Wednesday, July 15, 2020

5 NPA members yield in S. Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2020): 5 NPA members yield in S. Kudarat (By Noel Punzalan)



SURRENDER. Lt. Col. Rommel Valencia (left), the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion commander, accepts the rifle of one of five surrendering members of the communist New People’s Army during simple rites held at the old capitol building in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat on Tuesday (July 14, 2020). The rebel returnees also yielded high-power firearms and ammunition. (Photo courtesy of 7IB)

Five communist rebels who are all members of the Manobo tribe yielded to military authorities in Sultan Kudarat province on Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Rommel Valencia, Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion commander, said Wednesday
the surrenderers yielded various firearms during ceremonies held at the old provincial capitol building in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

The surrenderers were identified as Bobby, Billy, Untang, Ega, and Waning, all surnamed Tayan, who were members of the New People’s Army (NPA) Sub-Regional Committee- East Daguma Front operating in the province.


“We're tired of being enemies of the state,” Ka Billy, one of the surrenderers, said in vernacular.

The group turned over high-power firearms consisting of an M1 Garand rifle, a.30 caliber Carbine rifle, a Springfield sniper rifle, an M16 A1 rifle, a homemade M79 grenade launcher, and assorted ammunition.

Valencia said the surrender of former NPA combatants was "a step closer to their aspiration of achieving peace in the area, particularly in indigenous communities whose members are oftentimes duped by the NPAs into joining their futile cause."

“We might not achieve peace right away through their surrender, but it is an implication that there is a blossoming fruit from the initiative that the government is doing,” the Army official said.

Valencia said the military expects more NPA surrenderers because of the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program for rebel returnees.

The NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, 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/1108981

2 hurt as armed group, MILF clash in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2020): 2 hurt as armed group, MILF clash in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)



Army Lieutenant Colonel Anhouvic Atilano, 6th Civil-Military Operations Battalion commander and spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division. (File photo courtesy of Bangsamoro Transition Authority Member Susan Anayatin)

Two combatants were wounded in a firefight between an armed group and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Tuesday night in Datu Montawal town, Maguindanao.

Lt. Col.Anhouvic Atilano, the spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central (JTCF), said those involved were the groups of Andy Montawal, a wanted man with about 10 to 15 armed followers, and MILF combatants under a certain Commander Gafur.

“This conflict is a habitual occurrence since the two groups have been locked in a long-standing rido or clan war,” Atilano, also the commander of 6th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, told reporters here Wednesday.


He said at past 7 p.m, both sides traded bullets and launcher-fired rockets in the village of Talapas, leaving two injured on the side of Montawal.

Atilano said Montawal has standing warrants of arrest for unspecified crimes.

“The conflict between the two groups had been raging sporadically in the past ten years,” Atilano said, assuring that the conflict will not escalate with the deployment of the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion troopers in the area.

He said no evacuation of civilians took place as the center of skirmishes is about five to six kilometers from residential areas.

Meanwhile, an MILF community was attacked by Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) also on Tuesday evening in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Atilano said an undetermined number of BIFF fired rocket-propelled grenades and strafed the MILF community whose residents also fired back, triggering a brief firefight.


Nobody was hurt, Atilano said, adding that the BIFF gunmen fled when elements of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion arrived.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1109012

DILG, Phil. Army set directions for RTF-ELCAC in Caraga

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 14, 2020): DILG, Phil. Army set directions for RTF-ELCAC in Caraga (By DILG-Caraga)

BUTUAN CITY, July 14 -- The newly appointed commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) Major General Andres C. Centino, together with 402nd Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier General Maurito L. Licudine, paid a visit to the Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) Operation Center in Butuan City on July 8, 2020 and specifically tackled the appropriate steps to be taken next in the efficient implementation of Executive Order No. 70 as it achieves its full-steam enforcement.

The two officials of the Philippine Army discussed ELCAC concerns with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga regional director and RTF-ELCAC Technical Working Group (TWG) chairperson Lilibeth A. Famacion, DILG assistant regional director Donald A. Seronay, and LGCDD chief and OpCen co-chief Annabel F. Yangson.

MGen. Centino highlighted the need for the twelve Lines of Effort to be continually empowered in the discharge of their duties on the matter of ending local communist armed conflict to ensure that the whole-of-nation principle will be upheld in securing peace and development in Caraga region.

Citing the weakening force of the enemy, BGen. Licudine iterated that the Retooled Community Support Program should be enforced immediately in the cleared barangays to warrant the preservation of peace in these vulnerable areas.

As a response, Famacion committed the full support of the TWG in the undertakings of the task force and that it will strive to come up with ways on how the ELCAC interventions can be implemented most effectively.

Likewise, MGen. Centino affirmed the support of the Philippine Army to the activity initiated by DILG Caraga held on Friday, July 10, which was done to revisit the priority programs, projects and activities (PPAs) of RCSP-identified barangays in the region. (DILG-Caraga/VLG/PIA-Caraga)

PNP, Army to combine thrusts vs. insurgency

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 14, 2020): PNP, Army to combine thrusts vs. insurgency (By PNP-Caraga)

BUTUAN CITY, July 14 -- With similar strong resolve of ending the local communist armed conflict, the top officials of Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) and Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 met and discussed their thrusts against insurgency in Caraga region.

During the recent visit of Major General Andres C. Centino, commander of 4ID, Philippine Army, at the PNP-Caraga headquarters, he presented the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFPs’) thrusts to regional director Brigadier General Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr., highlighting the need for support of the PNP in counter-insurgency campaign.

The program thrust of the AFP is a proactive response to improve the ongoing security operations and sustain pressure against the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) and other threat groups in the region.

Both have expressed their exchange of support by sharing plans and programs to better serve and protect the people against those who undermine the rule of law.

“The police force pledges full support to our AFP troops in whatever assistance we can extend either in operational or administrative procedures. We continue to strengthen our collaboration with our valiant soldiers to immobilize the guerrilla fronts operating in our area,” BGen. Esquivel said.

Meanwhile, MGen. Centino urged the government’s security forces to step up efforts against the NPA members whose lawless activities hamper peace and prosperity in the region.

In Caraga, more rebels have laid down their arms and returned to the mainstream society upon realizing that they had been exploited and deceived by the NPA. (Major Renel E. Serrano, PIO-PRO13/PIA-Caraga)

Mimaropa RTF-ELCAC supports Bongabong Sustainable Community Program

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 14, 2020): Mimaropa RTF-ELCAC supports Bongabong Sustainable Community Program (By NEDA MIMAROPA)


The RTF clusters were briefed on the first semester 2020 accomplishments and activities and the consolidated fiscal year 2020 proposed programs, projects, and activities by cluster amounting to P94.93 million during the RTF’s virtual cluster meeting last July 9.

The MIMAROPA Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) reviewed and supported the Bongabong Sustainable Community Program, which is an enabling umbrella program for former rebels and indigenous community. This was held during the RTF’s virtual cluster meeting last July 9.

According to Bongabong Mayor Elegio A. Malaluan, the Sustainable Community Program is estimated to cost P230 million. The local government of Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro has already invested P15 million in land assets and capital.

Mimaropa Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) and Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi presided over the meeting which was attended by DOE Undersecretary Alexander S. Lopez, National Security Council Undersecretary Damian L. Carlos, Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) Commander LtGen. Antonio G. Parlade, Jr. AFP, Western Command (WESCOM) Commander LtGen. Erickson R. Gloria AFP, 2nd Infantry Division Assistant Division Commander BGen. Marceliano V. Teofilo, 203rd Infantry Division Commander Col. Jose Augusto V. Villareal, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Mimaropa Regional Director (RD) Wilhelm M. Suyko, RTF ELCAC Secretariat and NEDA Regional Office in Mimaropa OIC RD Susan A. Sumbeling, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Mimaropa RD Gamaliel B. Vicente, Jr., Department of Justice IV Assistant Regional Prosecutor Shaun Hassen C. Obsum, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency IV Deputy RD Rosalie A. Escobin, and directors and representatives of the NTF-ELCAC and RTF-ELCAC clusters.

In his message, Secretary Cusi welcomed and thanked all the participants for joining the meeting despite problems the region is facing due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19). He said that the recent easing of quarantine restrictions in most provinces and municipalities has ignited gradual assumption of economic activities in the country. He emphasized that the health and safety of the people remain a priority while the local economies are being revived to bounce back better. The pandemic has prompted food, hospitality, and tourism industries to reconfigure themselves to stay relevant. He also acknowledged and commended the RTF-ELCAC clusters for the concerted efforts in the surrender of more rebels despite the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the RTF clusters were briefed on the first semester 2020 accomplishments and activities and the consolidated fiscal year 2020 proposed programs, projects, and activities by cluster amounting to P94.93 million: (a) P1.12 million under the Local Government Empowerment Cluster; (b) P5.47 million under the Basic Services Cluster; (c) P73.44 million under the Localized Peace Engagement Cluster; (d) P0.46 million under the E-CLIP and Amnesty Program Cluster; (e) P1.15 million under the Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management Cluster; (f) P0.94 million under the Strategic Communication Cluster; g) P1.78 million under the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood, and Employment Cluster; and h) P10.57 million under the Peace, Law Enforcement, and Development Support Cluster.

Some of the concerns raised during the meeting include: (a) face-to-face meetings/gatherings with stakeholders and target communities, particularly indigenous peoples (IPs) in conducting ELCAC activities; (b) chairmanship of the Legal Cooperation Cluster; and (c) creation of the International Engagement Cluster.

Meanwhile, the following were recommended: (a) integration of policies or provisions for mass gatherings – subject to COVID protocols to ensure that health and safety of IPs will not be compromised in the crafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020; (b) use of “blended” approach where open spaces are used to gather communities for video teleconference while observing social distancing, and utilization of radio for information dissemination; (c) establishment of links through the community support program with other concerned agencies; (d) support from concerned agencies and offices to complete the necessary requirements for sustainability; and (e) matters concerning the International Engagement Cluster will be raised at the national level.

In closing, Sec. Cusi encouraged all clusters to take advantage of the shift towards a more localized environment and to support locally driven programs such as the Bongabong Sustainable Community Program, which allows former rebels and IPs to make value-added products to supply local and regional needs. He also emphasized the need for the clusters to converge and establish mechanisms that will boost local economic activities. (NEDA MIMAROPA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1047514

Maute ISIS sub-leader surrenders to military

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 15, 2020): Maute ISIS sub-leader surrenders to military (By 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, July 14 (PIA) - A member of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group surrendered to 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade at Kampo Ranao, this city, on Tuesday, July 14.

Alias Afghan who was a sub-leader of the DI-Maute Group led by late Abdullah Maute, voluntarily surrendered
to Col. Jose Maria R Cuerpo II, commander of the 103rd Infantry Bde of the Philippine Army bringing along with him one (1) Colt Automatic Rifle 15 Caliber 5.56mm M16A1 rifle with one (1) magazine and 20 rounds live ammunitions.

Afghan was involved in numerous terroristic activities in Lanao del Sur that include encounters against military troops at Barangay Sandab, Butig in 2015 and Barangay Ragayan, Poona Bayabao in 2017 where he suffered a gunshot wound in his lower right abdomen while three (3) of his members died during the encounter.


He was also involved in the planning of the devastating Marawi siege that claimed thousands of lives and millions worth of properties.

“I realized that the best option for me is to return to the folds of the law and sought the help of the Local Government Unit of Lumbatan led by Mayor Allan Lao," Afghan said.

Meanwhile, Col. Cuerpo is grateful that Afghan chose to return to the folds of the law to help in the peace and development of the area.

"I am hoping that this surrender would encourage other terrorist members to follow. The government is always ready to help former rebels to return to their normal lives," he said.

The military and local government units in Lanao del Sur will continue to work hand in hand to facilitate the surrender of local terrorist groups to achieve genuine peace in the province. (Haribon Brigade/PIA ICIC)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1047604

NPA purge executioner in Leyte arrested

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 15, 2020): NPA purge executioner in Leyte arrested (By 802nd Infantry Brigade)

INOPACAN, Leyte, July 15 -– Armed with an arrest warrant, operatives of Joint Task Force “TANDAYA,” a recently organized AFP-PNP Task Force covering the provinces of Biliran, Leyte and Southern Leyte, netted Felomino D. Salazar Jr., with aliases Jun Salazar, Lino Salazar and Celso – EXECOM member of the CPP-NPA Southern Leyte Front – in Brgy Tinago, Inopacan, Leyte on July 14, 2020.

The Warrant of Arrest was issued by Branch 32, Regional Trial Court of the National Capital Judicial Region for fifteen (15) counts of murder committed during the infamous CPP-NPA purging activities in the late 1980’s dubbed as “Operation Anti-Venereal Disease.”

Salazar was then part of the dreaded CPP-NPA Intel Group whose main task during the implementation of the “Operation Anti-Venereal Disease” was to identify, arrest, investigate and execute suspected government informants within their organization.

His former comrades who had already returned to the folds of the law tagged him as “Taga-ihaw” or executioner of the victims of the NPA purging directed by the CPP Central Committee purposely to cleanse its ranks of suspected government agents.

802nd Infantry Brigade Commander Col Oliveros congratulated the members of the Joint Task Force who arrested Salazar and said that “the accomplishment was a major breakthrough for JTF ‘TANDAYA’ since its creation on July 3, 2020.”

During his arrest, Salazar said “Nagsurender na ako kay mayor,” and that he was expecting for his arrest, “pero wala akong regrets dahil proud ako na nagserbisyo sa bayan sa ilalim ng kilusan.”

Salazar was immediately brought to CIDG Station in Ormoc City for documentation and to undergo the proper booking procedure.

Meanwhile, his wife Gregoria Salazar, who is allegedly a former member of the “Task Force Detainee of the Philippines” mentioned that she will hire a lawyer for her husband’s defense. (802IB)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1047612

Sta. Rita MTF-ELCAC in Samar deploys RCSP teams to identified barangays

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 15, 2020): Sta. Rita MTF-ELCAC in Samar deploys RCSP teams to identified barangays (By PIA8 with 63IB)

TACLOBAN CITY, July 15 (PIA) -- The Municipal Task Force - ELCAC of Sta. Rita, Samar deployed Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) Teams to several barangays of the municipality.

The RSCP teams composed of Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support Cluster personnel from the PPO-Samar, 63IB, BFP, BJMP, and LGAs converged for the Send-Off Ceremony at the Sta Rita Municipal Gym on June 13, 2020.



The teams deployed to the different barangays will identify the primary and secondary issues that will be addressed by the LGUs and LGAs to bring the government closer to the people.

It was graced with the presence of Hon. Governor Reynolds Michael Tan of Samar, Dir. Karl Caezar Rimando of DILG8, PBGen Bernabe Balba, RD of PRO8 and MGen Pio Q. DiƱoso III, commander of 8ID.

In his message, Mayor Joven P. Tiu committed the LGU’s full support for the program and the giving of 100 percent effort to end the insurgency in the area.

Governor Reynolds Michael Tan expressed his appreciation to the initiative of the Municipality in supporting the EO 70 and the PTF-ELCAC of Samar.

RCSP is a convergence mechanism for Local Government Units particularly in the barangay, for the identification of issues and needed government interventions.

The RCSP is anchored on the government framework that intends to develop people’s capability to organize themselves and own development by bringing about value-chain interventions to uplift their current condition.

The targeting of barangays for RCSP is based on the identification and prioritization of targets set by the National Task Force’s Focused Geographical Areas (FGDs).

Some eight (8) threatened barangays in the municipality of Sta. Rita are included in the proposed 437 focused areas in Eastern Visayas. (PIA-8 with 63IB)

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https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1047611

Kalinga welcomes 2 NPA surrenderers

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 15, 2020): Kalinga welcomes 2 NPA surrenderers (By Peter A. Balocnit)

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CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga, July 15 (PIA) - - Two New People’s Army (NPA) cadres surrendered to the Philippine National Police after reflecting they have no future in the NPA movement and their lives at stake.

Aka Jeff and aka Cris, both 21 years old, single and elementary drop outs from Basao, Tinglayan were presented on July 14 in a press conference held at the Kalinga Provincial Police Office multi-purpose hall with Provincial Police OIC Director PCol. Davy Vicente Limmong. It was also attended by members of the Police Advisory Council (PAC) and Task Force ELCAC, and relatives of the surrenders.

The duo handed -over to authorities an M-16 Armalite, one single bolt action rifle and improvised explosive devices.



The surrender of the two was facilitated by tribemates from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 and elders of the Basao sub-tribe. They were warmly welcomed by the Police Regional Office Cordillera, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the provincial local government unit and their tribemates.



Limmong said the surrenderers will be provided protection and assistance while they are undergoing integration procedures and their benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) are on process.

Aka Jeff and aka Cris want to undergo skills training so they can invest wisely whatever financial benefits they will receive from ECLIP. Both said they wanted to engage on income generating livelihood projects, live normal life and be of help to their families.

Provincial TESDA Director Victor Brioso readily invited them to enroll at the provincial training center. Alternative Learning System (ALS) coordinator Lorenza Fannot also offered them the opportunity to undergo ALS education.

Welcomed and accepted by their community and taken cared-off by the government, Jeff and Cris now join in the campaign for the remaining NPA members to surrender and avail of benefits under ECLIP.

Limmong stressed that now under the administration of Pres. Duterte is the ripe time to return to the folds of the law. “We do not know of the next administration if policies and programs on reintegration change,” he said.

PAC Chairman Engr. Andres Ngao-i also extended his invitation for rebels to abandon the useless CPP-NDF-NPA cause. “If ever there are petty charges against a certain NPA and is sincere to surrender, rest assured that the “ili” for the cause of peace, can help resolve them through the alternative dispute resolution. (JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga)

Defense chief urges for 'rules-based' order in South China Sea

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 15, 2020): Defense chief urges for 'rules-based' order in South China Sea  (By Jerome Carlo R. Paunan)

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CALOOCAN CITY, July 15 (PIA) -- Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday urged for "rules-based" order in the South China Sea following a latest statement by the United States rejecting China’s claim of owning nearly the entire South China Sea.

"We strongly agree with the position of the international community that there should be a rules-based order in the South China Sea," Lorenzana said in a statement sent to the PIA-NCR.

"We urge China to comply with the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling, and abide by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) to which it is a signatory," he added, calling on the Chinese government to abide by international law and comply with the 2016 arbitral ruling that nullified the Chinese claims.

The United States on Tuesday rejected as "illegal" most of China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea. It also branded as "completely unlawful" China’s expansive claims across most of the South China Sea.

China, for its part, is asserting its claim to almost the entire South China Sea, including areas being claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam.

"It is in the best interest of regional stability that China heed the call of the community of nations to follow international law and honor existing international agreements," Lorenzana said.

Lorenzana also expressed hope for the finalization of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea in order to settle disputes and prevent the escalation of tensions in the region.

"Moving forward, we continue to push for the finalization of a substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea to settle disputes and prevent the escalation of tensions in the region," he said. (PIA NCR)

11 former NPAs receive almost Php 1M Government Grants

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 15, 2020): 11 former NPAs receive almost Php 1M Government Grants (By 2nd Infantry Division)



CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal, July 15 — Eleven former rebels received cheques amounting to P86,000 each on Tuesday directly from the head of the government’s Task Force Balik Loob which oversees the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP.

Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu of the Department of National Defense presided over the ceremony which was held after his meeting with CALABARZON’s military officers and DILG officials.

During his interaction with the FRs, USec Mapagu said that “the government’s sincerity and commitment to deliver your E-CLIP benefits will never falter, even in the advent of this deadly Covid-19 pandemic.”

He assured the FRs that “your reintegration to mainstream society will be monitored by the government, particularly your safety as well as those of your families.”

Major General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, said that “604 former rebels have already turned over 114 firearms to joint AFP and PNP forces since E-CLIP’s maiden implementation in Luzon and Visayas was held on Aug 14, 2018 at Tanauan City, Batangas.”

He explained that out of the total number of surrenders, 144 surfaced this year, 109 of whom came from Region 4A while the remaining 35 were from Mindoro Provinces. These returnees surrendered 25 firearms to the government’s security forces.

“All in all, around Php16.262 million worth of grants have been distributed to our former rebels” added Maj Gen Burgos while saying that “that figure will further increase once the enrolment process of the other FRs are completed.” 



He assured “the former rebels under our care, and those who will decide to give up the armed struggle in the coming days, will be assisted by our troops in claiming their benefits, ensuring their safety and promoting their well-being as they rejoin our society as responsible and productive Filipinos.”

Maj Gen Burgos ended his statement by expressing optimism that “more terrorists will surrender in the coming days because of the prevailing demoralisation across their ranks as well as the lingering fear in their minds brought about by the recent signing of the Anti-Terrorism Act.”

He has earlier indicated that additional ground, air and naval assets have been deployed in his area of operations as part of the military’s final push to decimate the NPA terrorists who have suffered unprecedented losses in Southern Tagalog in recent history.

Under E-CLIP, qualified former rebels can avail up to Php 700,000 worth of government grants which they can use to start in living peaceful lives after turning their backs from the underground movement. (2IDPAO)

Roadside bomb barely misses soldiers in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14, 2020): Roadside bomb barely misses soldiers in Maguindanao (By Noel Punzalan)



Google map of Datu Unsay, Maguindanao province.

A military vehicle loaded with soldiers narrowly escaped a roadside bomb that went off in Datu Unsay town in Maguindanao province on Monday afternoon.

Col. Anhouver Atilano, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said patrolling soldiers of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Battalion were aboard a KM-450 military truck passing through Barangay Meta of the municipality at about 2 p.m. when the roadside bomb went off a few seconds later.

“Fortunately, no soldiers nor civilian motorists were hurt in the incident,”
Atilano said.

Initial investigation showed that
the bomb, rigged with a 60-mm. mortar explosive bore the signature of the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

“Apparently, the bomb was intended for passing military personnel as the BIFF wants to avenge the death of their comrades in ongoing military operations against them in the province,” he said.


Atilano pointed to the BIFF-Bungos faction operating in the Datu Unsay area as the one behind the attempt on military personnel.

Military and police checkpoints have been doubled following the incident, he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108872

NPA bombing suspect nabbed in NoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14, 2020): NPA bombing suspect nabbed in NoCot (By John Andrew Tabugoc)



ARRESTED. Mugshot of alleged New People’s Army member Jhonel Amada Navales who was arrested by authorities at his house in Barangay Inac, Magpet, North Cotabato on Monday (July 13, 2020). The suspect is facing murder and attempted murder charges for the roadside bombing in Magpet town on Jan. 28, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Magpet MPS)
MAGPET, North Cotabato – Acting on a tip, police arrested here Monday a suspected member of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) who was long wanted for a string of criminal charges.

Maj. Judgie Barotas, Magpet police chief, identified the suspect as Jhonel Amada Navales, 40, believed to be a member of the NPA's Front 53 operating in the area.
Navales is facing several criminal charges including a murder case and 11 attempted murder charges for his alleged involvement in the Jan. 28, 2019 roadside bombing of police personnel in Barangay Poblacion.


Killed in the incident was PO1 Christopher Anadon, while several other members of the North Cotabato Police Mobile Force Company were injured.

Barotas said the suspect is an active member of the NPA rebel movement working as an intelligence operative and supply officer who also shelters rebels in his house during military pursuit operations in the area.
“The arrest of Navales as ‘eyes and ears’ of the NPA group would surely destabilize their community penetrations and assaults against military personnel and government installations”, Barotas said.

Last month, police also captured Bebot Namansela Gomay, an alleged comrade and accomplice of Navales in the roadside bombing attack.

“They are both men of NPA commander Choi who was killed in an operation in Bukidnon”, Barotas said.

Navales is detained at the Magpet police station while waiting for the commitment order from the court.

The NPA, together with the Communist Party of the Philippines, 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/1108896

Suspected communist rebels kill Negrense farmer

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14, 2020): Suspected communist rebels kill Negrense farmer (By Nanette Guadalquiver)



GUNNED DOWN. The body of farmer Randy Rociana, 38, a resident of Barangay Mahalang, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental. Rociana was shot dead by assailants believed to be communist-terrorists of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sitio Asaran, Barangay Buenavista in Himamaylan on Sunday (July 12, 2020). (Photo courtesy of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)

Another farmer in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental was gunned down by nine assailants believed to be communist-terrorists of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sitio Asaran, Barangay Buenavista on Sunday afternoon.

A report of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) on Tuesday afternoon identified the victim as Randy Rociana, 38, a resident of Barangay Mahalang of the southern Negros city.

Rociana was killed a month after Joelito Hilacio, 49, was also shot dead allegedly by the same perpetrators inside his house in Barangay Carabalan in the same city.


Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303rd IBde, strongly condemned the murders of Rociana and Hilacio, which he tagged as blatant violations of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

“Such savagely cruel acts are proof that the CPP-NPA do not respect human rights and are indeed terrorists. These heinous murders should be stopped now,” he said.

Pasaporte urged the local government units and other stakeholders in Negros Occidental to condemn the killings.

“I also challenge Karapatan, who had been very silent about human rights violations of the NPA, to condemn such terroristic acts if they are not bogus human rights advocates,” he added.

Rociana suffered multiple wounds from the shooting.

According to police reports, the armed men first went to the victim’s house but when they learned that he was not around and was working in the rice field, they proceeded to the location, where they shot him.

Barangay Buenavista is apparently frequented by communist rebels, who had figured in several encounters with government troops in the area.

Last May, soldiers of the 94th Infantry Battalion discovered three NPA hideouts in the village after weeks of combat clearing operation.

These are located in Sitio Mabunga, Sitio Bunsad, and Sitio Lower Olitao.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108956

CPP-NPA suffers ‘huge blow’ as 4 officials fall in NegOcc

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15, 2020): CPP-NPA suffers ‘huge blow’ as 4 officials fall in NegOcc (By Nanette Guadalquiver)



SEIZED. The firearms and explosives, cash, and other items seized from four officials of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) who were arrested in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on July 10, 2020. Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, on Tuesday (July 14, 2020) called their arrest a huge blow to the communist-terrorist group. (Photo courtesy of the 15th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

A top official of the Philippine Army considered the arrest of four suspected rebels in Negros Occidental as a “huge blow” to the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID) and the Armed Forces’ Joint Task Force Spear in Western and Central Visayas, said on Tuesday the successful law enforcement operation was an essential part of the government campaign to end the violence and terrorism perpetrated by the communist-terrorist group.

Arrested by joint military and police troops in Barangay Magballo, Kabankalan City on July 10 were Emmylou CaƱares, 38, a resident of South Poblacion, San Fernando, Cebu; George Buga-ay, 42, of Barangay Punta Taytay, Bacolod City; Relyn Morino, 22, a resident of Barangay Orong, Kabankalan City; and Raffy Patajo, 21, of Sitio Montelo, Barangay Pinggot, Ilog, also in Negros Occidental.

According to the Philippine Army, CaƱares is the current secretary of the Second National Urban Center Party Committee while Buga-ay, a former squad leader and finance logistics officer of the Regional Strike Forces of the Kilusang Rehiyon - Negros (KR-N), is now with the KR-N Regional Communication (RCOM), along with Morino and Patajo.

In a statement, NPA Apolinario Gatmaitan Command spokesman Juanito Magbanua denied the four are CPP-NPA officials.

Maj. Cenon Pancito III, chief of 3ID’s Public Affairs Office, said he was not surprised by Magbanua’s denial since the communist-terrorists are masters at making excuses.

"If indeed, they believe that these people are not their allies, then they should condemn them for violating the laws and condemn them for terrorizing the people,” he added.

Pancito said now that the CPP-NPA is “crippled by the series of combined operations against their group, they know what this government can do to paralyze their movement.”

During their arrest, the four suspected rebels yielded a .45-caliber pistol, .38-caliber revolver loaded with five rounds of ammunition, and four hand grenades, along with several mobile phones USB flash drives, and cash amounting to PHP119,354, among others.

CaƱares and Morino are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 10591, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and RA 9516 or Illegal Possession of Explosives; Buga-ay, for RA 10591; and Patajo, for RA 9516.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108947

15 NPA rebels yield in SoCot, Sarangani

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15, 2020): 15 NPA rebels yield in SoCot, Sarangani (By Richelyn Gubalani)



Lt. Col. Lino Capellan, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office 12. (File photo courtesy of the PRO-12)

Fifteen more New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered to government authorities in South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces on Monday, a police official said.

Lt. Col. Lino Capellan, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 (Soccsksargen), said Tuesday
the rebels separately yielded, along with several firearms and explosives, to police and Army personnel following a series of negotiations.

Capellan said nine of the former NPA combatants, who were former members of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 73, surrendered in South Cotabato and six in Sarangani.


In South Cotabato, he said the returnees were received by officials of the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office in Koronadal City.

The surrender was facilitated by the 1st and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), 42nd Special Action Company, Army’s 12th Special Forces Company, Army’s 40th infantry Battalion, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency 12, Regional Intelligence Unit 12, and the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) 12.

“It was an offshoot of the series of community outreach activities these past weeks spearheaded by the PMFC in parts of the province,” Capellan said, citing the “Adopt an Indigent Family” and “Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko” programs.

He said the initiative includes lectures on President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order 70, which institutionalizes the “whole-of-nation” approach as a strategy to end the local communist armed conflict.

The surrenderers gave up an Ingram submachine gun, an improvised M203 grenade launcher, an improvised 12-gauge pistol, a homemade single-shot pistol, a caliber .22 improvised pistol, an improvised 12-gauge shotgun, fragmentation grenade, assorted bullets, and subversive documents.

In Sarangani, Capellan said the six returnees, who were also under the NPA’s Front 73, separately yielded in Barangay Katubao, Kiamba town and Barangay Lumasal in Maasim.

They were received by elements of the 1204th Mobile Company, RIU-12, RID-12, Sarangani Police Provincial Office, and the Army’s 37IB.

He said the rebel returnees turned over a caliber .45 pistol, caliber .357 revolver, caliber .22 revolver, caliber .32 Magnum revolver, caliber .22 rifle, a blood pressure apparatus, and Baofeng handheld radio.

Brig. Gen. Michael John Dubria, PRO-12 director, said the accomplishment was the result of collective efforts of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, local government units, and other stakeholders.

“We assure everyone that the PRO-12, under my command, will continue to intensify efforts to safeguard the welfare of the public and ensure peace and stability in our communities,” Dubria said.

Gov't troops nab NPA purge executioner in Leyte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15, 2020): Gov't troops nab NPA purge executioner in Leyte (By Sarwell Meniano)



NPA PURGE EXECUTIONER. Felomino Salazar Jr., the executioner of the New People's Army during the 1980s purge in Leyte. A team from the police and military arrested him on Tuesday (July 14, 2020) in Inopacan, Leyte. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army 802nd Brigade)

Police and military personnel arrested on Tuesday a notorious member of the New People’s Army responsible for the mass execution in Leyte in the 1980s.

Armed with a warrant of arrest, operatives of newly created Joint Task Force “Tandaya” nabbed Felomino Salazar Jr., 69, in Tinago village, Inopacan, Leyte. He is an executive committee member of the NPA Southern Leyte Front.

The Philippine Army reported on Wednesday that the Regional Trial Court of the National Capital Judicial Region Branch 32 issued the arrest warrant for Salazar for 15 counts of murder committed during the infamous NPA purging in the late 1980s.

The activity dubbed “Oplan Venereal Disease” has killed about 300 Leyte residents suspected by NPA as military informants.

“Salazar was then part of the dreaded CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA intelligence group whose main task during the implementation of the 'Oplan Venereal Disease' was to identify, arrest, investigate and execute suspected government informants within their organization,” said PA 802nd Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Zosimo Oliveros in a statement.


Former comrades who already surrendered to government tagged Salazar as the executioner of the victims of the NPA purging by the CPP central committee to cleanse its ranks of suspected government agents.
Based on accounts of the military and witnesses, most of the victims bore brutal marks of crushed skulls with eyes still blindfolded. They suffered severe flesh wounds and broken bones before they were shot multiple times.

The skeletal remains of 67 persons were exhumed from shallow graves at Subang Daku village in Inopacan town on Aug. 28, 2006, through the help of villagers.

Salazar did not resist arrest since he claimed that he already surrendered to the mayor.

He also owned up to the murders without a feeling of remorse, the military said.


He was brought to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group station in Ormoc City for booking procedure.

His arrest is a major accomplishment of the Joint Task Force “Tandaya” days after its creation on July 3.

The operatives are composed of soldiers and policemen in the provinces of Biliran, Leyte, and Southern Leyte.

"Tandaya" is the old name of the Leyte Island to include the Biliran province before it was renamed by Roy Lopez de Villalobos in 1543.

The term is adopted as the name of the joint task force unifying the efforts of all security forces in the area.

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/1109042

Ex-rebel starts new life with P104-K aid from gov't

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15, 2020): Ex-rebel starts new life with P104-K aid from gov't (By John Rey Saavedra)



NEW LIFE. Alias "Ben" (center) receives a check worth PHP104,000 from Bohol Governor Arthur Yap in a simple ceremony in the Municipality of Trinidad, Bohol on Tuesday (July 14, 2020). Ben, who surrendered in 2018 after years of living a troubled life as member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army, vowed to use the cash aid to start fresh as a law-abiding resident of Bohol. (Photo courtesy of 47th Infantry Battalion-CMO)

A former member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) has vowed to work hard to have a good future as he starts a new life with the PHP104,000 cash benefits given to him by the government.

In a simple ceremony in Trinidad town on Tuesday, alias "Ben", a former rebel operating in Bohol who surrendered in 2018, received from Governor Arthur Yap a PHP15,000-cash assistance, PHP50,000-livelihood assistance and PHP39,000 representing the government remuneration of the firearms he surrendered to the authorities.

"Ben" said he is grateful that the government gave him a chance to start a new life through the “abundant assistance”.

He recalled how he lived without peace as a member of the armed group that sowed terror on the peaceful communities in Bohol.

“I was recruited and deceived with their struggle. I decided to be a full-time NPA member three months after my orientation. But in the long run, my life was then uneasy,” he said in a statement. “I’ve realized that being in the leftist organization is not just.”

Seeing the adverse effects of the atrocities committed by his armed group on the community, "Ben" eventually thought of ending his personal armed struggle and decided to turn himself back to the fold of law. He also surrendered his .45-caliber pistol.

1st Lt. Elma Grace Remonde, 47th Infantry “Katapatan” Battalion’s civil military operations officer, said the financial assistance to "Ben" was given through President Rodrigo Duterte's Executive Order No. 70 implementing the whole-of-nation approach in ending insurgency.

The program, she said, is also aligned with the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), a national program to help former rebels by way of livelihood and other assistance.

EO No. 70 mandated the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) to synchronize the use of resources and capabilities of government instrumentalities and private sector stakeholders in ending the atrocities by the communist terrorist group.

Remonde said the benefits will improve the lives of former members of the NPA through the socio-economic programs of the government.

“With the continued collaboration of the LGUs and other government agencies, the government's intent to capacitate the former rebels will be achieved,” she said.

Remonde, addressing the rebels, said the “Army in Bohol will never get tired of urging you to return to the fold of law and avail the programs of our governments for you”.

She said the 47IB, together with the provincial government of Bohol, will always adhere to its promises of helping the “former rebels to have a productive and progressive living with their families”.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1109007

11 ex-rebels get almost P1-M in gov’t aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15, 2020): 11 ex-rebels get almost P1-M in gov’t aid



CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – A total of 11 former rebels (FRs) received checks amounting to PHP86,000 each on Tuesday from the head of the government’s Task Force Balik Loob, which oversees the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu of the Department of National Defense presided over the ceremony which was held after his meeting with Calabarzon’s military officers and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) officials.

During his interaction with the FRs, Mapagu said “the government’s sincerity and commitment to deliver your E-CLIP benefits will never falter, even in the advent of this deadly Covid-19 pandemic.”

He assured the FRs that “your reintegration to mainstream society will be monitored by the government, particularly your safety as well as those of your families.”



Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, said a total of 604 former rebels have already turned over 114 firearms to government security forces since E-CLIP’s maiden implementation in Luzon and Visayas on Aug. 14, 2018 at Tanauan City, Batangas.

He said out of the total number of surrenderers, 144 surfaced this year, 109 of whom came from Region 4-A while the remaining 35 were from Mindoro Provinces. These returnees yielded 25 firearms to the government security forces.

“All in all, around PHP16.262 million worth of grants, have been distributed to our former rebels,” he said.

“The former rebels under our care, and those who will decide to give up the armed struggle in the coming days, will be assisted by our troops in claiming their benefits, ensuring their safety and promoting their well-being as they rejoin our society as responsible and productive Filipinos,” he added.

Burgos expressed optimism that more terrorists will return to the fold of government in the coming days as many in the underground movement’s rank are demoralized because of the recent signing of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Under E-CLIP, qualified former rebels can avail up to PHP700,000 worth of government grants which they can use to start in living peaceful lives after turning their backs from the underground movement.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1109093

Suspected rebel nabbed in NegOcc has arrest warrant for murder

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15, 2020): Suspected rebel nabbed in NegOcc has arrest warrant for murder (By Nanette Guadalquiver)




ARREST WARRANT. A copy of the warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 51 in Carmen, Bohol showing Emmylou CaƱesares or “Emmylo CaƱares” as one of the 14 leaders of the New People’s Army’s Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor arrested for murder. CaƱares was nabbed with three other suspected rebels in Sitio Mamposo, Barangay Magballo, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on July 10. (Photo courtesy of 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army)

One of the four officials of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) arrested in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental recently has a pending arrest warrant for murder.

A copy of the warrant issued by acting presiding judge Jennifer Chavez-Marcos of Regional Trial Court Branch 51 in Carmen, Bohol showed that Emmylou CaƱesares is one of the 14 leaders of the NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyonal- Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor accused of murder.

The court did not set bail for CaƱesares for the criminal case.

CaƱesares, who was identified by the Philippine Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion as “Emmylo CaƱares”, 38, was arrested with three other suspected rebels in Sitio Mamposo, Barangay Magballo on July 10.


A resident of South Poblacion, San Fernando, Cebu, she is a former finance officer of Bohol Party Committee and the current secretary of the Second National Urban Center Party Committee.

CaƱares was arrested with George Buga-ay, 42, a former squad leader and finance logistics officer of the Regional Strike Forces of the Kilusang Rehiyon-Negros (KR-N), now assigned at the KR-N Regional Communication (RCOM), along with Relyn Morino, 22, and Raffy Patajo, 21.

Government security forces seized from the suspects a .45-caliber pistol, .38-caliber revolver loaded with five rounds of ammunition, and four MK2 fragmentation hand grenades, PHP119,354 cash, and other several other items such as mobile phones.


Maj. Cenon Pancito III, chief of 3rd Infantry Division’s Public Affairs Office, said on Wednesday the CPP-NPA should get a good lawyer to represent the four considering that one of them is facing a murder case.

“The warrant has yet to be served because her current arrest was due to different circumstances. This disproves the NPA’s claim that she is not an insurgent,” he added.

The four suspects, who are detained at the Kabankalan City Police Station, have been tagged by the police as CPP-NPA terrorist (CNT) high-value individuals.

Both CaƱares and Morino have been charged with violation of Republic Act 10591 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and RA 9516 or Illegal Possession of Explosives; Buga-ay, for RA 10591; and Patajo, for RA 9516 before the Kabankalan City Prosecutor’s Office.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1109090

Mom decries how militant group stole her son's dream

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13, 2020): Mom decries how militant group stole her son's dream (By Marita Moaje



DREAM SHATTERED. Therese Fuentes' son, Frances Ern (middle) in one of the rallies organized by militant group Anakbayan. Fuentes urged the group to return Frances and stop the recruitment of young people. (Photo courtesy of Mrs. Therese Fuentes)

Frances Ern Mariveles dreamt of being a lawyer someday as he enrolled for college at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa, Manila in 2016, where he took political economy.

In a phone interview Monday, his mother, Therese Fuentes, said he was not able to finish even his first semester in college after
he was recruited by militant youth group Anakbayan and would eventually join rallies and protest actions.


Three months after, she said her son became a full-time member of the group and abandoned school and even his own family.

Therese remembered her son very well – he was just 16 then, full of hope, and has always been a source of pride in the family for being an achiever.

“He was an intelligent kid, an achiever. He had big dreams. He graduated from high school and enrolled in PUP in 2016. He enrolled in political economy because he wanted to be a lawyer, but he didn’t get to finish even the first semester in college. We never thought that entering school to build his dream would only destroy that dream,” she said in Filipino.

Narrating her ordeal, Therese said she almost broke down because of worrying for her eldest son, Frances.

Therese said she even accompanied Frances when he enrolled in PUP, and could vividly remember his excitement at that time.

Every day, Frances would travel from General Trias in Cavite to get to school in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

He wouldn’t mind the distance and travel time and would go home every day and share with her things going at school.

“During the start of classes, he was always happy to tell me about things happening in school. He was excited that he was accepted in The Catalyst (campus paper), and he was made representative of 1st year students,” Therese said.

She said she remembers seeing Frances bringing home some leaflets and banner of Anakbayan, and that she did not give it much thought during that time.

When she discovered that Frances was no longer attending his classes despite being in school and that he would fail to come home often, she went to PUP.

“I went to PUP that time, I was crying. I reported to them that my son is not attending his classes and that he joined Anakbayan in school, but they only told me to just let my son attend rallies," she said.

“During that time, I could not think clearly, I was always crying. I brought with me my youngest child who was only three years old then and we went to Manila from Cavite," she added.

Reaching out

Frances, she said, should have graduated from college by now. But his family doesn’t even know where he is and how he is right now.

In the last four years, Therese could only count the times his son came home and visited them.

She said her only way of getting news about him or send him messages was through a certain Alex Danday, whom she said recruited Frances to join Anakbayan.

Therese said she would send a message to Danday to ask about Frances, and that she would be told: “She would tell me that my son is doing fine, that he is still alive. She was also the one who told me that my son is in the Visayas. I was surprised how far my son is”.

Whenever Frances wishes to come home, Therese said she would send him money for his fare.

Most of the time, he will arrive in the morning and by early afternoon, he’s all set to leave.

Frances never slept with them whenever he would come home.

To make the most out of it, Therese would always cook his son’s favorite dishes and tries as much as possible to make him feel that he is loved.

The last time Frances went home was in January this year.

She said the last time she was able to kiss and hug his son was in February when he paid her a visit at work.

During that time, Therese told Frances to go home.

“I told him that I want him to change and reminded him how I love him, that he has a family, to not to do anything bad and that I am here for him. He just nodded but we didn’t have any clear discussion," she said.

Because Therese does not know who to approach to ask help to get his son back, she feels that her son’s last four years with Anakbayan were wasted years, and that the group has taken so much from their family.

'Hands Off Our Children'

Just this month, Therese said Danday told her that she does not know where Frances is and that he is not with them.

But Therese said she does not believe what Danday said.

Therese said she recently learned about and contacted the group “Hands off our Children,” a group of parents whose children were reportedly recruited by various militant organizations.

With their support, Therese said she had the courage to finally break her silence and tell her story.

Therese always wanted to tell her son that she loves him so much and vowed to do everything in her capacity to help him.

"I love him so much. Please come home, you have a family waiting for you. Don’t believe their lies, just trust me," she said.

She also urged Anakbayan to return Frances Ern and stop the recruitment of young people.

"Stop recruiting the youth. You have destroyed many families and the future of our children. I hope you will understand the pain that you have caused us. Give back Frances to us, and all the youths that you have recruited," she said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108776

Duterte wants orthopedic surgeon friend to work for AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14, 2020): Duterte wants orthopedic surgeon friend to work for AFP (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)



ORTHOPEDIC DOCTOR FOR AFP. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte witnesses the conferment of medals on the wounded soldiers he visited at the Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Headquarters in Jolo, Sulu on Monday (July 13, 2020). Duterte said he would ask a certain Eddie Boy Lim, an orthopedic surgeon who also hails from Davao, to work for the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (Presidential photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday revealed that he plans to tap an orthopedic surgeon as his consultant for the treatment of soldiers who will get injured in battle.

Speaking before government troops in Jolo, Sulu, Duterte said he would ask a certain Eddie Boy Lim, who also hails from Davao, to work for the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Duterte said Lim, a graduate of the University of the Philippines (UP), specializes in orthopedics and is currently affiliated with a hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio in the United States.

“I have a friend who is the chief of the Cincinnati Orthopedic Hospital. It has something to do with bones. Ito si (He is) Eddie Boy Lim [who] is from Davao,” he said in a taped speech aired on state-run PTV-4 on Tuesday morning. “I'll try to talk to him and kung puwede ba (if he can be [my consultant].”

Edward Lim, who earned his medical degree from UP in 1977, specializes in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, according to US-based health publisher WebMD.

Lim is affiliated with the Christ Hospital Physicians Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Duterte said he wants Lim as his consultant because of the latter’s medical expertise.

He also expressed hope that Lim would accept his request to “do a little service” to Filipino troops.

“The guy (Lim) is simply brilliant,” he said. “Eddie Boy is practicing in the United States. I hope that if he would come home, I'd like him to just be a consultant or actually work for the soldiers.”

Duterte made the remarks, as he ensured that his administration's resolve it to push for policies and programs that would benefit the military.

He also guaranteed that sick and injured soldiers would get support from the government.

He likewise stressed that the AFP Medical Center in Quezon City is receiving PHP50 million a month to enable the hospital to provide medical attention to wounded or sick soldiers.

“If you are injured, lose a leg, do not worry. You will run faster,” Duterte said. “You have my utmost respect as you risk your lives in the name of peace, security, and development efforts in our region.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108869

China claims on most of SCS 'completely unlawful': US

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14, 2020): China claims on most of SCS 'completely unlawful': US (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)



US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo (Xinhua photo)

The United States government on Monday came out with a strong position, dismissing as "completely unlawful" China's claims on resources across most of the South China Sea (SCS).

"The PRC (People's Republic of China) has no legal grounds to unilaterally impose its will on the region. Beijing has offered no coherent legal basis for its 'Nine-Dashed Line' claim in the South China Sea since formally announcing it in 2009," State Secretary Michael Pompeo said in a statement dated July 13.

Pompeo underscored that Washington recognizes the 2016 Arbitral Ruling as "final and legally binding" on both parties even though Beijing, a signatory to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), rejected the decision.

Pursued by the Philippines within the framework of the UNCLOS, the 2016 award ruled that China’s sprawling maritime and territorial claims within its so-called nine-dash line are illegal.

Citing this, Pompeo said the PRC cannot lawfully assert a maritime claim, including exclusive economic zone (EEZ), claims from Scarborough Reef, the Spratly Islands, and other areas in Philippine waters the Tribunal acknowledged as within its EEZ or continental shelf.

He added that Beijing’s "harassment of Philippine fisheries and offshore energy development within those areas is unlawful."

"The world will not allow Beijing to treat the South China Sea as its maritime empire. America stands with our Southeast Asian allies and partners in protecting their sovereign rights to offshore resources, consistent with their rights and obligations under international law," Pompeo said. "We stand with the international community in defense of freedom of the seas and respect for sovereignty and reject any push to impose 'might makes right' in the South China Sea or the wider region."

'Non-negotiable'

On the ruling's fourth anniversary last Sunday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said the decision is "non-negotiable" and that China should comply, pointing out that compliance is an obligation to the international law, including UNCLOS.

"The Philippines, as a law-abiding, peace-loving, and responsible member of the international community, reaffirms on this occasion its adherence to the award and its enforcement without any possibility of compromise or change. The award is non-negotiable," Locsin said.

He noted that the award is "a milestone in the corpus of international law, the cornerstone of a rules-based regional and international order."

"The arbitral tribunal’s award of 12 July 2016 represents a victory, not just for the Philippines, but for the entire community of consistently law-abiding nations," Locsin said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108873

Lorenzana on quarantine anew as staff positive for Covid-19

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14, 2020): Lorenzana on quarantine anew as staff positive for Covid-19 (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (File photo)

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday said he would undergo self-quarantine after one of his staff members tested positive for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Lorenzana said his staff, Col. Rolly Nerona, tested positive for the disease based on the results of the swab test administered on July 10.

He added that Nerona was with him in Jolo and that the latter learned that he was Covid-19 positive upon landing there on Monday.

"He was also with me to Subic last Friday. He was not in the event with the President in Jolo yesterday (Monday) as he was in seclusion. He came back with us to Manila yesterday (clad) in PPE (personal protective equipment)," he said in a message to reporters.

Lorenzana was in Subic Bay, Zambales last Friday to lead the commissioning of the country's first-ever missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal while he was in Jolo Monday to accompany President Rodrigo Duterte on his visit to troops in the island.

Lorenzana said passengers of both planes have been informed about this development along with other people he came in contact with while in Subic Bay so that they can have themselves tested and go on quarantine.

"I had myself swabbed this morning and will self-quarantine to await the results," he added.

Lorenzana said he has yet to experience symptoms of the disease so far.

This is the second time the DND chief will undergo self-quarantine after coming into close contact with a Covid-19 positive person.

On March 27, Lorenzana underwent self-quarantine after having two contacts with Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., who earlier tested positive for the disease.

He later tested negative of the disease on March 31 but was advised by his doctors to continue with his self-quarantine until April 6.

AFP chief, others to follow suit

Meanwhile, AFP spokesperson, Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said Santos and all other officers and enlisted personnel aboard the same aircraft with Lorenzana will be on a strict, doctor-supervised quarantine.

"The CSAFP (Chief-of-Staff AFP) will be on a strict, doctor-supervised quarantine. This holds true for all the other officers and enlisted personnel on board the aircraft to and from Jolo, Sulu," Arevalo said in a press statement.

Arevalo added that the President was on another aircraft during the trip to Jolo, Sulu.

Santos was also with Lorenzana during the commissioning ceremonies for the BRP Jose Rizal.

Asked if there are any activities of Santos that will be affected by this quarantine, he said the AFP chief's unit visits may have to be postponed or rescheduled to a later date.

Meanwhile, all other activities like meetings and conferences can be attended by Santos, who is also chair of the Joint Chiefs virtually, Arevalo said.

"Within the period of quarantine, he shall continue to fully discharge his duties and responsibilities ably assisted by the Vice-Chair of the Joint Chiefs and the Chief of Joint Staff," he added.

Arevalo added that disinfection of the aircraft was done and is being done every after flight mission while the pilots and the crew go on quarantine, all as a matter of standard operating procedure, whether or not there has been Covid-19 positive patient on the plane.

"Passengers undergo religious triage processes before they will be allowed to board the aircraft in the airport of embarkation and a similar process on the airport of disembarkation,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108879

PH reiterates need for rules-based order in SCS

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14, 2020): PH reiterates need for rules-based order in SCS (By Priam Nepomuceno)


File photo

The Philippines is one with the international community in its position calling for a rules-based order in the South China Sea.

"We strongly agree with the position of the international community that there should be a rules-based order in the South China Sea," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a press statement Tuesday.

Lorenzana's remarks supported the United States' position calling as "completely unlawful" China's claims on resources across most of the South China Sea.

He also urged Beijing to comply with the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling issued four years ago and abide by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to which it is a signatory.

"It is in the best interest of regional stability that China heed the call of the community of nations to follow international law and honor existing international agreements," he added.

Lorenzana also called for the finalization of a substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea to settle disputes and prevent the escalation of tensions in the region.

Pursued by the Philippines within the framework of the UNCLOS, the 2016 award ruled that China’s sprawling maritime and territorial claims within its so-called nine-dash line are illegal.

Citing this, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said Beijing cannot lawfully assert a maritime claim, including exclusive economic zone (EEZ), claims from Scarborough Reef, the Spratly Islands, and other areas in Philippine waters the Tribunal acknowledged as within its EEZ or continental shelf.

He added that Beijing’s "harassment of Philippine fisheries and offshore energy development within those areas is unlawful."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108900

Navy personnel in frigate rites ordered to go on self-quarantine

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14, 2020): Navy personnel in frigate rites ordered to go on self-quarantine (By Priam Nepomuceno)



All Philippine Navy (PN) personnel and guests present during the commissioning of the country's first missile-frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) last week were ordered to go on self-quarantine after one of the Navy officers in the event tested positive for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

"We also advised guests and stakeholders who attended the event, to go on self-quarantine or undergo PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing, or both," Navy public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said in a message to reporters Tuesday.

She added that PN chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo has been on self-quarantine since Saturday and was swabbed earlier Tuesday. He is now awaiting the result.

"Similarly, all the crew of FF-150 were already subjected to PCR testing while preparing for the ship's participation in RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific) in Hawaii later this month. Those who will test positive of the Covid-19 virus will have to be put in a quarantine facility ashore, while the other crew members will continue to make preparations for the RIMPAC 2020 exercise. FF-150's departure for Hawaii is on July 29," Roxas said.

She added that the PN strictly complies with the health and safety protocols mandated by the Inter-Agency Task Force-Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to stem the transmission of this disease.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108932

Busy sked awaits BRP Jose Rizal crew in Hawaii maritime exercise

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15, 2020): Busy sked awaits BRP Jose Rizal crew in Hawaii maritime exercise (By Priam Nepomuceno)



BRP Jose Rizal. (File photo courtesy of Philippine Navy)

A "busy schedule" awaits officers and crew members of the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), the Philippine Navy’s (PN) first missile-frigate, when they join the "Rim of the Pacific" (RIMPAC) exercises off Hawaii on August 17-31.

"(The) FF-150 will participate in a lot of exercises in RIMPAC, based on their schedule of events," PN public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, said in a message to the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday night. "I know there will be exercise(s) related to anti-submarine warfare, air defense, surface, and maritime security exercises."

The RIMPAC, which is held every other year, is described as the largest maritime warfare exercise in the world.

Roxas said the ship's crew would use the two-week RIMPAC maneuvers as a "shakedown cruise" to test the performance and seaworthiness of the brand-new missile frigate.

A "shakedown cruise" allows the crew to familiarize themselves aboard a new vessel and ensure that all of the ship's systems are functional.

The ship has 65 crew members and is commanded by Capt. Jerry Garrido.

"Other than that, it is a chance for the officers and crew to work as a team since most of the time they are conducting individual training. Through this exercise, they will be able to conduct and function as a whole team of FF-150," she said.

The RIMPAC, being a multi-dimensional training exercise, will be a chance for the BRP Jose Rizal "to level up its engagement in this four-dimension warfare", Roxas added.

"Having this exercise for FF-150, it is an opportunity now that we have this capability in our inventory," she said.

The ship is capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare operations.

The BRP Jose Rizal was launched at the Hyundai Heavy Industries' shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea on May 23, 2019.

Its sister ship, the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), was launched in the same facility on November 8 last year.

The contract for the two ships was PHP16 billion, along with PHP2 billion for weapon systems and munitions.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108985

DND main building, premises placed on lock down

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15, 2020): DND main building, premises placed on lock down (By Priam Nepomuceno)



DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong. (File photo)

The Department of National Defense (DND) main building and its premises in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City were placed on lockdown effective Wednesday noon to give way for its disinfection.

"In accordance with prescribed biosecurity protocols, the Department of National Defense Proper will effect a lockdown beginning 12 noon today, 15 July 2020, in order to give way to the disinfection of the DND's main building and premises," DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a message to reporters.

He added that normal office operations will resume on Friday (July 17).

Earlier, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he would undergo self-quarantine after his aide, identified as Col. Rolly Nerona, tested positive for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) upon landing in Jolo, Sulu Monday.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1109005

PH eyes diplomatic means to resolve SCS dispute: Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15, 2020): PH eyes diplomatic means to resolve SCS dispute: Palace (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)





MalacaƱang on Wednesday maintained that the Philippines will pursue a “peaceful and diplomatic” approach to resolve its long-standing dispute with China in the hotly-contested South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).

“We are looking at peaceful and diplomatic means to resolve the issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement.

Roque issued the statement, in response to a poll by the Social Weather Stations (SWS), which found that majority of Filipinos want the Philippines to assert its rights in the South China Sea.

Around 70 percent of Filipinos believed that the Philippine government should assert its rights over the islands in the disputed waters, according to the July 3 to 6 survey by SWS and commissioned by Stratbase Albert Del Rosario Institute.

Only 13 percent said otherwise, while 15 percent were undecided.

On July 12, 2016, the Philippines won its arbitration case filed against China when the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled that Beijing has “no legal basis” to claim historic rights over almost the entire South China Sea.

Roque said Manila has to look for other ways to address the sea dispute since the arbitral ruling cannot be enforced.

“Unfortunately, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling has no way of being enforced by the body which rendered it, so we must look to other means to resolve the dispute,” he said.

PH not dropping PCA victory

Roque, however, clarified that the government is not dropping the country’s South China Sea arbitration victory against Beijing.

“As we have said in previous occasions, the Philippine government continues to assert our rights over the disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea in accordance with the 2016 Arbitral Ruling. We have not waived nor have we relinquished these rights,” he said.

On Sunday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. urged China to comply with the arbitral ruling which he said is “non-negotiable.”

China, however, snubbed Locsin’s call on Monday, stressing that the PCA’s decision favoring the Philippines is “illegal and invalid.”

On Tuesday, Roque said the Philippines will maintain its “friendly” ties with China despite Beijing’s decision to again reject Manila’s call to recognize the PCA verdict.

Roque, however, clarified that the latest plan was not meant to abandon the Philippines’ historic arbitration victory against China.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1109018

Marawi rehab on track despite pandemic: TFBM

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15, 2020): Marawi rehab on track despite pandemic: TFBM (By Lade Jean Kabagani)



Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Eduardo del Rosario. (Contributed photo)

The rehabilitation of Marawi City is on track amid the coronavirus pandemic, Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) chairman Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario said Wednesday.

“Our timetable for completion will be within the term of President [Rodrigo] Duterte. And we are on target,” del Rosario, also the housing czar, said in a statement.

He cited the approval of the 2020 budget for the Marawi rehabilitation amounting to PHP3.56 billion as a positive development towards TFBM's rehabilitation and recovery works in Marawi City.

"As committed, almost all infrastructure projects within MAA (most affected areas) are now in full blast. With this, we remain confident that we can beat the December 2021 deadline,” he added, noting that he personally assesses and inspects the on-ground rehabilitation activities.

He said various infrastructure projects in the MAA in Marawi City have already started.

The various implementing agencies under the TFBM, he said, are now carrying out measures to hasten their projects and meet their respective timelines amid the pandemic.

Del Rosario said the government is now working to put up public structures inside Marawi's MAA which include the Grand Padian Central Market and the Marawi City Museum.

The government will put up health centers and madrasah (Islamic schools) each for 24 barangays that are less affected areas during the Marawi siege, he added.

Del Rosario added that displaced families continue to receive relief assistance and housing aid during the pandemic.

The TFBM was created under administrative order No. 3 issued by President Duterte on June 28, 2017, to ensure collaboration and convergence among national agencies and the local government units.

TFBM facilitates the rehabilitation, recovery and reconstruction efforts in Marawi.

It also seeks to help displaced families to recover from the tragedy brought by the Marawi siege in May 2017.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1109039

SCS maritime issue 'not sum total' of PH-China ties

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15, 2020): SCS maritime issue 'not sum total' of PH-China ties (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)



Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. (right) and Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meet virtually to discuss Philippines-China relations on July 14, 2020. (DFA photo)

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. and his Chinese counterpart Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday underscored that the two countries' maritime issue on the South China Sea is not the sum total of the Philippines-China bilateral relationship.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the two top diplomats engaged in "open, cordial, fruitful discussions".

"Both sides reaffirmed that contentious maritime issues are not the sum total of the Philippines-China bilateral relationship. With mutual respect, sincerity, and adherence to sovereign equality, both sides will continue to manage issues of concern and promote maritime cooperation in friendly consultation," it said.

As the officials recognized the "positive turnaround" in Manila and Beijing's ties, the agency noted that both sides agreed to further strengthen the strategic cooperation between the two nations.

"Secretary Locsin reiterated the importance of continued dialogue to propel Philippines-China cooperation forward across various fronts under the 'new normal' brought about by the global Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic," the DFA said.

The virtual meeting between the two officials at Wang's request came days after both Manila and Washington called on parties in the South China Sea to uphold the international law and to comply with the landmark 2016 Arbitral Ruling that invalidated Beijing's nine-dash line, an invisible demarcation that lays claim on almost 80 percent of the region.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1109030

DND chief tests negative anew for Covid-19

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15, 2020): DND chief tests negative anew for Covid-19 (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (File photo)

A day after placing himself on self-quarantine after one of his staff tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 ( Covid-19), Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday said he tested negative for the disease.

"Dear everyone, My test came out negative. Thanks for the prayers," he said in a message to reporters.

Lorenzana's move came after his aide, Col. Rolly Nerona, tested positive for Covid-19 after undergoing swab testing last July 10.

Nerona was with the DND chief during the July 10 commissioning of missile-frigate BRP Jose Rizal and the July 13 visit to troops in Sulu.

Nerona learned that he was positive for the disease upon landing in Jolo.

Lorenzana had a swab testing on Tuesday as a result of this contact and placed himself in self-quarantine for the second time, the first time being on March 27 when he came into contact with Armed Forces chief Gen. Felimon Santos, who earlier tested positive for Covid-19.

He later tested negative on the disease on March 31 but was advised by his doctors to continue with his quarantine until April 6.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1109031