AFP-CRS: 1 BIFF member killed, 5 others arrested in North Cotabato clash

From the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jun 16, 2020): 1 BIFF member killed, 5 others arrested in North Cotabato clash

COTABATO CITY – A combatant of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) was killed while five others were arrested following a clash with military troopers in Midsayap, North Cotabato on Saturday.

Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) commander, said they are still trying to determine the identity of the slain terrorist, while one of the five arrested was identified only as a certain Maguindale, an alleged member of the Daesh-inspired BIFF-Bungos faction.

#AFPyoucanTRUST

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3368343726517661/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3368343726517661/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: 27 CPP-NPA surrender on Independence day in Southern Luzon

From the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jun 16, 2020): 27 CPP-NPA surrender on Independence day in Southern Luzon



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3368473099838057/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: Comments on Glena Gloria

From the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jun 16, 2020): Comments on Glena Gloria



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3368476353171065/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

WESTMINCOM: Soldiers, LTG clash in North Cotabato

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jun 14, 2020): Soldiers, LTG clash in North Cotabato

While conducting security operation, troops of the 34th Infantry Battalion chanced upon 4 local terrorists in Barangay Lumupog, Midsayap, North Cotabato in the afternoon of June 12, 2020.

Firefight ensued which resulted in the death of one enemy and recovery of two high-powered firearms and several ammunition.

Seized from the encounter site were one AK47, one M16 rifle, two long and one short magazines for cal. 5.56mm, 50 cal. 5.56mm ammunition, one bandolier, one motorized bangka, two cellular phones, three backpacks, and other personal belongings.

No casualty was reported on the government side.

"Our troops continue to scour the area," said Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, 602nd Infantry Brigade Commander.

Meanwhile, while conducting quarantine checkpoint operation, combined troops of the 34th and 57th Infantry Battalions, and Midsayap Municipal Police Station apprehended a wounded individual on board an ambulance of the Municipality of Datu Piang in Barangay Olandang, Midsayap, Cotabato past 5 p.m. of the same day.

Said wounded individual was identified as Maguindale Nawal , 25, a resident of Barangay Dado, Datu Piang, Maguindanao.

"It was found out that Maguindale Nawal incurred gunshot wound on his chest during the encounter with our troops in Lumupog, Midsayap," said Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, JTF Central Commander.

Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana commended the troops of JTF Central for another remarkable accomplishment.

"Remain steadfast in accomplishing your mandated tasks as we continue to work for lasting peace here in the southern part of our beloved country," said Lt. Gen. Sobejana.

#afpyoucantrust
#teamwmc
#teamkapayapaan
#wmcyourprotector
#wmcyourpartner
#wmcyourfriend

6th Infantry Division - Kampilan601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade 602nd "Liberator" Brigade 603 Persuader Brigade 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Unang Marinong Brigada Team TabakJoint Task Force BasilanHARIBON TEAMMagbalantay Cmo11 Infantry Division "Alakdan Troopers"2MBde Red ShieldGagandilan Siete1102 Infantry "ganarul" Brigade1st BCT AegisKwatromarinobrigada SuluJtf Tawi Tawi IndomalphiJoint Task Force ZamboangaJoint Task Force Zamboanga Virtual CenterUnbeatable Ranger BattalionMatatag BattalionTow Westmin CmoTow Westmin PioNaval Forces Western MindanaoCmou Western MindanaoKatapatan Pangkatihan-Dagatan33rd Infantry Makabayan Battalion57th Infantry Masikap Battalion1st Mechanized Lakan Battalion90th Infantry Bigkis Lahi BattalionSeventh Infantry Tapat BattalionReliablecmo R Section6IB Redskin37IB - Conqueror Battalion40 Infantry "Magiting" Battalion2nd Mechanized Infantry-MAKASAGBattalionOnlyOurBest MbltFive38th Infantry We Clear BattalionArvin John Gullos EncinasAr-ar Galvez Afman Rosales Jr.Antriosanjh Espenida NeneaSancus Princy NecessitasLa Independencia Filipinas

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CPP/NPA-Negros Island: The support of the people for over 51 years is enough proof of the NPA’s strength: NPA-Negros

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 16, 2020): The support of the people for over 51 years is enough proof of the NPA’s strength: NPA-Negros

JUANITO MAGBANUA

NPA-NEGROS ISLAND

APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

JUNE 18, 2020

“The 51 years of armed struggle waged by the CPP-NPA in over 110 guerilla fronts in 17 different regions, including regions 6 and 7, is already an overwhelming rebuttal to disprove AFP’s claim. The unwavering support of the masses in Negros and the entire country is more than enough proof that the NPA through the absolute leadership of the CPP is steadily establishing political power in the countryside. The worsening crisis is the fuel that fans the flames of the armed revolution, even more so these days due to brutal attacks of the Duterte regime and his military cabinet.”, Ka Juanito Magbanua said in a statement Thursday.

He also challenged Maj. Pancito and the AFP that if they wanted evidence, they can do so all over various social media accounts of the revolutionary movement in Negros and the entire country. They can download our publications and multimedia products in our website. They can discover there for themselves that the NPA has held a klinikang bayan catering to thousands, among other activities that clearly refute their statement.

“If online proof is not enough, the AFP already know that recently, guerilla fronts in Negros have conducted public health campaigns and called for emergency food production as a response to the Covid-19 crisis. It wouldn’t be hard to miss for the AFP since they experienced that reality firsthand when they suffered casualties after sabotage attempts to these campaigns in Himamaylan and Manjuyod the past months. That is the price fascists pay when they attack the people’s initiative and collective action.”, Magbanua added.

NPA-Negros welcomes genuine government efforts when beneficial for the people. But history has repeatedly shown that when the AFP meddle in community programs, these end up being caught in corruption and cronyism.

“It is bold of the AFP to accuse the NPA of lip service when it is them who have consistently terrorized communities while also lying to the face of the masses that they are well-received. In the guise of E-CLIP and CSP, they have destroyed livelihood & cooperatives, arrested & murdered dozens of innocent farmers while milking the budget for these programs. Might I remind the AFP that state terrorism enabled by them remain to be a top reason why the people take arms and join the NPA. We suggest that the truly patriotic rank-and-file soldiers who are just cannon fodder-while the top brass wallow in stolen wealth- to consider joining the NPA for the fight for our national liberation.”, remarked Magbanua. ###

https://cpp.ph/statement/the-support-of-the-people-for-over-51-years-is-enough-proof-of-the-npas-strength-npa-negros/

CPP/NPA-Southern Panay: Pahayag ukol sa ipinalabas na pekeng engkwentro ng AFP sa Igbaras, Iloilo — NPA-Southern Panay

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 16, 2020): Pahayag ukol sa ipinalabas na pekeng engkwentro ng AFP sa Igbaras, Iloilo — NPA-Southern Panay

ILAYA KANAWAY

NPA-SOUTHERN PANAY

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

JUNE 16, 2020

Naglulubid ang dila at inakyatan ng hangin ang ulo ni Major Panchito nang kanilang pinalabas sa midya ang kasinungalingang may nangyaring enkwentro sa pagitan ng AFP at NPA noong Hunyo 6, 2020, sa boundary ng Brgy. Tigbanaba at Sityo Mahi, Corucuan, Igbaras, Iloilo, ilang metros lamang mula sa kanilang detatsment sa Brgy. Igtalungon, Igbaras, Iloilo. Base sa kanilang fake news, tumagal ng 20 minutos ang putukan sa pagitan ng kanilang pwersang 61st IB at ng Sibat Platoon ng NPA Southern Front-Panay. Nagsitakas daw sa takot ang 10 myembro ng NPA at naiwan pa ang mga gamit.

Walang enkwentrong nangyari. Ang nasabing lugar ay sakop ng aming ng area of operation at, sa panahong iyon, walang yunit ng NPA ang nandoon. Iyon ay isang rehearsed na aksyon. Maliban sa kanilang treyning militar, nagkukumahog din ang AFP na gawing artista ang kanilang mga sundalo sa kanilang mga dramang enkwentro. Marso 2019, pinalabas din nilang may enkwentrong nangyari bago nila dinakip ang 3 magsasaka sa Brgy. Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo. April 2020, pinalabas din nila na may enkwentrong nangyari sa boundary ng Miag-ao, Iloilo at Sibalom, Antique nang kanilang pinatay ang isang lider magsasaka at dinakip ang 11 pang sibilyan. Itong nangyari sa Brgy. Igbaras, Iloilo ay kanilang namang idadagdag sa kanilang Collection of Fake Encounters Series.

Naramdaman nila ang panganib sa mga pagmamaniobra ng NPA malapit sa kanila at naglibing ng pangamba sa kanilang isip ang mga pang-aatake sa kanila mismong mga detatsment. Ang katulad nitong mga drama, kaparte ng kanilang desperadong pagsisikap na magpakitang-gilas sa kabila ng lumalawak at lumalakas na rebolusyonaryong kapangyarihan sa kanayunan. Ginagawa nila ito para gawing lehitimo ang kanilang mga operasyong kombat sa erya at makapagtanim sila ng takot sa mamamayan na sumusuporta sa NPA. Pakay nito na mawalan ng baseng masa ang NPA.

Ngunit kun saan ang mga maralita, nandoon ang NPA para paintindihin, organisahin at mobilisahin ang mamamayan upang ipaglaban ang kanilang mga karapatan. Patuloy na magpapalawak ang NPA sa pagmamaniobra sa erya lampas pa sa mga detatsment ng kaaway. Hindi kailanman mawawalan ng masa ang NPA sa halip patuloy itong susuportahan ng lumalawak at umiigting na paglaban nila.

Huwag maniwala sa mga drama at kasinungalingan ng AFP!
Alamin ang katotohanan sa pagsapi sa New People’s Army!

https://cpp.ph/statement/pahayag-ukol-sa-ipinalabas-na-pekeng-engkwentro-ng-afp-sa-igbaras-iloilo-npa-southern-panay/

CPP/NPA-Negros Island: The 303rd brigade’s massive corruption behind their continued fake mass surrenders and smear campaigns will only strengthen the NPA even more — NPA-Negros

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 16, 2020): The 303rd brigade’s massive corruption behind their continued fake mass surrenders and smear campaigns will only strengthen the NPA even more — NPA-Negros

JUANITO MAGBANUA

NPA-NEGROS ISLAND

APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

JUNE 16, 2020

NPA-Negros denounces the recent fraudulent acts of the 303rd brigade of the Philippine Army in Negros Island. Their recent smear campaign of hundreds of fake surrenders and declaring the NPA as persona non grata is but an old trick from their worn playbook to discredit the steadily growing armed revolution in the country.

“These are desperate attempts by Duterte and the AFP to try and demoralize the revolutionary movement whom they know is gaining ground day by day.”, remarked Juanito Magbanua, the regional spokesperson of the NPA-Apolinario Gatmaitan Command.

Magbanua remarked that the so-called ‘leaders’, alias Dodong and Lara, have been disenfranchised from the movement since 2018, while the hundreds of surrenderees in La Castillana, Moises Padilla, Murcia in Negros Occidental and Ayungon in Negros Oriental are but cash cows for the failed albeit corrupt E-CLIP program. Every surrenderee is supposed to acquire P50,000 livelihood assistance, but several of them receive little to nothing, indicating that the AFP has corrupted millions from this scheme. Magbanua also added that the programs held along with the fake surrenders to denounce the NPA are bogus since the NPA has enjoyed the support of the masses for over 51 years.

“The AFP’s publicity stunts are ineffective to say the least. They seem to forget that they themselves have boosted the NPA’s numbers due to their numerous atrocities, including at least 5 human rights violations in Isabela and Tayasan by the 62nd and 94th IBs in the month of June alone. All these are reactions of tactical offensives and targeted partisan operations against their fascist troupe mounted by different commands of the NPA in Negros. They cannot dry the river when they themselves cause the flood.”, Magbanua added.

Magbanua also mentioned that all these transpired while the pending Anti-Terrorism Bill is bound to be signed by Duterte. While we are still very much in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, Duterte has shunned the need to address the crisis and instead is hellbent on positioning his military junta, including the recent promotion of BGen. Benedict Arevalo as commander of the Civil Military Operations (J7), who has led the 303rd brigade in the bloody military campaigns that continue up to today.

“Duterte, the 303rd brigade and the AFP-PNP are recruiting more and more for the NPA due to their increasingly corrupt and tyrannical schemes.The NPA will surely mount more tactical offensives against the regime. This, along with the growing discontent of the masses are proof that the revolution is the only option left.”, ended Magbanua. 

https://cpp.ph/statement/the-303rd-brigades-massive-corruption-behind-their-continued-fake-mass-surrenders-and-smear-campaigns-will-only-strengthen-the-npa-even-more-npa-negros/

Kalinaw News: Army, PNP encounters the New People’s Army in Negros Oriental

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 17, 2020): Army, PNP encounters the New People’s Army in Negros Oriental (By 3rd Infantry Division)



SIATON, Negros Oriental – Joint elements of 11th Infantry (LAPU-LAPU) Battalion, Philippine Army and Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7 (RMFB 7) with personnel from Mabinay Municipal Police Station, encountered an undetermined number of Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) believed to be members of Central Negros 2 (CN2) in Sitio Talingting, Brgy Luyang, Mabinay, Negros Oriental at 12:45 A.M. today, 18 June 2020 (Thursday).

Information was received from barangay officials and concerned residents regarding the presence of a wanted personality accompanied by armed men occupying two houses at Sitio Talingting, Brgy Luyang, Mabinay, Negros Oriental that prompted the conduct of an Inter-Agency Military and Police Operation.

While on their way to the area, the joint AFP-PNP elements were fired upon by the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) that triggered a fierce gunfight.

After the exchange of heavy firefight for almost 30 minutes, troops were able to outmaneuver the enemies and successfully seized the enemy positions.

The encounter resulted in five (5) NPA terrorist members killed and negative casualties on the government side.

The troops were able to recover at the encounter site the following war materials: Three (3) M16 rifles with serial numbers RP169471, RP178553, and one with a defaced serial number, One (1) AK47 with a defaced serial number, One (1) caliber .45 pistol with a defaced serial number, Three (3) AK47 magazines, Four (4) Rifle Grenades, One (1) Improvised Explosive Device (IED), Six (6) long and Two (2) short magazines of an M16 rifle, One (1) caliber .45 magazine, 239 M16 ammunition, 167 AK47 ammunition, Five (5) caliber .45 ammunition, Two (2) Baofeng radios, Three (3) Cellular phones, Five (5) backpacks, Four (4) bandoliers, several subversive documents, Two (2) Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) flags, and other personal belongings.

As of writing, troops are still in the area securing the perimeter of the encounter site while waiting for the SOCO team to conduct an investigation.

Lieutenant Colonel Ramir J Redosendo, Commanding officer of the 11th Infantry (LAPU-LAPU) Battalion, Philippine Army, stated that “This is a clear manifestation that the local residents do not want to be deceived again by the lies of this NPA terrorists. It also shows that EO 70 and the Negros Oriental Task-Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NOTF-ELCAC) is up and running.”

“I thank the residents of Barangay Luyang for reporting the presence of armed men in their area, and I urge the people of Negros Oriental to continue reporting the presence of these NPA terrorists in their communities for us to prevent their terroristic activities.”

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friend of those Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) killed. Taking up arms against the government and the Filipino people will never address and resolve conflict and issues.”

“We appeal to the members and supporters of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) either surrender yourselves, return to the folds of the law and avail the programs of the government for you or suffer the same fate that happened to their peers.” Ltc Redosendo added.

Ltc Redosendo urged everyone to support the “Whole-of-Nation” approach of the government to end the long-drawn-out insurgency problem in Negros Oriental.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-pnp-encounters-the-new-peoples-army-in-negros-oriental/

Kalinaw News: Oroquieta City commends AFP, PNP troops for capture of top criminal

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 17, 2020): Oroquieta City commends AFP, PNP troops for capture of top criminal (By Kalinaw News)




CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – Troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) received high commendation from the City of Oroquieta, Misamis Occidental for the successful law enforcement support operations that led to the arrest of a top criminal in the area.

“The AFP is grateful to the Oroquieta City Government for recognizing the unwavering efforts of our soldiers in supporting our local government units and law enforcement agencies to bring and maintain peace and development in their communities,” AFP Chief of Staff, General Felimon T. Santos Jr. said.

Resolution No. 2020-02-125 of the City Government commends forces under the Western Mindanao Command along with 19 police troops of the Oroquieta City Police Station, Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office, and Misamis Occidental Provincial Field Unit.

They were honored for their untiring performance during the law enforcement operation led by the PNP against Jennifer Aguhob on February 5, 2020. She was captured at her residence in Oroquieta City by virtue of a warrant of arrest for the crime of murder issued by the Regional Trial Court in Dipolog City on July 29, 2019.

Adopted on February 24, 2020, the resolution stated that the City of Oroquieta and its people stand proud of the unified accomplishment of the police and military in maintaining the peace and order in their community.

“It is just and proper to afford these personnel of PNP and AFP due commendation for their indefatigable performance and dedication to their duties and responsibilities in the pursuit of peace as manifested in the arrest of Jennifer Aguhob,” the Resolution stipulated.

In the document, Aguhob was identified as a mole and a secret threat to the government and to the people of the city. It further said that her arrest assures the people of Oroquieta of its safety and a guarantee of continued effort in maintaining public safety.

The resolution was signed by Oroquieta City Mayor Lemuel Meyrick M. Acosta, Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Sol Jude D. Gamalinda, and Secretary to the Sanggunian Juanita Montejo.

“With the continuous cooperation of the local government units and law enforcement agencies, the AFP will remain steadfast in its efforts to protect the best interest of our people. We will work as one in achieving the overall goal of just and lasting peace and development for our nation,” General Santos said.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/oroquieta-city-commends-afp-pnp-troops-for-capture-of-top-criminal/

Kalinaw News: Another 21 former rebels in ADN receive E-CLIP financial assistance for a total 84 in Caraga

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 17, 2020): Another 21 former rebels in ADN receive E-CLIP financial assistance for a total 84 in Caraga (By 4th Infantry Division)



BANCASI, Butuan City – Another twenty-one (21) Former Rebels (FRs) in Caraga region had received the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) DILG Financial Assistance Package during the 2nd Quarter Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Meeting of Agusan del Norte held at Balanghai Hotel, Brgy Doongan, Butuan City.

Twenty-one (21) FRs, composed of four (4) FRs from 29th Infantry Battalion, fifteen (15) FRs from 23rd Infantry Battalion, and two (2) FRs from PRO13, received a total of two million three hundred forty thousand pesos (PhP2,340,000.00) DILG financial assistance package consisting of PhP1,100,000.00 Livelihood Assistance, PhP300, 000.00 Immediate Assistance and PhP940, 000.00 firearms remuneration under the E-CLIP DILG Financial Assistance Package.

The awarding of E-CLIP benefits witnessed by different member agencies of the PPOC ADN was attended by Hon Dale B Corvera, Provincial Governor of ADN, Hon Angelica Rosedell Amante Matba, 2nd District representative of ADN, Brigadier General Maurito L Licudine, 402nd Brigade Commander, and Director Lilibeth T Famacion, Regional Director of DILG Caraga.

Ten (10) out of the twenty-one (21) FRs brought along their firearms upon surrender to government troops. The surrendered firearms consist of one (1) Caliber .45 pistol, one (1) Caliber .38 pistol, one (1) home-made shotgun; one (1) M14 rifle, one (1) AK47 rifle, two (2) M16 rifles, one (1) Garand rifle, and four (4) Carbine rifles.

The Army and PNP units where the FRs have voluntary surrendered will receive a total amount of PhP462,000.00 as Reintegration Assistance Fund. Said units provided temporary shelter, food and other assistance for the said FRs and their families while processing and awaiting their E-CLIP benefits.

Since January 2020, a total of eighty-four (84) FRs under the 402nd Infantry Brigade AOR already received their E-CLIP under the DILG Financial Assistance package together with other benefits from TESDA, DOH and DSWD.

It can be recalled that last June 11, 2020, the E-CLIP Committee of Surigao del Norte spearheaded by Hon Francisco T Matugas, Provincial Governor, together with Director Lilibeth T Famacion, Regional Director of DILG Caraga also awarded a total of PhP3,072,000 under the DILG financial assistance package to thirteen (13) Former Rebels (FRs) who voluntary surrendered to 30th Infantry Battalion under the operational control of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade. A total of twenty (20) High-Powered Firearms (HPFAs) consisting of six (6) AK47 rifles, four (4) M16 rifles, three (3) M4 rifles, two (2) M14 rifles, one (1) AR18 rifle, one (1) Home-made shotgun and three (3) M203 Grenade Launchers were given remuneration and ceremoniously turned over during the said activity.

Also, last February 11, 2020, a total of thirty-one (31) former rebels (FRs) who surrendered to the 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion received the E-CLIP benefits worth PhP660,800 held at Headquarters 29IB, Brgy Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, ADN. Likewise, eighteen (18) FRs who surrendered to 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion also received their E-CLIP benefits amounting to PhP1,210,000.00 held at Capitol Hill, Tandag City, Surigao Del Sur on 10 February 2020.

Hon Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba, 2nd District Representative of ADN, who always supported and visited the FRs during their stay at their temporary shelters inside the 23IB and 29IB Headquarters in the Municipality of Buenavista and City of Cabadbaran, respectively, expressed her gratitude and support to the Former Rebels who will start their new lives with the help of the financial assistance received. She encourage them to entice their former comrades to also surrender to the government as the E-CLIP assistance awaits them. Hon Amante-Matba is expecting an influx of surrenderers in the coming weeks as the CNTs are already weakened because of hunger and fatigue as they suffered major setbacks due to continuous combat operations of government forces.

Meanwhile, Hon Dale B Corvera, Provincial Governor of ADN, during the discussion in the 2nd Qtr PPOC meeting, directed the DILG Provincial Director to implement the operationalization of the Halfway House for FRs that was already completed last January 30, 2020. The operationalization is one of the most significant part of the E-CLIP process that will ensure the redirection of the FR towards returning to the mainstream society.

In his statement, Brigadier General Maurito L Licudine, Commander of 402nd Infantry Brigade said that the E-CLIP have strengthened the impact of the combat operations in the mountains and would encourage more CNT surrenderers in Caraga. He said, “The E-CLIP has induced snowball of CNT surrenderers. However, the E-CLIP benefits anchored under the Task Force ELCAC must be complemented with the implementation of different livelihood and infrastructure projects and the delivery of basic services to the geographically isolated disadvantaged and conflict affected areas (GIDCAs) in order to address the issues commonly exploited by the communist terrorist group.”

“Once again, we urge all remaining CNT members to surrender and peacefully lay down their firearms. Let the Caraganons experience a genuine peace so that development and progress will take its course in the region. Rest assured that those FRs who surrender will be secured to include their families and they will be given appropriate assistance under the E-CLIP under direction of the TF ELCAC”, BGen Licudine added.

[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/another-21-former-rebels-in-adn-receive-e-clip-financial-assistance-for-a-total-84-in-caraga/

Reds slam ‘fake claims’

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 17, 2020): Reds slam ‘fake claims’

The New People’s Army Apolinario Gatmaitan Command yesterday issued a statement condemning what they called “fraudulent acts” of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, citing the fake surrender of hundreds of their supporters and some members.

Rebel spokesman Ka Juanito Magbanua dismissed it as an old trick from their worn playbook to discredit the steadily growing armed revolution in the country.

“These are desperate attempts by Duterte and the AFP to try and demoralize the revolutionary movement whom they know is gaining ground day by day,” Magbanua claimed in a statement.

On Sunday, a rebel couple, who occupy key positions in the Central Negros Front 2 of the NPA, gave themselves up to the 62nd Infantry Battalion and Isabela Police Station. The couple also surrendered a .45 caliber pistol with ammunition.

All over Negros Island, 134 Yunit Militia members, Militia ng Bayan, local party branch members and rebel supporters also severed their ties with the CPP-NPA and surrendered a 30 caliber M1 garand rifle, the 303rd Infantry Brigade said.

Magbanua said that the so-called “leaders”, alias Dodong and Lara, have been disenfranchised from the movement since 2018, while the hundreds of surrenderees in La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Murcia in Negros Occidental and Ayungon in Negros Oriental are but cash cows for the Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government.

Every rebel surrenderee is supposed to acquire P50,000 livelihood assistance but several of them received little to nothing, he claimed.

https://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/June/17/topstory8.htm

Army: Mass surrender shows crack in NPA

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 17, 2020): Army: Mass surrender shows crack in NPA

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Divisionsaid yesterday that the massive surrender of members and supporters of the New People’s Army in Negros Island indicates a crack in its organization.

More than 130 former NPA members and supporters surrendered on June 12 and June 14 in Negros Island as reported by the 303rd Infantry Brigade, which was dismissed as a fraudulent claim by Negros rebel spokesman Ka Juanito Magbanua.

Maj. Cenon Pancito, 3ID Public Affairs Office chief, said yesterday that the best way for the NPA in Negros to negate military claims is to present evidence like what they did in presenting the rebel surrenderees.

False accusation by mere lip service is an insult not just to the wisdom of the involved parties but more so to the whole Filipino people who deserve a more intelligent rebuttal, Pancito said.

He added that the NPA organization in Negros is crumbling, and the massive surrender is an indicator of a crack in its organization that will lead to the demoralization of most of their comrades.

“While claiming that more locals are joining their group, why are they (NPA) so afraid of the government's efforts, if it strengthen their ranks?” Pancito asked, Magbanua and their public relations developers have no grasp of reality, he added.

The people have spoken, and they know we got their back, he said.*

https://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/June/17/topstory7.htm

NPA extortion eyed in burning of heavy equipment in SouthCot

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 17, 2020): NPA extortion eyed in burning of heavy equipment in SouthCot

Authorities are eyeing extortion by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels as motive behind the burning of three heavy equipment in a quarry site in Tboli town, South Cotabato province on Monday afternoon.

Tboli, South Cotabato. Map courtesy of Google

Maj. Irish Hezron Parangan, acting chief of the Tboli municipal police station, said Tuesday workers of the Gemma Construction and Supply Inc. were extracting gravel along a riverside in Barangay Edwards amidst heavy rains around 3 p.m. when four gunmen came and torched their heavy equipment.

He said the three company drivers were not harmed but the backhoe, payloader and dump truck were totally destroyed.
Citing accounts from one of the drivers, Parangan said a lone gunman carrying a sack initially approached and asked them to leave the site.

He said three more suspects then appeared, poured gasoline on the heavy equipment and set them on fire.

The suspects, who were wearing ski masks and armed with handguns, hastily left the site after the incident, he said.

Parangan said the circumstances of the incident showed that it could be the handiwork of NPA rebels, which was blamed over similar attacks in the area in the previous years.

“We’re looking at extortion as possible motive but we’re not discounting other angles,” he said in a radio interview.

He said these include the recent surrender in the area of former NPA combatants under the Guerilla Front 72-Far South Mindanao Region.
The police official said officials of Gemma Construction, who were working on various government-commissioned infrastructure projects in parts of the province, have yet to confirm whether they received extortion demands prior to the attack.

He said the company estimated the damage to the three burned heavy equipment at P20 million.

Parangan added that followup operations, along with elements from the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion, were ongoing against the suspects. (MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/06/npa-extortion-eyed-in-burning-of-heavy-equipment-in-southcot/

DOJ completes review of anti-terror bill

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 17, 2020): DOJ completes review of anti-terror bill

JUSTICE SECRETARY Menardo Guevarra on Tuesday said the Department of Justice (DOJ) has completed its review of the enrolled version of the anti-terrorism bill and will submit it to the Office of the President.

"As scheduled, we finished our brainstorming session yesterday (Monday), examining and inter-relating with one another each and every section of the enrolled anti-terrorism bill. We are drafting our comments today (Tuesday) and will send our internal communication to the Office of the President tomorrow (Wednesday).

“I am confident that (President Rodrigo Duterte) will wait for and consider not only the comments of the DOJ (Department of Justice) but also those of other government agencies whose comments were requested by the Office of the Executive Secretary," Guevarra said in a message to reporters.

He said as a matter of procedure on the agency's comments on enrolled bills awaiting approval by the President, the communication addressed to the Office of the President is highly confidential.

"We’ll leave it to the Office of the Executive Secretary to decide if they would publicly disclose the basis of whatever action the President would take on the bill," he added.

Malacañang earlier assured that the measure will have safeguards against human rights abuses.
Law enforcement authorities that will abuse the proposed law could face imprisonment of up to 10 years.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque has assured that President Duterte will thoroughly review the anti-terrorism bill to ensure that it complies with the 1987 Constitution.

Under the bill, persons who shall threaten to commit terrorism, and those who will propose any terroristic acts or incite others to commit terrorism shall suffer imprisonment of 12 years.

Suspected persons can be detained for 14 days without a warrant of arrest with an allowable 10-day extension.

A 60-day surveillance on suspected terrorists can also be conducted by the police or the military, with an allowable 30-day extension.

Videoconferencing for the accused and witnesses will also be allowed under the measure.

To allay fears of abuse, the Commission on Human Rights will be notified in case of the detention of a suspected terrorist. (By Benjamin Pulta)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/06/doj-completes-review-of-anti-terror-bil.html

AFP, PNP beef up troops in EV

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 17, 2020): AFP, PNP beef up troops in EV (By Rodrigo S. Victoria)

NAVAL, Biliran, June 17 (PIA) -- Top officials of the Philippine Army (PA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas said more troops will be deployed in the region.

Major General Pio Diñoso, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, and Police Brig. Gen. Bernabe M. Balba, PNP-8 Regional Director, disclosed the information during the Independence Day episode of the PIA Panindugan Virtual Press Conference hosted by PIA 8 Regional Director Olive P. Tiu.

Diñoso said the higher headquarters sent back the elements of the 19th IB to the region after four years of assignment in North Cotabato.

“Ang inyong Philippine Army, dahil sa magandang ipinapakita ka-partner ang Task Force ELCAC, ibinalik sa atin from Mindanao ang 19th Infantry Battalion na naka-base sa North Cotabato for four years. Ngayon, pinayagan din nila tayo mag-organize pa ng isang Infantry Battalion, ito ‘yong 52nd Infantry Battalion,” Diñoso said.

He added that the two additional battalion in Region 8 is a validation that the army is performing well in the region.

"The 19th IB, which is composed of 400-500 personnel, will be assigned in San Roque and Gandara-Matuginao areas while the 52nd IB in Eastern Samar," the 8ID chief said.

The Army chief in the region said they also deployed air forces, firepower and surveillance assets as investment of AFP.

These additional battalions, these additional assets will help deter the terrorists’ activities in the region, he added.

With these developments, Diñoso urged the rebels to change their lives by returning to the fold of the law.

On the other hand, Balba said the PNP in the region will be strengthened by some 300 personnel of the Special Action Force (SAF).

"The additional SAF personnel will join and help the PNP in the Eastern Visayas region in the maintenance of peace and order," Balba said.

He further said SAF personnel are expected to help in carrying out other tasks rendered by the PNP personnel in the region. (ldl/rsv/PIA Biliran)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1044876

Unity, cooperation help combat COVID-19, insurgency in Caraga - Gov. Corvera

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 17, 2020): Unity, cooperation help combat COVID-19, insurgency in Caraga - Gov. Corvera (By Nora C. Lanuza)

BUTUAN CITY, June 17 (PIA) -- In this trying times, where health crisis brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is affecting the Caraganons, Governor Dale B. Corvera of the province of Agusan del Norte is positive that unity and cooperation are important factors to overcome the health and insurgency problems in the region.

During the virtual meeting of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) held on Tuesday presided by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexis Nograles, chairperson of the Caraga RTF-ELCAC, Governor Corvera has expressed his appreciation to other local chief executives and officers for their presence.

"It is just a proof of the utmost commitment and support to a united effort to end local communists armed conflict in the region," said Gov. Corvera, who is also the chairperson of the Regional Development Council and One Caraga Shield Task Force COVID-19.

“Despite the limitations and challenges we are facing due to the current health crisis, we are able to adopt alternative platforms to meet, because apart from the COVID-19, we have other equally pressing concerns – that is peace and security situation of our region,” he added.

Governor Corvera also lauded the local chief executives (LCEs) of the region for being committed and productive amidst the challenges to ensure that their tasks as LCEs are still effectively carried out for the welfare of their constituents.

“Despite the serious socio-economic impacts brought about by the health crisis, still, the LCEs continue to strive for Caraga region’s goals. The collaboration between the government, private sector and the civil society is indeed invaluable,” he said.

Corvera also encouraged everyone present to remain steadfast in their commitment, not timid in their actions, and be bold in aspirations because every Caraganon deserves a life free from violence and any form of insecurity.

“I believe that amidst this pandemic, we should not put on hold our efforts towards ending local armed conflict in the region, as this lingering issue adds unnecessary burden to our already health-threatened constituents,” Gov. Corvera said.

He is also hoping that in the next two years, the environment and community for the Caraganons will not only safe from the virus, but at the same time also safe from the violence of insurgents.

During the meeting, Corvera informed the group that in the recent 101st Caraga RDC Full Council meeting held on March 11, 2020, the council has endorsed an estimated proposed budget allocation of P35.75 Billion for FY 2021, which is intended for priority programs, projects, and activities in geographically isolated, disadvantaged, and conflict-affected areas in the region.

The said meeting was participated by the different local chief executives and head of offices and representatives from the government and private offices of the region. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1044944

Tagalog News: Kapitolyo ng Zambales, 3rd Mech namahagi ng bigas sa mga katutubo

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 17, 2020): Tagalog News: Kapitolyo ng Zambales, 3rd Mech namahagi ng bigas sa mga katutubo (By Trixie Joy B. Manalili)

BOTOLAN, Zambales, Hunyo 17 (PIA) -- Namahagi ng may kabuuang 3,252 sako ng bigas ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Zambales at 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion o 3rd Mech bilang ayuda sa mga katutubo sa Botolan.

Ayon kay 3rd Mech Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Norberto Aromin Jr., patuloy na nakikipagtulungan ang Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas sa mga stakeholder nito upang matulungan ang mga Pilipino sa gitna ng krisis dulot ng COVID-19.

Pahayag ni Aromin, bawat pamilya ay tumanggap ng isang sakong bigas. 

Higit 3,000 sako ng bigas ang ipinamigay ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Zambales at 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion bilang tulong sa mga katutubo sa Botolan, Zambales. (3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion)

Aniya, 1,044 sako ng bigas ang naibahagi sa Barangay Poon Bato; 620 sa Barangay Burgos; 447 sa Barangay Villar; 270 sa Barangay Belbel; 358 sa Barangay Moraza; 174 sa Barangay Maguisguis; 225 sa Barangay Nacolcol at 114 sa Barangay Palis.

Sa isang pahayag, nagpasalamat si Mayor Doris Maniquiz sa lahat ng mga nagkaisa upang maihatid ang tulong sa mga kababayan niyang lubos na naapektuhan ng pandemya. (CLJD/TJBM-PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1045075

Family of slain IP militiaman in Surigao Norte cries justice

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 17, 2020): Family of slain IP militiaman in Surigao Norte cries justice (By Alexander Lopez)



Google map of Tubod, Surigao del Norte.

Family members of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) militiaman and a member of the Mamanwa tribe who was killed by suspected communist rebels are now crying for justice, even as they called on the government to go after those responsible for the crime.

Rogelio Balangay Calinawan, 34, was gunned down in his residence in Barangay Caliwan, Tubod town in Surigao del Norte by armed men believed to be members of New People’s Army (NPA) on Tuesday evening (June 16).

Calinawan was assigned as CAFGU member at the Army Patrol Base in Barangay Hinatigan, Bacuag, Surigao del Norte, said Maj. Shalom Faye Cornelio of the information office of Surigao del Norte Provincial Police Office (SDNPPO).

“We already received the spot report from Tubod Police Station and we are still conducting follow-up investigations on the incident,” Cornelio told the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday.

Based on the initial investigation of the local police and the Army in the area, Cornelio identified two of the perpetrators as NPA rebels Shane Ortega and Justine Castañeda, who belong to the NPA's Guerilla Front 16.

1Lt. Benjamin de Dios, civil-military operations officer of the Army's 30th Infantry Battalion, confirmed that Calinawan was an active CAFGU member under their command.

A relative of the victim who asked for anonymity for security reasons told PNA that Calinawan and his family were about to sleep around 8:30 p.m. when they heard someone calling the name of the mother of the victim.

Though the voice was familiar, the relative said the family did not bother to answer until another person made a call and identified himself as an Army personnel.

Upon hearing, she said Rogelio came out from their house but before he could step on the ground they already heard bursts of gunfires.

“We dropped to the floor to avoid the bullets. I realized then that the armed men were not government forces but NPA rebels. The first voice we heard was familiar and we knew his linkages with the rebels,” she said.

She added that Rogelio managed to run in a distance to spare his family from the hail of bullets before his body fell down to the ground.

“We want justice for Rogelio. He did no wrong to be executed by the NPA rebels,” she said.

Investigators at the crime scene said Rogelio’s body sustained multiple gunshots.

The victim was rushed to the Provincial Hospital of Surigao del Norte but was declared dead on arrival.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1106176

15 NPA rebels yield in Caraga

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 17, 2020): 15 NPA rebels yield in Caraga (By Alexander Lopez)



MASS SURRENDER. Fifteen communist New People’s Army rebels operating in Agusan del Norte surrendered to the Regional Mobile Force Battalion of the Police Regional Office in Caraga Region on Tuesday (June 16, 2020). Brig. Gen. Joselito Esquivel Jr., Police Region Office-13 director, says the surrenderers will be enrolled in the government's integration program for rebel returnees. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)

Fifteen communist New People’s Army (NPA) combatants have surrendered to the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 (Caraga), the region's top police official said on Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Joselito Esquivel Jr., Police Region Office-13 director, said they welcomed the surrenderers on Tuesday (June 16) at the RMFB headquarters here.

Esquivel said the surrenderers belonged to the Guerrilla Front 4A of the NPA's North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

Among the surrenderers, he said, are “Jun”, “CJ” and “Terang” -- who held sensitive positions with the GF-4A. Their identities were not divulged for security reasons.

Esquivel said Jun served as a medic, while CJ and Terang worked as revolutionary tax collectors; the rest were members of the NPA's Milisya ng Bayan operating in Nasipit town, Agusan del Norte.

They handed over to the police three .38-caliber pistols, two .357 revolvers, and 25 rounds of ammunition.

“The surrender of the 15 NPA members were the result of the intensified campaign of the PNP and other concerned agencies to End Local Communist and Armed Conflict in the province of Agusan del Norte,” Esquivel said.

He added that the Philippine National Police in Caraga Region is committed to support President Rodrigo Duterte's thrust to end local communist armed conflicts in the countryside.

“Armed struggle is not a solution to the problem. Let us work hand in hand. I know that members of the New People’s Army are tired and are longing to be with their families and loved ones. That is the reason why I am appealing to them to let the government help them on their quest for peace and to be with their families," he said.

Esquivel also expressed gratitude to the local chief executives and officials for their support and commitment to end the local insurgency in the Caraga region.

He noted that most local government units (LGUs) in the region have already passed resolutions declaring the NPA as Persona Non-Grata.

He also cited the support of the people in the communities in providing vital information to the police and the Army.

"The return of these communist terrorist rebels is the outcome of true information delivered by the masses and in collaboration with civil authorities,” Esquivel said.

He added that the new batch of surrenderers will be given financial support, legal assistance, and livelihood as part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1106172

IP kids get school supplies from Army, LGUs in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 17, 2020): IP kids get school supplies from Army, LGUs in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)



BACK-TO-SCHOOL GIFTS. Around 100 children belonging to the Manobo tribe in Barangay Caras-an in Tago town and Libas-Sud in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur receive school supplies from the Army’s 3rd Special Forces Battalion and the local government units on Tuesday (June 16, 2020) in preparation for the opening of classes this year. The outreach is part of the government's drive against the communist rebels' recruitment in the area. (Photo courtesy of 3SFBn)

More than 100 Manobo children in the indigenous people (IP) communities in the towns of Tago and San Miguel in Surigao del Sur received their early school supplies from the Army and local government units (LGUs).

1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan, civil-military operations officer of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn), said the distribution of school supplies to schoolchildren took place Tuesday (June 16) in the IP villages of Caras-an in Tago and Libas-Sud in San Miguel.

“The activity is in anticipation of the opening of classes in August. Each of the children received packages with notebooks, eraser, pencil, ballpen, sharpener, crayon, and scissors,” Punsalan said in a statement sent to the Philippine News Agency Wednesday.

Involved during the distribution were forces from the 7th Special Forces Company of 3SFBn and representatives from the LGUs of Tago and San Miguel, he said.

“The IP communities in Caras-an and Libas-sud were once exploited by the militant group, Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU), through mobilizing the innocent IPs in the scripted evacuation tactic (Taktikang Bakwit) to demonize the community support teams assigned in the area to secure and assist the LGU in delivering the basic social services,” Punsalan said.

He said that with the unified efforts of the LGUs and the different line agencies of the government and other stakeholders through the task force to end local communist armed conflict, series of education activities were launched in the conflict-affected communities to counter the "deceptive recruitment schemes of the NPA".

“IP leaders and barangay officials now coordinate with the LGUs and the local disaster risk management offices to systematically handle evacuations to prevent groups affiliated with the Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) in exploiting the tribal people,” Punsalan said.

He added that IP communities and their leaders now support the activities of the Army, including the conduct of military operations against the NPA rebels.

“The LGUs and IP leaders now fully support the combat operations against CNTs because they want to end insurgency as soon as possible,” Punsalan said.

Lt. Col. Joey Baybayan, 3SFBn commander, said IP communities in the towns of Tago and San Miguel "now realize that they are never the target of the combat operations of the Army but the NPA rebels who continue to sow malicious propaganda against the government forces".

“Community support teams will continuously be deployed in conflict-affected areas and villages not only to facilitate the delivery basic services but to reach out and bring the message of hope to Communist NPA Terrorists who would like to surrender,” Baybayan said.

He said the government is always ready to accept the NPA surrenderers and provide the necessary support through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1106204

Anti-terror bill steps up Army drive vs. communist group in Bicol

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 17, 2020): Anti-terror bill steps up Army drive vs. communist group in Bicol (By Connie Calipay)



Philippine Army's 9th Infantry Division Commander Brig. Gen. Henry Robinson Jr. (Photo courtesy of 9ID)

The commander of Joint Task Force Bicolandia on Wednesday said passage of the Anti-Terrorism Bill will boost and expedite the government’s campaign against the communist terrorist group (CTG) in the region.

Brig. Gen. Henry Robinson Jr., head of the Philippine Army's 9th Infantry Division, said the law will enhance the security and stability of the country particularly in Bicol, and will assure further that justice will be served to all the victims of terrorism.

“This will enable the authorities to strengthen their thrusts and appropriately penalize these terrorists and their cohorts as well as those who will propose, incite, conspire, and participate in the planning, training, and facilitation of terrorist attacks including those who provide support and recruit anyone to be a member of a terrorist organization,” he said in a statement.

Robinson said in Bicol, despite the dwindling capabilities of the CTG, it has desperately launched terror attacks amidst the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“This proves how serious terrorism endangers lives of the innocent civilians in the communities. Not to mention its negative impact on economic development,” he added.

He said they are looking forward to a more stringent measure that will help curtail, if not eradicate, the insurgency problem in the region.

“Aside from the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing -- the New People’s Army (NPA), which has been declared terrorist organizations by the US State Department, European Union Council, and even President Duterte -- there are still other terrorist groups that we have to confront and monitor,” he said.

Robinson said the JTF Bicolandia's stance on the Anti-Terrorism Bill, alongside its endeavor to end terrorism in the Bicol region, and the continuous cooperation and understanding of the people in the communities they are serving are of vital importance to the success of their mission.

“Guided with the principles of human rights, this bill will enable JTF Bicolandia to intensify its anti-communist terrorist campaign in protecting the people and our motherland,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1106187

PRRD waiting for anti-terror bill to be vetted

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 17, 2020): PRRD waiting for anti-terror bill to be vetted (By Azer Parrocha)

President Rodrigo R. Duterte will wait for the vetting process to be finished before he decides to sign or veto the anti-terrorism bill, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the President is still waiting for Senator Panfilo Lacson, the principal author of the measure, to finalize the measure’s provisions.

“When he spoke about the anti-terror bill, he was saying, ‘I’m waiting for Senator Lacson to finalize his commas and periods before I sign the bill,'” Roque said in an interview on ABS-CBN News Channel’s Headstart.

He said the proposed law has not reached the President’s desk, which means that the Office of the Executive Secretary and the Department of Justice were still vetting it.

Roque said the Office of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel has already finished reviewing the bill and has sent their input.

“There are at least three departments that are given the leeway to comment on this legislation. The most important is the Office of the Executive Secretary, specifically the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs, and of course, it’s important to listen to the Department of Justice as well,” he said.

Besides these offices, Roque said the President, a lawyer himself, would read the provisions of the bill.

“Let’s not forget, that the President was also a criminal lawyer, a public prosecutor. He will read the bill himself and he will himself make a determination if there’s any provision that is contrary to the bill of rights and the Constitution,” he said.

Meanwhile, Roque clarified that it was not the President who sought support for the anti-terror bill from 784 local government officials.

“I don’t think it was the President that asked for the support because he was in Davao. It was (Interior) Secretary (Eduardo) Año,” he said.

Roque said it was only “natural” for the interior chief to seek support from local government officials, who deal with the threat of modern-day terrorism.

“Terrorism, of course, can occur in specific jurisdictions of the Philippines constituting LGUs,” he said, adding that he respected the decision of other local government officials who opposed the bill.

“It’s a free country,” Roque said.

The anti-terrorism bill seeks to amend and improve the provisions of the Human Security Act of 2007 by giving it more teeth.

Under the measure, the detention of suspected terrorists for up to 24 days sans a warrant of arrest will be permitted. It also allows a 60-day surveillance with an allowable 30-day extension that can be conducted by the police or the military against the suspected terrorists.

A person who voluntarily or knowingly joins a terrorist organization will also face 12 years of imprisonment.

In case of the detention of a suspected terrorist, the Commission on Human Rights should be notified.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1106125

AFP always ready to work with LGUs, sectors to protect peace

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 17, 2020): AFP always ready to work with LGUs, sectors to protect peace (By Priam Nepomuceno)



AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. (File photo)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said it will continue to work with local government units and other stakeholders to achieve lasting peace and development.

“With the continuous cooperation of the local government units and law enforcement agencies, the AFP will remain steadfast in its efforts to protect the best interest of our people. We will work as one in achieving the overall goal of just and lasting peace and development for our nation,” said AFP chief, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., in a statement.

Santos made the remark as he thanked the city government of Oroquieta, Misamis Occidental which commended its troops for assisting the local police in arresting a ranking criminal in the area.

“The AFP is grateful to the Oroquieta City Government for recognizing the unwavering efforts of our soldiers in supporting our local government units and law enforcement agencies to bring and maintain peace and development in their communities,” he added.

He was referring to Resolution No. 2020-02-125 of the Oroquieta City government which commended soldiers of the Western Mindanao Command along with 19 police troops of the Oroquieta City Police Station, Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office, and Misamis Occidental Provincial Field Unit.

They were feted for their assistance during the law enforcement operation led by the police against Jennifer Aguhob on February 5.

Aguhob was captured at her residence by virtue of a warrant of arrest for murder issued by the Dipolog City Regional Trial Court on July 29, 2019.

Adopted on February 24, the resolution stated that the city of Oroquieta and its people stand proud of the unified accomplishment of the police and military in maintaining the peace and order in their community.

“It is just and proper to afford these personnel of PNP and AFP due commendation for their indefatigable performance and dedication to their duties and responsibilities in the pursuit of peace as manifested in the arrest of Jennifer Aguhob,” the resolution said.

In the document, Aguhob was identified as "a mole and a threat" to the government and to the people of the city.

It further said that her arrest assures the people of Oroquieta of its safety and a guarantee of continued effort in maintaining public safety.

The resolution was signed by Oroquieta City Mayor Lemuel Meyrick M. Acosta, Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Sol Jude D. Gamalinda, and Secretary to the Sanggunian Juanita Montejo.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1106157

DILG slams Bayan Muna claim LGUs coerced to back anti-terror bill

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 17, 2020): DILG slams Bayan Muna claim LGUs coerced to back anti-terror bill



DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya. (File photo)

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday belied the accusation of leftist group Bayan Muna that local chief executives (LCEs) are being forced by the agency to support the Anti-Terrorism Bill, calling the accusation an affront and insult to local government executives nationwide.

“Bayan Muna’s claim that LGUs are being forced into supporting the Anti-Terrorism Bill is a complete falsehood and an affront and insult to the dignity, intelligence, and integrity of all local government officials nationwide who have freely expressed their support to the bill that was passed recently by Congress,” said DILG Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya in a news release.

“Nagbubulag-bulagan lamang ang Bayan Muna sa mga hinaing ng mga LGUs at ng ating mga kababayan lalo na sa mga lugar na patuloy na sinisira ng mga terorista gaya ng Marawi, Samar, Bicol, Caraga at marami pang iba (Bayan Muna is turning a blind eye on the concerns of the LGUs and their constituents especially in areas being plagued by terrorists like Marawi, Samar, Bicol, Caraga, and many others),” he said.

Malaya clarified that LGUs are endowed with local autonomy under the 1987 Constitution.

“Therefore, they are not under the control of the DILG. We only ensure that they comply with laws, rules, and regulations. So how can Bayan Muna claim that the DILG is forcing them? We cannot and have not done so,” he said.

He said Bayan Muna should not look down on LGUs and assume that they cannot think for themselves.

“Ano naman ang tingin ng Bayan Muna sa mga LGUs, na wala silang sariling paninindigan at pag-iisip? Ramdam ng LGUs ang panawagan ng kanilang mga kababayan na matagal ng isinusuka ang mga terorista (Does Bayan Muna think that LGUs don't have their own stands and thinking? The LGUs feel the sentiments of their constituents who have long been denouncing terrorists),” he added.

Meanwhile, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año commended the 784 Local Chief Executives (LCEs) for making a genuine stand in support of the Anti-Terrorism Bill despite the massive disinformation campaign against it.

“Salamat sa (We thank the) 784 LCEs na naniniwala sa tunay na hangarin ng (that believe in the true intention of the) Anti-Terrorism Bill. Once signed by the President, it will become a landmark law that will need the support of the LGUs kaya kami ay natutuwa na (and so we are happy that( as early as now ay marami na ang nagpapahayag ng pagsuporta dito (many are expressing their support to this measure),” Año said.

He said that of the 784 LCEs, 43 are governors, which is 53 percent of the total number nationwide. He says that having the support of half of the provinces in the country is already a victory towards ending terrorism in the country.

Meanwhile, 68 city mayors and 673 municipal mayors have also expressed their solidarity and are backing the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Bill.

“So far, we have almost half of the LGUs who are one with us in supporting the Anti-Terrorism Bill. It is a huge morale booster for us sapagkat ito ay nangangahulugan lamang na hindi kami nag-iisa sa laban na ito (because this means that we are not alone in this battle),” he said.

Año said that Region IV-A has the most number of LCEs supporting the Bill with 96 followed by Region II with 91; 88 for Region III; Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) with 80; and Region I with 73. Other regions such as Mimaropa has 58; Region XI with 53; Region VI with 52; and Region XII with 50 while Regions V, VII, and XIII have 24, 21, and 32, respectively.

The National Capital Region and Region VIII have six and four, respectively.

“We have been receiving support from all LGUs across the country, lalo na sa mga malalayong LGU na nagiging biktima ng terorismo at naniniwala na itong bill na ito ang sagot sa kanilang mga problema at pagdurusa (especially from far-flung LGUs who fell victims to terrorism and believe that this bill is the answer to their problems and agony,” he said.

Support from the ground

Support for the Anti-Terrorism Bill coming from the LGUs are expected to increase, according to Año, as more continue to express their support for the bill down at the grassroots.

He said that among the LCEs who have conveyed their support for the Bill are Metro Manila Mayors League Chairman Edwin Olivarez, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora; Makati City Mayor Abby Binay; Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno; Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez; and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Meanwhile, Quirino Governor and Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) president Dakila Carlos Cua said “Generally, I would say about 80 percent are supportive, most of the local executives see the value and importance of the anti-terrorism bill”.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1106233