Army wants anti-NPA task forces in ‘peaceful’ villages

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2020): Army wants anti-NPA task forces in ‘peaceful’ villages (By Sarwell Meniano)



ANTI-NPA TEAM. Army officials join a meeting of the Eastern Visayas regional task force to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) at the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) office in Tacloban City on Feb. 17, 2020. The Philippine Army urged villages not affected by insurgency to consider creating their respective task forces for them not to be targeted for infiltration by the New People’s Army. (Photo courtesy of DILG)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army has urged villages not affected by insurgency to consider creating their respective task forces to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) for them not to become targets for infiltration by the New People’s Army (NPA).

Maj. Gen. Pio Diñoso III, commander of the Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division, said since all conflict-stricken towns and villages have created their task force against armed struggle, the next move is to bring the campaign to other areas.

“Almost all areas in the region have created their task force. Those that have not organized are towns and villages without threats. They should form the task force because they are the next target if the NPA could not penetrate areas previously under their influence,” Diñoso told the Philippine News Agency.

He reported that all the six provinces and seven cities in the Eastern Visayas Region have created the task force ELCAC. Out of 136 towns, about 130 towns have organized the inter-agency team. The Army is still consolidating reports from villages.

Earlier, government forces have identified 100 villages, mostly in Samar and Northern Samar provinces as priority for the anti-insurgency drive.

“More villages have been organizing task force ELCAC. The challenge is to reach out to villages in island municipalities but we are happy to achieve even just 80 percent of areas,” Diñoso said.

Local task force ELCAC is expected to oversee the provision of an efficient mechanism in addressing the root causes of insurgencies and other armed conflicts through the delivery of basic services and packages by the government.

The formation of the task force operationalizes Executive Order 70 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte on Dec. 4, 2018. The directive also institutionalizes a “whole-of-nation approach” in attaining an inclusive and sustainable peace.

Patterned after the national and regional task forces, the local body is composed of heads of local offices of the departments of the Interior and Local Government, Justice, Defense, Public Works, Budget, Finance, Agrarian Reform, Social Welfare, and Education, as well as the military, police, local communication office, and private sector representatives.

At the village level, the task force is composed of members of the barangay peace and order council and community-based organizations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094644

Army wants anti-NPA task forces in ‘peaceful’ villages

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2020): Army wants anti-NPA task forces in ‘peaceful’ villages (By Sarwell Meniano)



ANTI-NPA TEAM. Army officials join a meeting of the Eastern Visayas regional task force to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) at the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) office in Tacloban City on Feb. 17, 2020. The Philippine Army urged villages not affected by insurgency to consider creating their respective task forces for them not to be targeted for infiltration by the New People’s Army. (Photo courtesy of DILG)
The Philippine Army has urged villages not affected by insurgency to consider creating their respective task forces to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) for them not to become targets for infiltration by the New People’s Army (NPA).

Maj. Gen. Pio Diñoso III, commander of the Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division, said since all conflict-stricken towns and villages have created their task force against armed struggle, the next move is to bring the campaign to other areas.
“Almost all areas in the region have created their task force. Those that have not organized are towns and villages without threats. They should form the task force because they are the next target if the NPA could not penetrate areas previously under their influence,” Diñoso told the Philippine News Agency.

He reported that all the six provinces and seven cities in the Eastern Visayas Region have created the task force ELCAC. Out of 136 towns, about 130 towns have organized the inter-agency team. The Army is still consolidating reports from villages.

Earlier, government forces have identified 100 villages, mostly in Samar and Northern Samar provinces as priority for the anti-insurgency drive.

“More villages have been organizing task force ELCAC. The challenge is to reach out to villages in island municipalities but we are happy to achieve even just 80 percent of areas,” Diñoso said.

Local task force ELCAC is expected to oversee the provision of an efficient mechanism in addressing the root causes of insurgencies and other armed conflicts through the delivery of basic services and packages by the government.

The formation of the task force operationalizes Executive Order 70 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte on Dec. 4, 2018. The directive also institutionalizes a “whole-of-nation approach” in attaining an inclusive and sustainable peace.

Patterned after the national and regional task forces, the local body is composed of heads of local offices of the departments of the Interior and Local Government, Justice, Defense, Public Works, Budget, Finance, Agrarian Reform, Social Welfare, and Education, as well as the military, police, local communication office, and private sector representatives.

At the village level, the task force is composed of members of the barangay peace and order council and community-based organizations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094644

Army brigade launches ‘new life, new hope’ program for ex-rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2020): Army brigade launches ‘new life, new hope’ program for ex-rebels (By Edwin Fernandez)



NORMAL LIVES. Army officials and former Moro rebels pose after the launching on Sunday (Feb. 23, 2020) of the military-led Returnee Comprehensive Aftercare Program in North Cotabato province that aims to give new lease on life to former Moro rebels. At least 20 former members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters availed of the program. (Photo courtesy of 602Bde)

The Army's 602nd Infantry Brigade (602nd IBde) has launched a program to help former Moro rebels integrate better into mainstream society.
Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, commander of the 602nd IBde based in Carmen, North Cotabato, said the Returnee Comprehensive Aftercare Program (RCAP) launched Sunday aims to provide livelihood, healthcare and educational assistance to former combatants of Moro secessionist groups.

Capulong said RCAP is in line with the government's “whole-of-nation approach,” which seeks to institutionalize a holistic approach in addressing the insurgency problem at the local level.

He describes RCAP as a comprehensive program involving various government agencies working together to help locals "who were duped into joining a movement with a lost cause” but who have decided to return to the fold of the law.
Initially, Capulong said some 20 former members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have been identified as beneficiaries of the program.

During the program's launching, Capulong encouraged the former rebels to avail of RCAP's housing programs and other interventions.

“I see you before as brave men, but now you are braver than before because you succeeded in turning your back against terrorist groups,” Capulong said.

He also appealed to the rebels still in the mountains to come down and avail of government assistance and live in peace with their families.

“Let us join hands in bringing peace in our communities,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094643

2 Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in Sulu clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2020): 2 Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in Sulu clash (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



Google map of Patikul town, Sulu.

Two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits died while two soldiers were wounded following a firefight in the province of Sulu, a top military said Monday.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the encounter broke out around 1 p.m. Sunday in Barangay Bakong, Patikul, Sulu, when the troops belonging to the Army’s 15th Scout Ranger Company chanced upon the groups of Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sahiron and sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan.

Sobejana said the firefight resulted in the death of ASG bandits Taullah Abdurasa alias Amah Ollah, a sub-leader, and Baby Ollah.

The troops also recovered two high-powered firearms belonging to the slain Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Sobejana said the two wounded soldiers, whose names were not immediately available, are currently undergoing treatment.

“Pursuit and deliberate offensives continue to pressure and pound down Abu Sayyaf fighters, constricting their movement and preempting terror ploys in the ZamBaSulTa (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi) area,” Sobejana said.

“We are building up combat and intelligence operations to debilitate the militants in Sulu,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094652

3 Davao de Oro towns declare CPP-NPA persona non grata

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2020): 3 Davao de Oro towns declare CPP-NPA persona non grata (By Che Palicte)



UNWELCOME. A graphic produced by the Army's 71st Infantry Battalion shows the declaration of the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army as persona non grata by three Davao de Oro towns last week. The towns are Mawab, Mabini, and Pantukan.

Three municipalities in Davao de Oro have declared the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) as persona non grata, the Army's 71st Infantry Battalion (71IB) said Monday.

All barangays in Mawab town declared the communist rebel movement "unwelcome" last Tuesday (February 18), followed by Mabini town on Wednesday (February 19), and in Pantukan on Friday (February 21).

2Lt. Kim Carlos, 71IB civic-military operations officer, said Monday the rejection of CPP-NPA by all the villages of the three towns showed that the locals are "fed up with the presence of the rebel group in their communities."

“The residents in the three municipalities declared that CPP-NPA is no longer welcome in their localities. It implies that they will no longer support financially, logistically as well as on the human resource,” Carlos told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

He also noted the declaration's impact on the government's campaign to end local communist armed conflict, pointing out that the rebel group mainly depends on the support of mass bases.

During the declaration ceremonies, Carlos said the barangay leaders handed over their respective barangay resolutions declaring the CPP-NPA as persona non-grata to their municipal officials, which were then turned over to Lt. Col. Sonny Gonzales, commander of 71IB.

“The declaration of persona non grata adheres to the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to end local armed conflicts through the whole-of-nation approach. By declaring the Reds unwelcome in all the barangays of the said municipalities, residents took part in the campaign as they made a stand that they no longer welcome these insurgents in their communities nor support them in any form,” Gonzales said.

In Mawab town, Mayor Ruperto Gonzaga III said it was "the right time to end the insurgency," noting that the CPP-NPA has been waging war against the government for 51 years.

For his part, Pantukan Mayor Roberto Yugo called on residents to "unite and stand with President Duterte’s call" to attain lasting peace.

“Gone are the days that we leave the work on ending insurgency to the uniformed men. It is our duty as public servants and as residents of Pantukan to end the insurgency," Yugo said.

On the other hand, Mabini Mayor Reynaldo Dayanghirang, whose town was the first to activate Municipal Tasked Force to End of Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) and deployed Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) last year, said they aim to eliminate potential security threats from the insurgents by "addressing social issues and delivering basic services, especially in conflict-affected areas."

“I urge everyone to be committed and sincere in not welcoming these rebels, for this is an opportune time to do this, more so that we have leaders in public office who have a strong will in putting an end to insurgency,” Dayanghirang said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094689

Military, police on alert vs. ASG new kidnap plans

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2020): Military, police on alert vs. ASG new kidnap plans (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.) 



ZAMBOANGA CITY --Government forces have been alerted on the reported plans of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits to abduct more victims in Jolo, the capital of Sulu province, an official said.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said Monday that intelligence reports point to ASG bandits deploying fighters to stage abductions in Jolo, the trading center of the province.

“There is no specific number of ASG bandits (sent to Jolo) but we, in partnership with the police and local government unit (of Jolo) are working closely to thwart their plans,” Sobejana said.

Last February 4, the ASG bandits seized Dr. Daniel Moreno from his clinic in Barangay Walled City, Jolo. Sobejana said there is no ransom demand yet in exchange for the release of Moreno.

Sobejana said they are looking into the possibility that the Abu Sayyaf bandits abducted Moreno to treat bandit sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, who is suffering from tuberculosis.

“We are not letting out guards down. In fact, there was an encounter yesterday (February 23) wherein two Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed while two soldiers wounded,” he said.

He said one of two slain ASG bandit was a sub-leader who was killed in a firefight in Barangay Bakong, Patikul, Sulu. The two wounded soldiers belong to the Army’s 15th Scout Ranger Company, which is under the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094698

Army welcomes surrender of NPA members in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2020):Army welcomes surrender of NPA members in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)



NEW LIFE. Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel (right), commander of the Army's 36th Infantry Battalion, welcomes JR, a former New People's Army combatant during his surrender on Sunday (February 23) in Tago municipality, Surigao del Sur. The Army official is calling on the remaining rebels in the province to come down from the mountains and live a peaceful life with their families. (Photo courtesy of 3IB) 

The Philippine Army in Surigao del Sur welcomed the surrender of two members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) on Sunday (February 23).

In a statement Monday, Captain Jonald Romorosa, civil-military operations (CMO) officer of the Army's 36th Infantry Battalion, identified the NPA members only as "JR", 32, and "Jay", 33, both residents of San Miguel town and members of the Manobo tribe.
Romorosa said the two NPA rebels surrendered at the 36IB headquarters in Barangay Dayoan, Tago municipality.

JR, a combatant under the NPA's Guerrilla Front 19, turned over an M16 rifle and ammunition, while Jay, an assistant team leader of the rebels' militia unit, surrendered a .45-caliber pistol and ammunition.

“They voluntarily surrendered because they could no longer endure the hardships inside the communist movement,” Romorosa said.

Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel, 36IB commander, attributed the surrender to the support of the leaders of the Manobo tribe in the province. He added that the Army's development interventions in conflict-affected communities have also helped convince rebels to return to the fold of the law.

Moreover, Diagmel said the "relentless military operations" in areas known to have NPA presence have also constrained the movements of the rebels.

Diagmel said he hopes the NPA combatants in Surigao del Sur "are now aware of the genuine offer of the government towards achieving peace and development”.

“Surrender and lay down your arms, return to the folds of the law and live in normal and productive lives. Help the government to achieve a long and lasting peace that every peace-loving Surigaonons are longing for,” Diagmel said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094704

Army, IP leaders hit NPA attack on civilians in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2020): Army, IP leaders hit NPA attack on civilians in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)



NPA VICTIM. A soldier from the Army's 3rd Special Forces Battalion provides first aid to one of the three civilians wounded when the communist New People’s Army fired an M203 grenade launcher in Sitio Emerald, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga town, Surigao del Sur on February 21, 2020. Army officials and tribal leaders denounced the attack. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 3rdSpecial Forces Battalion)

The Philippine Army and leaders of indigenous peoples (IPs) in Surigao del Sur have condemned the latest atrocity committed by the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in the province.

In a statement on Monday (February 24), Col. Allan Hambala, commander of the Army's 401st Infantry Brigade, said the NPA attack on civilians in Lianga town on February 21 wounded three civilians, including a five-year-old boy.

Hambala said the rebels fired an M203 grenade launcher on a community in Sitio Emerald, Barangay Diatagon. The wounded civilians were identified as Andrea Gallergo, 55, Marimar Terse, 19, and a 5-year-old girl.

The Army official described the attack as an act of desperation, saying the communist rebels "are losing" support in Surigao del Sur".


He said the attack "will not stop the Army from doing its best to deliver the basic social services the people deserve in Andap Valley Complex, especially now that the momentum is in favor of the government”.

Following the incident, the community support teams of the Army's 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) provided first aid to the wounded civilians.

Datu Hawudon Jumar Bucales, the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Lianga town, denounced the NPA attack, saying that it only sowed fear among the residents in the area.

For years, Bucales said the NPA has been harassing civilians in Lianga, especially the tribal communities. He also asked the government to establish more military patrol bases in the area and in neighboring tribal communities to deter NPA attacks.

Lt. Col. Joey Baybayan, 3SFBn commander, also condemned the incident, saying they obtained earlier information that the rebels were planning attacks in coordination with another tribal group linked to the NPA.

Baybayan was referring to the Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU), whose members allegedly met with the rebels on January 22 to plan harassments against the civilians in the area.

Baybayan said the information was provided to the Army by a certain "Uway", a member of the Manobo tribe who asked not to be identified for security reasons.

He said Uway was present during a meeting of MAPASU and NPA leaders detailing the plan to launch a series of harassments on the tribal communities in the area.

“The information provided to us and the recent incident signifies that the plans of MAPASU and CNTs (Communist New People’s Army Terrorists) already materialized,” the Army official said.

He pointed out that the NPA also attacked last February 19 an employee of the provincial government working to rehabilitate a farm-to-market road in the area

“We will continue our work to attain peace and development despite the CNTs’ threats. The harassments will only fuel the anger of the people on them. The atrocious acts to hamper the ongoing development in Diatagon will backfire on them,” Baybayan said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094706

NoCot cops arrest wanted NPA, drug peddler in separate ops

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2020): NoCot cops arrest wanted NPA, drug peddler in separate ops (By Edwin Fernandez)



CHECKPOINT INSPECTION. A police officer and a traffic enforcer in Magpet town, North Cotabato, inspect a motorist on the national highway as part of security measures against criminal elements. The heightened security measure came after police arrested a suspected communist guerilla and top drug personality of Alamada town in the same province on Monday (Feb. 24, 2020). (Photo courtesy of Magpet MPS)

Police in North Cotabato arrested on Monday a suspected member of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and a drug peddler during separate law enforcement operations in the province.

Colonel Maximo Layugan, North Cotabato police director, said Larry Bala, the sixth most wanted person in Magpet, North Cotabato, was arrested by the local police at 8 a.m. in Barangay Noa of the town.

Layugan said Bala, 45, was arrested following a tipoff from a concerned citizen.
“He has standing warrants for attempted murder, frustrated murder, and theft,” Layugan said.

Meanwhile, the Alamada town police and agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested Monday morning Arnold Macaya Misamen in drug buy-bust operation.

“Misamen is the most wanted drug personality of Alamada,” Layugan said.

Misamen, 40, yielded a sachet of suspected shabu, shabu paraphernalia, and other pieces of evidence when arrested around 10 a.m. in Barangay Bao, Alamada.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094720

Karapatan hit for spreading false claims vs. Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25, 2020): Karapatan hit for spreading false claims vs. Army (By Alexander Lopez)



FALSE ACCUSATION. The statement of Karapatan in the Caraga Region (left) directly contradicts the declaration (right) issued by the victims of the attack of the New People’s Army (NPA) last February 21 in Sitio Emerald, Diatagon, Surigao del Sur. Military officials in the area said the claims of the group are false and misleading. (Photo courtesy of 3rd Special Forces Battalion, Army)

The Philippine Army on Monday slammed the group Karapatan in the Caraga Region for falsely accusing the Community Support Teams (CSTs) of harassments of the civilians in Sitio Emerald, Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.
In a statement, 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) commander Lt. Col. Joey B. Baybayan said Karapatan Caraga only showed their deceptive tactics and link to the communist New People’s Army (NPA) by maliciously spreading false news through their official Facebook account by accusing the Army of harassment of civilians in the area.
“Karapatan Caraga’s statement is a concrete proof that they are protectors of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) as they falsely accused the military of harassment instead of condemning the atrocious acts of the CNTs who harassed the civilians,” Baybayan said.

In an urgent alert posted on their Facebook account last February 22, Karapatan Caraga accused the military, particularly the 9th Special Forces Company (9SFCom) of 3SFBn, and the forces of 75th and 36th Infantry Battalions of firing at the civilian community in Diatagon and the throwing of a grenade at the house of a certain Naldo Calipay in the same place last February 21.

Karapatan Caraga added that civilians were hurt during the said attack, to include the five-year-old son of Naldo Calipay and the 55-year-old and 19-year-old women that they did not identify.

Baybayan said the Facebook post of Karapatan Caraga contradicted the statement issued by the victims themselves who declared that they were hit by an M203 grenade launcher fired upon by NPA rebels who attacked the Army troopers last February 21.

The statement was signed by victims Andrea Gallergo, 55; Marimar Terse, 19; and Reynafe Calipay, 5, through his mother Marife Calipay on the same day.

The victims said they were aided by the forces of 9SFCom after the attack and brought them to Lianga District Hospital for medical treatment.

They added that they signed and issued the statement on their own free will without being forced or intimidated.

“While Karapatan guise themselves as protectors of human rights, they cannot even denounce the human rights violations committed by the CNTs. Instead, they continue to cover up the CNT atrocities and discredit the Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) and the military. Isn’t that an obvious indication of their deceitful nature?” Baybayan asked.

The statement of Karapatan was also dismissed by Col. Allan Hambala, the commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade of the Army.

“The name Karapatan does not fit on them but liars because they deprive the people and the nation of the truth by propagating false information as part of their propaganda strategy to gain popular support,” Hambala said.

Karapatan, he added, is unfortunate this time as the people are already aware of their ill motives and deceptive strategies.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094777

41 Navy officers get higher rank

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25, 2020): 41 Navy officers get higher rank (By Priam Nepomuceno)



PROMOTED. Forty-one newly-promoted senior officers of the Philippine Navy (PN) pose for a photo opportunity after the donning ceremony at the PN headquarters on Monday (Feb. 24, 2020). The number includes 27 Navy officers promoted to the rank of Captain and 14 members of the Philippine Marines promoted to the rank of Colonel. (Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)

A total of 41 senior officers of the Philippine Navy (PN) were promoted to the ranks of Captain and Marine Colonel in a donning ceremony on Monday.

Navy flag-officer-in-command, Rear Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo led the ceremony at the PN headquarters in Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

“The milestone you have achieved today is the reward of the extra effort you put into your work, the sacrifices you continually endure to serve more and the sterling performance and excellent service you have done for our Navy,” he added.

The group is composed of 27 officers from PN and 14 troops from the Philippine Marines.

A donning of ranks ceremony is a time-honored military tradition for newly-promoted officers in recognition of the turning point in their respective careers. It is also a call for them to become more prudent in their duties which comes with higher ranks.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094761

AFP chief gets honorary Special Forces Badge

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25, 2020): AFP chief gets honorary Special Forces Badge (By Priam Nepomuceno)



AFP chief, Gen. Felimon Santos, Jr. (Photo courtesy of Army Special Forces)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., received an honorary Special Forces Badge for presiding over the opening of three Special Operations Courses in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija Monday.

These are the Basic Airborne Course Class 127-2020; Jump Master Course Class 82; and Parachute Packing Course 40-20.

The Special Forces Badge, shaped like a shield, symbolizes the duty of every Special Forces Trooper to protect the people and liberate the oppressed.

Santos, in his speech, said he will “wear the badge with pride” and told the students to do their best in their respective courses.

He added that the skills they will be gain from the course should be utilized in order to support the organization’s overall goal.

Prior to his visit to Special Forces headquarters in Fort Magsaysay, Santos visited his former command, the 7th Infantry Division, where he was warmly welcomed by his former colleagues.

Santos was appointed as 7th Infantry Division commander in October 2017 before being promoted as Eastern Mindanao Command head in January 2019, a position he held prior to becoming AFP chief in January this year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094769

BRP Jose Rizal's 6th sea trial 'generally satisfactory'

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25, 2020): BRP Jose Rizal's 6th sea trial 'generally satisfactory' (By Priam Nepomuceno)



BRP Jose Rizal. (File photo)

The sixth sea acceptance trial of the Philippine Navy (PN)'s first-ever missile frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), was generally satisfactory.

"The 6th Sea Acceptance Trial (SAT) of BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) conducted in Ulsan, South Korea on 16-22 February 2020 was generally satisfactory according to the Frigate Acquisition Project, Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee headed by Rear Admiral Alberto B. Carlos," said PN public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, in a message late Monday.

Roxas said the sixth sea trials focused on weapons and sensors, vessel performance, and integrated platform management system.

"To be more specific, it demonstrated the warfare and operational capabilities of the frigate," she added.

Roxas declined to give further details on the matter, adding that the data given above is "only releasable information" for the moment.

She added that the delivery date of the BRP Jose Rizal remains unchanged at "tentatively 3rd week of April 2020".

The ship's fifth sea trials, which involved the firing of its Oto Melara Super Rapid 76mm main gun, took place successfully last February 12.

The third and fourth sea trials took place in the third week of January and involved testing the communications and navigational equipment of the BRP Jose Rizal which also went successful.

The ship's first and second sea trials took place last November and December involved the vessel's general seaworthiness and propulsion and associated systems, including its radars, respectively.

BRP Jose Rizal has a maximum designed speed of 25 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots and a range of 4,500 nautical miles.

The sea trials are the last phase of construction prior to the frigate’s delivery to the Philippines.

BRP Jose Rizal was launched at the Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in Ulsan May 23, 2019.

The contract for the BRP Jose Rizal and its sister ship, the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), is placed at PHP16 billion with another PHP2 billion for weapon systems and munitions.

These ships are capable of conducting anti-air warfare (AAW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and electronic warfare (EW) operations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094765

OPAPP condemns NPA ambush on ex-rebel in Sorsogon

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2020): OPAPP condemns NPA ambush on ex-rebel in Sorsogon



Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process has strongly condemned the killing of rebel returnee Antonio Benzon Jr. by members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. blasted the duplicitous nature of the CPP-NPA, which is carrying out such gruesome attacks but at the same time are calling for the resumption of peace talks with the government.

“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,” Galvez said.

Benzon, who had only recently left the communist group and returned to the fold of the law, was shot dead in Barangay Colambis, Casiguran, Sorsogon last Saturday.

The CPP-NPA has claimed responsibility for Benzon’s death.
Black propaganda

According to Galvez, the CPP-NPA’s portrayal of Benzon as a traitor and criminal is yet another attempt to discredit the government’s “whole-of-nation'' approach to end local communist armed conflict.

The Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration program (E-CLIP) and Localized Peace Engagements (LPE) are among the mechanisms being implemented under the whole-of-nation approach.

Through LPEs, local governments units and other stakeholders in the community take the lead in finding solutions to address the armed rebellion in their areas. Hundreds of CPP-NPA rebels across the country have returned to the fold of the law because of these LPEs.

“The government’s multi-pronged response to the communist insurgency is gaining ground. We are showing the rebels, their families and their communities that we are sincere in addressing pressing issues they are confronting,” Galvez said. “This is why the CPP-NPA leadership is doing everything to picture the government in a bad light. We are rendering the CPP-NPA irrelevant.”

He challenged the CPP-NPA to substantiate their claims against Benzon and the other rebel returnees and members of indigenous peoples (IP) groups whom they have killed.

“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 ends,” Galvez said.

A spate of violence

Over the past several months, the CPP-NPA has been calling for a resumption of the stalled peace talks. It has even branded the government as among the “peace spoilers” because it will not give in to their unconstitutional preconditions.

And while the communist group was making such calls for peace, its armed wing, NPA, continued to kill law enforcers and civilians.

On December 15, 2019, around 50 members of the CPP-NPA ambushed a police patrol car in Borongan City, Eastern Samar.

Patrolman Mark Jerome Sugalan Rama, as well as civilians Agripena Avilla Traboco and Anthony Balayanto died during the attack, while 15 others were wounded.

On December 23, 2019, two police officers were injured during an improvised explosive device attack in Tubungan, Iloilo, on the eve of the implementation of the holiday truce between the government and the CPP-NPA.

At the start of the New Year, the CPP-NPA killed two IP leaders in Mindanao, while a ceasefire agreement between the rebel group and the government was still in effect.

In Cabanglasan, Bukidnon, IP Mandatory Representative Datu Sammy Diwangan was shot dead for his firm opposition to the ongoing recruitment by the CPP-NPA in his area.

In Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, Higaonon tribe leader Bontola T. Mansinugdan was abducted and killed by the rebels. Mansinugdan and his 11-year-old son were out gathering frogs in the Kinabonglohan River for New Year’s Day when the father was murdered.

The cost of peace

Galvez said there is no rationale behind the killing being committed by the communist insurgents, as he pointed out that there is a wide disconnect between what the communist group is saying and what it is actually doing.

“Are the killings aimed to pressure the government to finally engage the CPP-NPA in peace talks? Because if that is the reason, their methods are entirely flawed as their ideology,” he said.

He said the government will strengthen the implementation of policies and programs that will uplift the lives of the people who are affected by the armed rebellion.

“We will continue delivering livelihood and other socio-economic interventions to the people. Violence will never be a valid excuse for taking the lives of others. Clearly, this is not the path towards achieving just and lasting peace,” he said. (PR)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094679

Duterte names Jesus Durante as new PSG commander

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2020): Duterte names Jesus Durante as new PSG commander (By Azer Parrocha)



President Rodrigo R. Duterte

President Rodrigo Duterte has named Army Col. Jesus Durante as the next commander of the Presidential Security Group (PSG), a Palace official said on Monday.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea confirmed to reporters that Durante will be replacing Brig. Gen. Jose Niembra in a ceremony at Malacañang Park in Manila on Tuesday afternoon.

Durante currently heads the presidential escorts. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1992.
According to a statement from the official PSG website, outgoing PSG commander Niembra is expected to assume a new post as Brigade Commander of the 701st Infantry Brigade, 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, stationed in Mati, Davao Oriental.

Niembra was appointed PSG commander on May 30, 2019.

Prior to his appointment as PSG commander, he served as part of Task Force Davao when Duterte was still the city mayor.

During his term as PSG chief, he upgraded PSG’s security to ensure Duterte's protection.

He made significant changes in PSG such as placing radio-frequency identification (RFID) access at entry points and constructing new facilities aligned with the government’s “Build Build Build” program.

He also was responsible for the procurement of highly capable tactical equipment.

Niembra also encouraged consistent participation of PSG troopers in clean-up drives along Manila Bay, Davao coastline, and Pasig River as well as tree-planting activities; medical and dental missions in nearby communities; and relief operations for victims of natural catastrophes.

He also allowed PSG troopers to participate in Brigada Eskwela for neighboring educational institutions; gave support to physically challenged children and welfare of women; spearheaded leadership capacity building for the youth around Malacañang; and held festivities that nourished the cultural roots of troopers and in other localities.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094699

Japan provides $2.12-M aid for Bangsamoro solar power

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2020): Japan provides $2.12-M aid for Bangsamoro solar power (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)



SOLAR POWER. Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda delivers his remarks after the signing of documents and exchange of notes with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) held at the Japan Embassy in Manila on Monday (Feb. 24, 2020). Japan is partnering with the IOM to strengthen the health care services in BARMM through the provision of solar power generation systems. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan) 

The Japanese government is providing at least USD2.12 million for the provision of solar power generation systems in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The "Project for the Capacity Building of Bangsamoro Transition Authority for Strengthening Health Care Services in Remote Islands", an initiative focused on Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, will be implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and is seen to help health facilities in the provinces reduce daytime electricity costs as well as running costs incurred in the use of diesel-fueled generators.

Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda and IOM Chief of Mission Kristin Marie Dadey signed on Monday the exchange of notes at the Japan Embassy in Manila.

Dadey thanked Tokyo for the assistance, saying the project would contribute to promoting peace and prosperity in the region as she cited the “hundreds of thousands of Moros” who have been migrating for decades to escape conflict and poverty.

"This action provides critical material support to Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, and sends a strong message of solidarity with those vulnerable communities, who often feel marginalized or forgotten, and decide to resort to extreme actions or undertake the risks of unsafe migration out of despair," she said in her speech.

Haneda, for his part, is hopeful the project would spur productivity, social cohesion, and access to health among the residents of the three provinces.

“For all the time Japan successfully carried out our official development assistance, we recognize that there’s only so much we can do on our own. Hence, we seek close coordination with partner countries and organizations that have first-hand knowledge and expertise on the ground,” he said, referring to the IOM and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Aside from the IOM-Japan partnership, Haneda and the UNFPA on Monday also signed the exchange of notes for a USD1.35-million project that will support transition and peacebuilding efforts in BARMM.

"The Bangsamoro region may have a long way to go, but the Government of Japan-- by itself and through such committed partnerships-- will be with the region throughout the process," the envoy said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094713

Tokyo inks $1.35-M project for ex-combatants in BARMM

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2020): Tokyo inks $1.35-M project for ex-combatants in BARMM (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)



CAPACITY-BUILDING. Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Haneda Koji shakes hands with UNFPA country representative Iori Kato during the signing of USD1.35-million capacity-building projects in Bangsamoro. Together with the two is International Organization for Migration Chief of Mission Kristin Marie Dadey. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

Japan on Monday inked a USD1.35-million project for the reintegration of former women combatants in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The project, which will be implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), will assist former female members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (MILF-BIAF) by “transforming them into the community-level service providers as para-social workers to provide psychosocial support to the survivors of gender-based violence.”

“The concept of this project was indeed born out of a common notion shared by Japan and UNFPA that empowering women and girls, ending gender-based violence, and ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health are keys to building peace, eradicating poverty and enhancing resilience,” UNFPA Country Representative Iori Kato said.

Kato said the funding will also assist the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) in reducing maternal mortality and enhancing family planning in line with the BARMM’s development plan.

The BTA is the governing body established to supervise the transition from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to the new Bangsamoro government in 2022.

“By the end of this initiative, we hope to see a pool of empowered former female soldiers, able to rejoin society as equipped individuals with much potential,” Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda said.

Meanwhile, he assured that Japan will continue to provide support in building healthier communities towards peace and development in Mindanao.

“We hold firm to our clear vision of a peaceful and prosperous Bangsamoro Region where no one is left behind,” the envoy said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094724