Kalinaw News: New batch of FRs received ECLIP benefits

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 28, 2020): New batch of FRs received ECLIP benefits (By Kalinaw News)



Mawab, Davao de Oro – Amidst corona virus pandemic, the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program through Department of Interior and Local continues to extend its program to 40 former rebels (FRs) at Old Session Hall, Capitol, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro on May 26, 2020, Tuesday.

Among the 40 ECLIP beneficifaries, 6 of them are surrenderors of 71st IB who received a total amount of Php390,000.

Alyas Norma, a female recruit of the NPA who surrender through the help of Mayor Rupet Gonzaga on February 2019 expressed her gratitude, “I owe the chance to live peacefully with my family to the government. Also, I am grateful for the assistance provided through ECLIP in order for me to start anew.”

It can be recalled that Alyas Norma is a recruit of his own father who was killed by his own NPA comrade. Upon his death, the government provided for his burial,which gives @Norma a realization to surrender.

LTC SONNY GONZALES, acting Commanding Officer of 71st IB said, “The Army together with other government agencies and private sectors has been working hand-in-hand not only to serve during the pandemic but also to continue all other services as mandated. As we remain true to our service, peace is possible through convergence.”

[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/new-batch-of-frs-received-eclip-benefits/

Kalinaw News: Joint AFP-PNP Marijuana Eradication isinagawa sa Mountain Province

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 28, 2020): Joint AFP-PNP Marijuana Eradication isinagawa sa Mountain Province (By 5th Infantry Division)



CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela – Ang pinagsanib na pwersa ng 54th Infantry (Magilas) Battalion, Sagada MPS/PNP, Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, PDEA CAR at ibat-ibang ahensya ng Gobyerno ay matagumpay na isinagawa ang Marijuana eradication sa Brgy. Fidelisan, Sagada, Mountain Province noong ika-24 ng Mayo 2020 na nagresulta sa pagkadiskubre at pagkawasak ng dalawang plantasyon ng Marijuana na may kabuuang sukat na 60 square meters na matatagpuan sa lupaing pangkomunidad.

Naisagawa ang operasyon dahil sa tulong at sumbong ng mga residente na may plantasyon ng Marijuana sa nasabing lugar kung saan agad namang binigyang aksyon ng mga awtoridad at nakapagbunot sila ng 230 punla ng “Fully Grown Marijuana” na nagkakahalaga ng Php 92,000.00.

Hindi man naabutan ng mga operatiba ang mga nagtanim nito ay nagpapasalamat pa rin ang mga mamamayan ng Brgy. Fidelisan, Sagada sa pagkakadiskubre ng mga taniman ng naturang ipinagbabawal na gamot.

Pinuri naman ni MGen Pablo M Lorenzo, Commander, 5th Infantry (STAR) Division ang matagumpay na pinagsanib-pwersa ng mga kasundaluhan at mga kapulisan sa tulong at pakikipag-ugnayan sa iba’t-ibang ahensya ng gobyerno. “Tunay na malaki ang magagawa natin kung tayo ay patuloy na magkaisa para sa iisang hangarin. Sana, ito na ang maging hudyat upang masukol pa ang iba’t-ibang illegal na gawain kasama na ang pagsugpo sa mga terroristang NPA hindi lamang sa Sagada kundi sa buong Northern Luzon.

[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/joint-afp-pnp-marijuana-eradication-isinagawa-sa-mountain-province/

Kalinaw News: Local Folks Condemn NPA, as Church, 4 Houses Set Ablaze in Misamis Oriental

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 28, 2020): Local Folks Condemn NPA, as Church, 4 Houses Set Ablaze in Misamis Oriental (By 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade)



Camp Osito D Bahian, Malaybalay City- May 28, 2020- At 3:30 Thursday morning, local residents strongly condemn the dastardly act of the New People’s Army as it torch four (4) houses and a church at Zone 2, Brgy Limonda, Municipality of Opol, Misamis Oriental.

The NPA was headed by a certain alias Decoy of, Guerilla Front 12, Sub Regional Committee 5 (SRC5), North Central Mindanao Regional Committee that operates in the boundaries of Bukidnon, West Misamis Oriental and Iligan City.

“Grabe ilang katawa, malipayon kaayo sila samtang nanunog, shaget pa silag mabuhi ang NPA samtang naglakaw (They were cheering and laughing while burning, they even cheered Mabuhay ang NPA on their way out of the village)” a local said.

“Dile mi magpadala sa ilang pagpanghadlok ug mao na ilang paglaum. Sumo nami nga sa unang panahon pangpatyon sab nila ang ilang mga masa dinhi sa amo human sila pangalagaran. Musukol mi kauban ang gobyerno. (We will not be cowed if that is their intent, we were already used to them killing their massbase supporters after serving them during the old days)” an old man, and relative of the victim said.

Prior to the burning, the terrorist NPAs have forced the villagers to produce food items but the villagers refused. This enraged the NPAs who immediately set ablaze the church and houses, Cpt Rene Belmonte, 403 Brigade spokesman said.

After the incident, the perpetrators hurriedly left the area while shouting, “Mabuhay ang NPA!”.The four houses are owned by Edward Villarias, Ronny Tingkang, Edmar Burlat and Avelinon Sambulay, who are all residents of the said barangay. Meanwhile, the church building belongs to the Born Again Christian religious sect, Belmonte added.

“It can be recalled also that last May 22, 2020, a group of NPA also attacked a village and killed an innocent civilian at Sitio Spring, Brgy Kawayan, San Fernando, Bukidnon. This only showed that these NPAs are not respecting the rights of the civilians that live peacefully in the far flung areas which is contrary to their claim that they are fighting for the people. This blatant acts are clear violations of the provisions of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and these are crimes against humanity that only added to the suffering of the people”, said Col Ferdinand Barandon, 403rd Brigade Commander.

“We strongly condemn the NPA on this inhumane act and challenge KARAPATAN, who claims to be a human rights group, to do the same”, Barandon concluded.

Hon Maximino B Seno, the Municipal Mayor of Opol, Misamis Oriental pledged to help the victims of the said atrocities. He asked the Army and the PNP to assist the LGU in providing the needs of the victims. The Mayor also condemn the attacks of the NPA specifically the burning of the structures since most of the residents living in those areas are poor people.

[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/local-folks-condemn-npa-as-church-4-houses-set-ablaze-in-misamis-oriental/

NPA leader slain in Samar clash

From the Philippine Star (May 28, 2020): NPA leader slain in Samar clash (Miriam Desacada, John Unson)

A New People’s Army (NPA) leader was killed in an encounter with soldiers in Samar on Tuesday.

The military said Allan Aguilando, secretary of the Sangay ng Partido sa Platun Sub-Regional Committee Emporium, was with a group of NPA rebels harassing residents of Barangay New Rizal in Catarman when they clashed with soldiers of the 43rd Infantry Battalion.

In North Cotabato, NPA finance officer Cirilo Amit and his companions Alex Zurita and Roberto Aspura were arrested in Matalam town, also on Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong of the 602nd Infantry Brigade said local government executives and barangay officials led police and military operatives to the hideout of the rebels.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/05/28/2016997/npa-leader-slain-samar-clash

NPA denies sexual abuse

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 28, 2020): NPA denies sexual abuse

The Apolinario Gatmaitan Command of the New People’s Army strongly debunked military claims of alleged sexual abuses on female members and recruits of the New People’s Army and dismissed it as “age-old lies brought out of the blue and downright illogical”.

Ka Juanito Magbanua, spokesperson of the Apolinario Gatmaitan Command, said in a statement on Tuesday that the NPA strictly adheres to the “3-8” or “tres-otso”, or three main rules of discipline and eight points for attention, which includes a point against the exploitation of women.

Magbanua also said that romantic relationships and marriage are considered as serious matters for the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the NPA, stressing that their comrades and the masses are educated in family planning.

Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, earlier said that the recovery of anti-pregnancy pills left behind by NPA rebels encountered by 94th Infantry Battalion soldiers in Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, confirms the reports of ongoing and rampant sexual abuses perpetrated by NPA commanders among their female members.

Recovered from the encounter site were a backpack containing personal belongings, including assorted medical paraphernalia, among them, three stubs of anti-pregnancy pills, food, subversive documents, and a camouflage Army T-shirt.

Magbanua explained that the People's Democratic Government has several statutes that involve the respect of women's rights and their emancipation. In the NPA, women are treated equally with men, and enjoy every right the same as a male comrade.

He alleged that it is the AFP, PNP with their commander-in-chief Rodrigo Duterte at the helm, who have consistently violated women's rights.

He said some of their misogynistic feats include Duterte's command of “shooting the NPA fighters directly in the vagina” among other various rape jokes.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/May/28/topstory10.htm

Surigao Sur tribal leaders laud progress of school construction

From the Philippine News Agency (May 28, 2020): Surigao Sur tribal leaders laud progress of school construction (By Alexander Lopez)



SCHOOL FOR IP CHILDREN. Indigenous people leaders in Lianga, Surigao del Sur, led by Jawudon Jumar Bucales (center) express gratitude to the government for the progress of the construction of a tribal school in Sitio Simuwao, Barangay Diatagon. The tribal leaders, along with local and military officials, inspect the ongoing construction of the school on Wednesday (May 27, 2020). (Photo courtesy of 3SFBn)

Manobo tribal leaders in the Surigao del Sur town of Lianga have commended the continuing progress of the construction of the indigenous people (IP) school in Sitio Simuwao, Barangay Diatagon.

“This school will ensure the good future of our children,” said Datu Constancio Duhac, the tribal chieftain in Lianga, in a statement issued Thursday (May 28).

Duhac said the construction of the IP school kicked-off early this month and is now 60 percent completed.

The tribal leader visited the construction site Wednesday along with Lianga officials led by Mayor Novelita Sarmen, officials of the Army's 3rd Special Forces Battalion, and representatives of the Department of Agriculture and the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Duhac said the school will be named Sitio Simuwao School of Living Traditions and will replace the Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS).

TRIFPSS and the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development, Inc. (ALCADEV), which maintained schools in the area, are under fire for their alleged links with the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

Both schools, the military said, act as recruitment grounds for the communist rebel movement.

“We are thankful for the new hope provided for our children through this school because, during our time, we lived in a life where Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) continuously exploit us and even recruit us to be like them using their communist school of thought,” Duhac said.

He added that with the support of the government, the LGU, and the military, most of the IP communities in the area “are liberated after a long time of being exploited by the CNTs”.

The tribal leader also underscored the role of the Army and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the Manobos’ pursuit to achieve genuine peace and development in their communities.

“We cannot allow our tribe to suffer further in the hands of these brutal Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) that is why we requested the military’s presence to advance and protect various government programs for our IP communities even if it will cost our lives,” Duhac said.

Another Manobo leader, Hawudon Jumar Bucales, the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Lianga, expressed gratitude for the establishment of government IP school in the area.

“This school in Sitio Simuwao is just the beginning. There will be more government IP schools to be established in different areas in Diatagon, especially in areas that need to be liberated from the influence of the CNTs,” Bucales said.

He also warned of NPA harassments to hamper the continuing initiatives of the government for the IPs in Lianga.

“We will face harassments and resistance but with the military and the government present, we believe that the tribe will overcome all the trials,” Bucales said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104238

IPs grateful in new life without NPAs in Surigao del Sur

From the Manila Bulletin (May 28, 2020): IPs grateful in new life without NPAs in Surigao del Sur (By Mike Crismundo)

LIANGA, Surigao Del Sur — The Indigenous Peoples (IPs) community in the highland conflict-affected areas in Surigao del Sur on Wednesday, May 27, expressed utmost gratitude towards the continuous flow of government services and protection to them.



3rd SFBn-CMO / MANILA BULLETIN

As the tribal leaders expressed gratitude to the government, they also asked for their continuous protection from the government security forces in the area.

Tribal leaders made these statement during the ocular visit by the local government unit officials to the ongoing construction of the IP DepEd school to be called Sitio Simuwao School of Living Traditions at Sitio Simuwao (Kilometer 9), Barangay Diatagon, Lianga town, and Surigao del Sur.

The school will replace an alleged Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT)-linked Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS).

Lianga Mayor Novelita M. Sarmen and Sangguniang Bayan council, and officials from Lianga IP Tribal Council, Surigao del Sur Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Agriculture, ground commanders and officers of 3rd Special Forces (Arrowhead) Battalion (3rd SFBn), 544th Engineer (Pioneer) Battalion, and the Lianga Municipal Police Station were present in the event.

Sitio Simuwao had been categorized as Communist CNT-influenced barangay based on the revelations of rebel surrenderees, IP leaders, and the community.

It was also revealed that some militant-CNT front group and communist shadow government had long been manipulating the IP community to refuse government’s peace and development intervention to maintain the sitio’s poor status so that they will have the reason to continually blame the government and use social issues to arouse, organize and mobilize agitated IPs in militancy and armed revolution.

“We cannot allow our tribe to suffer further in the hands of these brutal terrorists (CNTs) that is why we requested the military’s presence to advance and protect various government programs for our IP community even if it will cost our lives,” said Datu Constancio Duhac, Lianga Tribal Chieftain.

“We are thankful for the new hope provided for our children through this school because during our time, we lived in a life where Communist NPA Terrorists would continuously exploit us and even recruit us to be like them using their communist school of thought. We feel liberated after a long time,” Duhac, added.

Meanwhile, Hawudon Jumar S. Bucales, Lianga IP Mandatory Representative, said that Sitio Simuwao is just the beginning because there are a lot more sitios in Diatagon that need to be liberated and cleared from the communist terrorists influence.

“This is just the beginning. We have so much to do and we hope that the End of Local Communist Armed Conflict will soon be realized following our recent successes with the Task Force. We will still face a lot of harassment and resistance but with the military and government present, we know we can overcome all trials the tribe is facing,” said Bucales, in vernacular.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/28/ips-grateful-in-new-life-without-npas-in-surigao-del-sur/

3 NPA leaders captured in Cotabato

From the Manila Bulletin (May 28, 2020): 3 NPA leaders captured in Cotabato (By Malu Cadelina Manar)

Authorities arrested in Matalam, Cotabato three alleged top leaders of the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) operating in the hinterlands of North Cotabato, Wednesday, a top police official said.

Police identified the suspected guerillas as Cirilio Amit; Alex Zurita; and Roberto Tubiano Asupra, 78, all top leaders of the NPA Guerilla Front 53.
Asupra had been with the rebel movement for decades now.

Intelligence reports said Amit is the Front’s finance officer and was allegedly involved in extortion activities in North Cotabato.

The rebels were cornered at Barangay Alimodian in Matalam, Cotabato by troops from the Magpet Police, Matalam Police, Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion, and Regional Mobile Force of the Police Regional Office 12.

Authorities seized several bomb making materials, explosives, hand guns, and mobile phones from the apprehended rebels.

Court records showed that the rebels are facing murder and other criminal charges.

Police said that after their arrest in Matalam town, they were immediately brought to Magpet Police Station where they were detained while preparing to turn them over to the local court for proper disposition.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/28/3-npa-leaders-captured-in-cotabato/

[ANALYSIS] Philippine defense spending 2019: What’s in the data?

From Rappler (May 28, 2020): [ANALYSIS] Philippine defense spending 2019: What’s in the data? (By Ava Patricia Avila)

'The Philippines has enjoyed strong economic growth in recent years, but a sharp slowdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic could upend planned defense spending'



The following piece was first published on the Strategic and Warfare Studies Initiative's site.

Defense experts have long recognized the need for the Philippines to modernize its military capability. While the Department of National Defense (DND) budget has seen consistent growth since 2010, the defense and security sector within the Philippines remains one of the least resourced in Southeast Asia due to decades of neglect and endemic corruption.

The latest figures released in April by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) showed that the collective military spending in Southeast Asia (SIPRI groups East Timor with the 10 ASEAN member states) increased by 4.2% in 2019, totaling US$40.5 billion. Eight of the 11 states (excluding Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam, for which data is not made public) increased their military spending between 2010 and 2019. Nearly two-thirds of the US$40 billion is concentrated amongst the 3 largest spenders with Singapore (28%), Indonesia (19%), and Thailand (18%) substantially outspending neighboring states.

For some ASEAN states, increases in military spending within the decade are partly to fund the expansion of capabilities in response to Chinese claims and coercive actions in the South China Sea.



Source: SIPRI Military Expenditure Database https://www.sipri.org/databases/milex

In 2019, the Philippines’ defense expenditure was US$3.5 billion, a 22% increase from 2018. The relatively substantial increase coincided with a growing Philippine economy, which averaged 5.9% growth in 2019 — the slowest in 8 years due to the delayed passage of the public budget in the first half of the year and the reduced expenditure that followed.

The increase in defense spending was also partially driven by the Duterte administration’s greater emphasis on internal threats such as insurgency, criminality, illegal drugs, and terrorism. Within the budget, more than half (US$1.8 billion) was allocated to the Philippine Army (PA), US$548 million went to the Philippine Navy (PN), US$485 million to the Philippine Air Force (PAF), and US$721 million to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters (of which US$492 million was allotted for modernization efforts). The rest of the budget were allocated to other agencies the DND administers, including the Office of Civil Defense, the National Defense College, Arsenal, and the Veterans Memorial Medical Center.

Some wins

The Revised AFP Modernization Program signed in 2012 by former President Aquino is divided into 3 phases, with each implemented in a period of 5 years: Horizon 1 (FY2013-17), Horizon 2 (FY2018-22), and Horizon 3 (FY2023-28). The first horizon involved the acquisition of military hardware mainly for internal security operations, and some air and naval acquisitions intended for external defense such as combat utility helicopters, 3 cutters, several assault crafts, and strategic sealift vessels.

Recent developments in the second phase of the AFP Modernization Program suggests continued efforts under President Duterte for the AFP to shift defense acquisitions strategy from internal security to territorial defense. In early 2019, the Air Force has acquired an Air Defense Radar System and an FA-50PH flight simulator; and 6 A-29B Super Tucano aircrafts are expected to be delivered. With a projected yearly allocation of P300 billion (about US$5.9 billion) over a period of 5 years, the AFP seeks to purchase more heavy-lift helicopters, multirole fighters, and maritime patrol aircraft for the Air Force; two corvettes, and multirole offshore patrol vessels for the Navy. (READ: Lorenzana defends buying attack helicopters: It's to fight NPA)

While the Duterte administration has concentrated resources to the Army and internal threats, the Philippines has also advanced its security relationship with Malaysia and Indonesia under the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement on Immediate Measures to Address Security Issues in the Maritime Areas of Common Concern in the Sulu and Celebes Seas. The security cooperation has contributed to the 9% decrease in terrorist activity during 2018, according to the 2019 Global Terrorism Index report. Despite this reduction, the Philippines remained the only ASEAN nation in the report, which ranked among the top 10 countries most impacted by terrorism.

Streamlining the force: A strategic concern

According to SIPRI, the Philippines spent 1% of GDP on its armed forces, slightly below the ASEAN average of 1.73% in 2019. Even with the myriad of internal and external security challenges the country is facing, 62.2% ($2.3 billion) of the budget were allotted to personnel costs. Of this, $1.1 billion was allocated for pensions of retired AFP servicemen and this is projected to increase by 24% in 2020. While the issue is not unique to the Philippines, this reality poses sustainability concerns to the DND’s overall strategy. As a consequence, Defense Secretary Lorenzana has pushed for the refiling of the military pension reform bill that recommends setting the compulsory retirement age of servicemen to 60, instead of the current 56. In February 2020, President Duterte certified the bill as urgent.

On the horizon

The Philippines has enjoyed strong economic growth in recent years, but a sharp slowdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic could upend planned defense spending. According to Secretary Lorenzana, military modernization projects with contracts and those already provided with funds will continue, but other longer term projects are likely to be postponed. This might not be a bad thing as it may provide the government — through the leadership in the DND and AFP — a window of opportunity to scrutinize resource allocation and further ensure a more balanced portfolio of investments in defense capabilities. – Rappler.com

Ava Patricia Avila is Strategic Fellow at Verve Research, an independent research collectively focused on the relationship between militaries and societies in Southeast Asia. She holds a PhD in Defense and Security from Cranfield University, UK. She is based in Washington, DC.

https://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/262081-analysis-philippine-defense-spending-2019-what-data

Army extends food aid to former NPAs

From the Manila Bulletin (May 28, 2020): Army extends food aid to former NPAs (By Mike Crismundo)

Former communist-New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 30th Infantry (Python) Battalion (30th IB) in Surigao del Norte province received food aid from Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.



30th IB-CMO / MANILA BULLETIN

In coordination and with the assistance of 30th IB personnel, the former NPAs received 180 food packs containing 3 kilos of rice, 4 assorted can goods, 2 noodles, coffee and sugar at the headquarters of the 30th IB in Placer town, Surigao del Norte province, on Tuesday (May 26).

So far, 49 former communist rebels in the area of operations of the 30th IB have already received food assistance from the government, 30th IB Civil Military Operations (CMO) Officer 2nd Lt. Benjamin Elisand De Dios said.

“These former rebels were among the populace who were much affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the 30th IB CMO officer told The Manila Bulletin late Wednesday afternoon.

As part of the continuing effort with close collaboration between government agencies and security sectors, such endeavor significantly contributed to the overall effort to aid the communities within the province taking care of the former rebels in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic, 2nd Lt. De Dios added.

The distribution of food packs from PSDWO was facilitated by 30th IB Executive Officer Maj. Jasper Gacayan.

PSWDO Head Officer Ms. Fe Saumat said, “May these food packs be of great help to our former rebels to ease up and sustain their daily needs amid this present COVID-19 crisis.

Meanwhile, 30th IB commander Lt. Col. Ryan Charles G. Callanta also said that these former rebels were also affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

“Our former rebels who decided to return to the folds of law were also affected by the implementation of General Community Quarantine,” he said.

“These food assistance from our local government units and government agencies will help sustain the needs of our former rebels,” the 30th IB commander said.

It can be remembered that the very reasons why they left the movement without having second thoughts are the hardships they endured. He added that the former rebels firmly believe that the cause they are fighting are going nowhere at the expense of their own sacrifices.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/28/army-extends-food-aid-to-former-npas/

Family of young NPA rebel executed by comrades cries for justice

From the Manila Bulletin (May 27, 2020): Family of young NPA rebel executed by comrades cries for justice (By Liezle Basa Inigo)

The family of a slain New People’s Army (NPA) recruit wants justice for their kin who claimed that he was unjustly executed by his group.



7TH ID / MANILA BULLETIN

Brigadier General Audrey L. Pasia of the 702nd Infantry Brigade disclosed that 20-year old Jeffrey G. Reyes of Barangay Talampac, Lacub, Abra was about to leave the NPA when he was sentenced to death by his own comrades, tagging him as spy of the government on May 19.

Reyes, according to his family, had expressed his plan to leave the organization because he could no longer endure the hardships of living in the mountains and the food deprivation he experienced after joining the group on December 30 last year.

The group, under the command of a certain Florencio Baluga, who is also known as Ka Bram, apparently resented his plan and executed him.

The victim’s family is now preparing all the necessary documents so that they can file the necessary charges against the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, Pasia issued a warning to the youth to think twice before joining the NPA.

“Ito sana ay maging babala sa ating mga kabataan bago sumapi sa grupo ng bandidong NPA,” Pasia said as he vowed to pursue the fight until justice is served for Jeffrey and the others who suffered the same fate.

He said the act was a clear manifestation that the NPA does not recognize human rights and a sign that their forces were now weakening for lack of support from the community.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/27/family-of-young-npa-rebel-executed-by-comrades-cries-for-justice/

MSU professor slain in General Santos

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 27, 2020): MSU professor slain in General Santos
By: Taher G. Solaiman

A professor of the Mindanao State University (MSU) here was gunned down by motorcycle-riding gunmen Tuesday afternoon, a former colleague said.

Bangsamoro parliament member Aida Silongan said Mohammad Taha Abdulgapor was shot in front of the KCC Warehouse in Barangay Apopong past 4 p.m.

He was with an unnamed woman in the car, when the shooting took place.

Silongan said Abdulgapor was rushed to the Sarangani Bay Specialists Medical Center, where he died four hours later.

Silongan used to work for the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) where Abdulgapor is a top official.

Retired MSU Prof. Rufa Cagoco-Guiam said Abdulgapor taught at the Department of Islamic Studies under the College of Social Sciences and Humanities in MSU’s campus in General Santos City.

He was a member of the Board of Directors of the BDA and, concurrently, a member of the Local Monitoring Team (LMT) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

BDA is the MILF’s development arm, while the LMT is part of the ceasefire mechanism of the Bangsamoro peace process.

Former MSU-General Santos chancellor Moner Bajunaid mourned the death of Abdulgapor, whom he described as “a nice guy.”

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1281613/msu-professor-slain-in-general-santos

Duterte meets with Army, Air Force officers in Malacañang

From GMA News Online (May 26, 2020): Duterte meets with Army, Air Force officers in Malacañang (By JULIA MARI ORNEDO)

President Rodrigo Duterte met with officers of the Philippine Army and Philippine Air Force at the Malacañang Golf Clubhouse on Tuesday night.
advertisement

In a short message, Duterte lauded troops for their service to the public.

“Saludo ako sa ginawa ninyo. I’m not paying you. I know that you are not mercenaries,” he said.

“You do not do it for money. You do it out of passion, for the love of country, because we are all Filipinos and we know where to place ourselves when the time comes,” Duterte added.

The President also recalled that he used to negotiate with the New People's Army (NPA) for the release of captives during his time as mayor of Davao City.

“At times galing ako sa bukid, nakikiusap ako sa mga NPA. I’m not trying to really pull my own chair but ‘yung mga sundalo pati pulis na nabihag ng... Lahat ‘yan, ako ang kumukuha, pati si Bong [Go],” Duterte said.

He earlier offered a P2-million reward for killers of NPA commanders.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines previously said they neutralized four NPA leaders in a series of operations in Gingoog City and Agusan del Norte from May 10 to 13.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/739924/duterte-meets-with-army-air-force-officers-in-malacanang/story/

6,000 flee as clashes erupt anew in Maguindanao

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 27, 2020): 6,000 flee as clashes erupt anew in Maguindanao



GENERAL SANTOS CITY, South Cotabato, Philippines —Days before the end of Ramadan, more than 1,000 families were forced to leave their homes in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town, Maguindanao province, after mortar shells hit their villages, a report from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) said.

The BARMM’s Ministry of Social Welfare and Development said 1,282 families, or 6,410 residents from the villages of Daplawan, Elian, and Kitango in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, fled their communities and sought refuge in neighboring areas.

It said the shelling started after armed men, believed to be members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), attacked three Army detachments in the villages of Elian, Madia and Salbu around 9 p.m. on May 21. The attack lasted at least three hours.

The report said mortar shelling started the next day at Sitio Bayog in Daplawan, where a 70-year-old man was hit and killed. Two days later, as Muslims were deep in their 3 p.m. prayer during Eid al-Fitr, another round of mortar shelling began at Sitio Amai Zailon in Kitango, where two children were killed.

Seeking justice

President Rodrigo Duterte’s peace adviser, Carlito Galvez Jr., ordered an investigation on Tuesday.

Galvez, who is also chief implementer of the government’s national policy on addressing the coronavirus pandemic, said he was saddened by the incident that also wounded at least 15 people.

“We would like to assure our Moro brothers and sisters that we shall leave no stone unturned as we seek justice for the victims,” he said.

“I would like to appeal to the residents who have been affected by the ongoing armed conflict, as well as the leadership of the BARMM, for calmness and sobriety as authorities conduct an investigation,” Galvez added.

Naguib Sinarimbo, regional interior and local government minister, on Monday said he met with Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the military’s Western Mindanao Command, and Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, 6th Infantry Division commander.

Avoiding conclusions

“[We intend] to get to the bottom of this incident and avoid making hasty conclusions pending the completion of the investigations,” Sinarimbo said.

He said BARMM Chief Minister Al-Haj Murad (also known as Ahod Ebrahim) directed appropriate offices in the regional autonomous government to conduct an “impartial investigation to unearth the truth.”

‘Bayanihan’ spirit
“We will let the ‘bayanihan’ spirit work to give justice to the victims and ensure protection of the people from harm,” Sobejana said.

The shelling came days after Army detachments were attacked by members of the BIFF, a group that splintered from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The MILF signed a peace deal with the government in 2014 and now controls the BARMM. As part of the peace deal, former MILF fighters have turned over their weapons to the government under a decommissioning process.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1281407/6000-flee-as-clashes-erupt-anew-in-maguindanao

Tip from former rebels leads to capture of NPA fugitive in Agusan del Sur

From the Manila Bulletin (May 26, 2020): Tip from former rebels leads to capture of NPA fugitive in Agusan del Sur (By Mike Crismundo)

A tip provided by former rebels and the Barangay Intelligence Network (BIN) led to the arrest of a New People’s Army (NPA) member in the town of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, a ranking official in the region on Tuesday said.

Caraga Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) Regional Director Brig. Gen. Joselito T. Esquival, Jr. disclosed that suspect Ispan J. Tumanan, 28 of Barangay Remedios, Esperanza town, Agusan del Sur was captured at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, in his residence by operatives of the Regional Intelligence Unit 13 and Esperanza Municipal Police Station.

He had a warrant of arrest for alleged kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

Esquivel said that, based on the investigation, the suspect was a member of the Guerilla Front 88 of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee operating in the areas of Agusan del Sur and west of Agusan River.

He said the suspect was one of the NPA terrorists who attacked the New Tubigon Patrol Base in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur on December 19, 2018. The group kidnapped two Army soldiers and 12 members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU).

“Our intelligence monitoring is underway to arrest his other cohorts and we will make sure they will face the full wrath of the law because kidnapping and serious illegal detention is punishable under Art. 267 of the Revised Penal Code,” Esquivel added.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/26/tip-from-former-rebels-leads-to-capture-of-npa-fugitive-in-agusan-del-sur/

AFP soldiers not mercenaries — Duterte

From the Manila Bulletin (May 27, 2020): AFP soldiers not mercenaries — Duterte (By Genalyn Kabiling)

The country’s soldiers are “not mercenaries” who work for money but are loyal troops who render service out of “love for country,” President Duterte declared last Tuesday night.



President Rodrigo Roa Duterte congratulates the personnel of the Philippine Army and Philippine Air Force for their successful operations against the New People’s Army as he delivers a speech following a meeting at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang, Manila on May 26, 2020. (TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

The President praised the government troops for their service to the nation during a meeting with Philippine Army and Philippine Air Force officers in Malacañang Tuesday night.

The commander-in-chief’s meeting with the military officers came following the military’s successful operations against the rebel New People’s Army (NPA) in Mindanao. The intensified operations were made after the President denounced the spate of rebel attacks during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Bilib ako. Saludo ako kung ginawa ninyo (I’m proud of you. I salute you for you have done). I’m not paying you. I know that you are not mercenaries. You do not do it for money,” Duterte said during the assembly held at the Malago clubhouse inside Malacañang Park.

“You do it out of passion for the love of country because we are all Filipinos and we know where to place ourselves when the time comes,” he added.

The President recently warned about the government’s intensified operations against the communist rebels involved in atrocities. He said there will be “more fighting spirit” against the rebel group after they attacked troops involved in relief operations during the coronavirus pandemic.

Duterte also said he wanted the troops to kill the rebels if their lives are put in danger.

“Magsabi ako ng totoo ha? Ang gusto ko — kasi pinapatay ‘yang sundalo ko pati pulis — ang gusto ko, ang order ko, patayin ninyo. Patayin ninyo. Kasi kung hindi kayo patayin, p*** papatayin talaga kayo (I will tell the truth. Because my soldiers and policemen are being killed, I want you, my order is you to kill them. Kill them because son of a b*** if you don’t they will really kill you),” he said in his remarks last May 12.

A P2-million reward has also been offered by the President for any information leading to the capture of a top commander of the communist rebel group.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/27/afp-soldiers-not-mercenaries-duterte/

PH Army sends off 453 new lieutenants

From the Manila Bulletin (May 27, 2020): PH Army sends off 453 new lieutenants (By Martin Sadongdong)

The Philippine Army (PA) has commissioned into service 453 new second lieutenants (2LT) who are expected to boost the troops’ force in the fight against various threats on the ground, including the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the military said on Wednesday (May 27).



Philippine Army (MANILA BULLETIN)

Army chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay led the reception and send-off ceremonies for the officers, composed of graduates from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Masidlawin Class of 2020 — bannered by valedictorian 2LT Gemalyn Sugui; Officer Preparatory Course (OPC) Class 71-2019, and Officer Candidate Course (OCC) Class 53-2020.
The ceremonies were held at Camp O’Donnell in Capaz, Tarlac on Tuesday.

Aside from COVID-19 duty, Gapay said the new officers will be fielded to various units of the Army to lead in the frontlines against the New People’s Army (NPA), Abu Sayyaf Group, and other security threats.

“To the new lieutenants of the Army, you have just completed your commissioning courses but contrary to most of you may think, your training has not ended,” Gapay told the new officers.

“We cannot be complacent. The nation expects so much from us. We have to win, and you must learn more and lead well to win,” he added.

Sugui recently made headlines after she bested 195 other cadets of the PMA Masidlawin Class of 2020 to graduate at the top of her class.

Aside from Sugui, three other Masidlawin graduates included in the Top 10 joined the Army: 2LT Jade Villanueva, Top 2; 2LT Rojes Gaile Jamandre, Top 4; and 2LT Catabay Ladyong, Top 6.


Prior to the send-off, Gapay also spearheaded the joint graduation ceremony of the OPC Class 71-2019 and OCC Class 53-2020 at Camp O’Donnell.

A total of 70 graduates from OPC and 192 graduates from OCC were commissioned into service and deployed to the different units of the Army all over the country.

Gapay addressed the graduates as the event’s guest of honor and speaker, commending them for their hard work in preparation for their duties.

“Recall when you signed up for the Army. That single step you made for this journey is now culminating and the succeeding step to your dream has begun,” he said in his address to the graduates.

“No matter how it will end, the most important thing is that you mustered enough courage to enter the door of many possibilities,” he added.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/27/ph-army-sends-off-453-new-lieutenants/

1 NPA killed, 3 high powered firearms seized in Agusan del Sur clash

From the Manila Bulletin (May 27, 2020): 1 NPA killed, 3 high powered firearms seized in Agusan del Sur clash (By Mike Crismundo)

A New People’s Army (NPA) fighter was killed, while an undetermined number of other rebels were wounded, in a fierce gun battle with the Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion (26th IB) in Pigdusuan area, Barangay Mahagsay, San Luis, Agusan del Sur province late Sunday afternoon, May 24, the military reported Wednesday.



via Mike Crismundo / MANILA BULLETIN

The 26th IB Civil Military Operations (CMO) Officer First Lt. Percival J. Carido, Jr. told The Manila Bulletin late Tuesday afternoon that troops of the 26th IB also seized three high powered firearms after the armed skirmish.

“The Communist terrorists extorted food stuffs and cash from rice and corn farmers in the nearby barangay who have just sold their produce,” he said.

“The gun battle took place after villagers reported their presence in Pigdusuan area,” the 26th IB CMO officer added.

Reports from the locals of an NPA movement in the area reached the army unit, thus, a focused military operation (FMO) was launched, he averred.

Carido said that, as a result of the gunfight, a rebel was killed, while an undetermined number of his comrades were believed wounded as evidenced by bloodstains that were seen along their escape route.

He said operating troops also recovered AK47 rifles, with three magazines and other live ammunition left behind by the retreating rebels.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/27/1-npa-killed-3-high-powered-firearms-seized-in-agusan-del-sur-clash/

Alleged NPA leader slain in Northern Samar clash

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 27, 2020): Alleged NPA leader slain in Northern Samar clash (By: Joey Gabieta)

An alleged rebel leader was killed in an encounter with government troops in Catarman town, Northern Samar about 5:50 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27.

Allan Aguinaldo, the secretary-general of the Sangay ng Partido sa Platon of the New People’s Army, which operates in several towns in the province, was gunned down during the 10-minute firefight in Barangay New Rizal, about 5 km away from the town center of Catarman, a military official said.

Captain Ronald Aljas, civil-military operations officer of the 803rd Infantry Brigade based in Catarman, said the government troops went to the area to verify information about the presence of five armed men, which turned out to be the group of Aguinaldo.

“This led to an encounter which resulted in the death of Aguinaldo,” he said in a phone interview. Aguinaldo’s companions, he said, managed to escape.

Alas considered Aguinaldo’s death a victory in the government’s battle against members of the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

“For us, his death is a victory considering that he was a high-ranking rebel leader,” he said.

A .45-caliber gun was recovered by soldiers belonging to the 43rd Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Raymundo Picut, Jr. Aguinaldo’s body was brought to a funeral home in Catarman.

“We will just wait until today for his relatives to claim the body. Otherwise, we will bury him,” Aljas said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1281696/alleged-npa-leader-slain-in-northern-samar-clash

Abu Sayyaf targeting kidnapping from vessels off East Malaysia

Posted to Sea Trade Maritime News (May 26, 2020): Abu Sayyaf targeting kidnapping from vessels off East Malaysia (By Marcus Hand)



Vessels have been warned of potential kidnappings by Abu Sayyaf Group militants in the waters off East Malaysia.

The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre issued a warning that according to the Philippines Coast Guard group of approximately five ASG members armed with assorted firearms is planning to conduct kidnapping activities in undisclosed areas in Sabah, Malaysia

“They are targeting wealthy businessmen or crew of fishing boats and other slow moving ships plying within the waters off Sabah, Malaysia,” ReCAAP said.

Related: Imminent threat of seafarer kidnap for ransom remains off Southern Philippines, warns ReCAAP

“Ship masters and crew are strongly urged to exercise extra vigilance when transiting the waters off Eastern Sabah and in the Sulu-Celebes Seas.”

ASG has periodically targeted seafarers for kidnap in Sulu and Celebes sea area. Generally the group has targeted smaller vessels although has attacked larger merchant vessels sailing between Australia and China as well.

Related: Abu Sayaaf seeking to kidnap seafarers and businessmen off Sabah - ReCAAP

A very similar warning to the latest was issued by ReCAAP in October 2018.

https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/ship-operations/abu-sayyaf-targeting-kidnapping-vessels-east-malaysia

MGen Andres Centino to assume 4ID post

From MindaNews (May 28, 2020): MGen Andres Centino to assume 4ID post (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

Then BGen Andres Centino in a conference hosted by Balay Mindanaw at Ateneo de Davao University on Dec. 3, 2018. MindaNews file photo by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 28 May) – The 4th Infantry Division (4ID) based in Camp Evangelista in Barangay Patag here will welcome its new commander in a simple ceremony Friday that will be attended by less than 50 officers and guests.

Current 4ID commander MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal will be replaced by MGen Andres Centino of Philippine Military Academy Maringal Class of 1988.

4ID spokesperson Capt. Al Anthony Pueblas said Philippine Army chief LGen Gilbert Gapay and Armed Forces of the Philippines Eastern Mindanao Command chief MGen Jose Faustino will witness the turnover.

Gacal will be transferred to Camp Bonifacio where he will assume command of the AFP Inspectorate.

Centino was born in Tacloban City, Leyte on Feb. 4, 1967.

He was the AFP deputy chief of staff for operations before his transfer to the 4ID.

He also served as 401st Infantry Brigade commander in Surigao del Sur, a hotbed of the New People’s Army insurgency. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/05/mgen-andres-centino-to-assume-4id-post/

AFP clashes with NPA in Iligan City hinterlands

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 28, 2020): AFP clashes with NPA in Iligan City hinterlands (By 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion)



BALOI, Lanao del Norte, May 28 – A clash erupted between the 4th Mechanized Infantry 'Kalasag' Battalion (4th Mech) and New People’s Army (NPA) at Sitio Pudong, Brgy. Mainit, Iligan City past 12 p.m. Wednesday, May 27.

4th Mech Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Domingo G. Dulay Jr, said the unit responded to information tipped-off by concerned residents saying that members of the NPA were terrorizing the community by extorting foodstuff and money from them.

During the 30-minute firefight, one soldier was wounded and had been immediately brought to the city for medical attention. The wounded soldier is now in stable condition while other troops continue to search and conduct pursuit operations against fleeing members of the communist-terrorist group.

The troops are confident that some NPA members were also wounded in the clash based on bloodstains in the encounter site.
The AFP is closely working with the local government of Iligan City and the members of the City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (CTF-ELCAC) to ensure that services of the government reach far-flung barangays like Brgy Mainit, and protect the community from NPA influence.

In 2019, Brgy. Mainit has passed a resolution denouncing the presence of NPA terrorists and declaring them as persona non grata.

The terrorist group is suffering from a lack of food supplies which has pushed them to extort from the residents who are also affected by the limited movement caused by COVID19.

The government has repeatedly called on members of the NPA to take advantage of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for them to come back to the folds of the law and live peacefully.

BGen Facundo Palafox IV, Commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, who has operational jurisdiction in Lanao del Norte and Iligan City said the AFP will continue to go after these communist-terrorists wherever they are; and will execute the mandate to protect the people from all forms of threat.

“We call on all members of the NPA to surrender and join the mainstream society. You all have been deceived but the government is willing to help rebuild your lives together with your family," he said. (4th Mech)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1043101

Alleged NPA leader, 2 followers arrested in NoCot op

From the Philippine News Agency (May 28, 2020): Alleged NPA leader, 2 followers arrested in NoCot op (By Edwin Fernandez(



ARRESTED. The suspected communist New People’s Army rebels and the subversive documents, guns, and explosives recovered from them during law enforcement operations in Matalam, North Cotabato on Wednesday (May 27, 2020). The suspects are now detained at Matalam municipal police office awaiting the filing of formal charges against them. (Photo courtesy of 602IBde)

A team of military and police personnel arrested a ranking officer of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and two of his followers in Matalam, North Cotabato Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, commander of the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade, identified the arrested suspects as Cirilo Amit, the finance officer of NPA in North Cotabato province, and two companions, Alex Zurita and Roberto Aspura.

“They are now in the custody of the Matalam municipal police undergoing documentation and processing,” Capulong said.

Elements of the Matalam municipal police and the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion arrested the suspects in the village of Alemodian in Matalam around 5 a.m.

Capulong thanked the local officials and residents for providing vital and accurate information to security sectors that led to the arrest of the suspects.

Government forces recovered two handguns, improvised explosives devices, and subversive documents on top of the suspects’ personal belongings.

Military and police officials said they are validating information that Amit was allegedly a leader of a group of extortionists preying on businessmen in North Cotabato.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104110

Anakbayan preys on young minds to join NPA, Cabinet exec says

From the Philippine News Agency (May 28, 2020): Anakbayan preys on young minds to join NPA, Cabinet exec says (By Che Palicte)



Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado, Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security in the Davao region. (PNA file photo)

The Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for the Davao region has appealed to the public to condemn youth organization allegedly affiliated with the communist rebel movement, saying its sole aim is to prey on young minds and lure them into the communist terrorist group.

In a statement on Wednesday, Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado appealed to leftist youth group Anakbayan to return Relisa Lucena’s daughter, Alicia Jasper, or AJ, 17, who left home in July last year to join the militant organization.

Avisado said Anakbayan's sole aim is to "brainwash, disown, and leave their parents in order to join the Communist Party of the Philippines - National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF)."

The CPP and its armed wing, New People's Army (NPA), is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

“Return her daughter back to (the) love and comfort of her family and spare our youth from a lifetime of trauma by being victims of their deception. As parents ourselves, we commiserate with Mrs. Lucena, as we have also felt the agony of a mother who took care of her child from her womb, to the day her daughter learned to speak (a) few words and called her mama and took her little steps and eventually grow up to be (a) smart, loving, and caring daughter only to be taken away by these deceptive, exploitative people in the guise of 'fighting for the country' for their own criminal, political advantage,” he said.

AJ, then 16, was in Grade 11 and a consistent honor student at the Far Eastern University when she was recruited by Anakbayan in 2018.

Avisado said AJ's mother believed that her daughter is a victim of an "evil ideology" aimed at destroying "the very fabric of society by first destroying the relationship within families."

“She believes that her daughter had fallen prey to an illusory ideology thought by this terrorist group and is gripped by constant worry about her safety and health,” he said.

He lauded the efforts of the Lucena couple to save their daughter "from the deceitful hands of (the) two-faced organization called Anakbayan."

“Ms. Lucena and her husband, together with the members of the League of Parents of the Philippines, have fought the good fight amidst insurmountable odds, all with a purpose in mind of saving their children, and in effect, of our own, from the devil clutches of this godless communist terrorist,” he said.

Avisado said the couple, through their lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, filed before the Supreme Court a writ of habeas corpus and writ of Amparo against Kabataan Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago, whose cohorts have allegedly recruited, brainwashed, and spirited AJ away.

“We, as a people, should express our support to this family, whose only fervent hope is to reunite with their daughter. Let us condemn this CTG (communist terrorist group) that is led by the CPP and its armed criminal group, the New People’s Army,” he said. “Let us not wait that we ourselves or one of our kin become victims of their malicious deceptions."

Our children are the heirs of our future, let us take good care of them and if need be, fight against those whose goal is to destroy their innocence, he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104154

45 ex-NPA rebels to undergo tech-voc training in SoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (May 28, 2020): 45 ex-NPA rebels to undergo tech-voc training in SoCot (By Richelyn Gubalani)



Rafael Abrogar II, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-Region 12 director. (PNA GenSan file photo)

At least 45 rebel returnees in South Cotabato province will undergo technical-vocational (tech-voc) training through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Rafael Abrogar II, TESDA-Region 12 director, said Thursday they are processing the enrolment of the former rebels into their training programs in partnership with various government agencies.

Abrogar said the move, which would give the returnees with better livelihood opportunities, was in support of the national government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

The beneficiaries are all indigenous peoples (IP) and former members of the NPA’s militia organization who surrendered early this month in Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu town in South Cotabato, he said.

Abrogar said the former rebels will be trained under the agency's IP Empowered as Agripreneurs towards a Collective End (IPEACE), which is among the priority programs of TESDA Director General Secretary Isidro Lapeña.

“This is centered on providing appropriate (tech-voc training) programs for the IPs, especially on agriculture,” Abrogar said.

He said the tech-voc training will complement the financial and livelihood assistance provided to former NPA members by the local governments of South Cotabato and Lake Sebu and other government agencies.

Early this year, some 25 former NPA rebels from Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu graduated and received national certificates (NC) on Electrical Installation and Maintenance-NC II.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104183

2 Sierra Madre NPA rebels surrender in Nueva Ecija

From the Philippine News Agency (May 28, 2020): 2 Sierra Madre NPA rebels surrender in Nueva Ecija (By Jason De Asis)



NO FUTURE. One of the two members of the New People's Army who surrendered to authorities in Barangay Malinao, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija on Wednesday (May 27, 2020). Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, acting commanding officer of the 91IB, said the two rebels voluntarily turned themselves in as they realized they could not have a good future with their families while in the underground movement. (Photo courtesy of Army's 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion)

BALER, Aurora – Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to authorities following a series of operations conducted by the 1st Provincial Mobile Group Company of Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (PMFC-NEPPO) and the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion (91IB).

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, acting commanding officer of 91IB, on Thursday said the two rebels yielded voluntarily to the government troops in Barangay Malinao, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija on Wednesday.

He identified the surrenderers only as alias Jex/Lei/Mali/Carding/Supremo, a youth organizer of the militant group Anakbayan, and Jerome, a medic and assistant gunner of Platoon Dos under Komiteng Larangang Guerrilla (KLG) Sierra Madre, an armed NPA front that operates in the said mountain range.
Rubio said the rebels realized that there is no chance for them to have a good future with their families while in the underground movement.

“The two rebels said that they (are) just used by the communist terrorist groups to recruit, organize and mobilize the different sectors against the government,” he said.

Rubio lauded the efforts of the military and police personnel for their hard work that resulted in the surrender.

“We will continue to remain steadfast in accomplishing our mission in partnership with the Philippine National Police, local government units and national government agencies to dismantle the KLG Sierra Madre,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104209

Church, houses razed by alleged NPA rebels in MisOr

From the Philippine News Agency (May 28, 2020): Church, houses razed by alleged NPA rebels in MisOr (By Nef Luczon and Jigger Jerusalem)



BURNED DOWN. Residents check on to the debris of their houses in Zone 2, Barangay Limonda, Opol town, Misamis Oriental on Thursday, looking for materials to salvage. Ten armed men believed to be communist New People's Army combatants attacked the community in a predawn raid Thursday. (Photo courtesy of Opol Municipal Police Station)

Armed men believed to be communist New People’s Army (NPA) combatants burned down a Born Again Christian church and four houses in the Misamis Oriental town of Opol in a predawn raid Thursday, police said.

Maj. Evary E. Bacunawa, chief of the Opol Municipal Police Station, said the incident occurred at around 3:30 a.m. in Zone 2, Barangay Limonda, Opol.
Police said the houses were owned by Edward Villiarias, Ronny Tingkang, Edmar Burlat and Avelino Sambulay.

Citing witnesses' accounts, police said at least 10 armed men were involved in the attack.

Col. Roy V. Bahian, director of the Misamis Oriental Provincial Police Office, said the attack was a handiwork of the NPA's Ace Company led by a certain Decoy.
"The Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office strongly condemns the burning incident allegedly done by a group of NPA. The NPA’s nefarious activity is a clear manifestation of their motive to pursue their lawless acts and adds burden and suffering to the innocent civilians and the community as a whole amidst this Covid-19 pandemic. These atrocities are contrary to their claim of protecting the people," the Misamis Oriental PPO said in a statement Thursday.

Lt. Theofratus Pia, Misamis Oriental PPO information officer, said additional military and police reinforcement have been deployed in the village and nearby communities.

"They were already there around 4:30 a.m., including police personnel under the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, conducting hot pursuit operations," Pia said.

Pia said the provincial police is mulling criminal charges against the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, Bahian assured the public that security measures are implemented to ensure the safety of NPA's potential targets in the province, including vital government installations, places of convergence, power lines, private companies and all police stations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104200

2 Navy ships in India resume voyage to PH

From the Philippine News Agency (May 28, 2020): 2 Navy ships in India resume voyage to PH (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office

The Naval Task Force (NTF) 82, which consists of the landing dock, BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), and the newly-repaired offshore patrol vessel, BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), have finally resumed their voyage home from the Port of Cochin, India on Wednesday.

Philippine Navy (PN) public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, in a statement, said the two ships will make a brief stop at the Port of Colombo, Sri Lanka on Friday to repatriate 12 more Filipino tourists and overseas workers stranded due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

The two ships originally sailed from the Port of Cochin on May 7 for their voyage home but a fire on the engine room of BRP Ramon Alcaraz a few hours after departing forced the offshore patrol vessel back into the Indian port for repairs.

Meanwhile, the BRP Davao Del Sur which proceeded alone on May 9 and has already reached Sri Lanka on May 11, opted to return to India port due to rough weather caused by Cyclone "Amphan" that battered eastern India and Bangladesh.

Roxas said the 12 other repatriates will join the 19 Filipino tourists earlier picked up in India aboard the BRP Davao Del Sur in separate rooms.

"(These repatriates) in separate rooms inside LD-602 (will be monitored 24-hours) by an onboard medical team. LD602 originally left for Manila by itself on May 9 and already reached Sri Lanka when it was compelled to return to India to take shelter from the brewing storm in the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea," she added.

Roxas said the delay gave ample time for BRP Ramon Alcaraz, the other component of NTF 82, to complete repairs to its damaged engine room with help from the Indian government.

"The Philippines' existing defense cooperation with India paved the way for the latter's Navy to provide expertise and assistance to our PN personnel, leading up to the restoration of the ship's main propulsion, generators, auxiliary systems and other essential equipment. PS-16 has been restored to being seaworthy and is now sailing in convoy with LD-602," she added.

However, transport of materiel and other support from US Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) was delayed due to the unavailability of flights amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Earlier, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said NAVSEA will assist the Philippines in repairing the BRP Ramon Alcaraz which was acquired in the US in 2013.

However, Roxas said NAVSEA subject matter experts and needed logistics will be available once BRP Ramon Alcaraz reaches Subic Bay, Zambales.

"This journey has truly magnified the resiliency and determination of our personnel amid these turbulent times, that no matter what obstacles are faced along the way, they will carry on with the mission, which becomes even more worthy as NTF 82 aims to bring home safely displaced Filipinos and face masks essential to our efforts against the coronavirus disease," she added.

The two ships were deployed to Oman last February as a contingency measure should a large evacuation of overseas Filipino workers be needed following tensions between the United States and Iran.

They sailed from Sultan Qaboos, Oman last April 21 and arrived in India on April 29 to fetch a donation of 200,000 pieces of face mask from a Filipino businessman based in that country, as well as Filipino tourists who were stranded due to the Covid-19 outbreak. (

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104138

Robinson is new 9th Infantry Division head

From the Philippine News Agency (May 28, 2020): Robinson is new 9th Infantry Division head (By Priam Nepomuceno)



NEW 9ID HEAD. Philippine Army commander, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay (right), leads the change-of-command ceremony of the 9th Infantry Division in Camarines Sur on Wednesday (May 27, 2020). Brig. Gen. Henry Robinson Jr. (left) assumed as the new head of the 9th Infantry Division, replacing Maj. Gen. Fernando Trinidad (center) who mandatorily retired from the service. (Photo courtesy of Army Chief Public Affairs Office)

Brig. Gen. Henry Robinson Jr. took over the helm of the Camarines Sur-based 9th Infantry Division on Wednesday.

Philippine Army (PA) commander, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, led the change-of-command ceremony at Camp Elias Angeles, Barangay San Jose in Pili town, said Army spokesperson, Col. Ramon Zagala, in a statement.

Robinson Jr. replaced Maj. Gen. Fernando Trinidad, who mandatorily retired from the service.

In his speech, Gapay urged the troops to continue protecting the region from all forms of threats.

"Binding you all across time is the desire to build a strong Army in Bicol—and the mission to provide the region security, peace, and stability. You share the vision and action to make this a reality for the Bicolanos. And that is 'Bayanihan'," he said.

Robinson served as assistant division commander of the 7th Infantry Division; the head of the 702nd Infantry Brigade and commander of Task Force Davao of the 10th Infantry Division; and the 23rd and 29th Infantry Battalions of the 4th Infantry Division.

He also holds a Master's degree in in Public Management Major in Development Security.

Meanwhile, the 9th Infantry Division under Trinidad's leadership neutralized 540 New People's Army terrorists, seized 164 assorted firearms and 133 anti-personnel mines, and the clearing of two NPA guerilla fronts.

Trinidad was also responsible for making the 9th Infantry Division named as the "Best Philippine Army Major Unit for Operations" in the first quarter of 2019.

He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1987.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104141

Navy deploys another vessel to deliver PPE sets, med supplies

From the Philippine News Agency (May 28, 2020): Navy deploys another vessel to deliver PPE sets, med supplies (By Priam Nepomuceno)



EN ROUTE TO VISAYAS. Navy personnel load boxes of medical supplies and personnel protective equipment (PPE) sets into the BRP Batak (LC-299) at the Sangley Point in Cavite on Wednesday (May 27, 2020). The ship was deployed to transport these equipment as well as military personnel to various provinces in the Visayas. (Photo courtesy of the Naval Public Affairs Office)

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Wednesday deployed one of its heavy landing craft, BRP Batak (LC-299), to transport military personnel, personal protective equipment (PPE) sets, and assorted medical supplies to various provinces in the Visayas.

In a statement Thursday, Navy public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said the mission is part of the government's ongoing efforts to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19 threat.

"LC-299 will conduct sealift of military personnel, assorted cargoes and deliver a thousand sets of PPE and assorted medical supplies from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Naval Task Force against Covid-19," she added.

Roxas said the BRP Batak will first embark on Catbalogan City, Samar, and will proceed to Ormoc City in Leyte and in the provinces of Cebu and Iloilo before returning to Cebu City.

The ship is among the logistic vessels of the Sealift Amphibious Force (SAF) of the Philippine Fleet and under the operational control of Naval Task Force-50 of the Naval Forces Central based in Cebu.

Other SAF vessels that were deployed in this kind of mission include BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) and BRP Bacolod City (LS-550) among others, Roxas added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104233

Checkpoints, curfew part of 'new normal': Joint task force chief

From the Philippine News Agency (May 28, 2020): Checkpoints, curfew part of 'new normal': Joint task force chief (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

Checkpoints and curfew regulations will remain a part of the "new normal" situation with the easing of community quarantine restrictions and as the country awaits availability of a vaccine against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), a ranking police official said on Thursday.

In a press statement, Joint Task Force Corona Virus Shield (JTF CV Shield) commander, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, said this is because the Covid-19 threat remains, despite easing of some community quarantine restrictions.

“Our President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has allowed the lifting of some restrictions in order to re-open the economy and to turn the situation into the most normal as possible because we cannot afford to have strict quarantine rules at the expense of our economy and our people,” Eleazar said.

He added that minimum health standards should still be implemented such as wearing face masks, observance of physical distancing, and prohibition of unnecessary travel.

Currently, quarantine control points (QCPs) are deployed in specific areas for private vehicles while dedicated control points (DCPs) inspect cargo and delivery trucks. Meanwhile, mobile checkpoints conduct random inspections of private motorists.

Currently, there are 4,398 QCPs and 115 DCPs across the country.

The QCPs are manned and supervised by the police and the military while the DCPs are manned and supervised by the PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG).

Eleazar said that the HPG will be in charge of the conduct of mobile checkpoints in coordination with the local police force.

HPG director, Brig. Gen. Eliseo Cruz earlier said the mobile checkpoints will also be augmented by the deployment of motorcycle-riding personnel under "Oplan Habol" wherein motorists who would avoid the mobile checkpoints would be chased and checked for violation of quarantine rules.

“We cannot check all the vehicles because it will defeat the purpose of partially re-opening the economy. The solution here is to have mobile checkpoints,” he added.

The QCPs and the mobile checkpoints, Eleazar said, will be complemented with the frequent beat patrol in various communities, especially in urban areas, not only as part of the anti-crime measures but also for the implementation of curfew.

“The strict implementation of curfew is not only for the protection of our workers who go out for a nightshift or who go home during nighttime but it is also necessary to ensure that those who have no business going out should stay at home and make the most of the time bonding with their families instead of risking themselves to be infected by the (Covid-19),” he said.

Eleazar explained that the strict implementation of the community quarantine rules which include curfew has been found to be effective in preventing more infection and deaths as revealed by the study of experts from the University of the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104160