AFP-CRS: 3 Terrorists NPA killed in Laguna encounter

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 6, 2020): 3 Terrorists NPA killed in Laguna encounter

Three suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed during an encounter between communists and police forces on Tuesday in Kalayaan, Laguna.

Information from CALABARZON police on Wednesday identified the killed rebels as Dioscorro "Ka Termo Cello, the supposed platoon leader of Platun Laguna-Quezon, Melito Glor Command; a certain Ka Omar/Efren; and one Ka Danny/Mar/Rey.

#AFPyoucanTRUST |www.afpcrs.com

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3517985654886800/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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

AFP-CRS: 3 members of Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan gave up

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 6, 2020): 3 members of Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan gave up

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3518229574862408/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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

CPP/NDF-PKM: Pinakamataas na pagpaparangal at pagpupugay kay Kasamang Fidel V. Agcaoili

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 5, 2020): Pinakamataas na pagpaparangal at pagpupugay kay Kasamang Fidel V. Agcaoili

ANDRES AGTALON

SPOKESPERSON

PAMBANSANG KATIPUNAN NG MGA MAGBUBUKID (PKM)

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 06, 2020

Nagluluksa ang milyong mga magsasaka, magbubukid, at mamamayan sa kanayunan sa pagyao ni Kasamang Fidel V. Agcaoili, Tagapangulo ng Negotiating Panel ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). Nagbibigay ng pinakamataas na pagpupugay at pagpaparangal ang Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magsasaka (PKM-NDFP) kay Kasamang Fidel Agcaoili — rebolusyonaryo at proletaryadong internayunalista.

Sumaklaw sa higit limang dekada ng kanyang buhay ang inilaan ni Ka Fidel sa paglilingkod sa sambayanan. Simula nang siya’y naging aktibista noong 1960s, ikinarsela ng diktaduryang Marcos at naging bilanggong pulitikal noong 1970s hanggang 1980s, hanggang sa pagbase niya sa labas ng bansa kung saan siya gumampan ng mahahalagang gawain para sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Pinanday si Ka Fidel ng mga kahirapan at sakripisyo ng pagrerebolusyon at pinayabong din ng puspusang pakikibaka ng mamamayan. Matapat at masigasig niyang itinaguyod ang mga interes at kagalingan ng masang api hanggang sa biglaan niyang pagpanaw nitong Hulyo 23, 2020 sa Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Si Ka Fidel ang isa sa mga pinakadeterminadong nagsulong ng usapang pangkapayapaan sa pagitan ng NDFP at ng reaksyunaryong gobyerno. Sa pagharap sa peace talks sa GRP, sinsero at buong tatag na tinanganan ni Ka Fidel ang layunin ng NDFP na mawakasan ang mga ugat ng armadong tunggalian at krisis ng lipunang Pilipino, mabigyang solusyon ang malaon nang suliranin ng kawalan ng lupa ng sanlaksang maralitang magbubukid, at magkaroon ng mga makabuluhang reporma para sa mamamayan.

Sa kabila ng mahabang tinakbo at mga pinagdaanang liko at ikot ng usapang pangkapayaan sa pagitan ng NDFP at ng mga nagdaan at kasalukuyang reaksyunaryong rehimen, patuloy na naging matiyaga at optimistiko si Ka Fidel sa hinaharap ng peace talks at sa pagkakamit ng tunay at pangmatagalang kapayapaan na nakabatay sa panlipunang katarungan. Isa si Ka Fidel sa pinakamarubdob ang harangin na palayain sa tanikala ng pagsasamantala ang masang magbubukid, ang mga manggagawa at ang lugmok na sambayanan.

Palaging masigla, alerto, at prinsipyado sa pagharap sa mga negosasyon si Ka Fidel habang mahigpit na tangan ang programa ng NDFP at ang linyang pang-ideolohiya, pampulitika at pang-organisasyon ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP). Ang mga gawi at halimbawa ni Ka Fidel bilang isang nakakatandang rebolusyonaryo ay lalong nagtataas sa prestihiyo ng PKP, ng NDFP at ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan. Nagbibigay din ito ng inspirasyon sa mga mga nakababatang aktibista at rebolusyonaryo.

Bagamat malungkot ang biglaang pagkawala ni Ka Fidel sa gitna ng umiigting na pakikibaka ng masang anakpawis laban sa pahirap, pasista at papet na si Rodrigo Duterte, maraming siyang iniwan na mga aral at gabay para sa lahat ng mga rebolusyonaryo at sa kilusang magbubukid.

Ipinapaala ni Ka Fidel na dapat palagiang magsikhay sa pag-aaral ng kasaysayan ng lipunan at rebolusyong Pilipino. Gayundin, dapat na magpakahusay sa pag-unawa, at pagsasapraktika ng mga teoryang gabay ng rebolusyon na Marxismo, Leninismo, at Maoismo. “Magpakahusay sa ideolohiya” — ito ang isa sa maraming gintong payo ni Ka Fidel sa lahat ng rebolusyonaryong Pilipino.

Buhay na praktika rin ang pagkilos ni Ka Fidel sa kalahagahan ng mahigpit na pakikipagkapatiran sa iba pang nakikibakang mamamayan ng daigdig, sa layuning pagbuklurin at palakasin pa ang mga kilusang mapagpalaya at kilusang anti-imperyalista para pahinaihan ang kapangyarihan ng mga imperyalista.

Natatanging kasama at rebolusyonaryo si Ka Fidel V. Agcaoili. Ipagbunyi natin ang kanyang buhay, pakikibaka, at kamatayan na inialay sa sambayanan.

Paalam, Ka Fidel. Ang iyong kamatayan ay higit na mabigat kaysa sa Bundok Sierra Madre. Mananatiling buhay ang iyong mga aral at alaala sa puso at isipan ng mamamayang Pilipino. ###

https://cpp.ph/statement/pinakamataas-na-pagpaparangal-at-pagpupugay-kay-kasamang-fidel-v-agcaoili/

CPP/NPA-Sorsogon: Saludo kay Ka Luhan

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 5, 2020): Saludo kay Ka Luhan

SAMUEL GUERRERO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SORSOGON

CELSO MINGUEZ COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

AUGUST 06, 2020

NAGPUPUGAY ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa Sorsogon kay Jessica Altarejos, 19, Pulang mandirigma na nagbuwis ng buhay nang salakayin ng mga tropa ng 31st at 22nd IB ang himpilan ng NPA sa Barangay Daganas, Bulan nitong Hulyo 30.

Si Jessica, kilala ng mga kasama at masa bilang Ka Jane at Ka Luhan ay tubong Salvacion, Irosin. Sumapi siya sa NPA noong Hunyo 2019 at hindi naglao’y naging kasapi ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas. Sa mahigit isantaon niyang pagkilos bilang pultaym na mandirigma at Partidista, nagpamalas si Ka Luhan ng kapursigihan sa mga gawaing iniatas sa kanya. Gumanap siya ng tungkulin bilang guro sa mga kursong pangmasa at nagsasanay bilang instruktor sa Batayang Kurso ng Partido. Kinakitaan din siya ng sigasig sa pulitiko-militar na pagsasanay na nilahukan niya noong nakaraang taon.

Kabilang si Ka Luhan sa yunit na itinalaga ng Celso Minguez Command para umasikaso at gumabay sa masang magsasaka na mag-iisang buwan nang gingipit ng dumog na operasyon ng reaksyunaryong AFP at PNP sa mga bayan ng Irosin, Bulan, Magallanes at Juban.

Magiting na nagtanggol ang yunit ni Ka Luhan nang abutin ng nag-ooperasyong militar ang kanilang hinihimpilan. Anang ulat ng militar, namatayan ang 22nd IB ng dalawang sundalo na kinilalang sina Cpl. Arnel Divinagracia at PFC Greyan Andus. Gayunman, ayon sa ilang nakasaksi, hindi kukulangin sa anim ang bangkay na dala ng ng mga sundalo sa pag-atras matapos ang labanan.

Nagpapatuloy pa ang operasyon ng pasistang AFP at PNP sa pinangyarihang barangay at mga karatig. Sa harap ng sitwasyong ito, buo ang kapasyahan ng yunit na naiwan ni Ka Luhan na ipagpatuloy ang tungkuling nakaatang sa kanila.

Ang kataas-taasang sakripisyong inialay ni Ka Luhan ay nagpapaalab lamang sa determinasyon ng mga mandirigma ng NPA-Sorsogon para patuloy na harapin ang kalaban at ipagtanggol at paglingkuran ang mamamayan.

https://cpp.ph/statement/saludo-kay-ka-luhan/

CPP/NPA: Red salute of the New People’s Army to Ka Fidel V. Agcaoili

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 5, 2020): Red salute of the New People’s Army to Ka Fidel V. Agcaoili

KA ORIS

SPOKESPERSON

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY
AUGUST 05, 2020

In behalf of the National Operational Command of the New People’s Army, and together with all its Red commanders and fighters, I would like to extend heartfelt sympathies to the wife, children and grandchildren, family, friends and colleagues of Ka Fidel V. Agcaoili, chief of the Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. We were deeply shocked and saddened by news of his untimely death due to pulmonary arterial rupture at the age of 75 last July 23 in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Ka Fidel was a respected and beloved leader of the Filipino people and revolutionary movement. He upheld the interests and cause of the toiling masses and all the oppressed classes in Philippine society. For more than five decades, from his youth until his senior years, he always marched along the straight path of revolutionary struggle. Although he came from a well-off family, Ka Fidel chose the path of simple living and all-out and dangerous struggle.

Ka Fidel’s life, his militance, commitment and determination to advance the revolutionary struggle for national freedom and social liberation will forever serve as inspiration for all Red fighters of the NPA and for the Filipino people.

Wherever Ka Fidel was assigned and whatever his task was, the desire to seen an end to the oppression and exploitation of the Filipino people, as well as all the peoples of the waord, was always foremost in his mind. It is clear that Ka Fidel was imbued with the communist spirit of selfless service to all oppressed and exploited.

The NPA recognizes and expresses its gratitude for the leadership and all the contributions of Ka Fidel, from the period of nationwide building of the Party and people’s army, to the struggle against the Marcos dictatorship, to helping develop international anti-imperialist solidarity of all the oppressed classes, and in ably representing the entire revolutionary movement in various stages of peace negotiations.

The NPA upholds the highest tribute of the Party’s Central Committee to Ka Fidel and recognition as a hero of the Philippine revolution.

On August 8, Day of Remembrance and Tribute to Ka Fidel, all units of the New People’s Army are directed, wherever they may be encamped, to go on formation at the break of dawn, hoist the banners of the Party, NPA and the NDF, present arms, and sing the Internationale as a way of remembering and giving Ka Fidel our snappiest Red salute.

Long live the memory of Ka Fidel!
Long live the Filipino people and the Philipine revolution!

https://cpp.ph/statement/red-salute-of-the-new-peoples-army-to-ka-fidel-v-agcaoili/

Kalinaw News: Armed encounter between gov’t troops and CNTs ensued in CamSur

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 6, 2020): Armed encounter between gov’t troops and CNTs ensued in CamSur

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-Troops from the Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) continue to initiate successful combat engagements as part of its intensified military operations against the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Bicol region.

Around 8:10 in the morning, August 5, elements of 83rd Infantry Battalion (83IB) encountered at least 15 Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in Tinambac town in Camarines Sur.
Residents from Barangay San Antonio heeded the call of the military to immediately report the presence of CTG members in their area prompting the troops to conduct security operations.

Firefight lasted for about 10 minutes before the enemies withdrew. No one was harmed on the government’s side while still undetermined on the enemies’ side.

Captured in the encounter site were anti-personnel mine, M2O3 40mm grenade, 200-meter electrical wire, ammunitions, personal belongings and propaganda materials of the CNTs.

JTFB under MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA thanked the residents for the prompt report.

Just this week, alias Sandy and Ramir of Bato; alias Cris, Jay-r and Roselyn of Sipocot, all regular members of CTG voluntarily surrendered to the PNP and the Army.

MGen Robinson attributed this development to the combined extensive military operations, intensified campaigns in encouraging the CTG members to return to the folds of the law and the cooperation of the local populace to the anti-insurgency campaigns of the government.

“Our decisive military operations will not stop until we finally clear all conflict-affected areas from the influence of the CTG. The recent recoveries and scores of the Army and our counterpart from the PNP speak about our persistent thrust to eradicate the lingering presence of communist insurgency in our region. Kasabay nito ay ang panawagan natin sa mga myembro ng CTG na huwag ng patuloy na magpalinlang sa teroristang grupong ito. Walang patutunguhan ang inyong ipinaglalaban. Mas mainam kung magbalik-loob na kayo sa gobyerno at mamuhay ng tahimik kasama ang inyong pamilya,” MGen Robinson added.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/armed-encounter-between-govt-troops-and-cnts-ensued-in-camsur/

Kalinaw News: Philippine Coconut Authority provided 60,000 coconut seedlings for barangay in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat.

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 6, 2020): Philippine Coconut Authority provided 60,000 coconut seedlings for barangay in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat.

Makilala, Cotabato – The Philippine Coconut Authority(PCA) provided 60,000 coconut seedlings for local residents of barangay Datal Blao, Columbio,Sultan Kudarat today August 5, 2020.

As the nation struggles in battling the COVID-19 pandemic, both national and local government units come up with systematic ways to help the community to slowly recover its economic status down to the barangay level.

Through the partnership of the PCA, Local Government Units of Columbio headed by Mayor Edwin Bermudez, Councilor Datu Jahir Mamalinta, Barangay Officials, 39th Infantry Battalion and PNP, 60,000 coconut seedlings were successfully distributed to benefit the Muslim and Blaan tribes of barangay Datal Blao.

Local residents expressed their heartfelt gratitude towards the PCA, Local Government Units of Columbio, PNP and the Philippine Army.



[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/philippine-coconut-authority-provided-60000-coconut-seedlings-for-barangay-in-columbio-sultan-kudarat/

Kalinaw News: Tatlong regular na miyembro ng New Peoples’s Army (NPA) nakatanggap ng mga tulong pinansyal, pangkabuhayan at kabayaran para sa mga baril na kanilang isinuko sa pamahalaan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 6, 2020): Tatlong regular na miyembro ng New Peoples’s Army (NPA) nakatanggap ng mga tulong pinansyal, pangkabuhayan at kabayaran para sa mga baril na kanilang isinuko sa pamahalaan

BULALACAO, Oriental Mindoro – Nakatanggap ang tatlong regular na miyembro ng New People’s Army (NPA) ng mga tulong pinansyal, pangkabuhayan at kabayaran sa mga baril na kanilang isinuko sa pamahalaan sa lalawigan ng Occidental Mindoro sa ilalim ng Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) at Provincial/Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF/MTF-ELCAC) ng ating pamahalaan na ginanap sa Provincial Governor Sub-Office, Brgy Magbay, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro kahapon ika-04 ng Agusto ng taong ito.

Ang mga nagbalik loob na NPA ay kusang loob na sumuko sa pamahalaan dala ang kanilang mga baril nitong nakalipas na ika-17 ng Pebrero ng taong kasalukuyan. Dumaan sila sa mga masusing pagsisiyasat upang masiguro na sila ay talagang mga miyembro ng NPA at lumabas na sila ay mga dating miyembro ng Platoon GMT at Platoon Olip, KLG Silangan at ngayon ay Platoon CERNA ng Sub Regional Military Area (SRMA) 4D na nagsasagawa ng mga karahasan at pananakot sa mamamayan lalo na sa mga katutubong mangyan sa kanayunan dito sa Katimogang bahagi ng Occidental at Oriental Mindoro.

Pinangunahan ni Hon Governor Eduardo B Gadiano, Chairman ng PTF-ELCAC ng Occidental Mindoro at ni Mr Juanito D Olave, DILG Provincial Director ang isang tradisyonal na seremonya bago ipagkaloob sa mga dating rebelde ang mga benipisyong kanilang makukuha para sa kanilang pagbabagong buhay kasama ang kanilang pamilya. Dinaluhan din ito nina Mr Edwin T Andoyo, ng TESDA, Mr Bernie Toriano, ng DOLE OccMin at nina Colonel Jose Agusto V Villareal, Commander, 203rd Infantry Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander M Arbolado, Commanding Officer ng 4th Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Bienvenido R Hindang, Commanding Officer, 76th Infantry Battalion at ni Captain Ronnie Sarmiento, Civil-Military Operation (CMO) Officer, 203rd Infantry Brigade ang nasabing aktibidad.

Nakatanggap ang dalawa sa tatlong dating rebelde ng Php60,000.00 para sa baril na Springfield rifle Cal. 30 M1 Garand at Php40,000.00 para sa M1 Carbine rifle na kanilang dinala sa kanilang pagbalik loob sa pamahalaan.

Samantala, maliban sa bayad ng baril na natanggap ng dalawa, silang tatlo ay nakakuha din ng paunang tulong pinansyal na nagkakahalaga Php15,000.00 at tulong pangkabuhayan na Php50,000.00 bawat isa. Sa kabuuan umabot sa Php295,000.00 ang natanggap ng tatlong dating rebelde mula sa pamahalaan. Maliban sa mga perang kanilang natanggap sa kanilang pagbalik loob may iba pa silang mga benipisyo na matanggap mula sa ibat-ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan na maari pa nilang mapakinabangan sa kanilang pag bagong buhay.

Ayon sa tatlong nagbalik loob na NPA sa pamahalaan, malaki umano ang kanilang pagsisisi na sila ay umanib sa mga teroristang NPA dahil sinira umano ng mga ito ang kanilang kinabukasan at pamilya na kung saan sila ay pinangakuan na bibigyan ng Suporta para sa Pamilya nila o tinatawag na SOPAMIL ng mga terorista. Maliban dito nakikita umano nila ang kalupitan ng mga NPA sa mamamayan at taliwas ito sa kanilang sinasabi na sila umano ang tunay na tagapagtanggol ng mamamayan. Sila pala ang sumisira sa buhay ng mamamayan lalo na sa hanay ng kabataan.

Nananawagan din sila sa mga iilan nalang na dati nilang kasamahan na rebelde na magbalik loob na sa pamahalaan mamuhay ng payapa para sa magandang kinabukasan ng kanilang pamilya. Wala naman umanong magandang maidulot ang idolohiyang kanilang pinaniniwalaan sila ay ginagamit lang para sa pansariling kagustuhan ng kanilang pinuno.

Patuloy parin nananawagan sa mamamayan at sa mga miyembro ng teroristang NPA ang 203rd Infantry (Bantay Kapayapaan) Brigade sa pamumuno ni Colonel Jose Agusto V Villareal, Commander, 203rd Infantry Brigade kasama ang Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng dalawang probinsya ng Mindoro na tuldukan na ang pagsusuporta at pagsama sa mapaglinlang at mapanggamit na teroristang grupong NPA at magbalik loob na sa pamahalaan upang matulungan na magbagong buhay.

Handa ang pamahalaan tanggapin muli at tulungan ang mga teroristang NPA na gustong mag bagong buhay. Sa mga aktibong miyembro ng NPA at taga suporta na nabulag sa katutuhanan at nalinlang sa gawaing terorista, huwag na kayo mag alinlangan pa lumapit lamang sa mga taong inyong pweding pagkatiwalaan para matulungan kayo sa inyong pag bagong buhay.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/tatlong-regular-na-miyembro-ng-new-peopless-army-npa-nakatanggap-ng-mga-tulong-pinansyal-pangkabuhayan-at-kabayaran-para-sa-mga-baril-na-kanilang-isinuko-sa-pamahalaan/

Kalinaw News: 37th IB troops foil CNT attack on government project in Saranggani province

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 6, 2020):  37th IB troops foil CNT attack on government project in Saranggani province

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao — Soldiers of 37th Infantry Battalion foiled an attempt by the communist NPA terrorists (CNTs) to attack a government infrastructure project on August 2, 2020 in Barangay Bales, Maasim, Sarangani Province.

An estimated 10 CNTs opened fire at the troops securing the area and the heavy equipment owned by Charifer Builders, the company undertaking the road concreting project of the government.

Government troops managed to return fire forcing the communist rebels to retreat following a brief exchange of gunfires.

The 37th IB troops are securing the government flagship project after the company received series of threats, when the contractor refused to pay extortion money demanded by the CNTs.

During clearing operation, 37th IB together with Maasim Municipal Police recovered a magazine of AK47 and various empty shells.

According the Lt. Col. Allen Van L. Estrera, Commanding Officer, 37th IB, the rebel group was identified to be under Johnny Casamorin alias Rayray of Far South Mindanao Region.

Joint Task Force Central Commander Maj. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon said the JTFC will not allow the communist terrorist group to conduct violent attacks to disrupt the government projects that is vital in the development in the area.

“Our troops are continuously on heightened alert to provide for the needed security on our government projects prone to terrorist attacks,” Maj. Gen. Carreon 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/37th-ib-troops-foil-cnt-attack-on-government-project-in-saranggani-province/

Kalinaw News: Makatao in bringing education closer to IP communities

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 6, 2020):  Makatao in bringing education closer to IP communities

Even in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic, the 89th Infantry (Makatao) Battalion under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Silas D Trasmontero INF (GSC) PA, continues to bring development projects in the geographically isolated, disadvantaged and conflict-affected areas.

One of these is the makeshift schools for the Matigsalog and Ata Manobo communities in the town of San Fernando and Kitaotao, both in Bukidnon province.

On August 4, 2020, the soldiers turned over seven makeshift schools to the communities and the Department of Education.

Present during the activity were Brigadier General Nolasco Mempin Philippine Army, Commander of 1003rd Infantry Brigade, San Fernando Mayor Levi C Edma, Kitaotao Vice Mayor Edwin I Abucayan, Dr. Randolph Torotola of the Department of Education in Bukidnon, Regional Director Manuel Orduña of National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) 10, Dr. David Mendoza, Division Chiefs, Sangguniang Bayan Members, and tribal leaders.

Datu Lito Gambay, tribal chieftain, expressed his gratitude in behalf of the community for letting them feel that they are being listened.

“Nagpasalamat jud mi kay nakaabot na ang tabang sa gobyerno dinhi sa amoa,” he said.

The establishment of makeshift schools was a collaboration of the battalion, the local government units, DepEd, and the business sector with the “Bayanihan” of the IP communities.

This project is part of the 89IB’s holistic approach in bringing peace, progress and development in the area. Finally, Makeshift schools are now open to accommodate IP children and to give them quality education to nurture and secure their future. This is a clear manifestation on how E.O. #70 or the whole of nation approach works through convergence of various government agencies and private sectors can be availed easily by the IP communities especially in Geographically Isolated Disadvantage Areas (GIDAS).

In the past years, one of the areas being exploited by the Communist NPA Terrorists in the area is the education. They were able to establish MISFI schools with ideas and teachings contrary to the policies of the government particularly the DepEd. With the closure of said schools, the 89IB, were able to convinced the LGUs, different stakeholders, business sector and the tribal communities to support the construction of makeshift schools pending the construction of DepEd standard schools. DepEd also committed to provide school teachers and instructional materials for the children with the assurance that every child could learn the basics of education in Region 10.
According to Lieut Col. Transmontero, the children used to walk for four to six hours just to reach the nearest school but now with the existence of these makeshift schools they don’t need to walk with that long because these schools were built near their village. As such, Makatao will always be steadfast and relentless in its mandate in attaining long lasting peace and conflict-resilient communities in its area of operation.

[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/makatao-in-bringing-education-closer-to-ip-communities/

Pakistani city resident arrested with small improvised bombs

From Palawan News (Aug 6, 2020): Pakistani city resident arrested with small improvised bombs

The foreign national was identified as Haroon Basher, a Pakistani who has apparently been living in the city for the last seven years and has a Filipina girlfriend and several local friends.



Pakistani national Haroon Basher.

The city police arrested on Thursday a Pakistani national that they described as a suspected bomb maker who has been under intelligence surveillance.

The foreign national was identified as Haroon Basher, a Pakistani who has apparently been living in the city for the last seven years and has a Filipina girlfriend and several local friends.

Basher was arrested in his rented house in Atis Road, Dacillo Compound, Barangay San Jose by members of the city police who had with them a search warrant issued by a local judge.
Found inside the residence of Basher, according to the police, were two improvised explosives and a .45 caliber pistol. The two explosives were apparently small enough that EOD personnel decided to explode them right away, one along the roadside in front of the house and one at the backyard.

Authorities have declined to be interviewed for additional details of the arrest and the identity of Basher.

Before he was arrested and whisked away by the police, Basher, who can speak fluent Tagalog, told reporters in an interview he is not a terrorist.

“I don’t know about anything. Kahit anong gawin mo sa akin, i-check mo lang my back report or whatever, it’s cleaned up na. I have no problem, I didn’t do anything wrong. I don’t know. I just go to drink only… lasinggero ako, kanina pa nag-inom ako,” Basher said.

His former live-in partner claimed he makes a living doing artesian wells.

“Noong March pinapadalhan ko pa yan ng pera. Tapos may kinakasama siya. Baka nagalit yong mga magulang noon. Kasi yan mahilig uminom. Ginawaan yan siya ng kuwento ng mga magulang or mga kapit bahay niya. Yan ay gumagawa ng bomba o mga poso, hindi bomba na sumasabog,” said Marielle Jaranilla, who claimed she is the Pakistani’s former girlfriend.

Jaranilla also said she has a child with Basher. She said the Pakistani national used to run a small money lending business but went bankrupt.

“Yan ay tatay ng anak ko, hindi niya yan magagawa. Last year lang kami naghiwalay. Noong iniwanan siya ng isa niyang kinakasama, humingi yan siya ng tulong sa akin financially. Tinulungan ko naman, bawat buwan pinapadalhan ko. Binilihan ko pa ng motor sabi ko magdaing-daing siya para tulungan ang sarili niya, kaya lang meron siyang bisyo kasi nga mahilig siya uminom — yon lang naman,” she said.

Jaranilla insisted “he is not a bad person” and not a bomb maker like he is being accused of now.

She said Basher, 29, already wants to return to Pakistan but has no money to buy himself tickets so he could go home from Palawan.

“Wala yang makain, payat na payat. Walang pera pambili ng pagkain. Sino magfi-finance ng paggawa niya ng bomba? Bakit siya gagawa ng bomba? Ang bomba na ginagawa niyan ay bomba ng tubig, hindi bomba na pampasabog,” she added.

“Nagpapautang kasi yan sila dati dyan. Yan ay may asawa talaga — noong umpisa marami yan talaga siyang pera kaya lang na-mishandle niya that time dahil napaka-bata niya noon. Sana mabigyan siya ng justice kasi napaka naman ng bintang sa kanya. Hindi nga niya mapakain ang sarili niya, gagawa pa siya ng bomba?” Jaranilla said.

She alleged Basher has no passport because it was stolen from him.

The police operation was carried out by joint local law enforcement agencies based on an August 6 search warrant issued by Executive Judge Angelo Arizala of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) for possible violation of Republic Act 9516, or the law covering possession of illegal explosives.

The police also invited for questioning a certain Roger Torres who owned the house being rented by Basher.

“Dito sya naka-upa pansamantala lang, kulang-kulang isang buwan na,” Torres told reporters.

Torres said he and Basher had become friends.

“Nakiusap sya sa akin naawa kami walang kamag-anak. Napalapit na siya sa amin naging kaibigan na rin namin syempre hindi namin alam na gagawa ng ganoon,” he said.

(With reports from Arphil Ballarta, Ruth Rodriguez, and Celeste Anna Formoso)

https://palawan-news.com/pakistani-city-resident-arrested-with-small-improvised-bombs/

Ex-RPA-ABB member collared for slay raps

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 6, 2020): Ex-RPA-ABB member collared for slay raps

A former member of the defunct Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade, who is facing murder charges, was arrested yesterday by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Bacolod City Field Unit in Sitio Alimatoc, Brgy. Celestino Villacin in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.

Nabbed by virtue of an arrest warrant for murder issued by Cadiz City Executive Judge Gwendolyn Jimenea, was Marcelo Espaltero Barbon, who is also a forest guard of the Northern Negros Natural Park.

The CIDG-Bacolod CFU report also said that Barbon, 46, of Cadiz City, was denied bail by Judge Jimenea.

Another fugitive facing three counts of murder was also apprehended by the police in Brgy. Lantad, Silay City, Tuesday by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Antique Judge Nery Duremdes.

The suspect, identified as Eduardo Seballos, alias Idoy Siballos, 59, formerly residing in Brgy. Villaflor in Tobias Fornier, Antique, was also denied bail by Judge Duremdes, according to a report of the Silay City Police Station.

https://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/August/06/topstory15.htm

US Raises the Flag, and Stakes, in South China Sea

Opinion piece posted to the Geopolitical Monitor (Aug 5, 2020): US Raises the Flag, and Stakes, in South China Sea (By James Borton)

In recent weeks there’s been no shortage of articles on America’s latest salvos directed at China’s assertive maritime actions in the South China Sea. The image of the US as a neutral nation, widely accepted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the disputed waters, has been challenged by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the White House in recent pronouncements, and in their rejection of China’s claims as unlawful.

A sharp rebuke by Secretary Pompeo at a news conference that, “The world will not allow Beijing to treat the South China Sea as its maritime empire,” was received like a direct shot over the bow of US warships that recently sailed through the troubled waters.

Pompeo went on to boldly state that America will provide ASEAN with all available assistance, through multilateral bodies or through legal responses, and to stand with its Southeast Asian allies and partners in protecting their sovereign rights to offshore resources and obligations under international law.

In the midst of the raging COVID-19 pandemic, the South China Sea has become a geopolitical bellwether for renewed American leadership in the region. With US-China relations now in a full freefall, lines are being drawn by Washington over natural resource extraction, freedom of navigation, respect for international law, fishing vessel harassment, and sovereignty disputes.

The Trump administration’s China stance and outright rejection of Beijing’s claims has succeeded in generating a volley of undiplomatic retaliation and ratcheted up tensions with Beijing. Some policy experts regard these as mere political grenades rather than statecraft strategy, since it’s proving to be a challenging election year for the wounded incumbent, aggravated by the president’s plunging approval ratings.

Nevertheless, a recently-signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Vietnam, pledging support for its fishers against “illegal intimidation” from Chinese vessels, does seek to bolster Vietnam’s fisheries management, law enforcement capabilities, and surveillance systems by providing technical assistance and sharing information. It also underscores closer cooperation between Washington, Hanoi, and international law enforcement agencies to address illegal fishing and intimidation.

“I see this as part of the now well-established US campaign to help boost maritime domain awareness (MDA) and capacity for Vietnam’s domestic fishing industry. I haven’t heard anyone in Hanoi suggest that they expect or want the US Navy out there directly protecting Vietnamese fishers,” claims Gregory Poling, a senior fellow and director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Center for Strategic International Studies in Washington, DC.

Poling also believes that through the Maritime Security Initiative and other capacity-building efforts, the US has been aiding Vietnam’s remote sensing, patrol, and interdiction capacity, and that it’s going to continue.

In a further display of Washington’s stepped-up engagement with the region, the US flexed its defense muscle by conducting exercises in early July with two aircraft carrier groups, the USS Nimitz and the USS Ronald Reagan, along with accompanying vessels and aircraft in the strategic waterway to prominently display the American flag. The unsubtle message sent to Beijing is simple. The US intends to maintain a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy and that it won’t hesitate to single out China for pursuing regional hegemony.

One of the main reasons for the roiling waters of the South China Sea becoming a flashpoint is increased competition for marine resources and fishing rights. Of course, there are a myriad of factors that contribute to the tragedy of the commons, including economic impact, unsustainable practices, increased number of fishing vessels, fisheries collapse, as well as illegal, unregulated fishing.

The stakes increase every day as all coastal areas are over-exploited, resulting in more fishers from Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines traveling further and further into contested waters in search of fish. Asia’s fleets are growing faster than those of the rest of the world and now comprises almost three-quarters of the world’s fishing vessels.

It’s difficult to imagine that this body of water was once a calm sea and a fertile fishing ground for fleets from China and the littoral states. The tranquility has been disturbed by contested sovereignty claims in the Spratly Islands and the imposition of China’s nine-dash line. This diminished dotted line is, or was, Beijing’s claim that encircles 90 percent of the contested waters since it stretches as far as 2,000 kilometers from mainland China to within a few hundred of the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Washington asserts that the PRC has no legal grounds to unilaterally impose its will on the region or lawfully assert a maritime claim which includes any Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) derived from Scarborough Reef and the Spratly Islands vis-à-vis the Philippines in areas that the Tribunal found to be in the Philippines’ continental shelf. It was four years ago that, in a unanimous decision, the Arbitral Tribunal stated there “was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights” over the nine-dash line.

According to Bonnie Glaser, a senior adviser for Asia and director of the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, along with Zach Cooper, a research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, the administration left Washington’s neutrality on sovereignty over rocks, reefs, and islets in place. However, they claim, in the recent War on the Rocks article, that the US “is explicitly declaring that China’s harassment of other states’ fishing and hydrocarbon development is illegal and that this move is long overdue.”

The geopolitical changes brought about by Chinese exertion of control of the sea and disregard for international law and assertiveness against fishers are driving Washington to boost relationships among leaders in the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia and to hedge against Beijing’s foreign and security policy behavior.

Let’s see how Washington holds China to account or if it only manages to serve up opportunistic election year bluster.

[James Borton is a recipient of a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship at Yale University. He is a freelance global journalist who writes for Asia Times, Asia Literary Review, Foreign Policy and The Washington Times. He recently edited Islands and Rocks in the South China Sea: Post Hague Ruling. He is also a nonresident fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington and a regular contributor to Geopolitical Monitor. James is now at work on a new book, Dispatches from the South China Sea.]

[The views expressed in this article are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect those of Geopoliticalmonitor.com or any institutions with which the authors are associated.]

https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/us-raises-the-flag-and-stakes-in-south-china-sea/

PMA’s ‘no squealing’ tradition may be at play in Senate probe

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 5, 2020): PMA’s ‘no squealing’ tradition may be at play in Senate probe (By Mario Casayuran)

Is the culture at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) of “no squealing” against an upperclassman at play in yesterday’s Senate hearing on the widespread corruption at the state-owned Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth)?

MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO

Senator Panfilo M. Lacson, a 1971 PMA graduate, recalled this PMA culture when Etrotal Laborte, 2001 PMA graduate, backed out of his scheduled appearance before a public hearing of the Senate Committee of the Whole on the PhilHealth mess.

Retired Brigadier General Ricardo Morales, a 1977 PMA graduate and PhilHealth president and chief executive officer (CEO), is being asked by the senators to explain the details of alleged widespread corruption at the health agency.

Morales is stepping on a bed of hot coals over alleged unconscionable overpricing of information technology (IT) equipment and parts, favoring unaccredited hospitals in the reimbursement of expenses for the treatment of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), ‘’doctoring’’ financial records and alleged coddling suspected grafters.

Projections are that PhilHealth would be oh a precarious financial situation next year because of mismanagement and dissipation of funds.

Lacson, chairman of the Senate national defense committee, said there is a strong case against PhilHealth officials based on documents submitted to the Senate.

Asked by Senate reporters during a Zoom interview today whether money and power are present in this situation, Lacson replied: ‘’You couldn’t have said it more correctly. Pag position may power ka at may opportunity para sa money. Doon mo makita. Yan lang masasabi ko.’’ (When you are in a position of influence or power and you have the opportunity over money…You will see the result, That is all I can say.)

‘’Meron kaming kultura sa PMA, ang squealing and kailan ano ang dividing line ng squealer at pagtulong sa investigation. Sa kanya parang nananaig, nabanggit niya sa akin ayaw kong sabihin ng upperclassmen ko na ako nag-squeal,’’ he said. (We have a culture at the PMA on squealing and what is the dividing line of a squealer and the one who helps in investigations.)

‘’Sabi ko sa kanya kung tama ang pinaglalaban mo di squealer ang tawag diyan, advocacy yan. Gusto mo itama ang mali, tumutulong ka. Kanya-kanyang pananaw. So I leave it up to him magdecide kung attend siya next hearing,’’ he added. (I told him that if you fight for the things that are right, you are an ‘advocate,’ not a squealer. If you want to make things right, you help. Everyone has his own view of things.)

He was referring to Laborte, head executive assistant of Morales at PhilHealth, who earlier signified his intention to appear before the Senate Committee of the Whole after submitting to Lacson on the sly pieces of evidence that point to corrupt practices at PhilHeath.

‘’So I leave it up to him (Laborte) magdecide kung aattend siya next hearing,’’ Lacson said.

Laborte, who earlier resigned at PhilHealth, reportedly decided at the last minute not to attend the hearing because he feared for his life as there were persons tailing him.

When Morales was named PhilHealth chief in mid-2019, Lacson said he lauded his appointment because of his integrity in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Senator Ronald dela Rosa, 1986 PMA graduate and current chairman of the Senate public order and dangerous drugs, told Morales in yesterday’s public hearing that he and other young PMA graduates, look up to him because he was seen as straight as an arrow and who had denounced corruption at the military establishment.

Do not disappoint us, dela Rosa pleaded with Morales. Both Lacson and dela Rosa are former Philippine National Police chiefs and graduates of the PMA.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/08/05/pmas-no-squealing-tradition-may-be-at-play-in-senate-probe/

Gov’t donates 100 chicks to former NPAs in Agusan del Norte

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 5, 2020): Gov’t donates 100 chicks to former NPAs in Agusan del Norte (By Mike Crismundo)

In an objective to make them productive in their new way of life, the government donated chicks to the former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels at the headquarters of the Army’s 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion (29th IB) in Barangay Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte province.

Initially, the former NPAs received 100 chicks from the Provincial Agriculturist Office through the Animal Chicken Dispersal Project of the ‘Agusan Up’ of the provincial government of Agusan del Norte headed by Gov. Dale B. Corvera.

The donated chicks on Wednesday (July 29) will be distributed to the former rebels (FRs) as soon as these are full-grown, 29th IB Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer 1st Lt. Miguel O. Borromeo told The Manila Bulletin on Monday.

He said these can provide the FRs with an additional source of income or food for their everyday needs.

“This is really a big help for them in their new way of life,” said the 29th IB CMO officer.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/08/05/govt-donates-100-chicks-to-former-npas-in-agusan-del-norte/

Ex-rebel gunned down in Sorsogon City

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 5, 2020): Ex-rebel gunned down in Sorsogon City
By: Mar S. Arguelles

LEGAZPI CITY — A former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed by unidentified men inside his house in Sorsogon City on Tuesday night.

A report from Police Major Maria Luisa Calubaquib, spokesperson of the Bicol police, said rebel returnee Alejandro Dulpina Claveria, 49, was watching a show on television with his family at 11:45 p.m. when two men barged into their home in Barangay San Jose Maricrum, Bacon District and shot him several times.

His family was unharmed, the report said.

Police were still determining the identities of the gunmen and their motive in the killing.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1317270/ex-rebel-gunned-down-in-sorsogon-city

Combat operations ensure safe delivery of government services in conflict-affected areas - LGU, IP council

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 6, 2020): Combat operations ensure safe delivery of government services in conflict-affected areas - LGU, IP council (By 3SF Battalion)

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Aug. 6 -- “The purpose of the combat operations in the hinterlands is to ensure the local government unit's safe delivery of basic services intended for the conflict-affected communities in Surigao del Sur,” said Lianga tribal chieftain Datu Constancio Duhac during the recent Lianga Serbisyo Caravan in Sitio Simowao (Km 9), Diatagon, Lianga.

The said caravan was spearheaded by the local government unit (LGU) of Lianga led by Mayor Novelita M. Sarmen, 9th Special Forces “Hounds” Company, 544th Engineer Battalion, and member agencies of the Local Task Force-Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (LTF-ELCAC). The services provided include the distribution of food supplies, hygiene kits, medical and dental missions, free haircut, registration of tribal members to the Local Civil Registry, fun and games, and distribution of free clothes.

“Contrary to the rehashed false statements of the anti-government groups accusing the military of abuses, the military immerses in the communities to complement the implementation of government programs for our communities,” Datu Duhac said.

“Hindi military ang lumapit sa amin, kami ang humingi ng tulong sa military para lumayo sa komunidad ang mga teroristang New People's Army (NPA) at ang grupong MAPASU (Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod or Persevering Struggle for the Next Generation) na pumipigil sa pagpasok ng serbsiyo ng gobyerno para manatili kaming mahirap at galit sa gobyerno,” Duhac added.

Sitio Simowao, a gateway to Andap Valley Complex, was once the comfort zone of the Communist NPA terrorists where Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) school, an NPA terrorist recruitment facility was located and a staging point of NPA-instigated taktikang bakwit.

Currently, with the strong support of the indigenous people (IP) community, the IP leaders and the local government unit, the sitio was transformed as a developed IP community where there is a rehabilitated farm-to-market road, a DepEd IP school, a CAFGU detachment, organized IP civilian volunteers for peace and security, registered women’s and farmers’ people's organizations, youth leadership summit trained IP youth leaders.

"This sitio has gone through a lot, we will do our best to do our job to support the Lianga LGU and the tribal council to reach far more sitios of Diatagon and provide what the IP communities deserve from the government,“ said Lt. Col. Joey Baybayan, 3rd Special Forces Battalion commander.

Aside from the combat operations to drive them away from the sitios, Lt. Col. Baybayan vowed to uproot their system of recruiting the IP members through their Community Support Program and the IP tribal council’s traditional self-governance and self-determination. "We will be here to protect them to perform their customary laws and duties to save their tribe from CNTs’ corruption,” Baybayan said. (Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan, 3SFBn-CMO/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1049304

NPA cadaver exhumed in SurSur town

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 6, 2020): NPA cadaver exhumed in SurSur town (By 75th Infantry Battalion)

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Aug. 6 -- Government troopers retrieved the cadaver of a member of the New People’s Army (NPA) on Thursday last week who was allegedly killed in an encounter on May 18, 2020.

The members of the Army’s 75th Infantry Battalion (75IB) together with the local officials found the body of a certain Dondon Montenegro Suazo alias Hill, 19, a team leader of Platoon 1, Squad Dos, Guerrilla Front (GF) 30, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC).

The 75IB report also said the body was already on its advance state of decomposition that was exhumed in a remote area of Sitio Kiskis, barangay Siagao, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.

Investigation revealed that Suazo was with Joel Maca Mahinay, alias Niko/Ontong/Barok, commanding officer of Platoon 2, GF 30, NEMRC when they clashed against military forces on May 18, 2020.

The dead body was hastily buried by the communist terrorist group at a shallow grave to be forever forgotten, said 75IB civil-military officer Captain Edwin Leo Francisco in a statement.

Capt. Francisco also said the recovery of the cadaver was through the revelation of alias “Migs,” a former rebel, who was also a member of the platoon of Joel Maca Mahinay and was there during the encounter.

The former rebel said that Suazo is a Mamanwa and a resident of Sitio Libas, Brgy Sibahay, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur.

Alias Migs also disclosed that Dondon was with Mahinay and his platoon when the communist NPA rebels reportedly committed their murder of Datu Bernandino “Bandi” Astudillo,72, and Zaldy Ybanez, 52, at Sitio Inadan, barangay Magroyong on 19 March 2020. Both victims suffered 16 stab wounds.

The military brought Zuaso’s body to San Miguel police for proper documentation and then brought to a funeral parlor in Tandag City where Suazo was received with his grieving mother, Bernardita Suazo.

“Mag isa naman to ka tuig na nananghid ang akong anak nga manarbaho para makatabang sa amo ug labaw na sa iyang igsuon nga naay sakit nga cancer pero karon akong nabalitaan nga nadani ug giilad sa mga Terroristang NPA unya namatay ug gibyaan lang sa bukid,” Suazo’s mother said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Colonel Jeffrey A. Villarosa, 75IB commanding officer, extended his deepest sympathy to Bernardita and her family.

“Another innocent life was lost because he fell victim to the deception of the CNTs. What is more difficult to comprehend is the communist terrorist group wanting to keep the sad truth of Dondon’s death from his family,” said Villarosa, adding that if alias Migs did not reveal Zuaso’s remains, he will not be discovered and exhumed. (Captain Edwin Leo Francsico, 75IB-CMO/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1049332

CPOC advises not to let one's guard down in this time of pandemic

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 6, 2020): CPOC advises not to let one's guard down in this time of pandemic (By Joseph B. Zambrano)

BAGUIO CITY, Aug. 6(PIA) -- In this time of COVID-19 pandemic, don’t put your guard down instead always be on your toes as unscrupulous individuals and groups would like to take advantage of the situation for their benefit.

So said Mayor Benjamin Magalong during the recent meeting of the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) which he chairs.

'We are very much concentrated on our problem on this COVID-19 and we tend to disregard issues and concerns around us like this peace and order situation,' the mayor noted.

PRO-COR Regional Director PBGen. R'win Pagkalinawan (L) shares his views on the peace and order situation with other officials of the City Peace and Order Council.

One of the issues discussed is about the alleged student activists-turned-commanders of the New People’s Army who are operating in the Cordillera. The City is a hub for education of the North where top universities and schools are found.

‘We ask the parents and guardians to keep close contact of their children especially on their extra curricular activities and when they go home very late. For the barangay officials, they should know what is happening in their area of responsibility,’ the mayor emphasized.

It has been noted that even during the implementation of community quarantine, some members front groups held forum and prayer rally in the city.

Magalong said gone are the days when insurgency is a problem only of the military and the police. Now, insurgency has become an inter-sectoral/ inter-department t concern that requires a whole of nation approach, utilizing all resources of government and involvement of all especially the private sector to attain lasting peace in the country.

The whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict or Executive Order 70 of President Rodrigo Duterte shows that the government is sincere in ending insurgency in the country, he added.

PGen. R’win Pagkalinawan, regional director of Police Regional Office – Cordillera, shared that peace and order is a partnership between the local government units where the chief executive is on top while the police and the Army will adhere to the directives of the LGUs. A very good example is Sadanga Mayor Gabby Ganggangan who is very active and vocal on the fight against insurgency. (JDP/JBZ- PIA CAR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1049630

37th IB troops foil CNT attack on government project in Sarangani

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 6, 2020): 37th IB troops foil CNT attack on government project in Sarangani (By DPAO-6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao, Aug. 6 — Soldiers of 37th Infantry Battalion foiled an attempt by the communist NPA terrorists (CNTs) to attack a government infrastructure project on August 2, 2020 in Barangay Bales, Maasim, Sarangani Province.

An estimated 10 CNTs opened fire at the troops securing the area and the heavy equipment owned by Charifer Builders, the company undertaking the road concreting project of the government.

Government troops managed to return fire forcing the communist rebels to retreat following a brief exchange of gunfires.

The 37th IB troops are securing the government flagship project after the company received series of threats, when the contractor refused to pay extortion money demanded by the CNTs.

During clearing operation, 37th IB together with Maasim Municipal Police recovered a magazine of AK47 and various empty shells.

According the Lt. Col. Allen Van L. Estrera, Commanding Officer, 37th IB, the rebel group was identified to be under Johnny Casamorin alias Rayray of Far South Mindanao Region.

Joint Task Force Central Commander Maj. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon said the JTFC will not allow the communist terrorist group to conduct violent attacks to disrupt the government projects that is vital in the development in the area.

"Our troops are continuously on heightened alert to provide for the needed security on our government projects prone to terrorist attacks," Maj. Gen. Carreon said. (DPAO-61D)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1049668

Valor Battalion extends assistance to family of slain NPA in Sorsogon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 6, 2020): Valor Battalion extends assistance to family of slain NPA in Sorsogon (By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay)

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, PILI, Camarines Sur, Aug. 6 (PIA) – The 22nd Infantry (VALOR) Battalion under the stewardship of Lieutenant Colonel Henrito G. Managay extended financial assistance to the bereaved family of Jessica Clotario Altarejos of Salvacion, Irosin, Sorsogon.

In a press statement issued by 9th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) thru its Spokersperson, CPT John Paul Belleza, Altarejos was among the NPA members who was killed during the 45-minute firefight between the government troops and members of CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in the early morning of July 30, in Brgy. Daganas, Bulan, Sorsogon.

After hearing the statement of Jesus Altarejos, Jessica’s father, Valor Battalion, together with the 9th Civil Military Operations (KAAGAPAY) Battalion under the headship of Lieutenant Colonel Emerson P. De Vera, 9th Infantry (SPEAR) Division, Philippine Army decided to give financial assistance to the grieving family in Irosin, Sorsogon.

The statement also described the sadness of Jessica’s father that his 20-year old daughter, who he described as a silent type, obedient and kind person was easily swayed by the CNTs to join in their cause.

Belleza lamented the fact that Jessica became one of the many unfortunate young recruits who lost her chance to have a bright future ahead of her just because of the wrong notion of camaraderie.

Before Jsssica joined the NPA, she was able to finish her Senior High School at Gallanosa National High School. She wished to be an agriculturist someday to help her family and lift them from poverty.

Jessica was left on the encounter site by people she believed to be his brothers until she heaved her last breath.

After knowing her story, even the soldiers who fought side by side with their unit, gave up their meal allowance just to add up to the financial assistance extended by the Philippine Army.

The Joint Task Force Bicolandia under the leadership of Major General Henry A. Robinson Jr Philippine Army, continues to enjoin members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) to return to the folds of law and have a renewed life.

Robinson stated that the government extends its words of peace to those who wish to reunite with their loved ones and avail of the government programs for the returnees. But he also stressed that the army will continue and will not bend in its resolve to ensure that peace and order in the country will reign. (LSMacatangay, with reports from JPBelleza, DPAO PA/ PIAV-Camarines Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1049645

Soldier killed in Digos City anti-drug operation

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 6, 2020): Soldier killed in Digos City anti-drug operation (By Eldie Aguirre)



BUY-BUST. Army Sgt. Reginald Labajo, 35, is killed in a joint buy-bust operation on Wednesday evening (Aug. 5, 2020) in Digos City, Davao del Sur. Labajo yielded four sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated market value of PHP276,556, a firearm, and other pieces of evidence. (Photo courtesy of the Digos City Police Office)

A member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who allegedly “moonlights” as a drug pusher was killed during a buy-bust operation Wednesday evening here, a police official said.

Lt. Col. Vici Anthony Tababa, Digos City acting police chief, identified the slain suspect as Sgt. Reginald Labajo, 35, a member of the intelligence unit of the Army's 39th Infantry Battalion (39IB).

Labajo, a resident here, was the subject of a joint buy-bust operation of various branches of the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Law enforcers said they recovered four sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated market value of PHP276,556, a 9mm pistol and other pieces of evidence.

Tababa said Labajo, who was in a four-wheeled vehicle, fired on the poseur-buyer upon realizing he was transacting with a police officer but missed.

He said the other operatives fired back at the suspect, killing him instantly.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111323

Troops recover explosives after clash with Reds in CamSur

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 6, 2020): Troops recover explosives after clash with Reds in CamSur (By Connie Calipay)

Explosives and ammunition believed to be owned by New People's Army (NPA) rebels were recovered by soldiers at an encounter site after a clash in Camarines Sur on Wednesday.

In an interview on Thursday, Army Captain John Paul Belleza, 9th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office chief (DPAO), said government troops fought with at least 15 NPA members in Tinambac town after receiving information from residents about the presence of rebels in their area.

"Seized in the encounter site are anti-personnel mine, M2O3 40-mm grenade, 200-meter electrical wire, ammunitions, personal belongings, and several materials used (as) propaganda materials," he said.

Belleza said the firefight lasted for about 10 minutes before the enemies withdrew. "No one was harmed on the government's side while still undetermined on the enemies' side," he added.

“Troops from the Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) continue to initiate successful combat engagements as part of its intensified military operations against the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the Bicol region,” he said.

Belleza also said that JTFB head, Maj. Gen. Henry Robinson Jr. thanked the residents for the prompt report.

“Maj. Gen Robinson attributed this development to the combined extensive military operations, intensified campaigns in encouraging the CTG members to return to the folds of the law and the cooperation of the local populace to the anti-insurgency campaigns of the government,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111388

Troops rescue abandoned rebel hurt in Zambo Norte clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 6, 2020): Troops rescue abandoned rebel hurt in Zambo Norte clash (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



INJURED REBEL. Troops under the Army's 97th Infantry Battalion rescue a female combatant of the communist New People's Army who was wounded during a firefight in Barangay Midatag, Leon Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte, on Wednesday (Aug. 5, 2020). Government troops rushed her to the hospital. (Photo courtesy of the 97IB)

Government troops rescued a wounded fighter of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in a remote area of Zamboanga del Norte, a military official said Thursday.

Lt. Col. Manaros Boransing, commander of the Army's 7th Infantry Battalion, said the female fighter was rescued after a 10-minute firefight in Sitio Kasong, Barangay Midatag, Leon Postigo town on Wednesday.

Boransing identified the rebel only as Ka Jekjek, a medic and political instructor of the NPA's Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee, who sustained a bullet wound on the buttocks.

He said the firefight ensued when the troops responded to the report of residents of Sitio Kasong, Barangay Midatag that a group of gunmen stole a pig and foodstuff.

There was no casualty on the government’s side during the skirmish.

“The troops immediately rescued Jekjek after the clash, provided medical first aid, and immediately brought her to the nearest hospital,” Boransing said.

“Jekjek was recruited when she was 14 years old, brainwashed by the leaders and legal fronts of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs), used, and abused during her time with the group, and eventually abandoned when she was wounded. That is how they (NPA) treat their members.”

Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the Army's 102nd Infantry Brigade, called on the remaining communist guerillas in the province to surrender and avail of the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

“The Army will not stop until ultimate peace is attained in the province of Zamboanga del Norte and the whole Zamboanga Peninsula. Terrorism and armed rebellion (have) no place in our community and our country,” Nicolas said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111392

PNP celebrates 119th Police Service Anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 6, 2020): PNP celebrates 119th Police Service Anniversary (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) celebrates Thursday its 119th anniversary virtually with a live simulcast from the police headquarters and in all 17 regional offices across the country.

PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said the celebration focuses on the mandate and resiliency of the PNP at a time of pandemic with the theme: “Towards A Pandemic-Resilient PNP: Deploying Digital Technologies and Adopting Protective Protocols in The New Normal”.

"We found a modest yet effective way of celebrating our 119th Police Service Anniversary during MECQ. Our men and women will virtually join us from the 1,766 police stations, 80 police provincial offices under the 17 police regional offices, and the 33 national support units across the country,” Gamboa said in a statement.

Police Service Anniversary is celebrated in commemoration of the establishment of the Philippine Constabulary as the country’s first insular police force founded on August 8, 1901.

This year’s rites will allow guests and police personnel to join in the ceremony through live interactive platforms as an alternative to the traditional full-dress parade and review ceremony in observance of strict health protocols imposed by the government.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año is expected to read President Rodrigo Duterte’s message to the police force.

Gamboa will lead the presentation of awards to PNP units and personnel cited for outstanding performance and achievements in service over the past year.

This year’s awardees are:

NATIONAL INDIVIDUAL AWARDEES

Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer for Administration - Col. Noel Sandoval, chief of Crime Research and Analysis Center, Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management

Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer for Operations - Col. Elmer Ragay, Provincial Director, Benguet PPO, PRO Cordillera

Best Junior Police Commissioned Officer for Administration - Maj. Benjiel Jhon Danglosi, chief of Personnel Benefit and Allowances Section, Regional Comptrollership Division, PRO-5
Best Junior Police Commissioned Officer for Operations - Lt. Col. Raymund Train, Battalion Commander of Rapid Deployment Battalion, Special Action Force

Best Senior Police Non-Commissioned Officer for Administration - M/Sgt. Gilbert Neypes, Admin PNCO, Rapid Deployment Battalion, Special Action Force

Best Senior Police Non-Commissioned Officer for Operations - Executive M/Sgt. Joeffrey Kent Panganiban, Force Executive Master Sergeant, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 4A

Best Junior Police Non-Commissioned Officer for Administration - S/Sgt. John Cliffton Ermitano, chief of Admin, Training Section, Regional Logistics, Research Development Division, PRO-12

Best Junior Police Non-Commissioned Officer for Operations - Cpl. Gary de Guzman, Warrant PNCO, Esperanza Municipal Police Station, Sultan Kudarat PPO, PRO-12

Best Non-Uniformed Personnel (Supervisory Level) - NUP Imelda Pascua, NUP Supervisor, PRO-2

Best Non-Uniformed Personnel (Non-Supervisory Level) - NUP Luzviminda Mosqueda, OIC, NUPAS, PRO-12

NATIONAL UNIT AWARDEES

Best Police Regional Office - PRO-4A
Best Police Provincial Office - Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office, PRO-11
Best City Police Office - Iloilo City Police Station, PRO-6
Best City Police Station - Isabela City Police Station, PRO-9
Best Municipal Police Station - La Trinidad Municipal Police Station, PROCOR
Best Regional Mobile Force Battalion - Regional Mobile Police Battalion 4A
Best Provincial Mobile Force Company - Laguna Provincial Mobile Force Company
Best City Mobile Force Company - General Santos City Mobile Force Company
Best National Operational Support Unit - Special Action Force
Best National Administrative Support Unit - Information Technology Management Office

SPECIAL UNIT AWARDEES

PNP Drug Enforcement Group - The most number of arrested listed illegal drug personalities

National Capital Region Police Office - Notable accomplishment in the campaign against loose firearms
Police Regional Police 4A - The most number of arrested top most wanted personalities
PNP Anti-kidnapping Group - Exemplary accomplishments in the campaign against kidnapping for ransom through intelligence-driven operations
Police Regional Office 12 - Revitalized physical conditioning and sport combat

SPECIAL INDIVIDUAL AWARDEES FOR COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Lt. Gen. Camilo Pancratius Cascolan, Deputy Chief PNP for Administration - Commander of the Administrative Support for Covid-19 Task Force (ASCOTF)

Lt. Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, Deputy Chief PNP for Operations - Task Force Commander of the Joint Task Force Covid Shield

Lt. Gen. Cesar Hawthorne Binag, Chief Directorial Staff - Deputy Commander of the Administrative Support for Covid-19 Task Force (ASCOTF)

Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Luis Licup, Director for Operations - Deputy Commander of the Administrative Support for Covid-19 Task Force (ASCOTF)

Brig. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, Regional Director, PRO3 - Responsive programs on peace and order relative to productivity and resiliency that mitigated the effect of Covid-19 in Central Luzon

Col. Allan Rae Co, City Director, Baguio City Police Office - Implementing projects through the use of technology to visualize, analyze and mitigate the spread of Covid-19 cases in Baguio City.

SPECIAL UNIT AWARDEES FOR COVID-19 PANDEMIC

PNP Health Service - lead unit in charge of providing medical and health care services and safety protocols to the PNP and the community in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group - Initiated efforts to fight and control the community transmission of the Covid-19 disease by leading the contact tracing.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111278

BRP Jose Rizal leaves Guam for Hawaii

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 6, 2020): BRP Jose Rizal leaves Guam for Hawaii (By Priam Nepomuceno)



BRP Jose Rizal. (Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)

The Philippine Navy (PN)'s first missile-frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), departed from Apra Harbor, Guam on Wednesday, and is expected to arrive in Hawaii on August 14 to participate in the two-week Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2020.

"Participation in RIMPAC 2020 will serve as 'shakedown cruise' for the newly-acquired frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) to further test the ship's seaworthiness and performance," said Lt. Commander Ryan H. Luna, Naval Task Group (NTG) 80.5 public affairs officer.

RIMPAC 2020 will run from August 17 to 31 off Honolulu, Hawaii, and is described as the world's largest joint and combined naval exercises held biennially.

The BRP Jose Rizal arrived in Guam last August 2, four days after departing from Subic Bay, Zambales on July 29.

The NTG 80.5 is commanded by Captain Jerry Garrido, Jr., the commanding officer of BRP Jose Rizal, and is complemented by surface, services, and support components.

Also aboard the ship is an AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" naval helicopter.

BRP Jose Rizal is the first warship in the Philippine Navy’s inventory that is equipped with multi-dimensional warfare capabilities.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111304

Lorenzana eyes 'One Hospital Command Centers' in regions

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 6, 2020): Lorenzana eyes 'One Hospital Command Centers' in regions (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Defense Secretary and National Task Force on Covid-19 chairperson, Delfin Lorenzana. (Screengrab from RTVM)

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the government plans to construct "One Hospital Command Centers" in different regions as part of response efforts to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

"At sa susunod na mga araw siguro, magtatayo din tayo ng ganitong 'One Hospital Command Center(s)' sa iba-ibang region. Layunin nitong pangasiwaan ang mga ospital pati na 'yung mga treatment centers (In the coming days possible, we will set-up 'One Hospital Command Center(s)' in different regions. Its goal is to manage the hospitals and treatment centers)," Lorenzana said at the launch of the Covid-19 Command Center in Makati City on Thursday.

Lorenzana, also chairperson of the National Task Force on Covid-19, said this came following reports that some hospitals are no longer accepting Covid-19 patients as they have reached full capacity.

He added that these centers will be tasked to monitor which hospitals are full and those are still able to accept patients.

He also said that having these centers in place will ensure that those requiring hospitalization will have access 24/7 with just one phone call away.

On Wednesday, the Department of Health (DOH) has proposed the increase of bed allocation in public and private hospitals nationwide.

The agency said it has proposed to increase the Covid-19 bed from 30 to 50 percent in public hospitals, and from 20-30 percent in private hospitals to avoid reaching 100 percent utilization rate and to ensure that hospital facilities will be adequately prepared and are not overwhelmed by a surge of cases.

Apart from the One Hospital Command program, the DOH has started with the implementation of Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) protocol in coordination with local government units.

The Philippines currently has 115,980 Covid-19 cases, of which 47,587 are active cases.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111355

PH Army suspends pre-entry exams due to MECQ

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 6, 2020): PH Army suspends pre-entry exams due to MECQ (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The Philippine Army (PA) has temporarily suspended all pre-entry examinations of its recruitment offices as Metro Manila and the nearby provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal were placed under modified enhanced community quarantine from August 4 to 18 due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

In a statement Thursday, Col. Ramon Zagala, PA spokesperson, said the temporary suspension took effect on Tuesday.

The examinations include the AFP Service Aptitude Test (AFPSAT), Army Qualifying Exam (AQE), and Special Written Examination (SWE) for Officer Candidate Course (OCC) and Officer Preparatory Course (OPC).

Zagala said online registration, however, is still ongoing and applicants are advised to check for updates and instructions from the official Facebook pages of their respective recruitment offices:

Luzon Army Recruitment Office

-Applicants may register online and should wait for further announcements. They may inquire and search for the following:

Facebook Page - https://facebook.com/AROLuzonOfficialPage/

-AFPSAT registration - https://bit.ly/aroluzon_afpsat_registration

-AQE and SWE registration - https://bit.ly/aroluzon_aqeswe_registration.

Visayas Army Recruitment Office

Applicants may inquire and register thru the official FB pages of their provinces. They may inquire and search for the following:

-Cebu - Army Recruitment Office Region 7

-Bohol - Army Recruitment Office Bohol

-Panay Island - Army Recruitment Office Region 6

-Samar and Leyte - Army Recruitment Office Region 8

-Negros Island - Army Recruitment Office Region Negros

Mindanao Army Recruitment Office

-Applicants should download and fill out a form posted on their official FB page (Army Recruitment Office Mindanao). Completely filled out form must be sent to arcmindanao_cdo@yahoo.com together with the applicant’s NSO/PSA Birth Certificate, Diploma, and Transcript of Records.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111386

CHR to probe abuses, exploitation of IP communities

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 6, 2020): CHR to probe abuses, exploitation of IP communities (By Marita Moaje)


PNA file photo

Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Commissioner Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana on Wednesday decried any form of abuse and exploitation of indigenous peoples (IP) leaders and communities.

In a web forum organized by the National Commission on the Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Gana said they "are going to investigate if ever a complaint is filed with us”.

During the forum's question and answer portion, IPs from Region 9 (Zamboanga) asked for the position of the CHR on violations made by communist terrorist groups (CTG) on IP communities and ancestral domains, particularly on the reported recruitment of minors to join the armed movement.

"We are here for them, for the IPs, anytime our office is open. Of course, we do not tolerate this kind of abuses and whatever groups are involved whether it’s the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army) or any other groups as long as they abuse and exploit our minorities and all other vulnerable sectors of society we are against it and we will do our best to obtain justice for them," Gana said.

She said whenever CHR does its report, it always investigates and verifies all the reports submitted to them.

She said face-to-face consultations are done with the sectors of the society involved in the investigation or monitoring to assure an independent and balanced report.

Gana added that the CHR did a national inquiry on the indigenous peoples' rights as they went all over the country to discuss with the IP communities their actual concerns.

“So I would like to reassure everyone that whatever report we come up with, it's actually backed by scientific evidence, by research, and we are standing by our report in the sense that it is very independent, we are not biased, so I would like to reassure everybody that all your inputs will be considered in that report and its open. Even individuals can submit to us whatever position papers you make and we will consider it,” Gana said.

NCIP, CHR to champion IP rights

Gana, meanwhile, said the CHR recognizes the important role played by the NCIP in promoting the IP cultural community and championing IP rights.

She said they are coordinating with the NCIP, adding they would sign a memorandum of agreement with the agency.

"We have what we call the indigenous peoples' human rights observatory whereby you can contribute data, statistics –– all sectors of the society can do that. Go to our web and just put in whatever comments and complaints you have and all of this will be gathered in our observatory," she said.

Gana said IPs should not think that CHR is against them but instead look at the agency as a partner in the protection and promotion of their rights.

NCIP chairperson Allen Capuyan expressed his willingness to partner with the agency.

“NCIP would really want to partner with the CHR on the human rights observatory and we hope we will strengthen this partnership with the signing of the memorandum of agreement," he said.

Protests

Meanwhile, Gana said CHR "does not subscribe to the premise" that they are encouraging protests, especially those done during President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).

She said while everyone can exercise their freedom or rights, this exercise should be balanced, especially with the prevailing health crisis.

She added that this freedom should also be balanced because people also have the right to be free from any disease and to be healthy.

“The CHR is a safe space for the civil society for you to come and to assemble, but you must observe what the government said which is the safety precautions (by) the DOH [Department of Health] and the IATF [Inter Agency Task Force]," Gana said.

"You have to observe it meaning to say, you can only gather, ilan lang kayo dapat (in a certain number) as allowed by law and you have to have all these masks and all these protective measures and gears so you have to balance this right because your right to exercise your freedom is not suspended by Covid. You still have the right, its inherent in you but you have to respect also the right of the state and the state to protect its citizens."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111416