Saturday, July 11, 2020

Duterte’s Anti-Terror Law Necessary: Analyst

From BenarNews (Jul 10, 2020): Duterte’s Anti-Terror Law Necessary: Analyst (By Aie Balagtas See and Mark Navales)



Egyptian national Fehmi Lassoued is presented to the media at police headquarters in Quezon City, Philippines, after being arrested, allegedly with explosives and bomb-making paraphernalia, Feb. 19, 2018.  Reuters

An anti-terrorism law recently signed by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is necessary to combat Islamic State-linked militants, a well-known security expert said Friday, amid criticisms it could be used to weaken human rights in the country.

Sidney Jones, director of the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict, said that while the law signed last week might not be a silver bullet for the country’s extremism problems, it gives state enforcers a better tool to legally and properly address terrorism, compared to the weak 2007 Human Rights Security Act it replaces.

“At least this should help in trying to keep people in custody while the process of investigation can go forward without having to result in phony charges and fake evidence,” Jones told the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines in an online forum.

Jones said the country was still a “hotspot” for terrorism in Southeast Asia, with key players maintaining close ties with the so-called Islamic State group (IS).

“Philippines remains the regional hotspot and continues to be a more dangerous terrorist center than anywhere else in the region. That is the context for the new law, flawed as it is,” she said.

In the same forum, Lt. Gen. Cirilito E. Sobejana, head of Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Mindanao Command, allayed fears that the law would be abused to crush dissent and oppress civil rights.

Dialogue

He said that while the law gave government more teeth to eradicate and address terrorism, there were several provisions in place to ensure that rights would be protected.

Jones said that fears about state forces being granted sweeping powers were understandable, especially for residents of Mindanao, the southernmost island group in the Philippines. The military and the community should hold a dialogue to address each other's concerns, she said.

Sobejana said a community dialogue started this Friday morning.

“We have started it already. We don’t want to violate any human rights law while we implement the Anti-Terror Law,” he said. “Besides, we should not compare our Armed Forces before to what we have right now. I should say, with all modesty, that our AFP today is more professional and more matured.”

Local and international groups have expressed concern that the measures bolster the power of security officers to arrest, detain and file charges. Two contentious provisions of the law allow the detention of suspects for 24 days, and arrest without a warrant.

“I think the first thing to say [is], there isn’t a single terror law anywhere in the world that is completely satisfactory, and there isn’t anyone that made a perfect balance between human rights and what you may call repressive measures,” Jones said. “This law replaces one of the worst anti-terrorism laws that was never used or almost never used.”

Latest suspected IS attack

On Thursday, a policeman and his civilian driver were killed in a roadside bombing blamed on Filipino militants with links to the IS in the town of Shariff Aguak in the southern Philippines.

Local army spokesman Lt. Col. Anhouvic Atillano said a group of police officers and their driver were heading back to their headquarters when the attack occurred.

Killed were police Master Sgt. Antonio Balasa and the driver. Four other officers were injured and rushed to a nearby hospital, where they were said to be in critical condition.

“Our primary suspects here are the militants operating in the area,” he said, referring to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Muslim militants who have links to the IS.

The mayor of Shariff Aguak, Marop Ampatuan, condemned the attack and offered a bounty for the arrest of the suspects.

“Let us not allow terrorism to prevail in our town,” he said.

The incident was the second deadly clash with BIFF suspects in Mindanao since July 2, when attackers killed a police officer manning a quarantine checkpoint near the nearby town of Esperanza.

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm&ogbl#inbox/FMfcgxwJWjGKPRlMrWjFBWRrlZmRVPld

‘New normal is to cry’: General turns over Basilan command in emotional rites

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 10, 2020): ‘New normal is to cry’: General turns over Basilan command in emotional rites (By: Julie S. Alipala)

ISABELA CITY, BASILAN—A teary-eyed Brig. Gen. Fernando Reyeg turned over command of the anti-terror Joint Task Force Basilan to its new head, Col. Domingo Gobway, in a ceremony rare for the outpouring of emotion and the outgoing task force chief’s candor in admitting where he failed.

The turnover was witnessed by ranking officers and battle-hardened soldiers in Basilan at the headquarters of the Army’s 101st Brigade here.

Reyeg held the post for two years, starting in July 6, 2018. He is set to assume his new post as assistant deputy chief of staff for education and training in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headquarters.

Reyeg graduated from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in 1991.

“Today, with all humility, I leave you the beautiful island of Basilan ready for further development,” Reyeg said.

He, however, admitted to failing to bust Abu Sayyaf leaders Furuji Indama and Radzmil Janatul.

“Based on the given mission and essential tasks, I am not proud that during my tenure, I was not able to get the two high-value targets, and I take full responsibility for this,” Reyeg said.

He was emotional when he addressed his family, assuring them that he “will be home soon.”

During his tenure, Reyeg ensured the continuity of a multi-sectoral program, that included the Army, in combating violent extremism in the province.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, head of the military’s Western Mindanao Command, presented a plaque of appreciation to Reyeg for outstanding performance as commander of Joint Task Force Basilan.

The turnover ceremony was presided over by Maj. Gen. Generoso M. Ponio, head of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division.

Ponio said the “new normal in the change of command, is to witness officers crying” out of “love to the troops, love of the work, the accomplishments and your good relationship with the people and the communities.”

“We Rangers are hard-hearted, we don’t cry. (But now), the new normal is to cry,” Ponio said, as he challenged Gobway to keep the 101st Brigade’s performance at a high level.

A graduate of the PMA in 1990, Gobway, 52, served as inspector general of the 8th Infantry Division that operates in Samar and Leyte provinces.

His early years in the Army was spent in Cotabato province before serving in the Visayas for almost 14 years.

“As I assume command of this brigade, expect that we will work as a team and together we will outsmart our enemies and put premium in working hand-in-hand with our stakeholders,” Gobway said.

He said he expects “full cooperation from the local governments” in Basilan.

Aside from military officers, the ceremony was also attended by Basilan officials led by Gov. Jim Hataman-Saliman.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1305201/new-normal-is-to-cry-general-turns-over-basilan-command-in-emotional-rites

Philippine military says Abu Sayyaf leader still alive

From Arab News (Jul 11, 2020): Philippine military says Abu Sayyaf leader still alive


A soldier stands guard in Marawi City. The Philippines has faced several terror threats in the past years. (Reuters/File)
  • Sawadjaan, who heads the ASG faction affiliated with Daesh, has been tagged as the mastermind behind the suicide attacks on Sulu Island last year
The Philippine military on Friday said that one of the senior leaders of the extremist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Mindanao is still alive.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief Lt. Gen. Cirilo Sobejana told foreign media that Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan was still “very active,” as he responded to questions about reports that Sawadjaan had died from gunshot wounds sustained during an encounter Monday with Army Scout Rangers on Sulu Island.

Westmincom spokesman Maj. Arvin Encinas told Arab News
that Sawadjaan was still alive but seriously injured in the firefight that left five other Abu Sayyaf fighters dead.

Earlier reports quoted police as saying that Sawadjaan had succumbed to the wounds sustained during the 30-minute shootout with the military in the hinterlands of Patikul, Sulu. He was also reportedly buried by his followers and nephew, Mundi Sawadjaan.

Sawadjaan, who heads the ASG faction affiliated with Daesh, has been tagged as the mastermind behind the suicide attacks on Sulu Island last year.

The first attack on the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo town in Jan. 2019 killed 23 people, including an Indonesian couple who carried out the bombing, and wounded 109 others.

HIGHLIGHTS
  • Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan is still ‘very active,’ said Lt. Gen. Cirilo Sobejana while responding to questions about reports that Sawadjaan had died from gunshot wounds sustained during an encounter Monday with Army Scout Rangers on Sulu island.
  • Sawadjaan has been tagged as the mastermind behind the suicide attacks on Sulu island last year.
The second bombing, which targeted an army counterterrorism unit brigade in Indanan town, killed eight people and injured 22. It was also the first officially confirmed case of a suicide bombing carried out by a Filipino, identified as Norman Lasuca, in the Philippines.

Responding to a question on the engagement between Daesh and Islamist militant groups in Mindanao such as the ASG, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and the Daulah Islamiyah, 

Sobejana said there used to be a high intensity of engagement between local militant groups and Daesh.

“But this time, this has been reduced due to the killing of Abu Talha, one of the conduits,” Sobejana said, referring to Talha Jumsah’ alias Abu Talha, a Daesh-trained bomb expert who also served as a conduit for the global terror network and the ASG. Abu Talha was killed in a military operation in November last year.

“What is left right now is Hatib Hadjan Sawadjaan. While he is still very active, he is quite old,” Sobejana said.

Sawadjaan also oversaw the kidnapping of Arab News’ Asia bureau chief, Baker Atyani, in 2012 when he was working as a correspondent for Al-Arabiya.

The US has included Sawadjaan in its list of global terrorists. He was also tagged as the acting emir of Daesh in the Philippines.

NPA fighter slain in Zamboanga del Norte

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 11, 2020): NPA fighter slain in Zamboanga del Norte (By Nonoy Lacson)

A New People’s Army (NPA) fighter was killed in a clash between rebels and military forces in a remote sitio in Kalawit town, Zamboanga del Norte on Friday, July 10.


Photos courtesy of Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, commander, 44th IB in Zamboanga del Norte

According to Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, commander of the 44th Infantry Battalion (44th IB), combined elements of the 44th IB, 97th Infantry Battalion and 42nd Infantry Battalion were on foot patrol when they chanced upon 40 fully armed NPAs in Purok 5, Barangay Batayan in Kalawit town at around 5 p.m.

A firefight ensued, lasting for 45 minutes, before the terrorists fled in different directions, Templonuevo said.

After the encounter, the military recovered the body of the slain NPA, and two high powered firearms – an M16 and an AK47 assault rifles.

According to Templonuevo the soldiers also saw blood stains at the encounter site and withdrawal route of the enemies, bolstering their suspicion that many of their enemies were wounded during the encounter.

Meanwhile, 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander Col Leonel M Nicolas urged those who fled to return to the fold of law, and live a normal life again.

“The people of Zamboanga del Norte are now in unison in their resolve that all Communist terrorists are no longer accepted in their ancestral domains, lands and communities through declarations of persona non grata,” Nicolas said.

“It is now the right time for you to follow the footsteps of your comrades who are enjoying the benefits of the programs laid by the government for those who wish to surrender and be re-integrated to the mainstream of the society,” Nicolas added.

For his part, Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, commander of the First Infantry Division, lauded the troops of 102nd Brigade.

“I commend the troops for another significant blow to the Communist terrorists that will definitely demoralize their ranks and hopefully lead to the abandonment of this armed struggle,” Ponio said.

“The Tabak Division will continue with its pursuit against these CTGs as we sustain our partnership with our stakeholders through the Local Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (LTF-ELCAC) for the implementation of developmental projects in conflict-affected areas in Region 9,” Ponio added.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/11/npa-fighter-slain-in-zamboanga-del-norte/

Abu leader Sawadjaan slain in Sulu clash?

From the Philippine Star (Jul 10, 2020): Abu leader Sawadjaan slain in Sulu clash? (By Roel PareƱo)

Police are verifying intelligence reports that Abu Sayyaf leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, said to be the new emir of the Islamic State in Southeast Asia, has died.

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) is verifying the report.

Reports received by the Sulu provincial police office showed that Sawadjaan died on Wednesday while being treated for gunshot wounds he suffered during an encounter with Scout Rangers in Patikul, Sulu on Monday.

Sawadjaan was reportedly buried by his followers led by Mundi, also surnamed Sawadjaan, around 2 p.m. yesterday.
Scout Ranger units under the Joint Task Force Sulu clashed with around 40 Abu Sayyaf bandits under Radullan Sahiron and Sawadjaan in a series of firefight on Monday that left five bandits dead and two soldiers wounded.

The first encounter occurred in Sitio Libug Wani, Barangay Bakung.

Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr. said the soldiers clashed with around 30 followers of Sahiron and Sawadjaan in Sitio Lumbaan, Barangay Buhanginan after an hour.

Another Scout Ranger team encountered around 40 Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sitio Bakud Uwak, Barangay Tanum, where Sawadjaan was believed to have been critically wounded.


The US state department included Sawadjaan on its list of global terrorists.

The Abu Sayyaf leader was tagged as the mastermind in the Jolo Cathedral bombing in January 2019 that left 23 people dead and 109 wounded.

The military said Sawadjaan was also the brains in the twin suicide bombings at a military camp in Indanan, Sulu in June, also last year.

Philippine police checking reports of Abu Sayyaf leader’s death

From Arab News (Jul 9, 2020): Philippine police checking reports of Abu Sayyaf leader’s death


Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan heads a faction of Abu Sayyaf affiliated with Daesh. (AP/File)
  • Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan heads faction of the group affiliated with Daesh
  • The militant oversaw kidnapping of Arab News's Asia Bureau Chief Baker Atyani
Philippine police are investigating whether one of the senior leaders of extremist group Abu Sayyaf has been killed.

Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, who heads a faction of the group affiliated with Daesh, may have died from gunshot injuries suffered during clashes with government troops on the island province of Sulu, according to Filipino media.

The report of his death was received by provincial police and is being verified by the Western Mindanao Command, the Philippine Star reported.

The clashes with around 40 Abu Sayyaf militants took place on Monday in Patikul, on one of several remote islands in the far south of the country where the group has its stronghold.


Sawadjaan was accused of masterminding an attack on a Cathedral in nearby Jolo in 2019 that killed 23 people.

He also oversaw the kidnapping of Arab News’s Asia Bureau Chief Baker Atyani in 2012 when he was working as a correspondent for Al Arabiya.

Atyani was held for 18 months before he was freed in December 2013.

4 police frontliners parry NPA attack in Misamis Occidental

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 10, 2020): 4 police frontliners parry NPA attack in Misamis Occidental (By Martin Sadongdong)

Four police frontliners successfully fended off an attack by suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in a quarantine checkpoint in Concepcion, Misamis Occidental on Friday.

MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO

One NPA rebel was killed in the attack.

Police Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac, spokesperson of the Philippine National Police (PNP), identified the wounded cops as Police Staff Sergeant Larry Millan, Police Corporals Marvin Inton and Leo Gumisad, and Police Patrolman Ritchel TaƱola, all are members of Concepcion Municipal Police Station.

Scene-of-the-Crime Operative (SOCO) forensic examiners continue to gather more evidence to establish the identity of the slain fighter who died in the incident.

A police report from the Northern Mindanao Police Regional Office (PRO-10) said the policemen were manning a quarantine control point (QCP) in Barangay Putongan when they were fired upon by an undetermined number of alleged NPA rebels around 7:50 a.m.

Police Brig. Gen. Rolando Anduyan, director of PRO-10, said the suspects belong to NPA guerilla front “Sendong” which operates in the province.

Anduyan said the cops held their ground and took defensive positions despite sustaining injuries until they managed to hit one of the attackers.

Back up teams from the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office and soldiers from the Philippine Army immediately responded to the encounter site to provide reinforcement and blocking forces against the enemies, Anduyan said.

The rebels were forced to retreat when they were outnumbered by the security forces, he added.

Banac said Police Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa, PNP chief, has directed Anduyan to ensure that the four wounded personnel will be supported with their medical needs.

“As of now, they are recovering in two different hospitals in Concepcion and Ozamis City,” Banac said.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/10/4-police-frontliners-parry-npa-attack-in-misamis-occidental/

Philippine Court Asked to Annul Anti-Terror Law Amid Concerns It Will Target Dissidents

From The Diplomat (Jul 10, 2020): Philippine Court Asked to Annul Anti-Terror Law Amid Concerns It Will Target Dissidents (By Nick Aspinwall)

The new law has received sharp criticism from rights and legal groups. There’s also skepticism it will achieve its stated goal of countering terrorism in the Philippines.


Credit: Philippine Presidential Office

Days after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte signed a sweeping new anti-terrorism bill into law, a leading congressman along with several lawyers and legal groups lodged a court challenge to its constitutionality, targeting provisions that they said could allow for the suppression of dissent and violations of privacy.

As of Tuesday, at least eight groups had filed Supreme Court petitions challenging the constitutionality of provisions of the law, according to a Rappler report. Some petitions aim to declare the entire law unconstitutional.

The petitions face an uphill battle, as the country’s high court is packed with justices appointed by Duterte, but they reflect discontent over the law, which was fast-tracked through Congress during the coronavirus pandemic. The act has raised fears its implementation will give a potent new toolbox to authorities for use in cracking down on government critics.

Duterte had pushed for an anti-terrorism bill earlier in his tenure due to the threat of extremist elements in Mindanao and the Sulu Sea, including groups aligning with the Islamic State. In May 2017, the homegrown Maute militant group attempted to take the city of Marawi, beginning a five-month siege and leading to a declaration of martial law throughout Mindanao that lasted until the start of this year.

But critics believe the law is designed not to counter violent extremism, but instead to target government critics and create an environment where public dissent becomes discouraged. The law could have particularly adverse effects in the provinces outside of Manila, where activists are regularly arrested on dubious charges or extrajudicially killed in state-backed operations.

The law allows for the warrantless arrest of anyone proposing to commit terrorism, a vague term that several Supreme Court petitioners highlighted as deeply troubling and potentially unconstitutional.

Duterte will appoint a special anti-terrorism council with the powers to decide who is a “terrorist,” leading to fears among local and international rights groups that it could be used for the administration to exact personal vendettas against its political opponents.

The law also allows suspects to be detained without charges for up to 24 days, along with 90 days of surveillance and wiretaps on suspected terrorists.

The lengthening of the maximum detention period has been particularly concerning to environmental, land, and indigenous activists throughout the country, many of whom raise the ire of local officials due to opposing large-scale infrastructure and development projects. In the past, authorities have often arrested such figures on questionable charges, but in most cases, they are able to post bail and get out of jail before the charges are ultimately dropped.

Edcel Lagman, a prominent opposition congressman from Albay province who filed one of the Supreme Court petitions, criticized the “imprecise and vague language” of the law’s broad articles, saying it would leave people “perplexed on what to avoid doing, even as its vagueness is conducive to conflicting interpretations and arbitrary enforcement.”

A group of law professors from Manila’s Far Eastern University filed an additional petition, saying that the law would leave them unable to teach their students “that dissent and activism are part of democracy.”

The new anti-terror law replaces a 2007 law, the Human Security Act, which targeted cases of conspiracy to commit terrorism and was not commonly used to detain or charge suspected terrorists or government critics.

However, the new law significantly broadens the definition of a “terror act” to include such actions as “creating an atmosphere and spreading a message of fear” and “provoking or influencing by intimidation the government or any of its international organizations.”

In their petition, the Far Eastern University professors said the definition of terrorism was broad enough that Bono, the lead singer of U2 – who urged Duterte to respect human rights and paid homage to jailed opposition senator Leila de Lima during a concert in the Philippines last year – could be charged with terrorism.

Duterte said Wednesday morning the new law would be used to target members of the New People’s Army, a communist rebel group engaged in one of the world’s longest insurgencies.

This raised fears that legal activists could be “red-tagged” – a local term for being branded as communists without evidence – and detained under the new law.

The law, Duterte said, gives the government “the much-needed legal weapons that we need to fight terrorism.”

[Nick Aspinwall is a journalist based in Taipei.]

Village chief vows to help monitor communist terrorist activities

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9, 2020): Village chief vows to help monitor communist terrorist activities (By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay)



MONITORING CNTs. Civil-Military Relations Officer, 1Lt. Gil Gamay, of the Philippine Army 61st Infantry Battalion, requests barangay captains in Antique to help monitor activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs). In a meeting with the barangay captains and the Inter-Agency Task Force for Covid-19 at the Binirayan Gymnasium in San Jose de Buenavista on Tuesday (July 7, 2020), Gamay said 35 non-violent activities of the CNTs were monitored during the first semester of 2020. (PNA photo by Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay)

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – A village chief from this province’s Sebaste town has committed to help the Philippine Army in monitoring the activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) in their area.

“We will inform the village folks that they should not support the CNTs because if they do, these terrorists will stay in their barangays,” said Barangay Idio Chairperson Pamela Azucena, president of the Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) in Sebaste, in an interview on Thursday.

Azucena said they will do their respective roles in the maintenance of peace and order in their barangays. Barangay Idio is one of the 10 barangays of Sebaste.

In her village, she said some CNTs would knock at doorsteps to ask for food or other needs.
“What is just good is that the village folks cooperate with the police,” she said.

Azucena's commitment came after Civil-Military Relations Officer, 1Lt. Gil Gamay, of the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB), on Tuesday requested the LnB of Antique to help in the monitoring of CNT activities in their areas as well as persuade them not to give in to their demands.

“Please inform the barangay folks not to entertain the CNTs when they visit for they would not bring any good,” he said during a meeting attended by the provincial task force against Covid-19 and the Liga heads.

While Antique was declared as peaceful and ready for development way back in 2015, yet there were efforts done by the CNTs in several villages of the province to recover their influence.

The Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), formed in September 2019, targets to clear areas in the towns of Culasi, Valderrama, San Remigio, Sibalom and Hamtic, where terrorists were monitored.

Gamay said the Army has monitored 35 non-violent activities of the CNTs during the first semester of this year in the towns of Sebaste, Culasi, Barbaza, Laua-an, and in Patnongon in the northern part of the province; and in Sibalom, San Remigio, and Hamtic in the southern part.

“The non-violent activities include recruitment, food acquisition, and planning,” he said.

In a text message Thursday, Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, commanding officer of the 61IB, said 15 barangays in the province are CNT-affected.

These include seven villages in San Remegio town, three in Sibalom, two in Hamtic, and one each in Sebaste, Culasi and Tibiao.

Gamay said attaining peace and development in the province is a shared responsibility where the barangay captains could help a lot.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108420

Man, alleged NPA member and wanted for rape, surrenders in Masbate town

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 9, 2020): Man, alleged NPA member and wanted for rape, surrenders in Masbate town (By: Mar S. Arguelles)

A man tagged by police as a member of the guerrilla group New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to authorities in the town of Mobo, Masbate province on Thursday when it was discovered he also was wanted for a rape case.

Police said
Alex Macadat, 22, resident of Bagacay village in Mobo, turned himself in to Mobo police with the help of village officials.

Police said he was wanted for a rape case and was subject of an arrest warrant issued by a court in Masbate City on Nov. 22, 2018.

The surrender came as government forces clashed with communist rebels in Milagros, also a town in Masbate, on the same day.

Maj. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson, said police and Army soldiers were on patrol when they encountered at least 10 NPA guerrillas at the village of Matagbac.

There were no casualties in the clash, but the rebels left behind two generator sets, three pump boats and food, Calubaquib said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1304561/man-alleged-npa-member-and-wanted-for-rape-surrenders-in-masbate-town

KARAPATAN SAYS//Pastor accused of involvement in ambush staged by NPA rebels nabbed in CamSur

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 9, 2020): KARAPATAN SAYS//Pastor accused of involvement in ambush staged by NPA rebels nabbed in CamSur  (By: Gabriel Pabico Lalu)

A pastor of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, (UCCP) who is also a human rights activist, was arrested for alleged murder complaints, rights group Karapatan said on Thursday.

Karapatan secretary-general Cristina Palabay said in a Facebook post that Pastor Dan San Andres, 61, was nabbed at 12:55 p.m. in his Sipocot, Camarines Sur house.

Palabay added San Andres, also the chairperson of Karapatan’s Bicol chapter, along with Gabriela Bicol’s Jenelyn Nagrampa, were arrested based on double murder cases in relation to an ambush supposedly done by New People’s Army rebels, where two soldiers were killed.


The Sipocot Municipal Police Station confirmed in a phone call with INQUIRER.net that San Andres was arrested for “a murder case.” However, they have not yet specified the details of the case.


Palabay claimed that the arrest was another episode in the administration’s crackdown on human rights workers, amid the enactment of the anti-terrorism law.

“Karapatan condemns the arrest of our Bicol chapter chairperson Pastor Dan San Andres and woman human rights defender Jenelyn Nagrampa as part of the Duterte administration’s continuing crackdown and criminalization of human rights defenders,” she said in a statement.

“With the enactment of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, such incidents and patterns of rights violations are expected to intensify, in the mad rampage against rights defenders, dissenters and critics of this administration,” she added.

According to Karapatan, both San Andres and Nagrampa have filed their counter-affidavits to show that they were not at the incident when the attack against government forces happened. San Andres was supposedly conducting a Mass in his parish, while Nagrampa was said to be campaigning during the barangay elections, for a village councilor spot that she holds as of today.

“We demand the immediate release of Pastor Dan San Andres and Jenelyn Nagrampa, as we call for the halt to all forms of attacks against human rights defenders in the Philippines,” Palabay noted.

Previously, President Rodrigo Duterte said that he has declared communists as terrorists after peace talks between the government and the rebels have failed to push through.

However, several people have warned that this might lead to more Red-tagging, especially in the wake of the anti-terrorism law, which administration critics said, blurs lines between criticism and terrorism.

But for the measure’s supporters, human rights are safeguarded by provisions in the new law.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1304465/pastor-accused-of-involvement-in-npa-ambush-arrested-in-camsur-karapatan-says

NDF/Sison: Duterte is in rush to fascist dictatorship but conditions are favourable for resistance

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFPor NDF) Website (Jul 11, 2020): Duterte is in rush to fascist dictatorship but conditions are favourable for resistance



By Jose Maria Sison, NDFP Chief Political Consultant

By rigging the 2019 midterm elections, Duterte was able to create his supermajorities in both the Senate and the Lower House of Congress. The nonrenewal of the franchise of the ABS-CBN was a foregone conclusion of congressional hearings despite the fact that this broadcast company had not violated any law to justify the nonrenewal of its franchise and its prior closure.

The attack on the ABS-CBN is an attack on press freedom. It is a major part of the Duterte campaign to intimidate and silence the entire people and facilitate Duterte’s rush to fascist dictatorship. It is aimed at stepping up Duterte’s drive to gain total control over the means of information and to monopolize political power through a fascist dictatorship in line with his law of state terrorism.

I appreciate the efforts of the broadest range of patriotic democratic forces and the best legal minds in the Philippines for filing cases before the Supreme Court to prove Duterte’s law of state terrorism as being grossly unconstitutional. It is an outright nullification of the Bill of Rights and all other provisions of the liberal democratic constitution that are pertinent to fundamental civil and political rights that are supposed to be guaranteed.

But I will be pleasantly surprised if the Supreme Court will rule in favor of the plaintiffs and the entire Filipino people despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of the justices in this court have repeatedly voted in favor of the interest of Duterte and his allies and have become notorious for being corrupt after dismissing the plunder cases against the Marcoses, Estradas, Arroyos and other big plunderers allied with Duterte.
Duterte in a Rush to Fascist Dictatorship

The Filipino people and the broad range of patriotic and democratic forces are convinced that the Duterte regime is in a rush to its goal of imposing a fascist dictatorship on the people and that the enactment of Duterte’s law of state terrorism surpasses in scope of arbitrariness and brutality even the 1972 declaration of martial law that enabled Marcos to impose a 14-year fascist dictatorship on the people.

Such law of state terrorism gives to Duterte and his armed minions the unlimited license to engage in mass arrests, indefinite detention, torture, rape and confiscation of bank assets and properties of any social activist, critic or legal opponent of his regime on the basis of mere suspicion or red-tagging as “communists” or “terrorists”.

It is fine that the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army are asserting that the No. 1 terrorist chieftain of the oppressive and exploitative ruling system is absolutely wrong in labelling them as ‘terrorist’. They are revolutionary forces which are motivated by the people’s needs, demands and aspirations for national liberation and democracy and which constantly arouse, organize and mobilize the people to wage their own new democratic revolution.

The CPP and NPA are guided and bound by the highest principles of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism, the policies decided by the leading organs of the CPP, NPA and the people’s democratic government, the Three Major Rules of Discipline and Eight Points of Attention and the commitment to International Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and the GRP-NDFP Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.

When Duterte decided to terminate the peace negotiations in 2017, the GRP and NDFP Negotiating Panels were already elaborating on the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms and they set forth genuine land reform and national industrialization as the basis of economic development to be financed by the exploitation of the oil and gas resources worth at least US 26 trillion in the exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea.
Duterte as a Double Traitor to National Sovereignty

But obsessed by his ambition to become a fascist dictator, Duterte pledged to Trump on November 13, 2017 to terminate the peace negotiations and do everything in his power with the military support of the US under Oplan Pacific Eagle-Philippines to wipe out the revolutionary movement and to deliver to US corporations the unlimited privilege to own Philippine land, natural resources, public utilities and all types of businesses.

At the same time, the double-dealing traitor Duterte kept reassuring China that he was laying aside the 2016 judgment of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in favor of the Philippines against China’s false claim violative of the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea. He emboldened China to establish military bases in seven artificial islands in the EEZ of the WPS and gain vantage points over the oil and gas resources there.

At one time, he offered co-ownership of these resources with China under the guise of joint exploration under Chinese control in exchange for onerous loans and overpriced infrastructure projects. Noting the shortsighted personal greed of Duterte for quick advantage, China has delayed delivering on its promised loans by preconditioning them with Duterte’s outright surrender of the sovereign and maritime rights of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.

Duterte can be ultimately squeezed by his attempt to serve his own selfish interest by playing the role of double traitor to the national sovereignty of the Filipino by serving as puppet to two imperialist powers that are now increasingly in conflict with each other after decades of being main partners in implementing the neoliberal policy of imperialist globalization.

https://ndfp.org/duterte-is-in-rush-to-fascist-dictatorship-but-conditions-are-favourable-for-resistance/

CPP/IB: Continue the fight to bring ABS-CBN back on air

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 10, 2020):  Continue the fight to bring ABS-CBN back on air

Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines

JULY 10, 2020

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) joins the Filipino people in denouncing Duterte’s minions in the House of Representatives for voting down the franchise application of ABS-CBN effectively shutting down completely its operations.

Duterte’s gangsters in Congress completely ignored the clamor of the Filipino people for ABS-CBN to continue its operation, especially at this time that news information and broadcast entertainment play a crucial role in the country’s effort to overcome the raging Covid-19 pandemic.

Without doubt, the Duterte’s hand manipulated the House vote. The franchise denial shows the extent of Duterte’s personal vengeance against those whom he perceives as his enemies. The factotums who voted against the ABS-CBN franchise are sycophants who are either afraid of Duterte or desperate to win over his favors.

The shutting down of ABS-CBN is part of the Duterte regime’s relentless attacks against press freedom. By shutting down ABS-CBN, Duterte is sending a clear threat to all Filipino journalists. Duterte wants the media to know they are under his power.

With the shutting down, Duterte’s big bourgeois comprador cohorts are now drooling to take over ABS-CBN’s airwaves. They are rushing to seize the opportunity as Duterte now only has two years in power.

The House vote against the ABS-CBN franchise is in line with Duterte’s scheme to establish and perpetuate a fascist dictatorial rule. It came just a week after signing the terror law under which Duterte has claimed vast powers of the state to suppress his critics and opposition forces.

The Party commiserates with the owners and talents of ABS-CBN, and especially its workers, contractuals and oddjobbers dependent on the station’s operations who are set to lose their jobs and livelihoods amid the economic crisis.

The Party enjoins the entire ABS-CBN family to continue the fight for their right, advance the struggle for press freedom, and join hands with the rest of the Filipino people in their resistance against Duterte’s authoritarian schemes. The Duterte regime can deny ABS-CBN the right to broadcast, but it cannot silence the people’s demand for an end to the tyranny.

https://cpp.ph/2020/07/10/continue-the-fight-to-bring-abs-cbn-back-on-air/

CPP/CIO: Duterte demonstrates how his terror law will be used and abused

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 8, 2020):  Duterte demonstrates how his terror law will be used and abused

MARCO VALBUENA
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

JULY 08, 2020



In an early morning television broadcast, Duterte demonstrated how his new terror law will be used and abused. Addressing the revolutionary forces, Duterte insisted that the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is a terrorist organization simply because he had declared so.

This is how Duterte’s new terror law is bound to be used and abused. He insists that on his mere say-so, or those of the anticommunist fascist zealots who will compose the Anti-Terror Council, anyone or any act can be whimsically declared as terrorist.

The arbitrariness with which Duterte made the declaration last night is a prelude to how his terror law will likely be used against his critics. He made it without citing facts. This is not much different from his 2017 declaration when he declared the CPP and NPA as “designated terrorist organizations.” Anyone reading the proclamation can easily conclude that it was issued without serious study or evaluation of facts.

The only basis that the proclamation cites is the inclusion of the CPP and NPA in the 2002 US listing of “Foreign Terrorist Organizations” which the US has used to justify its arms sales and military intervention in counterinsurgency operations in the Philippines and other countries.

In truth, the 2017 proclamation was issued to justify the termination of peace negotiations with the NDFP and win favors from US President Trump. It was issued shortly after the US State Department initiated the Operation Pacific Eagle-Philippines, the US “anti-terrorist operation” based in Western Mindanao. The proclamation further raises the question: Does the US know better than the Philippine government to declare a Philippine-
based entity as “terrorist?”

As organizations advancing the interests of the oppressed and exploited, deeply rooted among the masses and guided by revolutionary principles, the Party and the NPA are far from being terrorists.

The CPP and NPA are not included in the terrorist list of the United Nations Security Council.

https://cpp.ph/statement/duterte-demonstrates-how-his-terror-law-will-be-used-and-abused/

Kalinaw News: Army recovers abandon dead NPA in ZamBo Norte

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 11, 2020): Army recovers abandon dead NPA in ZamBo Norte (By 1st Infantry Division)



IPIL, ZSP – An abandoned cadaver of a Communist New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorist (CNT) was recovered by army troops in a pursuit and clearing operations in Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte (ZDN), Saturday morning, July 11, 2020.

This came after their encounter with the terrorist group in Purok 5, Barangay Batayan, Kalawit, ZDN Friday afternoon, July 10, 2020 were one of his comrade was killed.


“The joint troops of 44th, 42nd and 97th Infantry Battalions were also able to capture two high-powered firearms, one killed CNT, assorted magazines and ammunitions, anti-personnel mine, terrorist propaganda materials and other personal belongings in yesterdays clash,” Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, Commanding Officer, 44IB said.

The cadaver is now being transported to be turnover to his family and for a decent burial that will be provided in collaboration with LGU and 102nd Infantry Brigade.

“We our now exerting all efforts to inform the next of kin of the death of the NPA that was identified by former rebels who recently surrended to the unit,” Col Leonel M Nicolas, Commander, 102nd Infantry Brigade, who has operational jurisdiction of ZDN said.

“We are also coordinating with the concerned local government unit through the Local Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (LTF-ELCAC) for any assistance they can extend to the family,” Col Nicolas added.

The first cadaver is now enroute to be handed-over to the family after being positively identified also by his former comrades.

Maj. Gen. Generoso “Gene” Ponio, Commander, 1st Infantry Division extended his condolences to the family of the killed CNTs.

“We would like to express our deepest condolences to the family of the victims of deception by the Communist Terrorist Groups,” Maj. Gen. Ponio said.

“The true enemy here is the ideology that is being instilled in their innocent minds after being agitated by the CTG. With Executive Order No. 70 and through TF-ELCAC we aim to bridge the gap between the vulnerable communites and the government to make these CTGs insignificant in our society today,” Maj Gen Ponio added.

Pursuit operations is still on progress as of this posting.



[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-recovers-abandon-dead-npa-in-zambo-norte/

Kalinaw News: Four high ranking CPP-NPA terrorists fall in Negros Occidental

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 11, 2020): Four high ranking CPP-NPA terrorists fall in Negros Occidental (By 3rd Infantry Division)



TILING, Cauayan, NOC – The Army’s 15th Infantry (Molave Warrior) Battalion joint law enforcement operation with the Philippine National Police (PNP) of Negros Occidental apprehended four Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) terrorist officials in Sitio Mamposo, Brgy Magballo, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Friday, July 10, 2020.

Arrested were Emmylo CaƱares alias Sid/Drey, 38 years old, a resident of South Poblacion, San Fernando, Cebu, a former Finance of Bohol Party Committee, and the current Secretary of the Second National Urban Center Party Committee (2NUCPC); George Buga-ay alias Samantha/Alexa, 42 years old, a resident of Brgy Orong, Kabankalan City, a former squad leader and Finance Logistics Officer of the Regional Strike Forces (RSF) of Kilusang Rehiyon Negros (KR-N), former Secretary-General PAMALAKAYA Negros and is currently the Regional Communication (RCOM) of KR-N; Relyn Moreno alias Sam, 22 years old, a resident t of Brgy Orong, Kabankalan City who is currently a Regional Communication (RCOM) staff of KR-N; and, Raffy Patajo alias Paolo, 21 years old, a resident of Sitio Montelo, Brgy Pinggot, Ilog, a former Squad Finance Logistic Officer (FLO) of Platoon 3 and Squad leader of Platoon 2, South West Front, KR-N and a Regional Communication Staff of KR-N.

The apprehension was a product of a Joint Intelligence Operation following the July 8 encounter between government troops and the CTGs in barangay Pinggot, Ilog, NOC. Recovered from their possession are the following firearms and explosives: One caliber .45 pistol; One .38 caliber revolver loaded with five ammunition’s; Four hand grenades; Cash amounting to Twenty Four Thousand Pesos (Php24,000); Assorted Cell phones and Chargers; Assorted USB’s; Subversive Documents and personal belongings.

15IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Erwin CariƱo said that “Their arrest is a major setback to the CPP-NPA-NDF terrorist operating in the area of Negros Island and a victory of the government’s anti-terrorism drive. In coordination with the police, there will be more similar operations here in Negros. With the active help of the local populace, the CPP-NPA Terrorist will be suppressed and defeated.”

He added that the 15th IB will continue with its counter-terrorism and insurgency operations to ensure the safety and security of the people in its area of responsibility and attain the aspired peace and security that every Negrense truly deserves.

On the other hand, Colonel Noel Baluyan, Commander of the 302nd Infantry (Achiever) Brigade lauded the composite elements of the government forces for their joint efforts in apprehending the said CPP-NPA Terrorists who will face appropriate charges in court.

“Certainly, the arrest of these high ranking CNT personalities will cause a big blow on the terrorism and exploitation activities of the CNT and their organization in Negros Island,” Baluyan 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/four-high-ranking-cpp-npa-terrorists-fall-in-negros-occidental/

Kalinaw News: NPA killed, high-powered firearms captured in ZamBo Norte clash

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 11, 2020): NPA killed, high-powered firearms captured in ZamBo Norte clash (By 1st Infantry Division)



IPIL, ZSP – A Communist New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorist (CNT) was killed and two high-powered firearms were captured in a clash with Tabak troopers in Purok 5, Barangay Batayan, Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte (ZDN) , Friday afternoon, July 10, 2020.

The combined elements of 44th, 97th and 42nd Infantry Battalions were responding to a report from the civilians that armed individuals were seen in the forested area of their barangay.


In a statement, Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, Commanding Officer, 44IB said that, “This engagement has been made possible with the continued pursuit operations that the unit has relentlessly executed since March 1, 2020 and the continued trust and support of the locals,”

The 45-minute firefight incurred no casulaties on the government side and the capture of one M16 and one AK47 assault rifles, medicines, various magazines and ammunitions, terrorist propaganda materials and personal belongings.
“Five encounters were recorded before this incident, which transpired in Godod and Leon B Postigo, ZDN, to include the series of CTG violation on declaration of ceasefire during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis last months of March to April 2020 in Kabasalan and Siay, both in Zamboanga Sibugay Province,” Lt. Col. Templonuevo added.

Meanwhile, Col Leonel M Nicolas, Commander, 102nd Infantry Brigade, who has operational jurisdiction of ZDN urged the fleeing members of the CTG to return to the folds of law.

“The people of Zamboanga del Norte are now in unison in their resolve that all CTGs are not welcomed in their ancestral domains, lands and communities through the declaration of Persona Non Grata,” Col. Nicolas said.

“It is now the right time for you to follow the footsteps of your comrades who were now reintegrated to the mainstream society and were enjoying the benefits of the programs laid by the government ,” Col. Nicolas added.

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, Commander, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army lauded the troops of 102nd Brigade.

“This encounter is another significant blow to the CTGs that will definitely demoralize their ranks and we are hoping that they will abandon their senseless and irrelevant armed struggle,” Maj. Gen. Ponio said.

“The Tabak Division will continue with its pursuit against these CTGs as we sustain our partnership with our stakeholders through the Local Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (LTF-ELCAC) for the implementation of developmental projects in conflict-affected areas in Western Mindanao,” Maj.Gen. Ponio added.

As of this posting, the troops are still pursuing the fleeing CNTs that scampered after the gunfight.



[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/npa-killed-high-powered-firearms-captured-in-zambo-norte-clash/

Kalinaw News: NPA’s parade grounds turned by soldiers into a Productive Agricultural Farm

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 11, 2020): NPA’s parade grounds turned by soldiers into a Productive Agricultural Farm (By 10th Infantry Division)



Davao City – The 1003rd Infantry (Raptor ) Brigade in collaboration with the 16IB, 27IB, TESDA-XI, Davao City Peace 911, City Agriculturist’s Office, members of Brgy Lumiad Fish Farmers Association and Brgy Lumiad Youth Association conducted a Ceremonial Planting of Vegetables at Brgy Lumiad, Paquibato District, Davao City on July 09, 2020.
Approximately 2,500 hills eggplants and 600 hills sweet bell peppers were planted.

After the ceremony, a dialogue was conducted with 232 former Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) supporters from Brgy Lumiad and 138 from Sitio KTC, Brgy Malabog, both of Paquibato District, Davao City. The dialogue focused on resolving issues with the intent of ending the support to the CTGs coming from their underground mass supporters.

Two (2) Former Rebels, who were once organizers shared their experiences and sufferings while in the rebel movement. As a result, fifty-three (53) residents from Brgy Lumiad and twenty-five (25) from Sitio KTC, Brgy Malabog publicly surfaced as mass supporters of the CTGs.

Brigadier General Nolasco Mempin, Commander of the 1003rd Brigade said, “the surfacing of CTG mass supporters is an indication of the effectiveness of government agencies bringing in programs which focuses on resolving issues affecting the people”.
It demonstrates the faithful and sincere support of the government through providing sustainable development programs and services to the local communities that will aid them to supply their needs and extend its program especially in the far-flung areas.

Moreover, the response of the populace indicates that they are now fully informed and aware of the atrocities and deceptions of the CTGs.
-END-




[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/npas-parade-grounds-turned-by-soldiers-into-a-productive-agricultural-farm/

Kalinaw News:ECLIP assistance naibigay sa 10 FR ng 73IB

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 11, 2020): ECLIP assistance naibigay sa 10 FR ng 73IB (By 10th Infantry Division)



Sarangani Province – Nagkaroon ng awarding ang Task Force Balik-Loob kasama ang ibat ibang ahensya ng gobyerno ng Sarangani Province ng Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Assistance sa sampung (10) former rebels na nagbalik-loob sa 73rd Infantry Battalion ngayong araw, July 10, 2020 sa Capitol Gymnasium ng nasabing bayan.

Kasabay ng Joint Provincial Peace and Order Council (POC) at Provincial Anti-Legal Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) meeting, sa isang seremonya na dinaluhan ni Gov. Steve Solon, Chairman ng ECLIP Committee kasama sina Col. Potenciano Camba, 1002nd Bde Commander, Lt. Col. Ronaldo G Valdez, 73IB Commander at iba pang mga miyembro ng committee, ibinigay nila ang cheke na nagkakahalaga ng PhP 65,000 para sa Immediate at Livelihood Assistance ng bawat FR.

Laking pasasalamat ni LTC Valdez na sila ay nagbalik-loob sa gobyerno. “Dito niyo mararamdaman ang totoong kasiyahan sa pagsurender niyo. Sana sa pera na inyong natanggap, ito ang maging tulay upang gumanda ang inyong pamumuhay at maging ehemplo kayo sa iba pang mga rebelde” saad niya.

Bakas ang saya sa mukha ng mga dating rebelde sa tulong at suporta na ibinigay sa kanila ng gobyerno.




[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/eclip-assistance-naibigay-sa-10-fr-ng-73ib/

Kalinaw News: Another ASG members surrender, yield firearms

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 10, 2020): Another ASG members surrender, yield firearms (By 11th Infantry Division)



ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Another two (2) members of the notorious Abu Sayyaf Group returned to the folds of the law and surrendered at the Headquarters of 4th Special Forces Battalion here in Barangay Cabunbata last Thursday, 09 July 2020, as the unit intensifies its peace and development efforts in the community.

The returnees were identified as; Asbi J. Albani, 38 years old, from Barangay Calayan, Lantawan Municipality, and Kerwin H. Sahasal, 42 years old, from Barangay Cabobo, Lamitan City, all of Basilan Province. Two (2) M16A1 rifles were likewise surrendered to the military. Accordingly, the two returnees were former followers of the neutralized ASG leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Abdurajak Janjalani.

It can be recalled the previous week that two other ASG members also surrendered here at the 4SFBn in separate occasions, yielding two high-powered firearms.

Lieutenant Colonel Alex Ampati, the Commanding Officer of 4SFBn, received the returnees assisted by First Lieutenant Bilver Butale, the OIC of 16th Special Forces Company.

“Sa mga kapatid natin na patuloy ang pakikibaka sa bundok, may panahon pa para magbago.”, Lieut-Colonel Ampati expressed.

The returnees will be enrolled in the Program Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) espoused by the Provincial Government of Basilan for the needed interventions in order for them to be reintegrated back to the society as responsible and productive citizens.



[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-asg-members-surrender-yield-firearms/

Kalinaw News: 101st Brigade conducts Change Of Command Ceremony

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 10, 2020): 101st Brigade conducts Change Of Command Ceremony (By Team Tabak)



Isabela City, Basilan province – A Change of Command Ceremony was conducted at 101st (Three Red Arrows) Brigade this morning, 09 July 2020 in which signifies the relinquishment of command from the outgoing to the incoming Brigade Commander of 101st (Three Red Arrows) Brigade here at Tabiawan, Isabela City, Basilan Province.

The outgoing Brigade Commander BRIGADIER GENERAL FERNANDO M REYEG PHILIPPINE ARMY, Bids farewell to the troops and to all stakeholders of Basilan Province, He is also grateful of all the opportunity given to him as the outgoing Brigade Commander of 101st (Three Red Arrows) Brigade who serve the people and secure the land of Basilan Province. ‘’Today I stand before you again ready to relinquish my command, for the beautiful island of Basilan, and you our Stakeholders, the people of Basilan , with all humility , I leave you with more peaceful Basilan ready for further development and a better prospects ahead’’ He said.

The newly installed Brigade Commander COL DOMINGO B GOBWAY PHILIPPINE ARMY said ‘’Peace and development as my personal mission and commitment, now those experiences are my foundation to serve the people of Basilan as we continued to bring 101st (Three Red Arrows) Brigade greater heights’’ He further expressed ‘’ To our outgoing Brigade commander, I wish you and your family all the best as you take over another position of greater responsibility’’.

The Change of Command Ceremony was attended by the Joint Force Commander, Western Mindanao Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines LTGEN CIRILITO E SOBEJANA PA and presided by MGEN GENE M PONIO PHILIPPINE ARMY Commander of 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army.
The activity was witnessed by the respected leaders of the Provincial and Municipal Local Government Units headed by the Provincial Governor of Basilan Hon. Jim Hataman-Salliman and different partners from Non-Government Organizations (NGOs).







[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/101st-brigade-conducts-change-of-command-ceremony/

Kalinaw News: ASG members surrender to soldiers for another chance at life

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 10, 2020): ASG members surrender to soldiers for another chance at life (By 11 Infantry Division "Alakdan Troopers")



The Joint Intelligence and Civil Miltary Operations efforts of 9FAB, AAR and 45IB, 5ID, which are both component units of 1st Brigade Combat Team, PA led to the surrender of two (2) Abu-Sayyaf members namely, Alhadi Abdulgani (@LADI INGOG) and Nassae Pasihul (@Jelam, @Nash) under Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sahiron on 03 July 2020.

They also surrendered two (2) firearms, one (1) M16A1 rifle and one (1) M1 Garand rifle.


Alhadi Abdulgani was convinced by his mother-in-law to surrender for the reason that among the seven (7) siblings who are all members of the ASG, he is the only one left alive. His other siblings, including his father, were killed during previous encounters.

Alhadi Abdulgani also shared that he was the brother of the Ajang-Ajang subleader, Suraka Ingog, who was responsible for the Jolo Cathedral Bombing on 28 January 2019.

He also confessed that when he surrendered to the government forces, he finally had the chance to see his daughter for the first time. He believes that if he reforms his ways, he’ll be able make things right with his daughter, make up for the lost time, and try to be the best father to her.



[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/asg-members-surrender-to-soldiers-for-another-chance-at-life/

Rex Robles, armed forces reformist, dies at 75

From Rappler (Jul 5, 2020): Rex Robles, armed forces reformist, dies at 75 (By Rambo Talabong)

'He is one of the bright minds of the Philippine Navy. Everybody listens when he speaks,' says Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo



REMEMBERED. Rex Robles. Photo from Robles' Facebook page

Armed Forces reformist and retired Philippine Navy commodore Rex Robles died on Sunday, July 5 at the age of 75.

This was confirmed to Rappler by Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, who disclosed that Robles died at around 2 am at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center.

"He is one of the bright minds of the Philippine Navy. Everybody listens when he speaks," Bacordo said in a text message.

Robles was one of the founding members of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM), a cabal of soldiers who defected against Ferdinand Marcos in February 1986 and joined the civilians in the People Power Revolution that ended Marcos' brutal dictatorship.

However, RAM also tried to oust democracy icon, Corazon Aquino, through bloody coups.

Robles was known as one of RAM's key political theorists and propaganda expert, and was in the inner circle of former defense minister Juan Ponce Enrile at the Department of National Defense.

Robles was part of the Feliciano Commission, a probing panel that investigated the botched Oakwood Mutiny of the Magdalo group in 2003.

A staunch supporter of the Duterte administration, he was appointed to the Constitutional Commission, a panel tasked to review the 1987 Constitution and propose revisions for a federal charter.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/265741-rex-robles-dies-at-75#cxrecs_s

PH Navy christens first-ever brand new frigate, BRP Jose Rizal

From Rappler (Jul 11, 2020): PH Navy christens first-ever brand new frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (By JC Gotinga)

Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo hails the new warship as 'the great milestone and accomplishment of the defense sector in decades'



TOP WARSHIP. The Philippine Navy's brand new frigate BRP Jose Rizal. Photo from the Philippine Navy

The Philippine Navy on Friday, July 10, commissioned its first-ever brand new frigate at the Alava Wharf in Subic, Zambales.

Christened the Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Jose Rizal, in honor of the Filipino hero, the South Korean-made frigate is the first purpose-built missile-equipped vessel in the Philippine Fleet. It has anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine, and electronic warfare capabilities.


"History unfolded for the Philippine Navy, which now has in its inventory a credible warship that is at par with other navies of the world," the Navy said in a statement.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana led the commissioning ceremony in lieu of President Rodrigo Duterte.

"We dedicate this ship in honor of our national hero, Dr Jose Rizal, that it may endow everyone who sails on her with the zeal for patriotism and love of country," Lorenzana said in his speech.

Set to participate in the US-led Rim of the Pacific naval exercises in waters off Hawaii in August, the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) will be used "purely for defensive purposes," Lorenzana added.

"Today is the beginning of a new era of development and transformation for our Philippine Navy," Duterte said in a pre-recorded speech played back at the event.

Navy flag officer-in-command Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo hailed the BRP Jose Rizal as "the great milestone and accomplishment of the defense sector in decades."

Other guests at the ceremony included South Korean Ambassador Han Dong-man, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Felimon Santos Jr, Army chief Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay, Air Force chief Lieutenant General Allen Paredes, and other top military officers.

Several descendants of Jose Rizal led by banker Emmanuel Herbosa also attended the warship's christening.

The BRP Jose Rizal arrived in the Philippines from South Korea on May 23. It remained anchored in Subic Bay for weeks to quarantine its maiden crew of 65 sailors led by Captain Jerry Garrido Jr.

The vessel then docked at the Alava Wharf on June 15, after which a technical inspection and acceptance committee boarded it for examinations.

A second frigate of the Jose Rizal class, the BRP Antonio Luna, is expected to be delivered in 6 months by manufacturer Hyundai Heavy Industries, Lorenzana said. Each vessel is worth roughly P8 billion.

The Navy's frigate acquisition project began in 2013 under President Benigno Aquino III, and followed through by Duterte. It sparked controversy in 2018 when documents showed then-special assistant to Duterte, Bong Go, had intervened in acquiring the Combat Management System (CMS) for both frigates, a project worth P15.5 billion.

Some questions surround the BRP Jose Rizal's CMS, which has yet to be certified as compatible with the US-NATO Tactical Data Link 16, important for interoperability with allies' ships.

Nevertheless, the frigates mark a significant increase in the Philippine Navy's credibility, and in its capacity to defend the archipelago's maritime territory.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/266261-philippine-navy-christens-frigate-brp-jose-rizal

Beng praises U.S. support, thanked American people

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 9, 2020): Beng praises U.S. support, thanked American people

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Mayor Beng Climaco thanked Washington and the American people for the continued support Zamboanga is getting through its various programs here as she joined the celebration of the 244th U.S. Independence Day and the Philippine-American Friendship Day.

The U.S.-educated Climaco highlighted the strong partnership of the Philippines and the United States as she addressed American troops stationed in Mindanao.
Climaco spent her high school years in New Jersey where she found her “voice and was taught to speak out.”

She was also a recipient of several U.S. scholarships - twice for the International Visitor Leadership Program; the American Council for Young Political Leaders; and the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship.


Climaco said under her administration, Zamboanga City has been one of the priority areas in the country of the U.S.- funded programs, which include technical assistance on governance, security, peace and conflict resolution, education, environmental protection, urban planning, revenue generation and health, especially at this coronavirus pandemic.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim said he is privileged to have called the Philippines home now for more than three years. He said each year, the concurrent celebration of U.S. Independence Day and Philippine-American Friendship Day serve as a poignant reminder of the deep and historical connections that both countries share.

“From joint military exercises demonstrating our commitment to regional peace and stability, to unfailing humanitarian assistance and diverse people-to-people ties, over the past year, together, we have further enriched our friendship, partnership, and alliance,” he said. “Friends help each other in times of need, or as I’ve heard here, the weight becomes lighter when we help each other – “Ang mabigat ay gumagaan, kapag nagtutulungan.”

Manila received over P978 million ($19.5 million) in aid from the U.S. government to address the Covid-19 pandemic. And this was also complemented with donations of food, technology, and other assistance from American companies as a testament to their deep commitment to flatten the pandemic curve in the Philippines. (Zamboanga Post)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/07/beng-praises-us-support-thanked.html

PH Navy commissions first ever, purpose-built frigate

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 11, 2020): PH Navy commissions first ever, purpose-built frigate (By PN)

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SUBIC BAY, Zambales, July 11 -- The brand new, four-dimensional warfare-capable frigate contracted with South Korean shipbuilding company, Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), has formally entered service with the Philippine Navy as BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) in a commissioning ceremony held at the Alava Wharf here today, July 10.

Philippine President and AFP Commander In Chief, Rodrigo Duterte, virtually graced the ceremony with a video message as history unfolded for the PN which now has in its inventory a credible warship that is at par with other navies in the world. Others in attendance were the Secretary of National Defense, Delfin Lorenzana, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., Navy Chief Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, major service
commanders and other top defense and military officials. Present also were South Korean Ambassador Han Dong-man, HHI representatives, Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino and SBMA Chairperson Atty. Wilma Eisma.

President Duterte recognized the ceremony as “the beginning of a new era of development and transformation for the Philippine Navy” which he applauded “for always delivering the highest standard of service to our country and [the] people”. With this, the President enjoined the Navy to likewise double “the passion and commitment you have already manifested in ensuring the peace and progress truly deserved by our country”.

In the preceding ceremony, Secretary Lorenzana received the ship’s documents and certificates from Mr. Bokyeung Kang, HHI Project Manager, which marked the formal transfer of ownership of FF150 to the Philippines. It was followed by christening rites with Editha Aguilar-Lorenzana as the lady sponsor.

The SND thanked HHI “for building in record time” the ship that “represents an advancement... being the first missile-capable frigate of the Philippine Navy”.

“We look forward that this ship will be participating in some of the [naval] exercises in the region and it will be used purely for defensive purposes”, added Lorenzana.

Naming the vessel after Dr. Jose Rizal aims to uphold the legacy of our national hero and serve as a tangible representation of his patriotism. Giving more significance to the event was the attendance of the living descendants of Jose Rizal with Mr. Emmanuel G. Herbosa being the eldest.

In his remarks, Vice Admiral Bacordo expressed his “feeling of immense pride becausen of what I think is a great milestone and accomplishment of the defense sector in decades... [which] is a testament and the reflection of our government’s commitment to protect and show our love for the country as our national hero Jose Rizal instructed and inspired us to do so.”

FF150 arrived in the Philippines from South Korea on May 23 steered by the maiden crew of 65 sailors under the command of Capt. Jerry Garrido Jr. The crew and the vessel had to undergo quarantine first due to the prevailing coronavirus disease before members of the Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee (TIAC) could board the ship for examination.

This missile-equipped warship that is capable of carrying-out anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine and electronic warfare operations is now the face of the Philippine Navy and a dream-come-true for an organization that envisioned to become stronger and more capable to better serve the country and the Filipino people. (PN)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1047311

Another 2 ASG members surrender, yield firearms

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 11, 2020): Another 2 ASG members surrender, yield firearms (By CMO, 4th Special Forces Battalion PA)

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ISABELA CITY, Basilan, 12 July (PIA) – Another two (2) members of the notorious Abu Sayyaf Group returned to the folds of the law and surrendered at the Headquarters of 4th Special Forces Battalion (4SFBn) here in Barangay Cabunbata last Thursday, 09 July 2020, as the unit intensifies its peace and development efforts in the community.

The returnees were identified as Asbi J. Albani, 38 years old, from Barangay Calayan, Lantawan Municipality, and Kerwin H. Sahasal, 42 years old, from Barangay Cabobo, Lamitan City, all of Basilan Province. Two (2) M16A1 rifles were likewise surrendered to the military. Accordingly, the two returnees were former followers of the neutralized ASG leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Abdurajak Janjalani.







It can be recalled that previous week two other ASG members also surrendered here at the 4SFBn in separate occasions, yielding two high-powered firearms.

Lieutenant Colonel Alex Ampati, the Commanding Officer of 4SFB, received the returnees and assisted by First Lieutenant Bilver Butale, the OIC of 16th Special Forces Company.

“Sa mga kapatid natin na patuloy ang pakikibaka sa bundok, may panahon pa para magbago,” LtCol Ampati said.

The returnees will be enrolled in the Program Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) espoused by the Provincial Government of Basilan for the needed interventions in order for them to be reintegrated back to the society as responsible and productive citizens. (NBE/RVC with reports from
1Lt Clint AG Ramos (INF) PA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1047294

AFP chief visits 6ID base in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 11, 2020): AFP chief visits 6ID base in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)



CAMP VISIT. Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Felimon Santos Jr., during a visit to the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) in Maguindanao on Friday (July 10, 2020), inspects a rifle recovered by the 6ID from recent combat operations against enemies of the state in its area of operation. Behind him are 6ID commander Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon and Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. reminisced his days in the 6th Infantry Division (ID) based here during a visit on Friday.

“I learned a lot from this unit because the 6th Infantry Division was my first assignment,” Santos told the 6ID personnel during his “talk to the troops”
as part of his visit at the 6ID headquarters in Barangay Awang of Datu Odin Sinsuat town.

“I grew up here and gained a lot of experiences that prepared me for the challenges I have encountered in my career before I became the AFP chief of staff,”
he added.

Santos served as the assistant division commander of 6ID from July to December 2016 where he gained his first-star rank.

Santos, the 53rd AFP chief of staff, was welcomed by Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, the 6ID commander and chief of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), and Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana.


The visit was highlighted by the presentation of the recently confiscated, captured, surrendered, and recovered firearms of the command and the awarding of military personnel for their significant accomplishments in various fields of operations.

Santos congratulated everyone under Westmincom for their significant accomplishments that contributed to the success of AFP’s campaign against communist insurgents and violent extremists.

He also expressed his gratitude to the men and women of JTFC for their response to the current coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-9) pandemic, which contributed to the high satisfaction rating of AFP nationwide.

Santos, who is set to retire next month, further told the 6ID personnel that the AFP has improved a lot compared to what it was 34 years ago.

The current AFP chief will be leaving the service on August 3, 2020, at the age of 56, the mandatory age of retirement for military servicemen.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108678

14 former CPP-NPA supporters pledge loyalty to gov’t

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 11, 2020): 14 former CPP-NPA supporters pledge loyalty to gov’t (By Jason De Asis)



PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Fourteen former supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army in Maria Aurora, Aurora vow loyalty to the government in a ceremony held at a covered court in Barangay Cabituculan East, Maria Aurora on Saturday (July 11, 2020). Their oath of allegiance was facilitated by the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion (91IB), Maria Aurora Police Station, and the local government unit of Maria Aurora. (Photo by Jason de Asis)

BALER, Aurora – At least 14 former supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) vowed loyalty to the government in a ceremony held in Barangay Cabituculan East, Maria Aurora, this province on Saturday.

Their oath of allegiance was facilitated by the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion (91IB), Maria Aurora Police Station, and the local government unit of Maria Aurora.

The surrenderers are categorized as underground mass organization (UGMO) members and they also members of the Panlalawigang Alyansang Magbubukid ng Aurora (Pamana).


The group took a pledge of allegiance to the Philippine Constitution before the Executive Officer of 91IB, Major Sagersanti C. Estrada.

Mercado said the participants’ renunciation of support to CPP-NPA shows that they have awakened from the lies and deceptions of the terrorist rebels.

He said surrenderers are now in the right direction to air their land problem issues as the government is willing to help them to address the matter.

“The leftist organizations are destroyers of good correlations and relations, properties, livelihoods, jobs, and future of the citizens. The CPP-NPA does not help in what the government is doing to the Covid-19 problem. Instead, they ambushed the soldiers and police. They are extortionists, criminals, bandits, and continuously sow violence such as burning the equipment, which is the true image of terrorist bandits. You did the right thing by turning back from Pamana because the government is the right agency to solve the land problems),” Mercado said in Filipino in an interview.

Town Mayor Amado M. Geneta encouraged his constituents to end their support to the rebel groups to reach the desired lasting peace and sustain the development of Maria Aurora.

Geneta also thanked the 91st IB for initiating the Community Support Program that provides security and assistance in the delivery of the government programs to his constituents.

The activity was also witnessed by Amado Angara, municipal local government operations officer of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) president Maria Elena Niser; Barangay Captain Conrado I. Laureta; Deputy Chief of Police for Administration Lieutenant Ryan Mercado; and other local officials.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108688