South Mindanao Regional Command under a certain Ka Rayray.


Carreon said that other Army units stationed in the hinterlands of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato have been mobilized against the rebels.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1092721

7 more ‘disgruntled’ NPA rebels yield in Sarangani

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 3, 2020): 7 more ‘disgruntled’ NPA rebels yield in Sarangani (By Richelyn Gubalani)



Lt. Col. Ronaldo Valdez, commanding officer of the Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion. (File photo courtesy of the 73IB)

Seven more “disgruntled” New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered over the weekend to government troops in Sarangani province.

Lt. Col. Ronaldo Valdez, commanding officer of the Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion (73IB), said
the rebels separately yielded voluntarily on Saturday and Sunday in Alabel and Malapatan towns.

He said four of the returnees were received by their troops Saturday morning in Sitio Lampasak, Barangay Alegria, Alabel.

They were identified as Ariel Tumbo alias “Justin,” Roger Fa alias “Bambo,” Ariel Fa alias “Jasper,” and Larry Campaan alias “Jasig,” all former members of Platoon North, Guerilla Front Tala of the NPA’s Far South Mindanao Region.


1Lt. Orestes Fausto, commander of the 73IB’s Alpha company, said the four initially sent surrender feelers last Jan. 30, two days after their platoon leader and another comrade yielded to troops in the area.

Alias “Yuhan,” commanding officer of Platoon North, and alias “Analyn,” its political and medical officer, voluntarily surrendered last Jan. 28 along with two high-powered firearms.

“They were mainly frustrated with the uncertainty of their cause and the involvement of their unit in extortion activities,” Fausto said in an interview on Sunday.

He said the extortion activities, which victimized even small sari-sari store owners, were reportedly ordered by the front’s commander identified only as “Ka Jerry.”

The four surrenderers have also gone tired of hiding in the mountains and pressured with the ongoing offensive operations against them, he said.

Meantime, the three other rebels reportedly surrendered early Sunday morning in Sitio Loot, Barangay Poblacion in Malapatan town.

The returnees, who turned over a .30-caliber M1 Garand rifle, were identified as Jemel Pondong alias “Rodel,” Onil Pondong alias “Arnel” and Roger Balandan alias “Dab.”
The three were listed as former members of Platoon South of the “weakened” Guerilla Front Tala.

In a statement, Valdez attributed their surrender to the relentless offensive operations of the 73IB and the encounter in Sitio Manag-agol, Barangay Kinam, Malapatan last Jan. 29 that resulted in the killing of two rebels.

He said it was also brought about by “extreme anxiety, hunger, and fatigue from days of walking, and sleepless nights.”

“This is the outcome of our effective combat operations and collaboration with concerned residents and local officials,” he said.

Valdez added that they will enlist the surrenderers to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP, which will provide them with financial and livelihood assistance as well as other support interventions from the government.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1092734

Lamitan schools reopen after decades of unrest

From the Philippine Star (Feb 1, 2020): Lamitan schools reopen after decades of unrest (John Unson) (Philstar.com)

The operation of schools in three areas in Lamitan City made dormant for decades by conflicts are again normal since 2018, restored through communal efforts by local sectors.

The now third-termer Lamitan City Mayor Rose Furigay said Saturday she mentioned of the feat in her state of the city address early this week.

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Looking back at 2019: Basilan becomes an investment frontier

The event, held at a public gymnasium in Lamitan City, was graced by traditional elders and elected leaders from the city’s 45 barangays, provincial dignitaries and representatives from the police and the military.

The schools in Barangays Bohebessey, Danit Puntucan and Simbangon were shut for decades due to troubles instigated by local extremist blocs and kidnap-for-ransom gangs.

Furigay said the schools were reopened through the cooperation of the local communities, the Lamitan City government and the security sector.

Furigay said one of several schools in the three areas, the Sabong Elementary School, closed for 19 years, was made functional again through the efforts of the LGU and Myra Mangkabung, the superintendent of schools in Lamitan City.

Furigay’s state of the city address, copies of which were received by media outfits in Region 9 and in the Bangsamoro region via email Saturday, also underscored their gains from two domestic initiatives addressing illiteracy — the Mastal and Lapis projects.

The Mastal Program, an alliance of students, teachers and learners, is presently helping 1,390 beneficiaries learn how to read through 201 volunteer tutors.

Mastal means teacher in the dialect of ethnic Yakans thriving in Lamitan City, the capital of Basilan, and in 11 towns in the province.

The second educational intervention, the Lapis Program, provides education to children of members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Barangays Baas and Lebuh, where there are government-recognized MILF enclaves covered by the group’s peace process with Malacañang.

Lapis is an acronym for Learning Acceleration for Peace and Inclusive Services, an education campaign supported by the Bangsamoro Ministry of Education via the Lamitan City Schools Division.

In a statement Saturday, Furigay said her state of the city address also reported to Lamitan City residents the awards the LGU got in recent years.

The Lamitan City LGU received from the office of Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año four Seal of Good Local Governance, or SGLG, in the past for years.

She said the city also received the 2018 Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Cities and Municipalities and got a Gawad Kalasag Award from the national government six times in recent years.

“Those were among several awards we got in the past years,” Furigay said.

Lamitan City, covering 45 barangays, is the capital of the now markedly peaceful Basilan, touted as the new investment frontier of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

A transnational firm, the Unifruitti, will start this year the setting up, along with local partners, of a 1,000-hectare Cavendish banana farm in Lamitan City.

The plantation shall employ no fewer than a thousand local residents if fully developed. 

AFP-CRS: CPP-NPA Members Neutralized in Sarangani

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jan 31, 2020): CPP-NPA Members Neutralized in Sarangani

CPP-NPA NEUTRALIZED. Two members of the New People's Army were killed in an encounter between the troops of 73rd Infantry Battalion and more or less 10 members of weakened Guerilla Front Tala of Far South Mindanao Region in Barangay Kinam, Malapatan, Sarangani Province.

Government troops also recovered one M16 rifle, one M653, assorted belongings, and subversive documents from the area.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

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[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: Iloilo Town Declares CPP-NPA as Persona Non-Grata

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jan 31, 2020): Iloilo Town Declares CPP-NPA as Persona Non-Grata

PERSONA NON-GRATA. The Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion under the leadership of LTC Joel Benedict Batara, PA lauded the bold action of Igbaras town in Iloilo against CPP-NPA Terrorist after passing a resolution declaring the group as persona-non-grata.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

Image may contain: possible text that says 'HUNTER 31ANUARY2020 ILOILO TOWN DECLARES CPP-NPA AS PERSONA NON-GRATA "Let us start our 2020 right. The terrorists are longer significant, and we do not want our children and the children of our children to become the next victims their selfish and bloody armed struggle. Let's do our share in making them forever irrelevant. LTCJOEL BENEDICT G BATARA (GSC) PA Commander, Infantry Battalion, 3ID, PA O CRSAFP ©crsafp afpcrs.com CiviRelationsServiceAFP #AFPyoucanTRUST'


[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: Groups, LGUs Join Hands to Denounce CPP-NPA Atrocities

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jan 31, 2020): Groups, LGUs Join Hands to Denounce CPP-NPA Atrocities

NO TO CPP-NPA. Anti-communist groups stage a rally at the Mendiola Peace Arc, Manila City. The groups are pressing the government to address the longstanding communist insurgency.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

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[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: Army and Shariff Aguak LGU 'Join Hands vs Violen Extremism

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jan 31, 2020): Army and Shariff Aguak LGU 'Join Hands vs Violen Extremism

NO TO EXTREMISM. COL Jose Narciso, PA , commander of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, emphasizes that violent extremism should have no place in peaceful communities of the province, during the symposium in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao. Officials of Shariff Aguak, led by Mayor Marop Ampatuan, vowed to work closely with the military to prevent violent extremism in the municipality.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

Image may contain: one or more people and 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: New ‘Agila Division’ commander assumes position

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jan 31, 2020): New ‘Agila Division’ commander assumes position

“We will continue to adopt innovative approaches, and evolve to overcome whatever challenges posed before this division. We will collectively strive for excellence as we carry out the unit’s mission with vigor and passion.”

MGEN REUBEN S BASIAO AFP
Commander, 10th Infantry Division, Philippine Army

#AFPyoucanTRUST

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: Tabak Division appoints female battalion commander

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jan 31, 2020): Tabak Division appoints female battalion commander

“I am ready to face the challenges ahead. The lessons I have gained in the service on responsibility, duty, trust and loyalty, all these I will carry throughout my military career.”

LtC Janet V Laurena GSC (SC) PA
Newly-Installed Commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Service Battalion, 1ID, PA

#AFPyoucanTRUST

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[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: Maute Group Supporter and Courier Yield to Army

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jan 30, 2020): Maute Group Supporter and Courier Yield to Army

MAUTE YIELDS. Farhan Salik, alias Orak, 20, and Alimoden Maunada, 38, surrendered to members of the Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion at around 3:30 p.m. at Barangay Gacap, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur.

The surrender happened two days after the encounter that transpired in the boundaries of Piagapo and Balindong on Friday.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

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[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: 840 CPP-NPA Members Surrender in Central, Northern Luzon

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jan 30, 2020): 840 CPP-NPA Members Surrender in Central, Northern Luzon

EO 70 HELPS SURRENDEREES. The implementation of the “Whole of Nation Approach” to end the local Communist armed conflict as the reason for the surrender of 840 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and supporters in the fourth quarter of 2019.

These LGUs and NGAs have worked with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in bringing about inclusive peace and sustainable development to the nation.

#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: First Female Commodore Appointed

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jan 30, 2020): First Female Commodore Appointed

PH NAVY’S FIRST. AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. (right) leads the donning ceremony for Commodore Luzviminda Camacho, one of the AFP's newly-promoted senior officials, in Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday (Jan. 28, 2020). Camacho made history as the first female Commodore (equivalent to Brigadier General or one-star rank in the Army, Air Force, and Marines) of the Philippine Navy. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

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[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: Active participation of LGUs

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jan 30, 2020): Active participation of LGUs

ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF LGU. Good governance, Maj. Gen. Jose Faustino 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.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

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[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.]