Delivery of future BRP Antonio Luna delayed due to pandemic — Navy chief

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 10, 2020): Delivery of future BRP Antonio Luna delayed due to pandemic — Navy chief (By Martin Sadongdong)

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has forced the delay of the delivery of the Philippine Navy’s (PN) second brand new frigate, the future BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151).

In a virtual briefing on Monday, Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, PN Flag Officer in Command, said the future BRP Antonio Luna was supposed to be delivered in October 2020 but travel restrictions and other concerns due to the health crisis prompted the parties involved to move it to the first quarter of 2021.

Philippine Navy (PN) Chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo
(Philippine Navy / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

“We are expecting the delivery of the second frigate, the BRP Antonio Luna, in the first quarter of calendar year 2021. If not for this COVID-19 pandemic, the second frigate should have been delivered October of this year,” he said.

The future BRP Antonio Luna is the sister ship of the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) which was delivered by South Korean ship maker Hyundai Heavy Industries, Inc. in May 2020.

Aside from the second frigate, other acquisitions that have been impacted by the pandemic include the light armored systems upgrade and acquisition of squad rocket launcher light of the Philippine Marine Corps.

The delivery of the first unit of eight fast attack interdiction craft missiles from Israel was also delayed, Bacordo said.

A small but agile warship, the first unit of the fast attack craft was originally scheduled to be delivered in December 2022 but has been moved to the first quarter of 2021.

The acquisition of two landing docks, which is currently at the post qualification stage, was also temporarily suspended by the Navy. These strategic sealift vessels are intended to act as reinforcements to the two Tarlac-class landing docks, the BRP Tarlac and BRP Davao del Sur.

“We have other projects which took the backstage because of this COVID-19 pandemic,” Bacordo said, referring to the purchase projects for its shore-based anti-ship missile system, shore-based air defense missile system, and the country’s first ever submarine.

“While [they have] been approved by the President, it may be deferred until the national emergency has ceased,” he explained.

Last month, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that the Department of National Defense took a P19.3-billion budget cut to fund the government’s COVID-19 response efforts.

Of these, about P9.4 billion were originally set for the second horizon of the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Bacordo projected that the pandemic will delay more acquisition projects under the modernization program by one-and-a-half to two years.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/08/10/delivery-of-future-brp-antonio-luna-delayed-due-to-pandemic-navy-chief/

Bulatlat: Police deny families right to claim remains of 3 alleged NPA fighters

Posted to the pro-CPP/NPA/NDF online propaganda publication Bulatlat (Aug 10, 2020): Police deny families right to claim remains of 3 alleged NPA fighters (By Justin Umali)

Photo from Karapatan-Timog Katagalugan

“Instead of mourning for our loved ones, we feel spiteful at the police officers who are denying the remains of our loved ones.”

SANTA ROSA, Laguna – Elements of the Philippine National Police have taken the remains of three suspected members of the revolutionary New People’s Army to Camp Vicente Lim, Calamba, Laguna, and are “shrugging off all requests by their families” to claim them, according to human rights group Karapatan Southern Tagalog.

On August 4, Deoscorro Cello, Rey Masinas, and Alex Perdiguerra were killed in an armed encounter in barangay San Antonio, Kalayaan, Laguna.

The families were informed that the remains were interred at Green Lawn Memorial Services in Calamba, August 5. Reveleen Cello, Deoscoro’s daughter, sought the assistance of Karapatan ST in retrieving the remains – the group arrived at Green Lawn on August 6.

When they arrived, no remains were found.

“The funeral home said that the police took the bodies again to bury them,” Reveleen said.

Green Lawn staff also informed them that police officers had the three remains go under autopsy, without the consent of any family member or relative.

According to Karapatan ST, the police threatened the attendants at Green Lawn to give them the remains of the three individuals, despite protests that Cello’s relatives were on the way. They assert that police cannot simply “take somebody’s remains without the express permission of family members, especially after an autopsy was done.”

“Are these people policemen or undertakers?” asked Kyle Salgado, Karapatan ST spokesperson. “Is Camp Vicente Lim now a cemetery?”

Reveleen and the humanitarian team from Karapatan ST went to Camp Vicente Lim to claim the remains. They were delayed for three hours before a man in civilian clothes claiming to be from the PNP Regional Mobile Force Battalion 4A spoke with them to confirm that Cello’s remains were inside the camp, along with Masinas’ and Perdiguerra’s.

Photo from Karapatan-Timog Katagalugan

“Instead of mourning for our loved ones, we feel spiteful at the police officers who are denying the remains of our loved ones,” said Reveleen. “We are seeking justice, not only for the brutality that the police inflicted upon them, but also for the continuing denial of justice.”

Karapatan ST stressed that “NPA or not, everybody has the right to a decent burial.” The group is currently calling on the Commission on Human Rights and other groups to investigate the matter.

The group also alleged that the reason why Cello’s remains are being held is because of a police assertion that he was a high-ranking officer in the NPA’s Melito Glor Command, with a P3.8 million bounty above his head.

Not new under Duterte

Karapatan ST stressed that this wasn’t a new ‘modus operandi’ for the PNP. Last February 5, the remains of two peasant activists, Emerito Pinza and Romy Candor, were found hastily buried under false names in a cemetery in Calamba. Like Cello, Masinas, and Pedriguerra, they were also killed by police officers in Kalayaan, Laguna.

The PNP insisted that Pinza and Candor were members of the NPA. They also released a statement that they assisted family members and relatives in burying them.

Karapatan ST debunked the statement, with Pinza’s wife flat-out stating that she had not seen her husband’s remains.

The truth came out when the remains of the two were found in mislabeled graves in a local Calamba cemetery.

Aside from the three individuals, the 2nd Infantry Division of the AFP also reported an alleged encounter in Kalayaan, during the late hours of April 7. Karapatan ST is also currently looking into the facts of the matter.

Karapatan ST insisted that these were violations of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

CARHRIHL is an agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines which guarantees basic rights for combatants and non-combatants on both sides.

Under CARHRIHL, the right to decent burial is guaranteed.

https://www.bulatlat.com/2020/08/09/police-deny-families-right-to-claim-remains-of-3-alleged-npa-fighters/

Bulatlat: Police detain civilians after killing suspected NPA hors de combat

Posted to the pro-CPP/NPA/NDF online propaganda publication Bulatlat (Aug 10, 2020): Police detain civilians after killing suspected NPA hors de combat (By Justin Umali)

Under the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, Caraig’s rights as hors de combat were violated.

SANTA ROSA, Laguna – Combined elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police killed an injured man alleged to be a member of the revolutionary New People’s Army in sitio Boho, barangay San Antonio, Kalayaan, Laguna before detaining civilians and taking them to an undisclosed location, August 7.

According to eyewitness accounts given to human rights watchdog Karapatan Southern Tagalog, Mario Caraig was tending to an injury in the Asedillo residence when police raided the house and killed him. After the encounter, police arrested the three members of the Asedillo household – Virgilio Asedillio; his daughter Chloe, two months pregnant; and Chloe’s husband, who was unidentified, for “harboring a criminal.”

The raid occurred at approximately 11:10 in the evening. No formal charges were filed against the Asedillo family.

An official statement from the AFP’s 2nd Infantry Division asserted that Caraig was a high-ranking member of the NPA. He was reportedly issued an arrest warrant for multiple counts of murder and fought back.

Karapatan ST disputed this, saying that eyewitness accounts clearly stated that Caraig was wounded in the arm and was in no condition to fight back, making him hors de combat.

Karapatan ST slammed the arrests of the Asedillo family, calling it a clear case of “illegal detention.” They also stated that under the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, Caraig’s rights as hors de combat were violated.

Under Part IV, Article 4 of CARHRIHL, persons considered hors de combat are “protected in all circumstances and treated humanely.” CARHRIHL also stipulates the wounded combatants must be collected and cared for by the “party in the armed conflict which has taken them in its custody or responsibility.”

CARHRIHL is a joint agreement signed by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines in 1998 which guarantees basic rights for combatants and non-combatants on both sides of the armed conflict.

Karapatan ST is currently investigating the whereabouts of the Asedillo family.

The encounter occurred barely three days after police officers shot and killed Dioscoro Cello, Rey Masinas, and Alex Perdeguera in the same barangay. Their remains are currently in Camp Vicente Lim, Calamba, Laguna. Police officers have so far refused to entertain any request from family members to claim the remains.

https://www.bulatlat.com/2020/08/10/police-detain-civilians-after-killing-suspected-npa-hors-de-combat/

Still no word from hostage-takers on abducted Surigao police officer

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 10, 2020): Still no word from hostage-takers on abducted Surigao police officer (By Mike Crismundo)

CAMP COL. RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – Authorities here have yet to receive any information from the abductors of a police intelligence officer in a Surigao del Norte town.

“By this time, still no word has been received from the abductors of P/Staff Sgt. Restie Dandan,” said Regional Public Information Office (RPIO) Caraga Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) chief Maj. Renel E. Serrano.

He said that, as of Sunday afternoon, there was still no communication from the abductors to any of Staff Sgt. Restie Dandan’s family members, or his fellow police officers at the Sison Municipal Police Station (MPS) in Sison town, Surigao del Norte province.

A Special Task Investigation Team of Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office (PPO) and Sison Municipal Police Station (MPS) are currently coordinating with the provincial and municipal crisis committees on the search and rescue operations of the abducted Sison MPS intelligence officer.

“Our field team is still looking possible means to rescue the police officer, who was abducted since July 31, 2020,” said the RPIO chief, in an interview with The Manila Bulletin late Sunday afternoon.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) has yet to own up to Dandan’s abduction, no other armed group operated in Sison except communist rebels, according to Serrano.

Dandan was driving a motorcycle on his way to work when flagged down by unidentified number of armed men, believed to be NPAs, around 8:45 a.m. on July 31 along the national highway in Barangay San Isidro in Sison, initial police report said.

It was gathered that the family of Dandan was already very worried about the safety of the police officer.

Meanwhile, Surigao del Norte Gov. Atty. Francisco T. Matugas, who immediately mobilized the provincial crisis committee and provincial peace and order council after the reported abduction incident, also told The Manila Bulletin that the two committees already met with the members of Sison municipal crisis committee, led by Mayor Karissa Paronio, for possible negotiations with the abductors of the police officer.

“Priority of our peace-keeping team on the ground is the safe release of the victim,” said the provincial chief executive as he appealed to the hostage-takers to release the police officer unharmed.

In a phone interview last week, Matugas told The Manila Bulletin that the crisis committees, both province and municipality were doing everything necessary to bring the police officer home, unharmed, alive and safe.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/08/10/still-no-word-from-hostage-takers-on-abducted-surigao-police-officer/

8 NPA members in Antique surrender

From Panay News (Aug 10, 2020): 8 NPA members in Antique surrender

Eight members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Antique surrender to the government on Aug. 7. Eleven of their comrades in the province also returned to the government’s fold last June. PROVINCE OF ANTIQUE

SAN JOSE, Antique – Eight members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in this province surrendered to government forces.

Alias “Joy”, the only woman in the group of surrenderers presented to Gov. Rhodora Cadiao on Aug. 7, said she lived the life of a rebel for 19 years.

“I was convinced to join the CPP-NPA thinking that its idealism could be a way for me to help address the problem of poverty,” she said.

“I finally decided to surrender because I realized that there was no development in our armed struggle and I want to take care of my family now,” she added.

San Jose chief of police Major Benjo Clarite said the eight rebels were convinced to surrender because of the government’s End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) program.

“Through the ELCAC, there is a convergence of the different local and national government agencies services being brought to the communities which they would like to avail themselves of,” he stressed.

Clarite said the provincial government gave the former NPA members financial aid but did not specify the amount.

The Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority are willing to help the surrenderers acquire new skills and livelihood, he added.

The Police Regional Intelligence Unit and the Philippine Army 61st Infantry Battalion under the 3rd Infantry Division were also credited for the peaceful surrender of the rebels.

Clarite said this batch of surrenderers came after 11 CPP-NPA members yielded last June 23.

“We hope that more rebels would be convinced to give up their arms after the surrender of their comrades,” he added.

https://www.panaynews.net/8-npa-members-in-antique-surrender/

Philippines: Threats Of Violent Extremism And Terrorism Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic – Analysis

Posted to the Eurasia Review (Aug 10, 2020): Philippines: Threats Of Violent Extremism And Terrorism Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic – Analysis (By By Rommel C. Banlaoi/PIPVTR)

The world at present faces two deadly pandemics: COVID-19 pandemics and the pandemics of terrorism. Both carry noxious viruses that are contagious, lethal, and virulent.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, terrorist threats worldwide continue unabated. In fact, international terrorist groups are taking advantage of the pandemic to propagandize, recruit and mount violent attacks. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), for example, is currently experiencing a rapid resuscitation as the pandemic is providing the group the needed oxygen to recover. The Philippines is one of the countries most affected by the twin threats of terrorism and COVID-19 pandemic.

Terror Threats Persist Worldwide During the Pandemic

According to the Country Reports on Terrorism published by the Bureau of Counterterrorism of the US State Department in June 2020, dangerous terrorist threats persisted around the world.[1] Though ISIS already lost some of its key leaders and major territories as a result of the US-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, the group has effectively adapted “to continue the fight from its affiliates around the globe and by inspiring followers to commit attacks”.[2]

While the whole world is preoccupied overcoming the terrifying onslaught of COVID-19, ISIS is mounting a global resurgence.[3] ISIS is exploiting the pandemic to ramp up attacks in areas where they still maintain significant followers beyond Iraq and Syria. ISIS even regards the coronavirus as the “soldier of Allah” that is part of the global jihad against the infidels.

Thus, the world at present faces two deadly pandemics: COVID-19 pandemics and the pandemics of terrorism. Both carry noxious viruses that are contagious, lethal, and virulent. Until now, we are still in search of an effective vaccine to halt these viruses from spreading fear and wreaking havoc to the whole of humanity.

The Philippines: COVID-19 Hotspot and Epicenter of Terror Threats in Southeast Asia

The Philippines is not spared from the threats of these twin pandemics. The Philippines has become the COVID-19 hotspot in Southeast Asia with close to 130,000 confirmed cases to date. The Philippines has almost doubled the infection rate in China, the ground zero of infections. The COVID-19 pandemic is providing ISIS followers in the Philippines the conducive environment to spread violent extremism and to sow terror while taking advantage of law enforcement authorities preoccupied in implementing quarantine measures to contain the spread of the disease.

Since March 2020, ISIS followers in the Philippines have conducted around 700 violent attacks amidst the pandemic based on military intelligence reports. From 18 April to 12 June 2020 alone, at the height of the first wave of the pandemic, the Philippine National Police (PNP) recorded 588 violent activities of ISIS followers in the country. 

Source: Philippine National Police, July 2020

The most devastating attack, so far, was on 17 April 2020 when the ASG killed eleven and wounded 14 soldiers of the Philippine Army in a firefight in Patikul, Sulu.[4] The ASG ambushed the Philippine soldiers while they were conducting their hot pursuit operations against followers of Radullan Sahiron and Hatib Sawadjaan, two top ASG leaders in Sulu.[5]

The Philippines has, therefore, become the epicenter of ISIS terror threat in Southeast Asia. The Global Terrorism Index listed the Philippines as the only country in Southeast Asia belonging to the top-10 countries in the world most impacted by terrorism in its report in 2019.[6] It is very likely for the Philippines to be listed again as one of the countries most impacted by terrorism in 2020 with the persistence of terrorist activities in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic.[7]

Rise of Suicide Terrorism in the Philippines

The face of terrorism in the Philippines has become more perilous with the rise of suicide terrorism. Three years after the Marawi siege, the Philippines suffered the following suicide terrorist attacks, so far:

• Lamitan City suicide bombing involving a German national with a Moroccan descent (31 July 2018)
• Jolo Cathedral suicide bombing involving Indonesian couple (27 January 2019)
• Indanan, Sulu suicide bombing involving a Filipino (28 June 2019)
• Indanan, Sulu female suicide bombing involving an Egyptian national (8 September 2019)

On 5 November 2019, the Philippine military foiled an attempted suicide bombing in Sulu when troops killed in action two Egyptian nationals in Jolo. The Philippine police, on the other hand, foiled another planned suicide terrorist attack in Metro Manila when agents killed four operatives of the Abu Sayyaf Group in their safe house in Parañaque City on 26 June 2020. The shooting incident involving military and police operatives in Jolo on 29 June 2020 was related to a military mission to run after female suicide bombers.

The rise of suicide terrorism in the Philippines arises from the contagious effect of the ideology of violent extremism propagated by ISIS foreign terrorist fighters in the country. ISIS foreign terrorist fighters capitalize on local grievances, historical animosities, and feeling of injustices to propagate violent extremism in the Philippines, particularly in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao. Violent extremism is the ideology that justifies acts of terrorism in the Philippines.

Where are the Threats of Violent Extremism andTerrorism in the Philippines Coming From?

During the pandemic, there are at least six active pro-ISIS terrorist groups operating in the Philippines:[8] the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), the Turaipe Group of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the Abu Zacaria Group (AZG), the Nilong Group, the Salahuddin Group, and Suyuful Khilafa Fi-Luzon. All these groups belong to an umbrella organization described by the Philippine military as Daula Islamiya Philippines (DI-P) or Islamic State Philippines (ISP), which is the main base of the ISIS East Asia Wilaya or the Islamic State East Asia (ISEA) more known by followers as Wilayah Sharq Asia. Supporting these groups are foreign terrorist fighters coming largely from Indonesia and Malaysia but with significant personalities coming also from the Arab world, North Africa and Europe.

Source: PIPVTR, August 2020

Abu Sayyaf Group

There are three known major factions of the ASG. Two of these factions are in Sulu. One is headed by Hatib Sawadjaan while the other one is headed by Radullan Sahiron.

Sawadjaan is a pro-ISIS leader known to be the de-facto Amir of DI-P or Daula Islamiya Alfalabin.[9] He pledged allegiance to ISIS in 2014. The Philippine military calls his group as Daula Islamiya Sawadjaan Group (DI-WG) with around 300 regular armed followers operating in Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and even Sabah. DI-SG is responsible for a series of suicide bombings in Sulu and kidnapping activities in Sabah.

Sahiron is not a pro-ISIS leader. He used to be affiliated with Al-Qaeda being one of the original founders of the ASG then under the leadership of Abdurajak Janjalani. Sahiron continues to be in the list of most wanted terrorists by the US State Department. But Sahiron slows down his violent activities during the rise of ISIS having been overshadowed by his erstwhile lieutenant, the late Isnilon Hapilon who became the leader of Daula Islamiya Wilayatul Mashriq (Islamic State Province in East Asia) responsible for the 2017 Marawi Siege. Sahiron continues to have around 50 armed followers operating mainly in his little kingdom in Patikul, Sulu.

Sahiron developed an adversarial attitude towards ISIS having suffered near-death experiences with Al-Qaeda operatives in Mindanao. Thus, he refused to pledge allegiance to ISIS.[10]

Another faction of the ASG is based in Basilan now headed by Furuji Indama who pledged allegiance to ISIS in 2014. He is a pro-ISIS leader who used to be the number two man of Hapilon who pledged allegiance to ISIS twice: in 2014 and 2016.

Indama has around 20 regular armed followers in Basilan with support network operating in Zamboanga City and Zamboanga Peninsula, particularly in Zamboanga Sibugay. Being a pro-ISIS leader, Indama also provides tactical support to the activities of Sawadjaan.

Turaipe Group

The Turaipe Group refers to the faction of the BIFF headed by by Esmael Abdulmalik (Alias Commander Turaipe/Turaifie). He pledged allegiance to IS in April 2017 just a month before the Marawi Siege. Commander Turaipe formed his own pro-IS group called Jama’ahtul Mujahirin Wal Ansar (JMWA) based largely in Datu Salibo town of Maguindanao.[11]

After the Marawi Siege, Commander Turaipe continued his armed activities in the provinces of Maguindanao and North Cotabato through ambuscades, roadside bombings, liquidations, and harassments on behalf of ISIS. Commander Turaipe even renamed his group as Daulah Islamiya Maguindanaw (DIM) or the Islamic State of Maguindanao, a pro-ISIS group responsible for most of the violent attacks in Maguindanao three years after the Marawi siege. The military calls his group as DI-Turaipe Group with more than 80 armed followers.

Zacaria Group

The Zacaria Group refers to remnants of the Maute Group. It is presently led by Commander Ker Mimbantas who is also known as Commander Zacaria or Commander Omar. He was one of the officers of the Maute Group, also known as the Daula Islamiya Ranao or the Islamic State of Lanao.

Commander Zacaria has around 40 armed followers operating mostly in Lanao del Sur and Marawi City. He used to work with the Maute brothers (Abdullah and Omarkayam) and Abu Dar. When these leaders died, he rose to prominence being the nephew of the late Alim Abdul Azis Mimbantas, the former Vice Chairman for Military Affairs of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The military calls the Zacaria Group as the Daula Islamiya Zacaria Group (DI-ZG).

Nilong Group

The Nilong Group represents the remnants of the Ansar Khilafa Philippines (AKP) then led by Mohammad Jaafar Maguid more known as Commander Tokboy. The group is being led by a certain Jeoffrey Nilong, alias Commander Momoy believed to be holding his makeshift camp in Polomolok, South Cotabato. The military calls this shadowy group as Daula Islamiya Nilong Group (DI-NG) with only around 10 followers operating mainly in the provinces of South Cotabato, Sarangani and General Santos of the Southern Philippines. The group was responsible for the bombing in General Santos in September 2018.[12]

Salahuddin Group

The Salahuddin Group is being led by Hassan Salahuddin, the first leader who pledged allegiance to the new ISIS Caliph, Al-Qurashi, on 11 November 2019. Salahuddin used to be a member of the Al Khobar Group (AKG), the Special Operation Group (SOG) of the MILF in the 1990s. The AKG was responsible for a series of extortion activities in Mindanao cities of Tacurong, Kidapawan, Koronadal and General Santos using skills in bomb making.

Salahuddin developed his skills in bomb making through his mentors, Basit Usman and Marwan (Zulkipli bin Hir) who were targets of Mamasapano clash on 25 January 2015. When Basit Usman organized the Al Khilafa Sarangani in 2012, Salahuddin joined him to conduct training on bomb making with pro-ISIS followers in Central Mindanao. When Basit Usman died on 3 May 2015 in a military encounter, Salahuddin joined the BIFF-Turaipe Group in order to establish the Daula Islamiya Maguindanao.

With the support of BIFF-Turaipe Group, Salahuddin masterminded the Isulan, Sultan Kudarat bombings on 28 August 2018 and 2 September 2018. DI-SG also coddles foreign terrorist fighters through the assistance of a long-time friend, Mauwiya, a Singaporean follower of Jemaah Islamiya. Mauwiya has been operating in Central Mindanao since the 1990s.

The military calls the Salahuddin Group as Daula Islamiya Salahuddin Group (DI-SG) with around 10 followers trained in bomb making. The group is operating mainly in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

Suyuful Khilafa Fi Luzon

The Suyuful Khilafa Fi Luzon (SKFL) or the Soldiers of the Caliphate in Luzon operates mainly in Luzon, particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR), Ilocos Region and Bicol Region. Composed mostly of Muslim converts, the SKFL evolved from Jamal Al Tawhid Wal Jihad (JTJ) Philippines whose members pledged allegiance to ISIS in 2014. Members of JTJ Philippines were followers of Abu Musab Al Zarqawi who founded the JTJ in Iraq that became known as the Al-Qaeda in Iraq. After the death of Osama bin Laden, Al Zargawi reorganized the JTJ as the Islamic State in Iraq, the forerunner of the present day ISIS.

The SKFL cooperates with pro-ISIS groups operating in the NCR. The SKFL was responsible for several bomb threats and foiled bombing activities in Metro Manila during the Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in November 2017 and the Summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in November 2016 as well as the visit to Manila of Pope Francis in January 2015. The SKFL was also responsible for several bomb threats in Northern Luzon in November 2019 threatening to attack Catholic churches.[13]

Though based in Luzon, the SKFL also operates in Southern Visayas and Northern Mindanao by penetrating Muslim converts or Balik Islam communities in these areas. However, the military only identifies more than ten active operatives of the SKFL pursuing violent activities.

Foreign Terrorist Fighters

Foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) operating in the Philippines are foreign operatives of ISIS planning and conducting violent activities in the country, particularly in Mindanao. Intelligence estimates in 2018 indicated close to 100 pro-IS FTFs in the Philippines.[14] But intelligence estimates at the end of 2019 downgraded the figure to 59 “watch-listed” and 7 under hot-pursuit FTFs.[15] During the Marawi liberation; the AFP identified 32 dead bodies of FTFs from the ground zero.[16]

Most FTFs coming to the Philippines were from Indonesia and Malaysia while others came from the Arab World, particularly from Egypt and Saudi Arabia. From the 59 “watch-listed” FTFs, some are suspected to be coming from Europe, North Africa, and even from Xinjiang Province of China.

FTFs come to the Philippines to facilitate transfer of funds and weapons to local supporters, to conduct violent extremist propaganda activities, and to transfer skills in religious jihad.[17] FTFs also regard the Philippines as an alternative home base, a new land of jihad, and a very excellent sanctuary or safe haven because of domestic Muslim resistance, weak law enforcement, and very porous borders. More importantly, their local counterparts welcome the entry of FTFs despite their recent setbacks in Iraq and Syria.

FTFs can enter the Philippines through several backdoors from Sabah covering the maritime borders of the Philippines and Malaysia and from Manado covering the maritime borders of the Philippines and Indonesia.[18] But most of the FTFs have entered the Philippines through normal immigration process at the Philippine airports using budget airlines. 

Source: PIPVTR, August 2020

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, threats of violent extremism and terrorism in the Philippines persist through the continuing activities of ISIS followers operating in the country. Though the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed the entry of FTFs to the Philippines, those who are already in the country continue to spread the ideology of violent extremism that encourages ISIS followers to commit various acts of terrorism, especially suicide terrorism.

Suicide terrorism is the current face of terror in the Philippines. ISIS is taking advantage of the pandemic to propagate the ideology of violent extremism and to support acts of terrorism in the Philippines by funding, training, and mobilizing pro-ISIS groups in the country.

In short, the Philippines is confronting the challenges of the twin pandemics from COVID-19 and ISIS. Overcoming these challenges needs an innovative countermeasure that is dynamic, comprehensive, holistic, inclusive and lawful.

[This paper was originally prepared for presentation at the Online Seminar Workshop on Conflict Monitoring and Research Methodologies for Population-Based Studies About Conflict, Terrorism and Peace and Development Initiatives organized by the Western Mindanao State University, Zamboanga City on 10 August 2020.]

[About the author: Dr. Rommel C. Banlaoi is the Chairman of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research (www.pipvtr.org) and a Professorial Lecturer at the Department of International Studies, Miriam College, the Philippines. He is also the President of the Philippine Society for Intelligence and Security Studies]

[Source: This article was published by PIVTR]

END NOTES

1. Bureau of Counterterrorism, Country Reports on Terrorism (Washington DC: US State Department, June 2020), p. 2.

2. Ibid.

3. Joseph Hincks, “With the World Busy Fighting COVID-19, Could ISIS Mount A Resurgence?”, Time, 29 April 2020.

4. Rommel C. Banlaoi, “Tackling the ASG: Need to Rethink Strategies,” RSIS Commentaries (Singapore: S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, 8 May 2020). https://www.rsis.edu.sg/rsis-publication/rsis/tackling-abu-sayyaf-need-to-rethink-strategies/

5. Ibid.

6. Global Terrorism Index 2019: Measuring the Impact of Terrorism (Sydney: Institute for Economics and Peace, November 2019).

7. Rommel C. Banlaoi, “Terrorism In The Philippines During The Pandemic: Persistent Threats Three Years After Marawi Siege,” Eurasia Review, 15 May 2020. https://www.eurasiareview.com/15052020-terrorism-in-the-philippines-during-the-pandemic-persistent-threats-three-years-after-marawi-siege-analysis/

8. This section is an updated version of Rommel C. Banlaoi, “Three Years After Marawi Siege: Terrorism in the Philippines Persist Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic”, Think Pieces (Cotabato City: Institute for Autonomy and Governance, 22 May 2020) at http://iag.org.ph/think/1888-three-years-after-marawi-siege-terrorism-in-the-philippines-persists-amidst-covid-19-pandemic.


9. Peter Chalk, “The Islamic State in the Philippines: A Looming Shadow in Southeast Asia?”, CTC Sentinel, Vol. 8, Issue No. 2, March 2016.

10. Rommel C. Banlaoi, Al-Harakatul Al=Islamiyyah: Essays on the Abu Sayyaf Group, Terrorism in the Philippines from Al-Qaeda to ISIS, 4th Edition (Quezon City: Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, 2019).

11. Terrorism Research and Analysis Consortium (TRAC), “BIFF/ISEA Unit Jamaah Mohajirin Wal Ansar”, 16 September 2018.

12. “Nilong Group Tagged behind GenSan Blast,” Mindanews, 19 September 2018.

13. “Philippines: Islamic State-Linked Terrorist Group Reportedly Plotting Attacks Against Northern Targets”, Stratfor Situation Report, 7 August 2019 at https://worldview.stratfor.com/situation-report/philippines-islamic-state-linked-terrorist-group-reportedly-plotting-attacks

14. Zam Yusa, “Philippines: 100 foreign fighters joined ISIS in Mindanao since the Marawi battle,” The Defense Post, 5 November 2018.

15. Raul Dancel, “Foreign terrorists in Mindanao training suicide bombers: Philippine security officials,” The Strait Times, 23 July 2019.

16 Zam Yusa, “Philippines military photos show children among ISIS foreign fighters killed in Marawi,” The Defense Post, 25 October 2018.

17. National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, “Terrorism Situation in Relation to the Threats of Foreign Terrorist Fighters,” 2 March 2020.

18. Zam Yusa, “Malaysia and Indonesia foreign fighter transit routes to Philippines identified,” The Defense Post, 20 November 2018.


[PIPVTR: The Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research (PIPVTR) aims to promote the principle of non-violence by conducting rigorous investigative studies and peace research to understand the pathologies of terrorism in the Philippines.]

https://www.eurasiareview.com/10082020-philippines-threats-of-violent-extremism-and-terrorism-amidst-covid-19-pandemic-analysis/

NDF/Sison: Condemnation of the murder of Randall Echanis

Posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Aug 10, 2020): Condemnation of the murder of Randall Echanis

By Jose Maria Sison, NDFP Chief Political Consultant

NDFP Peace Consultant Randall Echanis / JonB
In the strongest terms, I condemn the murder of Randall (Randy) Echanis and his neighbor who were unarmed. Randall was a peaceful social activist. He was a mild-mannered man of 71 years. He had a consistent modest personality with a high level of education and intellect. He had long dedicated himself to his social advocacy and had made tremendous sacrifices for many decades.

He was outstanding as an advocate of genuine land reform, rural development and national industrialization. He was the National Chairperson of the Anakpawis Party List and Deputy Secretary General of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas and was a leading consultant of the NDFP on agrarian reform and member of the NDFP Reciprocal Working Committee on Social and Economic Reforms. He played a key role in the drafting of documents on agrarian reform and rural development and the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Reforms.

Even after the termination of the peace negotiations by Duterte, Randall was supposed to enjoy the protection of the safety and immunity provisions of the JASIG just like all the other negotiators, consultants and staff of the GRP and NDFP in the peace negotiations. Duterte and his gang of butchers are truly monstrous for murdering the unarmed Randall and his neighbor.

It is widely known that the DILG secretary Ano has been boasting to his staff and other people that he has mapped out the locations of all social activists through the local governments and neighborhoods and that he can wipe them out the social activists anytime. This boasting of Ano is taken seriously by all the social activists that he threatens to kill.

With the murder of Randall and his neighbor, the Duterte gang of butchers has aroused the indignation and just wrath of the peasant masses and the entire Filipino people. All social activists have no choice but to intensify in every necessary way their struggle against the tyrant, traitor, butcher and plunderer Duterte.

The murder of Randall and his neighbor will have far reaching consequences towards the intensification of the Filipino people’s struggle for national and social liberation against the evil Duterte regime and the unjust ruling system of big compradors, landlords and corrupt officials who are servile to foreign monopoly capitalism.###

https://ndfp.org/condemnation-of-the-murder-of-randall-echanis/

CPP: Condemn the cold-blooded murder of Randall Echanis by Duterte’s death squads

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 8, 2020): Condemn the cold-blooded murder of Randall Echanis by Duterte’s death squads

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
AUGUST 10, 2020

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condemns in the strongest terms the cold-blooded murder of Randall Echanis, Chairperson of the Anakpawis party-list and peace consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). Ka Randy, 72, was killed early this morning by armed men in his rented home in Novaliches, Quezon City. He was reported to have stabbed to death.

Echanis’s murder is undoubtedly the handiwork of the Duterte fascist regime, ordered by its cabal of criminal terrorists in the National Task Force and carried out by Duterte’s death squads in the military and police. Duterte himself has publicly ordered his military and police forces to hunt down consultants of the NDFP after he terminated peace negotiations in 2017.

The extrajudicial killing of Echanis is a vicious attack against the democratic forces who continue to stand firm even in the face of the all-out attacks of the tyrannical regime against the people and their civil and political rights. It was carried out by state forces in the most treacherous of manners in the vain hope of terrorizing the people and cowing them to submission. It forms part of the continuing scheme of the Duterte regime to consolidate its fascist reign through murder and other acts of state terrorism.

The regime has stepped up its attacks in its desperation to quell the seething unrest amid the deepening socio-economic and public health crisis and rising discontent in both the cities and countryside.

All democratic forces must unite and condemn the murder of Ka Randy. They must demand that Duterte himself be made to pay for the Echanis murder as well as for the murders of fellow peace consultants Julius Giron and Randy Malayao. They must not relent in their demand for justice for the thousands of others who have been killed, imprisoned, tortured and terrorized in the course of the fascist regime’s fake drug war, bloody counterinsurgency, war against the Moros and all-out drive of political repression and state terrorism.

In behalf of all revolutionary forces, the Communist Party of the Philippines extends its deepest sympathies to Echanis’ wife, children and family, friends and comrades in the national democratic movement. Having devoted most of his life to the cause of national and social liberation, Ka Randy is, indeed, a hero of the Filipino people. He was a stalwart of the cause of the workers and peasants and was a unifying force among the different classes and sectors.

The CPP pays tribute to Ka Randy as an ageless revolutionary fighter. He was among the thousands of young activists who joined the revolutionary mass movement in the late 1960s and fought courageously against the US-Marcos dictatorship. When martial law was declared in 1972, he joined the armed struggle and was among the pioneers of the New People’s Army (NPA) during its period of expansion and growth in the northern Luzon regions.

He was captured, tortured and incarcerated under the Marcos dictatorship. He was again arrested and detained under the Aquino and Arroyo regimes. He will later continue to work for the national democratic cause by advancing the cause of land reform in all possible fields of democratic struggle. He has become known as one of the pillars of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, as well as the Anakpawis party-list.

Because of his advocacy for the cause of the peasantry and the toiling people, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines asked him to serve as one of its consultants in peace negotiations, specifically on the matter of land reform. He gave his expertise in the NDFP’s efforts to prepare its draft Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER) which outlines the measures necessary to address the key issues at the core of the civil war in the Philippines, with land reform and national industrialization as the centerpiece programs.

Among the Red fighters during his younger years, Ka Randy was known by his nom de guerre as Ka Makar, which he said, was not only a tribute to Macario Sakay, erstwhile Filipino revolutionary who continued fought with arms against the American colonial forces in the early part of the 20th century, but was also an acronym for “Maso” and “Karit.” Indeed, as a revolutionary fighter, Ka Randall always firmly held the hammer on the one hand, and the sickle on the other, worked to build the worker-peasant alliance, and upheld the cause of proletariat to his last breath.

The Party and the entire revolutionary movement will forever uphold the memory of Ka Randall Echanis.

Justice for Ka Randall Echanis!

End the tryanny and terrorism of the Duterte fascist regime!

Long live the memory of Ka Randy!

https://cpp.ph/statement/condemn-the-cold-blooded-murder-of-randall-echanis-by-dutertes-death-squads/

NOLCOM: 304 dating tagasuporta ng CPP-NPA kinundena ang teroristang grupo

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 10, 2020): 304 dating tagasuporta ng CPP-NPA kinundena ang teroristang grupo



https://www.facebook.com/crgnolcom/photos/a.1813617812020579/3357879557594389/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

EASTMINCOM: 3IB Troops Discovers Arms Cache

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 9, 2020): 3IB Troops Discovers Arms Cache



DAVAO CITY – The 3rd Infantry Battalion (3IB) under Lt. Col. Juvenal Mark T. Tayamen discovered an arms cache on August 5, 2020 at Sitio Ilang, Barangay Tambobong, Baguio District, Davao City which resulted to the recovery of two (2) M16 rifles, two (2) AK47 rifles with 11 magazines and 104 rounds of ammunition.

The recovery of the firearms magazines and ammunition was the result of an information revealed by a former rebel alias Ronron who voluntarily surrendered to this unit last March 29, 2020 due to hardship, hunger and corruption he suffered within the terrorist NPA. To avoid operating troops and for them to be able to escape, they buried their firearms in the thick jungle wherein the HPFAs was then exposed by the former rebel.

BGen. Nolasco A. Mempin, the Brigade Commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, congratulated the 3IB for the successful recovery of the said HPFAs which led to the significant reduction of the CTGs firepower.

"This is the result of our successful Community Support Programs (CSP) and Modified Community Support Program that are currently getting stronger because of the cooperative and active participation of the community who are strongly supporting the program," he said.

“The successive surrender of NPA members and recovery of their HPFAs manifests further weakening of the Guerilla Fronts operating in the area of operations of 3IB. But let us be more vigilant with the Terrorist NPA who doesn't respect any human rights law or rules of engagement,” Lt. Col. Tayamen said.

He also extended his gratitude to the community who helped the troops locate the area where the firearms/ammunition were recovered.

The recovery of the enemy logistics in Brgy Tambobong is a big blow to the Communist Terrorist Group especially with the current situation now where the community do not want their presence in their locality. It also shows that the community is willing to help and strongly support the government's aim to end the local communist armed conflict.

Source: Civil-Military Operations Office, 3rd Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, PA

https://www.eastmincomafp.com.ph/2020/08/3ib-troops-discovers-arms-cache.html?spref=fb&fbclid=IwAR224-ObnIQXXONO7LsLEjZTcWfJddt3XGgiQa3P8zonsED-6g7Y6AJqo3A

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincom/

EASTMINCOM: NPA false promises prompt members' surrender

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 10, 2020): NPA false promises prompt members' surrender



CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental - After realizing that they were living and pursuing a vague destination, four members of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) operating in the area of Bukidnon-Misamis Oriental returned to the folds of the law through negotiation efforts of the 58th Infantry Battalion and were declared as surrenderees on August 06, 2020.

The surrenderees were identified as alias JB, 33 years old, a resident of So. Pulahon, Brgy. Hagpa, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon; alias Miya, 20 years old, resident of So. Mintapod, Brgy. Hagpa, Impasug-ong Bukidnon; as alias Ronald, 53 years old, resident of P-2, Brgy. Bunal, Salay, Misamis Oriental and a member of Squad 2; and alias Rose, 40 years old, a resident of P-3, Brgy Ili-ilihon, Salay, Misamis Oriental, a Supply Officer.

They brought along with them one Garand rifle and one M16 rifle.

According to alias Miya, she joined the terrorist group after being deceived that they will give her free education, having been poor and unable to afford for her studies.

“Ang giingon sa akoa, muoban ko matagaan daw ko ug maayong kaugmaon kay naghatag sila ug maayong edukasyon labi na sa mga kabatan-unan. Ug tungod sa gusto nako nga makaiskwela nga libre ang tanan kay wali mi kwarta, nag uban ako sa ila.” (They said that if I join them, I will be given a better life because they offer quality education, especially to the youth. And because of poverty and my desire to have free education, I joined them.)

“Pero sa pag-anha naku sa bukid, gutom ug kakapoy akong nakuha. Busa nakaamgo ko na wala gyud ko mahimo na kalambuan sa akong kinabuhi didto. Sa walay pagduha-duha nag uban gyud ko sa akong uyoan nga mag surrender sa kasundaluhan,” she added. (But I only experienced hunger and exhaustion when I joined them. So, I realized that there my life will never improve if I continue with them (NPA). Without hesitation, I decided to surrender to the army together with my uncle.)



Meanwhile, alias Ronald encouraged the people, especially the vulnerable ones that they should not be deceived with the propaganda of the NPA.

“Pasabot nila nga mas maayu ang kinabuhi sa kabukiran kay matubag ang problema sa ekonomiya, libre hospital ug hatagan ug yuta pero sa unom katuig nga akoang pakikibaka, akong nakita nga bisan usa walay nasulbad.” (They said that life is better in the mountains when you join them because the economic problems will be solved, they have free hospitalization and members will be given land for free. But for 6 years in the revolutionary movement, none were solved.)

In a statement, Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB said that he was glad that the CNTs have now realized who the real government is.

"I am grateful that they voluntarily surrendered. I hope that this increase of surrender will continue so that we can achieve sustainable peace and development of the country," he said.

The surrenderees are at the custody of 58IB while the unit, together with other concerned agencies, process their requirements in their enrollment to E-CLIP.

Source: Civil-Military Operations Office, 58th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, PA

https://www.eastmincomafp.com.ph/2020/08/npa-false-promises-prompt-members.html?spref=fb&fbclid=IwAR2FcdngVdb3dg6hPjxzbuFxI0EuKqsWEaAjUZJFo05PcznEiS_j5zRnYjE

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincom/

EASTMINCOM: 544th ECB builds new DepEd-accredited schools for the IP communities in Surigao Del Sur

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 10, 2020): 544th Engineer Construction Battalion (ECB) builds new DepEd-accredited schools for the IP communities in Surigao Del Sur 


The dedication of the troops under 544th Engineer Construction Battalion (ECB) to build new DepEd-accredited schools for the IP communities in Surigao Del Sur cannot be stopped, even while battling a deadly virus and the communist terrorists.

Since May this year, the military engineers under the said unit have been constructing two school buildings with six classrooms in line with the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 of President Rodrigo Duterte to end local communist armed conflict in the country.


The first unit composed of three classrooms being constructed at KM-9, Sitio Simuwao, Lianga, Surigao del Sur, which began on May 5, 2020, is estimated to be accomplished before the tentative opening of classes this August 24, 2020. The second, which is also composed of three rooms that began construction on July 1, 2020, was located at KM-7, Sitio Luknodon, Brgy Mahaba, Marihatag, Surigao Del Sur.

It can be recalled that the CTG and their allied organizations were reportedly exploiting the children in IP Communities by establishing schools to teach terroristic ideologies and other subjects that were contrary to the standard curriculum of DepEd.

With the complain of the IP communities on the threats posed by the said schools to their children and their request to build government-operated schools, such buildings were granted with the help of the military engineers.

#AFPYouCanTrust

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincom/photos/pcb.3307288099331404/3307287175998163/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincom/photos/pcb.3307288099331404/3307287265998154/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincom/photos/pcb.3307288099331404/3307287355998145/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincom/photos/pcb.3307288099331404/3307287489331465/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincom/photos/pcb.3307288099331404/3307287692664778/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincom/photos/pcb.3307288099331404/3307287909331423/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincom/photos/pcb.3307288099331404/3307288025998078/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincom/

AFP-CRS: Indigenous peoples leaders call for thorough probe into CPP-NPA atrocities

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 9, 2020): Indigenous peoples leaders call for thorough probe into CPP-NPA atrocities

MANILA – Indigenous peoples (IP) leaders on Wednesday called for a thorough, just, independent and community-based investigation into reported injustices suffered by IPs in the hands of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

In a web forum, Christine Banugan, leader of the Mandaya Tribe who led the appeal on behalf of the IP communities, urged authorities to look deeply and listen to the voice of the "authentic and recognized IP leaders" who have been victims of the atrocities of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

READ MORE: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111297

#AFPyoucanTRUST l www.afpcrs.com

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3527800340571998/?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: Troops visibility does not mean militarization

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 10, 2020): Troops visibility does not mean militarization

TROOPS VISIBILTY DOES NOT MEAN MILITARIZATION. The conduct of humanitarian assistance disaster relief (HADR) missions is the main role of the military in the government's ongoing efforts against the onslaught of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay's response to criticisms that the government is using a militarist approach in dealing with the health crisis.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3532003640151668/?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/

Kalinaw News: 5th Infantry Division (AFP)-LGU-LGA establishes MOPA in Asipulo, Ifugao

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 10, 2020): 5th Infantry Division (AFP)-LGU-LGA establishes MOPA in Asipulo, Ifugao

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela- Another successful convergence of effort of the National Task Force in the implementation of Executive Order #70 otherwise known as the Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict following the framework of Whole Of Nation Approach (WONA) wherein the 5th Infantry (STAR) Division, Philippine Army (AFP) together with the Provincial and Municipal Local Government Units and Agencies of Ifugao signed a Memorandum of Partnership Agreement (MOPA) held at Sitio Nangkatengey-Numpaling, Brgy Namal, Asipulo, Ifugao on August 10, 2020.

The said signing of Memorandum of Partnership Agreement (MOPA) intends to implement infrastructure projects in support to the developmental programs under the EO #70 Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC)

Highlighted during the activity was the groundbreaking ceremony of the Road Opening of Farm-To-Market Road Project. The 5ID Command extends and renders full support and assistance for any developmental programs and projects for the people.

BGen Laurence E Mina, PA, Commander 5ID recognized the efforts of the Provincial and Municipal Government Units for their active support and initiatives to alleviate the status of their constituents.

“I extremely appreciate the cooperation of the LGU of Ifugao and other stakeholders especially that of the local populace in supporting our program. We may have different opinions but i believe that we desire the same genuine peace and continuing prosperity for all” BGen Mina said.

He also assured that the projects to be jointly implemented by the military and LGUs in the area will be secured and will benefit the majority if not all the people in the area.

“I am hopeful that this project will trigger even stronger ties between the people, the government, and the security forces. We must seize the opportunity to harness the momentum to end the insurgency and embrace genuine peace, progress and development in the society. The road opening project will create commerce, improve communication and supply flow; thus opening opportunities for the residents Namal and adjacent barangays. It could be deduced therefore that where the road begins; progress and development come in and insurgency will surely end,” BGen Mina ended.

On the other hand, Governor Jerry U. Dalipog of Ifugao expressed his gratitude to the AFP and PNP for the effort in the road opening project which will definitely benefit the residents of Bgy Namal and its neighboring barangays. Also present during the said event were the Officials of Ifugao namely Vice Governor Glenn D. Prudenciano, Asipulo Mayor Armando Domilod and Bgy Namal Chairperson Grace Tayaban. Security forces personalities include BGen Henry M Doyaoen, the Commander of 503rd Brigade, 5ID, PA; LTC Franz Josef Diamante, the Battalion Commander of 54th Infantry Battalion; Ifugao Provincial Director P/Col David C. Mariano and other civilian stakeholders.

[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/5th-infantry-division-afp-lgu-lga-establishes-mopa-in-asipulo-ifugao/

Kalinaw News: Army gives Free circumcision service to Former Rebels children in Agusan Norte

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 10, 2020): Army gives Free circumcision service to Former Rebels children in Agusan Norte

BUENAVISTA, Agusan Del Norte – The services of the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion of the Army among the children of Former Rebels (FRs) in Agusan del Norte continues to reel on Sunday, August 9, 2020, at their headquarters in Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista town by giving free circumcision service.

The 23rd IB Medical Team rendered free circumcision service to at least fourteen (14) children of FRs last Sunday with the support of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) of Agusan del Norte which provided the surgical supplies for the said activity.

The services of the 23rd IB among the children of the FRs have been rolling for more than a month now. Theses services include the regular feeding program to address the concerns of malnutrition, distribution of learning materials and the conduct of the regular reading program while schools are still close due to the threat of the pandemic.

“The services we render for the children of the FRs are continuing. As soldiers of the Filipino people, we regard this services as part of our social responsibility and contribution to wholly develop the children of FRs who had gone through various difficulties when their parents were still active with the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs),” Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo said.

He added that these services to the children are part of the package that the FRs received upon deciding to return to the folds of the law under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government.

“The programs and services of the government to the people is not hampered despite the real threat of the pandemic,” Paulo said.

Furthermore, Paulo expressed that the 23rd IB, in coordination with the other line agencies of the government, will continue to provide a holistic package of benefits and assistance to the FRs and their dependents under the ECLIP program.

One of those who gave an impression to last Sunday’s activity was Alias Lang-lang, an FR and a mother who was thankful for the opportunities she and her children received from the government.

“Dako akong pasalamat sa kasundaluhan sa 23IB ug sa atong gobyerno tungod sa walay pu-as nga pag hatag ug tabang sa amo ug sa among mga anak bisan taliwala niining pandemya nga atong giatubang karong panahuna. Dako kini ug tabang kanamo labi na kay lisodna mag gawas-gaws karon panahona. Padayon gihapon sila sa paghatag ug mga libreng serbisyo para sa kaayuhan dili lang sa amo nga mga FRs kundili lakip na sa tibook katawhan,” Lang-Lang said.

She also emphasized that she had made the right decision of abandoning the hopeless and futile ideology and cause of the CNTs that gave no assurance on the health, education, and future of the children of their fighters.

“We challenge the remnants of CNTs to think wisely. If you really think for the betterment of our nation, fighting against the government is never an answer to that. Lay down your arms, leave the armed struggle, go back to your families and be a productive member of our society,” Paulo said.

He emphasized that the families of the FRs also benefit the programs and services offered by the government once they abandon the armed struggle.

“Look at the lives of our FRs and their families who are now staying at the Masigasig Happy Home. They can attest to the benefits they received from the government and the assurance of better lives that await once they return to their respective communities,” 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-gives-free-circumcision-service-to-former-rebels-children-in-agusan-norte/

Kalinaw News: TESDA naglunsad ng training sa mga kasundaluhan at dating NPA

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 10, 2020): TESDA naglunsad ng training sa mga kasundaluhan at dating NPA

Malita, Davao Occidental – Inilunsad ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) ang kanilang Program at Training para sa mga sundalo at Former Rebels (FRs) sa Headquarters ng 73IB, Brgy Felis ng nasabing munisipyo nitong umaga ng August 10, 2020.

Para suportahan ang Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) ng National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), ang TESDA ay naglunsad ng programa at training patungkol sa Trainer’s Methodology (TM1) Level I para sa 25 na kasundaluhan at Cook Hot Meals naman para sa 15 na FRs.

Suportado din ni Hon. Lorna Bautista-Bandigan, Lone District Representative ng Davao Occidental, ang programa ng TESDA na kung saan siya ay magbibigay ng assistance upang ma-apply ng mga partisipante ang kanilang mga natutunan lalo na ang mga former rebels.

Sa mensahe na ipinarating ni Lt. Col. Ronaldo G Valdez, kanyang binigyang pansin ang mga kasundaluhan na huwag balewalahin ang training ng TESDA sapagkat magagamit nila ito kahit na wala na sila sa serbisyo.

Para sa inpormasyon ng nakakarami, nagkaroon ng Memorandum of Agreement si TESDA Sec Lapena at DND Sec Lorenzana na maging extension trainer ng TESDA ang mga kasundaluhan hinggil sa training programs para sa mga Indigenous People at mga FRs.













[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/tesda-naglunsad-ng-training-sa-mga-kasundaluhan-at-dating-npa/

Kalinaw News: Revelation leads 16th Infantry Battalion to NPA war materials in Bukidnon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 10, 2020): Revelation leads 16th Infantry Battalion to NPA war materials in Bukidnon

Kitaotao, Bukidnon – Just recently, a revelation from a Former Rebel led the military troops to a depot of war materials, ammunitions and supplies belonging to the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in different locations in the areas of Kitaotao, Bukidnon.

On August 5, 2020, the joint forces of 16th Infantry (Maglilingkod) Battalion, 10MIB, and 3IB recovered war materials that were buried in the hinterland of Sitio Spring, Brgy Sinaysayan, Kitaotao, Bukidnon, identified as one of the mobility corridors of the New People’s Army (NPA). Upon reaching the area, the military troops recovered one (1) M1 US Carbine and eight (8) Magazines (6 short and 2 long) with one hundred two (102) live ammunitions; and five (5) sets of Detonating materials used for Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Later that day, another two (2) IEDs, weighing five (5) kilograms each were also recovered at Sitio San Jose, Brgy Bulukbukan in the same municipality.

Further, last August 7, 2020, the troops while conducting operation discovered a Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTG’s) hideout located at Brgy Tandong, Kitaotao, Bukidnon that can accommodate approximately twenty (20) persons. Recovered at the said hideout were nine (9) containers of rice and one (1) anti-personnel mine that could be deadly both to soldiers and civilians.

The recovery of Improvised Explosive Devices with detonating components clearly describe CTG’s intent on the continuous utilization of this prohibited device that poses serious danger not only to combatant but to non-combatant as well. In the agreement, the use of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) or “mines” violates the provisions of Part III, Article 2, Section 15 of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHIHL) between the government and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

The concerted effort of the 16IB in the recovery of enemy’s war materials and supplies thwart the hostile plan of the CTGs terroristic activities especially in the vulnerable communities. It only appears that these terrorists can put at risk the lives of the civilians just to do their atrocities and the implication it may cause to the community. The unit also urged the local populace to cooperate and support government’s effort in attaining peace and development in the area.











[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/revelation-leads-16th-infantry-battalion-to-npa-war-materials-in-bukidnon/

Kalinaw News: Dalawang lider ng NPA na katutubo at dalawa pang iba nagbalik-loob sa San Mariano, Isabela

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 10, 2020): Dalawang lider ng NPA na katutubo at dalawa pang iba nagbalik-loob sa San Mariano, Isabela

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela- Sa patuloy na pagpapa-igting ng mga kasundaluhan at kapulisan kasama ang lokal na pamahalaan sa pagpapatupad ng EO-70 o National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) ay nagtagumpay muli sa pagtalikod at boluntaryong pagbalik-loob ng dalawang katutubong lider ng Communist-NPA-Terrorist (CNT) kasama ang dalawa ring may katungkulan sa kanilang kilusan na kabilang sa Rehiyon Sentro De Grabidad (RSDG)/Komiteng Larangan Guerilla Quirino-Nueva Vizcaya (KLG Q-NV), Komiteng Rehiyon- Cagayan Valley (KRCV) sa bayan ng San Mariano, Isabela nitong Agosto 09, 2020.

Ang pinagsanib na pwersa ng 95th Infantry (Salaknib) Battalion sa ilalim ng 502nd Infantry (Liberator) Brigade, 5ID, PA kasama ang kapulisan ng San Mariano, Isabela ang nagbigay daan upang makapagbalik-loob si alyas “Bunso” na dating Platon Kumander ng RSDG/KLG-QNV, KR-CV kasama ang kanyang asawa na si alyas “Joan” na isa ring dating Medical Officer. Kasabay nito ang pagtalikod din nina alyas “Bombo” na dati ring Bise Kumander ng isang Platon ng RSDG/KLG-QNV, KR-CV at si alyas “Romel” na dati namang Team Lider ng nasabing grupo.

Samantala, sa kanilang pagbabalik loob sa pamahalaan ay itinuro nila ang imbakan ng bomba sa bulubundukin ng Sierra Madre. Sina alyas “Bombo” at alyas “Bunso” ay pawang mga katutubo na nagtiis sa loob ng kilusan ng mahigit isang dekada. Sila ay namulat sa mga kasinungalingan ng mga Kadre ng NPA at napagtantong ginagamit lang sila upang maisulong ang kanilang pansariling interes. Ginusto nilang magbalik-loob sa pamahalaan upang matulungan din ang iba pang mga katutubong nalinlang at patuloy na inaabuso ng mga NPA.

Ayon kay LtCol Calilan, Battalion Commander ng 95IB, ang pagsuko ng apat na miyembre ng RSDG/KLG Q-NV ay malaking kawalan sa natitira pang NPA sa Probinsya ng Isabela dahil sila ang ginagamit sa panghihikayat sa kapwa nila katutubo at sa mga taktikal na opensiba. Nanawagan din si LtCol Calilan na magbalik-loob na ang mga naiiwan pa sa grupo ng NPA upang makatanggap ng benepisyo galing sa Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program E-CLIP ng pamahalaan upang mabigyan ng panimulang pagkukunan ng kabuhayan ng kanilang mga pamilya.

Dagdag pa ni LtCol CALILAN, umabot na sa 140 (62 Regular NPA at 78 Milisyang Bayan) ang kabuoang bilang ng nagbalik loob sa kanilang hanay mula noong taong 2019 hanggang sa kasulukuyan mula sa Central Isabela. Ito ang naging dahilan sa pagbagsak ng Central Front Committee(CFC) at ang patuloy na paghina ng Regional Sentro-De Grabidad (RSDG)/KLG Q-NV ng Komiteng Rehiyong-Cagayan Valley (KR-CV).

Ipinaabot ni BGen Laurence E Mina, Commander ng 5th Infantry (STAR) Division ang kanyang pagbati sa mga nagsipagbalik-loob sa kanilang naging tamang desisyon na yakapin ang tunay na kapayapaan.

“Ang pamunuan ng 5th Infantry (STAR) Division kasama ang lokal na pamahalaan at ng iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan ay patuloy na nananawagan sa mga natitira pang mga rebelde na nasa kabundukan ng Cagayan Valley at Cordillera pati narin ang mga miyembro ng Milisyang Bayan at iba pang mga sumusuporta sa CPP-NPA-NDF, na magbalik-loob na sa ating pamahalaan. Hinihikayat namin kayong mamuhay sa diwa ng tunay na kapayapaan kasama ng inyong pamilya at mga mahal sa buhay. Sama sama nating isulong ang kapayapaan at pag unlad ng lahat,” pahayag ni BGen Mina



[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/dalawang-lider-ng-npa-na-katutubo-at-dalawa-pang-iba-nagbalik-loob-sa-san-mariano-isabela/

Kalinaw News: Kasundaluhan at mamamayan nag Bayanihan para sa kaligtasan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 10, 2020): Kasundaluhan at mamamayan nag Bayanihan para sa kaligtasan

Brgy Bantol , Marilog District, Davao City , 08 August 2020 – Nakiisa ang Charlie (Copperhead) Company na ander ng 3rd Infantry (Regardless of What) Battalion, 7ID, PA sa pamumuno ni LTC JUVENAL MARK T TAYAMEN INF (GSC) PA sa taonang Bayanihang paglilinis at pasasalamat sa Bantol hanging footbridge sa Sitio Mawato ng Brgy Bantol, Marilog District, Davao City. Ang nasabing Footbridge ay taonang nililinis ng mga nagsamasamang mamamayan ng Brgy Bantol sa pangunguna ng punong barangay na si Ginoong Edwin Fiel, upang mapanatiling matibay at para mas maging ligtas sa mga mamayan ng buong Brgy Bantol .

Ang Bantol hanging footbridge ay inagurasyunan noong ika 8 ng Augusto 1995. Ngaun taon ang ika 25 taon ng nasabing tulay. ” Napakalaking tulong sa amin ang Footbridge na ito, dahil dito napapabilis ang aming pagtawid ng Davao River patungo sa limang (5) Sitios ng aming lugar”, ayon pa kay Ginoong Fiel. “Dagdag pa niya napapabilis din ang paglabas ng aming produktong agrikultura ng dahil sa tulay”. Bilang pasasalamat, taonang ginagawa ang pag lilinis para maging maayos at tumagal pa ang nasabing tulay para na rin sa kaligtasan ng bawat dumadaan.

Ang buong kasundaluhang ng 3IB, 7ID, PA ay laging handang tumulong , katuwang na rin ang iba’t ibang ahensya ng ating gobyerno ay nag susumikap na maipaabot sa inyong komunidad ang mga programa ng pamahalaan para sa ikabubuti ng bawat mamayan ng ating bansa.







[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/kasundaluhan-at-mamamayan-nag-bayanihan-para-sa-kaligtasan/

Kalinaw News: Dating “War Zone” ngayon ay isang maunlad na “Agricultural Zone”

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 10, 2020): Dating “War Zone” ngayon ay isang maunlad na “Agricultural Zone”

MALAGOS, Baguio District, Davao City- Peace, Unity and Harmony. Ito ang mga susi sa pag-unlad at pag-angat ng estado ng pamumuhay ng isang komunidad. ito ang proyektong hatid ng ating gobyerno sa mga komunidad na dati ay nasa tinatawag nating “Baseng Girelya” na kung saan sila ang naging sandigan, utusan, at silbing kalasag ng mga bandidong grupong CPP-NPA-NDF. Minsan dumarating pa ang mga pagkakataon na sila ay nadadamay at naiipit sa labanan sa pagitan ng gobyerno at mga terroristang NPA na kung saan bata man o matanda ay wala nang matakbohan at iiyak na lamang.

Sa pangunguna ng 3rd Infantry “Regardless of What” Batallion, 7ID, PA sa pamumuno ni Lt. Colonel Juvenal Mark T Tayamen INF (GSC) PA katuwang ang iba’t ibang ahensya ng Gobyerno ating binabalikan ang mga komunidad na kung saan sinasabing nakalimutan at napabayaan ng ating pamahalaan dala ang iba’t ibang programang pang agrikultura na kung saan nakikita natin ang importansya ng seguridad sa pagkain lalo na sa panahon nang ganitong pandemya na dulot ng covid-19.
Sana ay ating bigyan ng pansin at mas lalong suportahan ang mga ganitong programa ng ating pamahalaan







[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/dating-war-zone-ngayon-ay-isang-maunlad-na-agricultural-zone/

Kalinaw News: 5 katutubo na miyembro ng NPA sumuko sa Army , buong-pusong tinanggap ng kanilang kumonidad

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 10, 2020): 5 katutubo na miyembro ng NPA sumuko sa Army , buong-pusong tinanggap ng kanilang kumonidad

Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija – Buong-pusong tinanggap ni Punong
Barangay Edwin Bernabe ng Barangay Kabayunan, Doña Remedios Trinidad,
Bulacan at ng 48th Infantry Battalion ng Army ang pagbabalik ng dalawang pamilya na binubuo ng limang katao na miyembro ng katutubong Dumagat na nalinlang ng bandidong NPA na sumapi sa kanila sa ginanap na seremonya sa Survey Detachment, Sitio Survey, Barangay San Lorenzo, Norzagaray, Bulacan noong ika- 31 ng Hulyo 2020. Ito ay matapos sumuko ang mga katutubo sa pamamagitan ng 80th Infantry Battalion na nakabase sa Rizal Province noong nakaraang Disyembre 13 taong 2019.

Ang mga sumuko ay may edad na 35, 30, 23, 18 at 15 na pawang residente ng
Barangay Kabayunan, Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan subalit sila ay gumalaw
bilang miyembro ng NPA sa boundary ng mga probinsiya ng Bulacan at Rizal.
Sila ay pansamantalang kinupkop ng 80IB habang hinintay ang benepisyo na nakalaan sa kanila sa ilalim ng Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program o E-CLIP. Ang bawat isa ay nakatanggap ng paunang tulong pinansiyal na tig Php 15,000.00 at kasunod naman nito ay ang Php 50,000.00 na tulong pangkabuhayan.

Ang E-CLIP ay isa mga hakbangin ng National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) sa ilalim ng E-CLIP and Amnesty Program (EAP). Nangako naman si Punong Barangay Bernabe na gagabayan ang mga nagbalik-loob para sa kanilang pagbabagong-buhay. Lubos naman ang kanyang pasasalamat sa mga kasundaluhan na gumabay sa kanyang mga kababaryo at katribu. “Tayo ay nagiging aktibo sa ating kampanya na ipaalam sa mga miyembro ng NPA ang E-CLIP dahil malaking tulong ito para sa mga gustong magbagong buhay. Itong pagpababalik-loob ng ating limang (5) katutubo ay malinaw na epektibo at matagumpay ang E-CLIP ng ating pamahalaan,” ayon kay Brigadier General Andrew D. Costelo, ang 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade Commander na nakakasakop sa Bulacan.

Dagdag ni Lieutenant Colonel Felix Emeterio M. Valdez, 48IB Commanding Officer, “Handa po kaming tumulong. Kasama ang iba pang ahensiya at ang lokal na pamahalaan, tulong-tulong po kami upang magkaroon ng panibagong buhay ang mga nagbabalik-loob. Bukas po lagi ang inyong Guardians Battalion upang kayo ay gabayan at tulungan na makabalik sa buhay na tahimik at payapa.”







[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/5-katutubo-na-miyembro-ng-npa-sumuko-sa-army-buong-pusong-tinanggap-ng-kanilang-kumonidad/