Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Chinese Warships, Jets Deployed in South China Sea’s Spratly Islands

From BenarNews (Aug 3, 2020): Chinese Warships, Jets Deployed in South China Sea’s Spratly Islands (By Drake Long)



A satellite image shows Subi Reef, one of China’s four main bases and artificial islands in the South China Sea, July 3, 2020.  Planet Labs Inc.

China has deployed warships and sent fighter jets on a long-haul flight to bases it occupies in the disputed Spratly island chain, according to satellite imagery and state media, in the latest show of Chinese military strength in the South China Sea.

That comes ahead of a major, multi-nation military exercise led by the United States planned for Aug. 17 to 31 near Hawaii which will be attended by nations across the Indo-Pacific. A Philippine naval ship has already set sail for the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) drills. Other nations expected to attend include Vietnam, Australia, Brunei, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Advanced fighter jets with China’s Southern Theater Command flew to the Chinese-occupied base at Subi Reef within the past week, according to Chinese state media.

A Hunan province-based Chinese state-owned broadcaster aired a documentary about the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) brigade involved in that drill over the weekend. In the video, four Su-30MKK fighter jets reportedly perform a mid-air refueling while on a 10-hour flight to Subi Reef, with the brigade’s commander noting this breaks the PLAAF’s previous record for long-range flights and demonstrates China’s ability to send any aircraft as far as the Spratlys at a moment’s notice.

However, experts at the China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI) – part of the U.S. Air Force-affiliated Air University – pointed out it takes less than 10 hours to fly directly to Subi from Changsha, the brigade’s likely home base in Hunan.

“Assuming the video is showing the actual event, they appear to be departing and arriving from Changsha,” Brendan Mulvaney, director of CASI, said after seeing the video report and conferring with colleagues.

“The math on a 10-hour trip doesn’t make sense. It's about 1,300 miles from Changsha to the Spratlys, which should only take two to three hours at typical cruise speeds. At 10 hours round trip, that implies they’re flying at 260 mph which is unlikely,” he said.

Instead of testing the endurance of the aircraft itself or the feasibility of the trip, experts surmised the exercise was likely aimed at testing the physical fitness of the pilots under the conditions of a grueling long-distance flight.

“The Su-30MKK is physically capable of sustaining 10-hour flights with mid-air refueling,” Mulvaney said. “The question is whether a pilot is physically capable of doing so.”

Subi Reef is one of China’s four biggest artificial islands in the Spratlys, an archipelago of rocks and reefs in the southern half of the South China Sea that Vietnam, China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei all hold claims.

It is a key stopping point for China’s ships on their way through the area, and satellite imagery showed two identifiable China Coast Guard ships there on Monday morning.

Subi Reef sits less than 13 nautical miles from Thitu Island, a feature occupied by the Philippines that was recently upgraded with a beaching ramp and improved airstrip. However, Thitu’s facilities pale in comparison to those at Subi, which has a 3,000-meter runway, radar and communications arrays and shelters for missile batteries.

China Coast Guard and maritime militia ships are commonplace off the coast of the Philippines, whose President Rodrigo Duterte last week conceded that he had no power to enforce the Philippines’ ownership of territories claimed by China in the South China Sea.

“China is claiming it, we are claiming it. China has the arms, we do not have it. So, it’s simple as that. They are in possession of the property,” Duterte said in his annual State of the Nation Address.

“So what can we do? We have to go to war. And I cannot afford it. Maybe some other president can. But I cannot,” he said.

China also has deployed two warships to Mischief Reef, which lies about 150 miles off the Philippine island of Palawan. Satellite imagery shows what appear to be a Type 054A frigate and a Type 056 corvette in service with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) sailing in Mischief Reef’s expansive lagoon on Sunday. Other ships running supplies to and from Mischief Reef’s settlement are also visible.

Mischief Reef is China’s largest artificial island in the South China Sea. Technically, under international law it is considered a “low-tide elevation,” but after large-scale reclamation efforts China has built it into a formidable base of operations, with a massive harbor and airstrip.

The U.S. updated its position on the South China Sea last month, refuting China’s insistence on holding maritime rights to the area and calling China’s claims to features that sit on the Philippine continental shelf “illegal.” In particular, the U.S. State Department stated on July 13 that China holds no lawful territorial or maritime claim to Mischief Reef or Second Thomas Shoal, both of which lay within Philippine waters.

For its part, Philippines has sent some conflicting signals about its stance toward China. Duterte has sought closer ties with Beijing, but more recently the Philippines appears to have tracked back toward its long-standing U.S. alliance and repudiated China’s claims to “historic rights” over virtually all the disputed waterway.

Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana welcomed the U.S. statement of July 13. And the Philippine Navy will attend RIMPAC. Its most modern warship, the BRP Jose Rizal, departed for Hawaii July 29.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/spratlys-ships-08032020182903.html

PH won’t join drills in South China Sea — Lorenzana

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 4, 2020): PH won’t join drills in South China Sea — Lorenzana (By Martin Sadongdong)

The country will not participate in maritime drills with any country in the South China Sea (SCS) unless it is done within its 12-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ), Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has declared.


Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

Lorenzana said it was President Duterte who gave the orders to prevent an escalation of tension in the disputed waters.

“The President has a standing order to us, to me that we should not involve ourselves in the naval exercises in the South China Sea except in our national waters.. the 12 mile distance from our shores,” he said in a virtual briefing.

“I hope all parties in this exercise will work on their actions there or exercise prudence and carefulness so there will be no miscalculations that could further increase the tension,” he added.

The defense chief’s remarks came after the United States deployed its nuclear-powered warships in the SCS in recent weeks to counter China’s aggressive moves to impose its might in the area.

Last month, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China also conducted exercises in SCS with a focus on enhancing its amphibious assault capabilities.

Lorenzana believes that teaming up with US, its long-time ally, will “definitely” increase the tension between Manila and Beijing, adding that it is the last thing that the country wants to do right now.

“We cannot do that, we cannot exercise in the South China Sea,” he stated.

“If one country’s action is considered belligerent by another, tension will rise,” he noted.

Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay, newly-appointed Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), agreed with Lorenzana as he insisted that the country’s dispute with China should be resolved “peacefully.”

“We have reiterated our position favoring and supporting the diplomatic and peaceful resolution of conflicting interest in the West Philippine Sea,” Gapay said.

“For us, there is no conflict as the arbitral ruling has fairly dismissed [China’s] expansive claims that subvert international law and the laws of the sea. We will continue to advance this,” he said, referring to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)’s decision favoring the Philippines’ claims in SCS over China in 2016.

Duterte, however, refused to assert the country’s claims in SCS using the tribunal ruling, and opted to resolve the matter by crafting a Code of Conduct in SCS with China and all other claimant-countries.

Aside from Philippines and China, other countries which claim parts of the SCS include Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Brunei.

Kalinaw News: Army, NCIP, NTF-ELCAC team empower IP communities in AgNor

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 4, 2020): Army, NCIP, NTF-ELCAC team empower IP communities in AgNor

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – The troopers of 23rd Infantry Battalion joined the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and other line agencies of the government in a visitation and consultation activity with the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) on August 3, 2020 at Barangay Simbalan, Buenavista town.

The activity was graced by Secretary Allen Capuyan, chair of the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) and Head of NTF-ELCAC and was attended by nearly two hundred (200) tribal leaders and members from the towns of Las Nieves, Buenavista, Nasipit and Carmen in Agusan del Norte.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the Acting Commander of 23rd IB said the activity is important and very timely considering that the IPs in the said four (4) towns in Agusan del Norte are greatly affected not only by the health threats of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic but also from the intimidations and extortions of the remaining Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) in their communities.

The towns of Las Nieves, Buenavista, Nasipit and Carmen are under the operational jurisdiction of the 23rd IB.

“Many innocent lives of ordinary IPs and their leaders were lost here in the province of Agusan del Norte and the rest of Caraga Region due to the continued terroristic activities of the CNTs,” Paulo said.

He took note of the IP killings perpetrated by the CNTs even when the people of Caraga Region are battling against the spread of COVID-19.

“CNT manipulations are the real threat to the IPs which destroy their future by deceiving them to join their useless ideology. The IP communities, their families and children continue to suffer and the CNTs continue to sow fear and chaos, not only in communities in Agusan del Norte but also in the rest of the region,” Paulo said.

He added that the consultation on Monday served as a venue for the Higaonon tribal leaders to ventilate the situations in their communities.

The activity gathered the tribal leaders from Higaonon tribe in the four towns of Agusan del Norte for consultation and discussion on the situation inside their ancestral domains, most of which are situated in Conflict-Affected Areas (CAAs) and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) in the province.

Sec. Allen Capuyan and the representatives from different line agencies heeded to the accounts made by IP leaders that dwelled most on the security, peace and order situation in their respective communities and ancestral domains. The tribal leaders also raised the issue on the issuance of the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) which they regard as an important document to establish ownership of their ancestral domain claims. According to them, the lack of CADT impedes the plan of every tribal community to further develop their ancestral lands. They added that left-leaning groups with links to the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) also exploit the lack of CADTs in communities and use the issue to recruit more IP members to join their movement.

During the consultation, Sec. Capuyan emphasized the salient provisions on the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) as the basis to pursue the efforts of tribal communities for the issuance of CADT for their ancestral domains. The NCIP chair also emphasized IPRA provisions that ensure the rights of the IPs to their ancestral domains.

The tribal leaders also expressed optimism on the issues and concerns they raised on their ancestral domain will be addressed with the presence of Sec. Capuyan and the other agencies of the government. Among the IP leaders who joined the activity was Datu Eddie Ampiyawan, the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Agusan del Norte who urged the leaders of Higaonon tribe to support the efforts of the government and cooperate with the moves of the NCIP and other line agencies in the processing of the issuance of CADTs for their ancestral domains.

“The efforts of the government will remain futile if we do not cooperate,” Ampiyawan said, as he assured Sec. Capuyan and the representatives of the line agencies of the continuing support of the Higaonon tribe to the efforts of the government to bring peace and development in the province. “As a tribal leader of Agusan del Norte, I can assure the continued support of the Higaonon and Manobo tribes to the government. We will strengthen our support through our unity to oppose the leftist groups that cause all the disorders and troubles in our communities,” Ampiyawan said.

The activity was also joined by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), the 402nd Infantry Brigade, and the Police Regional Office (PRO-13).

A total of two hundred (200) hygiene kits were also distributed to the tribe leaders and members present in the said activity.

“Your government servants, especially your army will never cease to extend help, bring programs, projects and services and always willing to hear the voices of our beloved IPs. We will protect and safeguard you from the CNTs and uphold your human rights as we look forward to ending the insurgency in your communities to attain long-lasting peace and sustainable development,” Paulo said.

He added that the Army, as an active part of NTF-ELCAC, will continue to encourage the IPs to help the government fight insurgency that has caused poverty, hunger and conflicts in IP communities.

“Let us help each other to end armed struggle to improve the lives of the IPs and to fasten the development in the identified Conflict-Affected Areas and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas in Caraga Region,” Paulo said.





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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-ncip-ntf-elcac-team-empower-ip-communities-in-agnor/

Kalinaw News: ASG returnees, firearms presented to JTF Basilan commander

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 4, 2020): ASG returnees, firearms presented to JTF Basilan commander

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – A total of six Abu Sayyaf Group returnees and six high-powered firearms were presented to Colonel B. Domingo Gobway, the Commander of 101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade and Joint Task Force Basilan, during his visit at the Headquarters of the 4th Special Forces Battalion in Barangay Cabunbata, Isabela City, Basilan Province this Monday morning, 03 August 2020.

The surrendered firearms include five (5) M16A1 rifle, one (1) M1 US carbine, magazines, and ammunitions which were handed over by the ASG returnees who voluntarily surrendered to the “Dolphin Warriors” since the assumption of Colonel Gobway as the Commander of 101st Infantry Brigade last 09 July 2020.

This activity was also the first visit of the newly installed Brigade Commander to this unit as he was warmly welcomed by the troops. In the same manner, Colonel Gobway talked to the men and women of 4SFBn and expressed his support to the attainment of the unit’s mission.

“Sama-sama tayo, magtrabaho tayo. Hindi natin tatantanan ang mga kalaban.” Col. Gobway said.

He also encouraged the troops to never let their guard down in this fight against Covid-19 pandemic here in Basilan Province. “Salamat sa sakripisyo ng bawat isa…Mag-ingat sa lahat ng ginagawa na di mahawaan ng Covid, at palakasin ang resistensya ng katawan.”, Col. Gobway added.

Lieutenant Colonel Alex Ampati, the Commanding Officer of 4SFBn, likewise expressed his deepest appreciation for the Commander’s visit and affirmed his commitment to support the JTF Basilan mission as the unit perform its tasks for the overall peace and development of Basilan Province.











[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-returnees-firearms-presented-to-jtf-basilan-commander/

Kalinaw News: Three ASG members surrender, yield firearms

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 4, 2020): Three ASG members surrender, yield firearms

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Due to relentless intelligence monitoring and persistent community engagement of the troops, three enlightened Abu Sayyaf Group members surrendered to the 4th Special Forces Battalion here in Barangay Cabunbata on Wednesday afternoon, 29 July 2020, yielding three high-powered firearms as they commit to embrace lasting peace.

The ASG members were identified as Jao Samson, 48 years old, alias Jul and Abdulhan Faizal, 50 years old, alias Abdul, who both hid in Tongkel Municipality of Sulu Province while evading the authorities. The third one was identified as Nasser Jaapal, 43 years old, alias Tatil who resides in Barangay Lawila, Lantawan Basilan Province. All three ASG returnees surrendered two (2) M16A1 Rifle, one (1) US M1 Carbine, magazines, and several ammunitions.

The ASG returnees were grateful to the authorities for giving them a chance to embrace peace as they admitted that they were just deceived by the misleading ideologies and false promises of the ASG leaders.

Lieutenant Colonel Alex Ampati, the Commanding Officer of 4SFBn, states that more disgruntled ASG members wanted to go back to the folds of the law and embrace lasting peace as security situation in Basilan improves.

“Marami na ang sumuko na mga myembro ng ASG. At marami sa kanila ay aminadong nalinlang lamang sa panghihikayat ng kanilang mapagsamantalang mga lider.”, Lieut.-Colonel Ampati expressed.

It can also be recalled, the previous weeks, that several ASG members also surrendered to the 4th Special Forces Battalion. “Hinihikayat namin ang iba pa nating mga kapatid na nakikibaka sa bundokan na bumaba at yakapin ang kapayapaan. May panahon pa para kayo ay magbago.”, Lieut.-Colonel Ampati added.

The ASG returnees will be enrolled in the Program Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) espoused by the Provincial Government of Basilan for the necessary intervention in order for them to become responsible, law-abiding, and productive citizens in the community.





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

Kalinaw News: 91st IB holds 2nd Kapehan sa Sinagtala

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 4, 2020): 91st IB holds 2nd Kapehan sa Sinagtala

BALER, Aurora-In order to build strong bond with media partners, the 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, Philippine Army under the leadership of LTC REANDREW P RUBIO INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer holds the “2nd Kapehan sa Sinagtala” at 91IB Headquarters, Barangay Calabuanan in this capital town of Aurora on Saturday (August 1, 2020).

Rubio spearheaded the activity aiming to robust relations, strong ties, and to develop ideas with fruitful results in line with the battalion stakeholders engagement to help the people of Aurora.

The Kaugnay Media Defense Corps Inc. (KMDCI) Aurora Chapter headed by Mr. Rey Fernando of Spirit FM participated in the said activity and lined up future programs and projects in partnership with the 91st IB.

As pro-progress, imbibed with pro-development plan and in support to anti-terror law, Fernando said that the KMDCI Aurora chapter is exerting fullest effort to join the army’s Sinagtala battalion in the lasting peace and development in the whole province.

Discussed during the meeting were IP’s and FR’s scholarship program, DENR’s adopt a mountain protection program, news coverage of KMDCI representative during the major activity of 91st IB, KMDCI manifesto supporting anti-terror law, and livelihood for FRs.

RUBIO lauded the initiatives and plans of the media in this province.

“The 91st IB and our stakeholders in this province are always ready to assist and help you in that noble endeavor towards peace and development. I am also encouraging others to bring their concerns to our government so that the government could address their needs,” he said, explaining that there is a need for the civilians to take part because the issues to end local communist armed conflict is more on community.

[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/91st-ib-holds-2nd-kapehan-sa-sinagtala/

Kalinaw News: Army’s 91IB facilitates in addressing different issues through consultation meetings

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 4, 2020): Army’s 91IB facilitates in addressing different issues through consultation meetings

BALER, Aurora – The 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army under the leadership of LTC REANDREW P RUBIO INF (GSC) PA spearheaded series of consultation meetings in coordination and collaboration with the LGUs and NGAs held at Barangays Ligaya and Bagong Sikat, both of Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija; Zabali, Baler and Cozo, Casiguran, both of Aurora on July 10, 28, and 29, 2020 respectively.

The activity was part of the ongoing Community Support Program (CSP) at said Barangays purposely to address and to resolve issues and concerns and to prevent the NPA terrorists and its front organizations from exploiting same.

Among the agencies who attended were DENR, DAR, PAO, IPMR, NCIP, PNP, APECO, and LGUs of Gabaldon, Baler, and Casiguran.

Concerned LGUs expressed their gratitude to 91IB for the initiative in spearheading the activity which was also appreciated by the beneficiaries as they are enlightened by the explanations and plans and programs of the different participating agencies

LTC RUBIO also thanked the concerned agencies for sharing their time and resources.

“Your presence means a lot and greatly helped the overall efforts in the implementation of National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC),” RUBIO said.

Meanwhile, BGEN ANDREW D COSTELO PA, Commander of 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade appreciated the effort of SINAGTALA troopers who in one way or another contributed much in pursuing lasting peace and development.

“The conduct of said meetings will significantly affect the ideological, political, and organizational works of the Communist Terrorist Groups within our Area of Responsibility,” COSTELO said.



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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/armys-91ib-facilitates-in-addressing-different-issues-through-consultation-meetings/

Kalinaw News: NPA mass base in Nueva Ecija collapses as another 32 supporters yield to government troops

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 4, 2020):  NPA mass base in Nueva Ecija collapses as another 32 supporters yield to government troops

BALER, Aurora — The communist terrorists’ mass base in Nueva Ecija continue to collapse as 32 supporters withdrew their support from the communist party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) during a ceremony at Barangay Malinao, in the town of Gabaldon on Friday (July 31, 2020).

LT COL REANDREW P. RUBIO, commanding Officer of the army’s 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion said that twelve (12) members of Alyansang Magbubukid na Nagkakaisa (ALMANA) who categorized as underground mass organization (UGMO) members, and twenty (20) Exploited Local Populace in the said barangay who were coerced to support the terrorist organization operating in Nueva Ecija.

The event was presided by the Alpha (Alakdan) Company, 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, 7ID, PA led by 1LT JUN NIÑO O ESPORA together with Gabaldon Municipal Police Station, and 1PMFC, NEPPO, 22nd SAC, 2nd Bn SAF-PNP wherein the government troops facilitated the withdrawal of support and membership to the said front organizations.

The said activity was witnessed by MAJ SAGERSANTI C ESTRADA (INF) PA, Battalion Executive Officer, PLT VIRGILIO S BAYABAS, DCOP Gabaldon MPS, Barangay Officials, Hon Mayor Jobby P. Emata of Gabaldon and the Municipal Task Force to End Local Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) representatives.

Highlights during the activity was the Pledge of Support and Signing of Commitment to the government, Burning of NPA flag and Peace Rally.

RUBIO said that the massive withdrawal of support in the area signals the dismantling of the terrorist organization of the Komiteng Larangang Guerilla (KLG) Sierra Madre of the NPA.

He said the surrenderers finally made the right decision to live their lives without fear.

“It is better to live our lives together with our families or love ones happily and it is better to live our lives in peace,” RUBIO said.

Town Mayor Emata encouraged his constituents to support the government programs to reach the desired lasting peace and to sustain the progress and development of Gabaldon.

Emata also advised his constituents to do some research before entering in an organization so that they will not be deceived by the CPP-NPA-NDF.

“I am also appealing to the public to support our government, army and PNP on their quest to end local communist in the community. Let us protect our government troops,” he said.

After the ceremony, the 91st IB, PNP assisted the LGU Gabaldon in the distribution of foodpacks and the benefits under Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) which they can avail should they qualify for enrolment to the program.



[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-mass-base-in-nueva-ecija-collapses-as-another-32-supporters-yield-to-government-troops/

Kalinaw News: Bayawan residents condemn Communist Terrorists

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 4, 2020): Bayawan residents condemn Communist Terrorists

SIATON, Negros Oriental – The people of Barangay Nangka, Bayawan City, Negros Oriental composed of more than 120 residents coming from different sitios, gathered together at Nangka Agrarian Reform Farmers Association (NARFA) Site, Sitio Ondol, Barangay Nangka, Bayawan City, Negros Oriental to condemn the CTGs and declared the NPA as Persona Non Grata today August 3, 2020 (Monday).

Residents of Barangay Nangka held a peace rally followed by the burning of NPA flags to show that they strongly condemn the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed-wing, the New People’s Army (NPA).

Participants carried posters and tarpaulins with messages calling for an end to the atrocities and violations of human rights perpetrated by the communist terrorist group.

It was highlighted with the oath of allegiance and the signing of a large banner of the Barangay Resolution declaring the members of CTGs as Persona Non Grata (PNG) by Hon. Roel Cadalso, Chairperson of Barangay Nangka.

The activity was also participated in by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) led by Ms. Nimfa Marcos-Virtucio, who gave livelihood package vouchers to the Nangka United Farmers Association (NUFA) beneficiaries to support their daily living. Said vouchers include livestock, feeds, pigs, compressors for vulcanizing, sari-sari store, and fertilizers.

In his message, LTC Ramir Redosendo, Commander 11IB, stressed that “This activity only shows that these terrorists are not welcome here in Barangay Nangka. The residents made a clear commitment of support to the government’s fight against communist insurgency. Do not be fooled again in their recruitment scheme by making malicious accusations against the government. This so-called fake news brought by the CTGs against the government and law enforcers only shows that they are greatly hurt by the sustained effort of the government, and we are on the right track in ending insurgency in our area. The government’s “Whole-of-Nation” approach to end the local communist armed conflict in Negros Oriental is an effective tool in addressing security concerns and addressing developmental challenges in the community. The passage of the Anti- Terrorism Law (ATL) will further limit the CTG exploitations and insidious acts towards innocent faces.”

“The Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) should realize that their so-called ideology is a lost cause since there is no more issue to feed on. If they want unity and cooperation, lay down their arms, and return to the folds of the law and avail the government’s reintegration program,” LTC Redosendo added.

Also present during the activity were Mr. Jonas Trias, representative of Bayawan Peace & Order Council and Mayor Pryde Henry Teves; PLT Tomas Wagas Tanutan, Deputy Bayawan City Police Station; Mrs. Elena Taburada, Dept of Agriculture Representative; Ms. Cindy Salimbagat, City Public Safety Office (CPSO); Ms. Jannette R Behagan, Municipal Agrarian Reform Office (MARO); and Barangay Council headed by Hon. Cadalso.







[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/bayawan-city-residents-condemns-communist-terrorists/

New Army chief vows no abuse of anti-terror law under his watch

From Rappler (Aug 4, 2020): New Army chief vows no abuse of anti-terror law under his watch



'I shall see to it that no soldier will abuse the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020,' promises newly installed Army chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana

There would be no abuse of the controversial Anti-Terrorism Law under his tenure, newly installed Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana said on Tuesday, August 4.

"I shall see to it that no soldier will abuse the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 and compel each one to exercise self-restrain and discipline in invoking and implementing the said act," Sobejana said during his assumption address in Fort Bonifacio.

Why does this matter?

The Philippine government is being denounced for prioritizing in the middle of a pandemic the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The law, which allows the government to define what terror is and to arrest without a warrant on mere suspicion of committing terror, has been flagged by rights defenders and lawyers as prone to abuse against dissent. There are currently 21 petitions filed by different groups with the Supreme Court against the legislation.

How will it be used?

Sobejana said the law should be used against communists and established terrorist groups, particularly those which he has spent years battling in Mindanao. Sobejana was the chief of the Armed Forces in Western Mindanao, the hotbed of terrorist groups.

"With the recent passing of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, our operational campaigns on communist and terrorist groups will now have legal basis," he said.

NPA vows to investigate Rescue 165 vehicle ambush

From Palawan News (Aug 4, 2020): NPA vows to investigate Rescue 165 vehicle ambush (By Genesa Magdayao)

In a statement sent to Palawan News on Tuesday, the Bienvenido Valleber Command (BVC) said it is investigating the incident on orders of its higher command, the Melito Glor Command.



File Image|| Courtesy of Rescue 165

The New People’s Army (NPA) has issued a statement neither confirming nor denying its role in this weekend’s ambush of a frontliner vehicle in Roxas that resulted in the death of a government nurse.

In a statement sent to Palawan News on Tuesday, the Bienvenido Valleber Command (BVC) said it is investigating the incident on orders of its higher command, the Melito Glor Command.

“Nang makarating sa kaalaman ng pamunuan ng Bienvenido Vallever Command (BVC) ang nangyaring ambush sa Rescue 165, kaagad na naglabas ng kautusan ito upang imbestigahan kung sangkot ang anumang yunit ng NPA-Palawan sa insidente,” Salvador Luminoso, BVC spokesperson said.


A Rescue 165 nurse of the province was killed in the ambush carried out Sunday afternoon by armed members of the NPA in Barangay Dumarao, Roxas.

The fatality in the ambush was Rescue 165 nurse Algerome Bernardo, 51.

The driver of the rescue vehicle identified as Alex dela Peña, 51, was also hurt and was brought to a medical facility for treatment, according to a spot report of the Roxas municipal police.

The other two passengers were Christopher Tamolin, 39, and Armando Carbajosa, 49, who were unhurt.

The group was reportedly on their way back to Dumaran from Puerto Princesa City aboard a white Toyota Hi-Lux when the ambush was carried out by a group of armed men.

The provincial government had accused the NPA as being behind the ambush.

NPA spokesperson Salvador Luminoso said they will conduct a “fair investigation” on the incident.

“Tinitiyak ng BVC sa publiko, sa pamilya, sa mga kaibigan at alyado na gagawin nito ang patas na imbestigasyon alinsunod sa mga proseso ng rebolusyonaryong sistema ng hustisya ng Demokratikong Gubyernong Bayan at Alituntunin ng NPA. Kung mapatunayang may yunit ng BVC na imbuwelto ay nakahanda itong magbigay ng indemnipikasyon sa mga napinsala at nasaktan,” Luminoso said.

“Ang diwa ng taus-pusong paglilingkod sa sambayanan ang prinsipyong nasa likod at gumagabay sa bawat Pulang mandirigma at kumander na tiyaking hindi mapipinsala ang mga sibilyan at kanilang ariarian sa mga aksyong militar ng NPA. Gayunman, hinaharap nito ang responsibilidad sa mga kaso ng pagkakamali na maaaring lumitaw sa proseso ng pagpapatupad ng kanyang tungkulin militar,” he added.


Meanwhile, the Philippine Nurses Association-Palawan Chapter, in a public post shared Saturday on Facebook, called for justice for the slain nurse.

3 ‘rebels’ yield guns, bullets

From Panay News (Aug 4, 2020): 3 ‘rebels’ yield guns, bullets (By Cyrus Garde)

BACOLOD City – For possessing unlicensed firearms, three suspected members of the New People’s Army were arrested in Barangay San Agustin, Isabela, Negros Occidental.

Armed with three search warrants, authorities raided the residences of 51-year-old Weniefredo Carillo, 46-year-old Martillano Lindayao and 40-year-old Dimas Lindayao around 8 a.m. on Aug. 2, a police report showed.

Recovered from the houses were a .45-caliber pistol loaded with five live bullets and two .38 revolvers loaded with five and four bullets respectively, it added.

The suspects were detained in the lockup cell of the Isabela municipal police station, facing charges for Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

http://www.panaynews.net/3-rebels-yield-guns-bullets/

3 ‘NPA leaders’ arrested in northern NegOcc identified

From Panay News (Aug 4, 2020): 3 ‘NPA leaders’ arrested in northern NegOcc identified


The three suspected leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army who were arrested by military and police troops in Barangay Minapasuk in Calatrava, Negros Occidental on July 30. They have been placed in the custody of the Calatrava municipal police station. 79TH INFANTRY BATTALION, PHILIPPINE ARMY

Three suspected leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in northern Negros Occidental who were arrested in Barangay Minapasuk, Calatrava town in this province have been identified.

In a report on Aug. 1, the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) said the suspects, considered as ranking officials of the Komiteng Rehiyon Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor (KR-NCBS), have been placed in the custody of the Calatrava municipal police.

They were Christell Abordo alias Dulay/Matt, staff of Regional Communication/Intelligence and former medical staff of the Regional Strike Force; Mary Dem Forones alias Nancy/Mia/Ayon, Regional Intelligence secretary and member of the KR-NCBS Executive Committee; and Rossine Enyong alias Lemay/Digna/Angel/Mary Joy of the CN1’s SYP Platoon.

Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Alvaran, commanding officer of 79IB, commended the government troops for the successful joint operation made possible by the cooperation of the village residents.

“It is a clear manifestation that the people of Calatrava are tired of being pestered by the presence of the CPP-NPA terrorists who extort money and recruit innocent citizens in their area,” he said.

The operation was conducted at about 5 p.m. on July 30 by Alvaran’s men, together with personnel of the 6th Special Action Battalion of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force and the Calatrava police.

It was a response to the complaints of the locals on the communist-terrorists’ extortion activities and efforts to establish a harbor in some houses in the village.

Troops seized from the suspects an M14 rifle, three .38 revolvers, four rifle grenades, eight mobile phones, medical supplies, and subversive documents.

Abordo, Forones, and Enyong are facing charges for violation of Republic Act (RA) 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and RA 9516 on the illegal possession of explosives.

“As the joint Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police operations continue to pursue communist-terrorists, I once again urge the victims of their deceptive recruitment in northern Negros to return to the fold of the law. Avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and live a normal life in the mainstream society with your families and loved ones,” Alvaran said.

The arrest of the three came three weeks after their four comrades from the Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros were arrested in Sitio Mamposo, Barangay Magballo, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, also in a joint military and police operation.

http://www.panaynews.net/3-npa-leaders-arrested-in-northern-negocc-identified/

NPA killed, high-powered firearms recovered in Surigao Norte clash

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 4, 2020): NPA killed, high-powered firearms recovered in Surigao Norte clash (By 901st Infantry Brigade, PA)

PLACER, Surigao del Norte, Aug. 4 -- A New People’s Army (NPA) terrorist was killed and four high-powered firearms were recovered by operating troops of the 30th Infantry (Fight On) Battalion during an encounter with the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Barangay Camp Edward, Alegria, this province on July 20.

Based on the report, civilians tipped off to the operating government troops regarding the presence of fully armed CTG in the area. The firefight lasted for about 30 minutes and the responding soldiers were able to seize a hideout occupied by an estimated 30 members of the Guerilla Front, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Aside from the unidentified slain body, three AK47s and one M16 rifle were also retrieved from the encounter site while two soldiers were slightly injured during the clash.

In his statement, Col. George L. Banzon, commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, expressed his gratitude to the community for providing timely information leading to the successful operation.

He also stressed that the 901st Infantry Brigade will continue to intensify focus military operations to flush those who refuse to surrender and abandon their armed struggle.

Col. Banzon also called on the members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA to give peace a chance by going back to the folds of the law and avail the programs being offered by the government for them live normal lives.

On the other hand, he reiterated his statements when he took over the Brigade that he will not hesitate to use full military might to protect the people and the community against those who continue to pursue their twisted ideology and sow terror.

“We express our sincerest thanks to the concerned citizens who provided us with accurate information to prevent the CTG from their terroristic activities. Indeed, it was a clear indication that the local communities are already fed up with their wrongdoings. Our operation will continue and we will not stop in our quest to ensure the safety and security of the communities that were terrorized by these communist armed group. I urge the members of the communist terrorist group to lay down their arms and live a peaceful life. Using violence to impose will on the peace loving people have no place in our civilized society,” he said.

The troops are still conducting follow-up operations to go after the retreating armed terrorists. (Cpt. Joash U. Pramis, CMO Officer, 901st Bde, 9ID, PA/VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1049167

Ammo cache unearthed as another NPA surrenders

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 4, 2020): Ammo cache unearthed as another NPA surrenders (By Michael Uy)



Ammo cache discovered in Mabini
DAVAO DE ORO, July 31 (PIA) - Soldiers of the 71st Infantry Battalion unearthed an ammunition cache in Mabini town on July 27 with the help of the new surrenderee from the New People’s Army.

The cache included 114 rounds of caliber .50 live ammunitions, and 15 kilograms of improvised explosive device.


David (not real name), 22, revealed the location of the cache after he surrendered to the Lieutenant Colonel Sonny Gonzales, 71IB commander.

He identified himself as a resident of Barangay Cabuyoan, Mabini, and a former member of Guerilla Front 2.


During his surrender, David said that main reasons he turned himself in are “kapoy na kaayo ug gutom.” (I am very tired, and hungry)

Prior to David, another NPA member surrendered with high powered firearm to the battalion.

LTC Gonzales emphasized that the successive surrender of NPA members manifests the further weakening of the already weakened Guerilla Front 2.

"The enemy we confronted continues to become weaker following the successive surrender of the regular members. Their firepower as well has been significantly reduced. One more blow and we can finally defeat WGF2," LTC Gonzales stressed.

As he condemns the NPA for using prohibited weapons like IED, LTC Gonzales reminded his troops to be extra careful in haunting the remaining insurgents.

"Be very careful in our military operations. The NPA doesn't respect any human rights law or rules of engagement. They continue to use IED to inflict damage.”

In Republic Act 9851 or the Act Defining and Penalizing Crimes against Humanitarian Law, Genocide and other Crimes against Humanity, landmines such as an IED shall be prohibited in warfare.

Even with this stand, the battalion commander is still willing to welcome and assist the remaining insurgents who want to lay down their arms and live peaceful lives.

At present, the battalion is facilitating three former rebels for the enrollment to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), which offers cash and livelihood assistance. (PIA11, Michael Uy with reports from 71IB)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1049367

Tagalog News: Pag-ambush sa ambulansiya sa Palawan, kinondena ng PTF-ELCAC

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 4, 2020): Tagalog News: Pag-ambush sa ambulansiya sa Palawan, kinondena ng PTF-ELCAC (By Orlan C. Jabagat)


Ipinapakita ng isang kawani ng Palawan Rescue 165 ang tama ng bala sa ambulansiya na inambush ng pinaghihinalaang mga miyembro ng NPA nito lamang Agosto 1 sa Sitio Stockpile, Bgy. Dumarao, Roxas, Palawan. (Larawan mula sa Palawan Rescue 165)

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan, Agosto 4 (PIA) -- Mariing kinondena ng Palawan Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), sa pangunguna ni Gob. Jose Chavez Alvarez bilang Chairman, ang ginawang pag-ambush ng pinaghihinalaang mga miyembro ng New People’s Army (NPA) sa isang ambulansiya ng Rescue 165 ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Palawan.

Naganap ang nasabing pananambang sa Sitio Stock file Bgy. Dumarao, Roxas, Palawan nito lamang Agosto 1, kung saan nasawi ang isa sa mga fronliner na sakay nito at sugatan naman ang iba pa.

“Nakakalungkot isipin na sa gitna ng pandemya ay nagagawa pa ng mga teroristang NPA ang paghahasik ng kaharasan. Wala nang pinipili ang mga teroristang ito pati ambulansiya at mga sibilyan ay pinapatulan na. Ipinapakita lamang nito ang kanilang tutuong kulay at layunin na sirain ang katahimikan ng Palawan. Pati mga sibilyan ay pinapatos na nila na walang ibang layunin kundi ang magbigay takot at pangamba. Malinaw na sila ay walang respeto sa karapatang pangtao at Kangdaigdigang Batas sa Karapatang Pangtao (International Humanitarian Law) taliwas sa kanilang mga sinasabi at ipinapangako sa tao,” pahayag ni PTF-ELCAC Chairman Gov. Alvarez.

Nanawagan naman ang Palawan Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) sa lahat ng mamamayan nang pagkakaisa para labanan at sugpuin ang terorismo.

“Bigyan natin ng daan ang kapayapaan upang makamit natin ang kaunlaran sa lalawigan ng Palawan. Kondenahin ang terorismo at CPP-NPA!” ang mariing pahayag ng gobernador.

Ang nasabing ambulansiya ay pabalik na sa Bayan ng Dumaran kung saan ito nakatalaga matapos na maghatid ng pasyente sa Lungsod ng Puerto Princesa nang maganap ang pananambang. Ito na ang ika-apat na insidente ng pananambang ng pinaghihinalaang mga miyembro ng NPA sa Palawan ngayong Hulyo at Agosto 2020. (OCJ/PIA-MIMAROPA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1049378

Army seizes high-powered firearms, ammunition from NPA in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 4, 2020): Army seizes high-powered firearms, ammunition from NPA in Surigao Sur (By 3rd SF Battalion)


TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Aug. 4 -- Army troopers in the province of Surigao del Sur have reported recovering several high-powered rifles, ammunition and some documents after its 10-minute clash with the weakened Guerilla Front 19 (GF19) of the New People's Army (NPA) recently.

Pursuit operations by the 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion (3SFBn), Philippine Army yielded one AK47 rifle; one M16 rifle; one AK magazine; one M16 magazine; one homemade shotgun; one cal. 22 rifle, seven shotgun ammunition; one smartphone; five keypad phones; one tablet; one power bank; bulk of medical supplies; assorted documents; and personal belongings on July 20 in Sitio Panukmuan, Diatagon, Lianga town.




“There was a 10-minute encounter but the NPA terrorists immediately fled and mixed with the IP community to evade government forces that caused alarm and chaos on civilians,“ said 3SFBn Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Joey Baybayan.

“We call on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR), the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), and International Committee on the Red Cross (ICRC) and other rights groups to condemn in the highest terms and take action against Communist NPA terrorists who use the IP community as human shields,“ Hawudon Jumar Bucales, Lianga Indigenous People's Mandatory Representative (IPMR) said.

“Unknown to the international arena and self-proclaimed rights advocates, Communist NPA terrorists infiltrates the IP communities to force the tribe to become members of their underground mass organizations, politico-military structure and eventually, party members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and National Democratic Front (NDF) to sustain the NPA terrorists in the far-flung sitios,” Bucales added.

“The passage of the Anti-Terror Act of 2020 is a big boost to secure the IP communities from these terroristic conspiracies and shaping of the CPP, NDF and the NPA terrorists,” said Datu Constancio Duhac, Lianga tribal chieftain.

Penalties, if proven, included the imposable penalty is imprisonment of 12 years and life imprisonment without the benefit of parole.

The NPA, the armed wing of CPP, and NDF, was listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

The CPP-NPA was declared as a designated/identified terrorist organization under the Philippines’ Republic Act No. 1016. (Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan, 3SFBn CMO/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Hanging bridge in Kalinga ELCAC barangay nears completion

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 4, 2020): Hanging bridge in Kalinga ELCAC barangay nears completion (By Peter A. Balocnit)

PINUKPUK, Kalinga, Aug. 4 (PIA) - - The Department of Public Works and Highways – Lower Kalinga District Engineering Office (DPWH-LKDEO) is fastracking the completion of phase 2 of the Tappo, Apatan hanging bridge in this town amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

OIC LKDEO District Engineer Ruby Uyam said phase 2 of said project is expected to be finished this third quarter. The funding of the project is “for later release” this 2020 but the contractor proceeded at his own risk, she said.


Uyam said the bridge is a local project but DPWH, through the initiative of Congressman Allen Jesse Mangaoang, accommodated it and took charge of its replacement due to the clamor of locals for its immediate construction, its exigency to users and it being located in an insurgency- influenced area.

The bridge which was destroyed by a calamity two years ago, is the main connection of villagers to their production areas on the other side of the Saltan River, for teachers and students going to school and to other barangays.

The amount of P1 million was immediately allotted last year for phase 1 and was utilized for the construction of the other side of the tower and anchor. DPWH Project Supervising Engineer Warren Liwaliw said phase 2 of the project amounting to P1million is being fastracked.

“This is also DPWH’s contribution to the “whole of nation approach” under Executive Order No. 70 to End Local Communist Armed Conflict,” Uyam said. (JDP/PAB-PIA CAR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1049394

CS AFP General Felimon Santos Jr. bows out of military service

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 4, 2020): CS AFP General Felimon Santos Jr. bows out of military service (By Susan G. De Leon)



The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Felimon Santos Jr. bows out of the military after over 38 years in the service. He relinquished his post Monday, August 3, in a Change of Command and Retirement ceremony presided by National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. Monday, Aug. 3.Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay replaced Santos as the new AFP Chief of Staff. (Photo credit: AFP PAO)

CALOOCAN CITY, Aug. 4 (PIA) --The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Felimon Santos Jr. bows out of the military after over 38 years in the service.

He relinquished his post Monday, August 3, in a Change of Command and Retirement ceremony presided by National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. Monday, Aug. 3.

After assuming as the AFP Chief of Staff in January, General Santos Jr's term has met challenges that have extensively broadened the scope of the military's responsibilities.

He was welcomed by the explosion of Taal Volcano on January 12, less than ten days since his assumption, and immediately mobilized assets and personnel to provinces stricken by the disaster. Up to 1,000 personnel and 100 assorted vehicles were deployed in the humanitarian efforts under the Joint Task Group Taal.

The AFP was also tasked to mobilize assets and personnel to assist in the evacuation of overseas Filipino workers in Middle East as relations between the US and Iran soured. Two Navy ships, BRP Ramon Alcaraz and BRP Davao Del Sur, were sent to Oman to assist in the repatriation mission.

General Santos Jr also led the AFP's response in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, which has now deployed over 1050 military and civilian doctors and nurses in different military treatment facilities and over 200 more in emergency quarantine facilities.

Over 14,213 soldiers were also deployed in quarantine assistance stations nationwide.

Despite these, the AFP, under the leadership of General Santos Jr, has sustained its gains in internal security operations against the communist and local terrorist groups.

A total of 3,808 New People's Army members and supporters were neutralized from January 1 to July 30 this year, including 134 that were killed and 150 that were apprehended in legitimate and intelligence-driven operations.

Over 3,524 of them surrendered including armed fighters, underground organization members, and other supporters.

Meanwhile a total of 885 high-powered and low-powered firearms, 313 IEDs, and 164 encampments were seized within the same period.

The AFP has also neutralized a total of 88 Abu Sayyaf Group personalities, 37 of whom were killed while 4 were apprehended in numerous military operations.

Notable also are the 47 who surrendered as a result of the intense military pressure we have exerted over the past five months. A total of 60 high-powered and low-powered firearms, seven IEDs, and nine encampments were also seized during the period.

The AFP's accomplishments so far this year is expected to be sustained with the assumption of Lt. Gen. Gapay, who promised to build on the gains of his predecessors.

"While the lessons of the past always remind us that our purpose is winning over challenges to best serve our people, we will uphold our mandate to protect and secure our country against external and internal threats," Lt. Gen. Gapay said.

"Whatever challenge lies ahead, be it territorial integrity, terrorism, the wrath of nature, or even infectious diseases, we shall not falter. Hindi magpapatinag ang inyong AFP," Lt. Gen. Gapay added.

A member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1986, his leadership was first tested when he led the 23rd Light Armor Company and the 52nd Mechanized Infantry Company in Central Mindanao during the all-out war of year 2000.

He later served as Commander of 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Joint Task Force Haribon, the Mechanized Infantry Division, and the Southern Luzon Command before becoming the Commanding General of the Philippine Army.

Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay replaced Santos as the new AFP Chief of Staff.

"To the men and women of the Armed Forces, our people needs you; they look up to you; they trust you—and we will not let them down. We shall carry out our tasks by exemplifying our brand of honor, service, and patriotism—for this is our lifeblood. They are what makes us the AFP," Lt. Gen. Gapay said.

"To our countrymen, continue to fight with us in the war against terrorism and the pandemic. Ang inyong Sandatahang Lakas ay ang inyong “lakas” na tapat sa sinumpaang tungkulin. Ang inyong suporta ay ang aming katatagan. Asahan niyo na kami ay kaagapay ng bawat Pilipino sa pagpapanatiling ligtas at payapa ng ating bansa," Lt. Gen. Gapay added. (AFP PAO/PIA-NCR)

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NPA struggles to regain Leyte strongholds after series of defeats

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 4, 2020): NPA struggles to regain Leyte strongholds after series of defeats (By Sarwell Meniano)  August 4, 2020, 1:29 pm



CLEARED OF REBELS. Military trucks cross a river en route to a convergence activity in a remote village in Abuyog, Leyte in this July 3, 2020 photo. Government troops said on Monday (Aug. 3, 2020) the New People’s Army is having a hard time to recover their former strongholds in Leyte after the dismantling of two guerrilla fronts in the province early this year. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army’s 14th Infantry Battalion )

The New People’s Army (NPA) is having a hard time to recover their former strongholds in Leyte after two guerrilla fronts in the province were dismantled early this year.

Brig. Gen. Zosimo Oliveros, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade confirmed on Monday there are attempts by the communist terrorist group to recruit but repeatedly failed to find new members in Leyte.

“People in far-flung villages are quick to inform us about attempts to recruit them. It will be hard for remnants of NPA to convince villagers to join the armed struggle,” Oliveros told reporters in an interview.

In January, the Philippine Army cleared two guerrilla fronts in the third congressional district, some parts of central Leyte and the southern part of Leyte Island.

“We also deployed retooled community support program teams in some areas to sustain peace and development efforts in coordination with local government units and national government agencies,” Oliveros said.

The Army official believes that the NPA organization is not completely eradicated, but exist in small groups without the capacity to attack government forces.

The NPA organization in Leyte has significantly weakened following the surrender of over 1,000 fighters and key supporters in the towns of Calubian and San Isidro last year.


The formation of task forces on ending local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) at municipal and village levels since last year also contributed to the weakening of the NPA in Leyte, according to the military.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union. The communist rebels have been battling government forces for 50 years.

The communist rebellion in the Philippines is one of Asia's longest-running insurgencies.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110905

Army unit hosts IP Leaders Summit in Davao de Oro

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 4, 2020): Army unit hosts IP Leaders Summit in Davao de Oro (By Che Palicte)



IP SUMMIT. Members of the Indigenous Peoples from the towns of Santo Tomas in Davao del Norte, and San Fernando and Kitaotao in Bukidnon, as well as barangays Tapak and Colosas in Paquibato district in Davao City, attend a summit organized by the Army's 89th Infantry Battalion on Monday (Aug. 3, 2020). Held in Barangay New Visayas Mawab, Davao de Oro, the summit aimed to gather inputs from tribal leaders to address issues and concerns that the government needs to address. (Photo courtesy of 89IB)

The Army's 89th Infantry Battalion (89IB) hosted the Indigenous Peoples (IP) Leaders Summit 2020 at its headquarters in Barangay New Visayas Mawab, Davao de Oro province on Monday.

In a statement on Tuesday, 89IB said the event was attended by 80 tribal leaders from the towns of Santo Tomas in Davao del Norte, and San Fernando and Kitaotao in Bukidnon, as well as barangays Tapak and Colosas in Paquibato district here.

Lt. Col. Silas Trasmontero, 89IB commander, said the summit aimed to "reorient" the tribal leaders with government programs and services, and their basic rights.


“We need to educate them and provide them with the needed assistance in whatever form so that they will not be exploited,” Trasmontero said.

He said the participants also learned about the concept of community development, entrepreneurship, peace and order, the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA), the "Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) exploitation", and farming.

“Through this summit, we are actually empowering them. All this relevant information that they learned would shield them from the twisted and deceptive propaganda of the communist terrorists,” Trasmontero said.

He said the summit also served as "a sounding board" where tribal leaders can openly express issues and concerns to the military so that these can be addressed by the government.

“Holding the summit allows us to engage with them. We want to send a strong message that the government is here for them. Hearing their concerns would give us a hint as to how we can carry out projects, programs, and activities that could improve their plight,” Trasmontero said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111059

Samar officials vow more benefits for rebel returnees

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 4, 2020): Samar officials vow more benefits for rebel returnees (By Sarwell Meniano)



ABANDONING NPA. A ranking leader of the New People's Army surrendered to local authorities in San Jose de Buan in this July 18, 2020 photo. The Philippine Army on Tuesday (Aug. 4, 2020) expressed optimism that more combatants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Samar province will surrender with local government units offering more financial assistance to rebels who will completely abandon the armed struggle. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

The Philippine Army is optimistic that more combatants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Samar province will surrender with local government units offering more financial assistance to rebels who will completely abandon the armed struggle.

Each surrenderer with firearms will get up to PHP150,000 financial assistance on top of the cash aid from the national government under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), Lt. Col. Reynaldo Balido Jr, commander of the Philippine Army’s 87th Infantry Battalion, said on Tuesday.

Under the Local Social Integration Program (LSIP), Samar Governor Reynolds Michael Tan committed to giving PHP100,000 to each surrenderer with firearms.

In the rebel-infested town of San Jose de Buan, Samar, Mayor Joaquin Elizalde vowed to hand PHP50,000 cash aid to each returnee.

“We are calling the remaining NPA fighters out in the mountains to come down, lay down your arms, and let us talk,”
Balido said in a statement.


Since early July, four NPA fighters have already surrendered to Elizalde, including a couple identified as key leaders of the NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee. They also yielded firearms used in their attacks against government troops.

Earlier, the Philippine Army attributed the series of surrenders and successful encounters in San Jose de Buan to the declaration of Elizalde withdrawing his support to the rebels.

The mayor admitted supporting the NPA before as part of political survival, according to the military.

The town is known to be one of the strongholds of the NPA’s guerrilla front in Samar.

On July 29, the military overran a lair of the NPA after a four-hour gun battle on the outskirts of San Jose de Buan town.

Balido assured rebels who will lay down their arms that they will help them in their claims for assistance from E-CLIP of the national government and LSIP from Samar provincial government.

E-CLIP ensures that former rebels can avail of a holistic package of benefits such as livelihood, medical, education, housing, and even legal assistance.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111045

New soldiers asked to help rid E. Visayas of NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 4, 2020): New soldiers asked to help rid E. Visayas of NPA (By Sarwell Meniano)



CALL TO NEW SOLDIERS. Maj. Gen. Pio Diñoso III, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division based in Samar. Diñoso on Tuesday (Aug. 4, 2020) asked its 151 new soldiers to actively take part in wiping out the decades-old insurgency in the region by 2022. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

The Philippine Army in Eastern Visayas has asked its 151 new soldiers to actively take part in wiping out the decades-old insurgency in the region by 2022.

During the closing ceremony in Catbalogan City, Samar on Tuesday, Maj. Gen. Pio Diñoso III, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division said the new batch of soldiers is lucky to see the dwindling force of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the region.


“You became soldiers at the time when we are about to finish the internal security concern. Be proud that you are part of the division that will wipe out insurgency in Eastern Visayas. You still have the chance to see the enemy eye to eye and convince them to surrender,” Diñoso told the new soldiers comprising batch 633-2020.

The ceremony, attended by key Army officers and local government officials, was aired live through online platforms for families and friends who were not able to come due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) health crisis.

The candidate soldier course began on February 7 and was supposed to end in four months but was extended due to movement restrictions.

Of the 190 who started the rigid training, 151 or 80 percent completed the course.

The new soldiers also received firearms as a rite of passage accorded to new soldiers who completed "rigorous and regimental training" before their deployment.

The Philippine Army is optimistic to make the region insurgency-free by 2022 after a series of successful operations that dismantled two NPA guerrilla fronts in Leyte.

Still ongoing is the dismantling of two guerrilla fronts operating in San Jose de Buan, Matuguinao, Motiong, Paranas, Basey, Marabut, and Sta. Rita in Samar.

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/1111076

AFP to continue whole-of-nation approach in dealing with threats

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 4, 2020): AFP to continue whole-of-nation approach in dealing with threats (By Priam Nepomuceno)



AFP chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay. (File photo)

Newly-appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, said the military will continue implementing the "Whole-of-Nation-Approach" in dealing with the various security issues besetting the country.

He made this response when asked how he plans to deal with the various security challenges in the country as AFP chief.

"In addressing all these security challenges, the Whole-of-Nation-Approach', we will continue implementing that, we will continue collaborating, linking with our agencies (and other partners)," Gapay said during the virtual press briefing shortly after his assumption ceremony Monday.

He added the "Whole-of-Nation-Approach" is a comprehensive response as it involves everyone.

"(It is a) all hands on deck (approach), all force multipliers will be involved in addressing all these security challenges confronting our country," Gapay said.

Some of the pressing security problems in the Philippines include the New People's Army, the Abu Sayyaf Group, the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, and the effects of adverse weather conditions as the country has entered the typhoon season, he added.

While the AFP is trained to handle these situations, Gapay said the military needs support of the Filipino public and other government agencies in meeting these threats.

"We are trained for this but still we need the support of other agencies, we need the support of our fellow Filipinos," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111032

Significant gains achieved vs. internal security threats: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 4, 2020): Significant gains achieved vs. internal security threats: AFP (By Priam Nepomuceno)


File photo

Newly-appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, said the military sustained its major successes in the ongoing campaign against internal security threats for the first six months of 2020.

"For the first half of the year we have, the AFP has posted collectively significant gains in our battle against internal security threats, the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army) and of course the local terrorist groups composed of Abu Sayyaf, the BIFF (Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters), (and) factions of the Dawlah Islamiyah which are besetting the development and progress of our country," he said during a virtual press briefing Monday.

Gapay said the main focus of the AFP now is to continue degrading the capabilities of these armed threat groups so that the country can establish an environment conducive for sustainable development.

"So we will focus our strength and might in really defeating these internal threat groups and at the same time contributing to the development efforts of the national government to again revive and start and push for sustainable growth of our country," he added.

The AFP said a total of 3,808 NPA members and supporters were neutralized from January 1 to July 30 this year, including 134 that were killed and the 150 apprehended in legitimate and intelligence-driven operations.

Of this figure, 3,524 surrendered including armed fighters, underground organization members, and other supporters.

A total of 885 high-powered and low-powered firearms, 313 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and 164 encampments were seized within the same period.


A total of 37 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members were killed while four were apprehended in numerous military operations.

Meanwhile, 47 other ASG members surrendered as a result of the intense military pressure that has been exerted over the past five months.

A total of 60 high-powered and low-powered firearms, seven IEDs, and nine encampments were also seized during the period.


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111049