Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: 09/10/20

Thursday, September 10, 2020

CPP/NDF-Eastern Visayas: NDF tells Samar bishops: Leave criminal, terrorist RTF-ELCAC

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 10, 2020): NDF tells Samar bishops: Leave criminal, terrorist RTF-ELCAC

FR. SANTIAGO “KA SANNY” SALAS

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-EASTERN VISAYAS

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas again appeals to the Roman Catholic bishops in Samar to see through the criminal, terrorist Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC), leave this 8th Infantry Division-led formation and the Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development, and thus withdraw support from the Duterte regime’s campaign of terror upon the people.

The RTF-ELCAC is the regional formation of the National Task Force led by Duterte’s military hawks. Formed according to the “whole-of-nation approach,” it is an attempt to project the “counter-insurgency” campaign as supported by different sectors of society. What it really does is actively call for the witch-hunt of activists, progressive organizations and institutions, peace-loving government officials, and ordinary civilians who criticize Duterte. It aims to install a fascist dictatorship where all opposition are silenced, rights and due process are swept aside, and Duterte’s greed, corruption and plunder reign.

The National Task Force is responsible for ordering Duterte’s death squads in the military and police to kill NDFP peace consultants Randall Echanis, Julius Giron and Randy Malayao, health advocate Zara Alvarez, among others. Following its national counterpart, the RTF-ELCAC is responsible for the brutal murders of urban poor leader Carlito Badion, and Northern Samar peasant leaders Allan Aguilando and Jennifer Tonog. If the Samar bishops continue membership in the RTF-ELCAC, in principle they agree to the extrajudicial killings of even more innocents whose only crime is fighting for the people’s interest.

In the midst of the global pandemic and the worst economic and political crises, they will have agreed to even more military bombings, shelling, forced evacuation, population control, and economic blockade. The Church will have stood silent as entire peasant communities, such as those in San Jose de Buan, continue to suffer martial law conditions meant to pave way for the large-scale mining of bauxite here and in nearby towns.

They will have agreed to the implementation of the widely opposed Anti-Terror Law. The RTF-ELCAC openly declares the CPP-NPA as “terrorist organizations” and will subject anyone it identifies as members and sympathizers to the inhumane provisions of this draconian law. Even before this was passed, the RTF-ELCAC and the 8th ID have already arrested dozens of activists, most recently the Tacloban 5, and have gone on a Red-tagging spree against critics of the Duterte regime including those who retired from activist work. As the Anti-Terror Law is implemented, will the Church simply watch as more people are abducted, arrested, forced to surrender? Will it stay silent as freedom and democracy are stifled by a martial rule more brutal than the Marcos dictatorship?

We heed Bishops Isabelo Abarquez of Calbayog, Crispin Varquez of Borongan and Emmanuel Trance of Catarman to continue calling for genuine and lasting peace by supporting the peace negotiations between the NDFP and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP). We warn them against the fake local peace talks promoted by the RTF-ELCAC for it narrow-mindedly rejects the roots of the armed conflict and is meant to force innocent individuals to surrender.

In these trying times, we urge the Church in Samar to remain steadfast on their Christ-like principles of peace, social justice, and solidarity with the people. In the midst of unprecedented poverty and suffering, the people call on the bishops to stand alongside them in defending their rights and resisting any attempt at undermining genuine peace.#

https://cpp.ph/statements/ndf-tells-samar-bishops-leave-criminal-terrorist-rtf-elcac/

CPP/News: Drug kingpin Duterte continues killing spree

Propaganda news story posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 10, 2020): Drug kingpin Duterte continues killing spree

NEWS STORIES
SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

Nothing, not even a pandemic, seems to slow down kingpin Rodrigo Duterte’s drug-related killing spree. A research published by Human Rights Watch (HRW) on September 8 pointed out that Duterte’s bloody war on drugs has worsened during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Analyzing the latest statistics of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on the drug war (PDEA), HRW determined that at least 155 persons were killed by the police in the past four months. The figure is 50% higher than the 103 killings recorded in the previous four-month period (December 2019 to March 2020).

PDEA claims that only 5,810 individuals have been killed in police drug operations since Duterte assumed power in June 2016. The figure, however, covers only those acknowledged officially by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Since 2016, the PNP has recorded more than 21,000 so-called “deaths under investigation.” The term refers to killings widely considered to have been perpetrated by death squads and vigilante groups to be recruited from the ranks of the police and criminal syndicates. Media and human rights organizations place the actual number of victims between 27,000 and 30,000.

The revolutionary movement supports calls of the human rights organization for the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to reopen discussions and probe further into human rights abuses in the Philippines as it is scheduled to convene this month.

Last June, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said in her report the the UNHRC that Rodrigo Duterte’s “campaign against illegal drugs is being carried out without due regard for the rule of law, due process, and the human rights of people who may be using or selling drugs.” She added that “[t]he killings have been widespread and systematic–and they are ongoing,” and that these are a result of “incitement to violence from the highest levels of government.” On April 30, Bachelet again raised concerns over Duterte’s “highly militarized” response to the Covid-19 pandemic which has resulted in mounting cases of human rights violations.

A report jointly published by the World Organisation Against Torture and the Children’s Legal Rights and Development Center on July 7 revealed that children were also deliberately killed in the name of Duterte’s war on drugs. It identified patterns for the killings, including “the direct targeting of victims; killings of children as proxies when the real targets could not be found; as a result of mistaken identities; and as so-called collateral damage.” At least 122 children victims were recorded since July 2016, seven of whom were killed from January to March 2020.

Last August 27, 62 international organizations submitted a joint statement to the UNHRC to demand an independent investigation into the human rights situation in the Philippines following the killing of two activists in the same month.

https://cpp.ph/statements/drug-kingpin-duterte-continues-killing-spree/

CPP: Tribute to revolutionary Marxist intellectual Dr. Edberto Villegas

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 10, 2020): Tribute to revolutionary Marxist intellectual Dr. Edberto Villegas

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
SEPTEMBER 09, 2020

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) pays tribute to Dr. Edberto Villegas, former professor of the University of the Philippines and De La Salle University, who died last September 7 after suffering a stroke. He was 80 years old. The Party condoles with his family and colleagues.

With Dr. Villegas’ passing, the Filipino people lost one of the country’s most fervent patriot, champion of anti-imperialism and revolutionary intellectual.

He was among the founding members of the patriotic youth organization Kabataang Makabayan in 1964. He was twice detained under the US-Marcos dictatorship and suffered severe torture in the hands of the fascists.

For more than five decades, he devoted his life to advancing the people’s cause for national and social liberation. He has been one of the most vocal opponent of neoliberal economic policies who criticized the policies and programs of World Bank-trained technocrats which perpetuated the country’s backward economic state and debt and import dependence.

As part of the academic community, Dr. Villegas was also a militant leader of the democratic cause of teachers. He marched for wage increases for teachers and higher state budget for public schools and opposed the corporatization of the public school system.

Dr. Villegas will always be remembered by the Filipino people as a militant revolutionary intellectual. He authored several books which exposed the different facets of imperialist oppression and exploitation.

He was an ardent student of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism. He assiduously applied Marxist political economy to analyze and criticize the social and economic conditions in the country. He is known to have painstakingly studied Marx’s Das Kapital and was well appreciated for his efforts to teach Marxist political economy to students and workers.

He contributed a number of Marxist scholarly work to the discourse on the Philippine mode of production and tirelessly studied and expounded on the semicolonial and semifeudal system in the country. He exposed the big bourgeois compradors, the big hacienderos and the corrupt bureaucrat capitalists for their parasitism and oppression and exploitation of workers and peasants and subservience to US imperialism.

Dr. Villegas was always proud of being a grandson of Gen. Miguel Malvar who took over leadership of the Filipino revolutionary forces and was among those who fought valiantly against American colonial forces during the US war of occupation at the turn of the 20th century.

Having served the cause of the people’s national and social liberation, indeed, Dr. Villegas himself will now be remembered as a hero of the Filipino people. His lifelong intellectual and practical dedication to anti-imperialism and socialism is worthy of emulation.

https://cpp.ph/statements/tribute-to-revolutionary-marxist-intellectual-dr-edberto-villegas/

CPP/NPA-Mountain Province: On the death of Salvador G. Liked

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 10, 2020): On the death of Salvador G. Liked

MAGNO UDYAW

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-MOUNTAIN PROVINCE

LEONARDO PACSI COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

SEPTEMBER 09, 2020

The death of Salvador G. Liked ended his landgrabbing and blackmailing victimizing our kakailian in Mt. Province.

The Leonardo Pacsi Command (NPA-Mt. Province) had been receiving from locals reports of landgrabbing in the areas between Bauko and Sagada perpetrated by Liked and his cohorts in the bureaucracy. Clans and families had fallen victim to his schemes. Liked even “donated” to a public utility a parcel of land he had grabbed. He also attempted to privatize a communal water source to sell water to the municipality of Bauko.

Liked put up an anti-corruption stance as he delved into purportedly anomalous deals and practices. However, his sincerity towards combating bureaucratic corruption and government ineptitude had been questionable, given that he chose to enter into settlements and even resorted to blackmailing and antisocial activities, instead of pursuing those cases. He made use of his educational background, skills, and connections to further his own interests.

The LPC had reached out to Liked in 2018, warned him to stop his landgrabbing schemes, and advised him to sincerely pursue the graft and corruption cases he had filed in order to convict abusive officials in government. However, he continued with his modus operandi even when he became a barangay councilor.

As a public official, he employed the aforementioned modus operandi at the expense of the land and livelihood of peasants. As an Igorot, he had run counter to the progressive traditional values of inayan, collectivism, and self-determination. How such a modus operandi thrives further attests to the inherent corruption, rottenness, and exploitation under the current semicolonial and semifeudal system.

Whether in public office or not, our fellow i-Montanyosa must challenge the current unjust system and forward the struggle for people’s rights and welfare. At the forefront of this struggle is the revolutionary movement under the leadership of the CPP, that which truly puts first the interests of the oppressed and exploited masses and strives to establish a genuinely democratic people’s government.

https://cpp.ph/statements/on-the-death-of-salvador-g-liked/

WESTMINCOM: LTG leader, member neutralized in South Cotabato

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Sep 10, 2020): LTG leader, member neutralized in South Cotabato

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City-September 9, 2020

A local terrorist group leader and his comrade were neutralized during a law enforcement operation in Barangay Lamsugod, Surallah, South Cotabato at 10:15 a.m., September 9.

Combined elements of the 5th Special Forces Battalion and Surallah Municipal Police Station proceeded to the area to arrest a high-value target, LTG leader Jeoffrey Nilong, a.k.a. Momoy.

While approaching the vicinity, operating troops were fired upon by their target which forced them to retaliate.

A short firefight ensued which resulted in the neutralization of Momoy and his younger brother Amen Nilong, who was also a member of the local terrorist group.

“Jeoffrey Nilong’s group is responsible for the series of bombings in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat,” said Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, JTF Central Commander.

While conducting a thorough investigation, the military and police troops recovered the following items from the HVT’s backpack: four improvised explosive devices, five improvised blasting caps, one improvised grenade, one remote control, six motorcycle alarms, one battery connector, two light testers, and one complete circuit soldering lid.

“Strengthened collaboration and harmonized efforts are the basics for a successful operation,” said Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., WestMinCom Commander.

“Let us continue to work hand-in-hand for the common good,” Maj. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

Personnel of the 5SFBn brought the cadavers to Villanueva Funeral Homes while the recovered items were handed over to the SOCO Team for proper disposition.

#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamWestMinCom
#TeamAFP
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Kalinaw News: High ranking personality of ICRC of CPP-NPA surrenders to AFP-PNP in Bontoc, Mountain Province

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 10, 2020): High ranking personality of ICRC of CPP-NPA surrenders to AFP-PNP in Bontoc, Mountain Province

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela – The 1st Deputy Secretary of the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC) CPP-NPA, Jacinto Faroden alias “DIGBAY” voluntarily submitted himself to the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) today, September 10, 2020 in Bontoc, Mountain Province

The surrender was made possible through series of negotiations that started as early as March of 2019 by the intensified joint efforts of AFP and PNP composed of the 54IB, 5MIB & 503IBde all of 5ID, PA and the Police Regional Office Cordillera.
Brigadier General Laurence E Mina PA, Commander of 5ID commended the involved troops for their perseverance that lead to the eventual surrender of Ka Digbay. This significant achievement will surely affect the ICRC leadership specially its members in Ilocos and Cordillera Regions. BGen Mina also expressed his gratitude to Jacinto Faroden (Ka Digbay) for his decision to surrender. “This brave act of a top ICRC leader is a welcome development and an encouragement to the remaining NPAs to lay down their arm and live in genuine peace. If a top cadre like Ka Digbay gave up with the organization that he thought could bring social justice and equality for all then why others could not? And so, I enjoin the deceived NPAs to follow the move of Ka Digbay and choose to live in the right path,” BGen Mina 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/high-ranking-personality-of-icrc-of-cpp-npa-surrenders-to-afp-pnp-in-bontoc-mountain-province/

Kalinaw News: 60 more CNT supporters denounce, abandon terrorist movement in MisOr

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 10, 2020): 60 more CNT supporters denounce, abandon terrorist movement in MisOr

BUENAVISTA Agusan del Norte -Former active members and supporters of the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) in Misamis Oriental decided to cut ties with the terrorist group to support the continuing peace and development initiatives of the government in their village.

On September 8, 2020, a total of sixty (60) villagers from Barangay Kamanikan, Gingoog City which includes some members of the Indigenous People (IP) pledged their loyalty to the government and denounced the CNT movement for hindering the development interventions in their village that caused poverty and hunger among the residents for years. Eight (8) of the villagers once served as members of the Militia ng Bayan while fifty-two (52) are mass supporters of Guerrilla Front (GF) 4A of the CNT. The former CNT members and supporters also expressed their guilt for giving in to the demands of the CNTs which brought nothing but fear and regression in their community.
The activity was conducted by the joint efforts of the Barangay council of Kamanikan and the 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion of the Army.

During their pledge of allegiance to the government, the residents also condemned the CNTs for their terroristic activities that put into great danger the lives and properties of the residents in the area. They also vowed to support the Army and the Philippine National Police by providing vital information in the continuing drive to end the local communist armed conflicts in their locality.

Among those who formerly supported the CNTs was Datu Yamon Bunlaod, a tribal leader of Kamanikan, who openly declared that he is already sick and tired of being used and manipulated by the said terrorist group. Bunlaod said he made a big mistake when he supported the CNT because, for years, the members of his tribe did not benefit from it.

“Ako nalingla kaniadto ug dili diay sayon ang masangkot sa walhong kalihukan, apan karon nakita gyod nato nga grabe ang tabang sa kasundaluhan ug gobyerno sa atong barangay. Gusto nako nga ipahinumdom sa inyo nga kinahanglan na gyod natong putlon ang atong pag suporta sa NPA kay nasayod ko nga naninguha kita ug kahayag sa atong kinabuhi ug ang pag sunog sa bandila sa CPP-NPA maoy simbolo nga ato nang undangon ang pag suporta sa pikas. Hangyo nko nga hinaot unta nga ato kining hinumduman sa matag karon ug unya aron nga ang kalinaw sa atong Brgy magpabilin aron nga magmalipayon kita ug hangtod nga makab-ot sa atong kabataan ang kalinaw ug kahusay sa atong Brgy. Hangyo nako sa mga kabatan-unan nga ayaw na mo pailad sa walhong grupo kay dili sayon, kamo raba ang dali kaayo nila ma recruit. Atong kab-uton ang kahusay ug kalinaw pinaagi sa pagtinabangay sa pagsulbad sa atong problema aron magmalampouson kita hngttod sa kahangturan,” Datu Yamon said.

Ruel Burlat, a member of the council in Kamanikan and an active member of CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) was thankful to the efforts of the 23rd IB, the PNP and the local government unit (LGU) of Gingoog for the help in restoring the peace and order situation in their village.

“We are glad that you are sincere in helping us restore peace and order in our barangay. I urge everyone to stop providing any support to the CPP-NPA-NDF so that the armed conflict that happened way back May 10, 2020 will not happen again. To all the parents, monitor the whereabouts of your children because they are very prone to CNT recruitment. Let us not allow the CNT to enter into our community because they hinder the development in our area. They are just manipulating and using us to transport food supply but we do not get anything in return. It is heartbreaking to know that members of our tribe, the Higaonon, die in believing in the senseless ideology of the CNTs,” Burlat said.

Elvin Restituto, the city administrator of Gingoog City showed his support to the activity and urged everyone to help each other to prevent the increase of the influence of the CNTs in the area.

“This activity is very important because peace is one of the aspects and ingredients needed in attaining development. None of us wants war. We all dream to have peace and order and it is the main reason why we are gathered here today. There is no perfect government nor leaders, but we in the local government will do our best to implement programs and projects through good governance and by providing opportunities for agriculture and tourism development, livelihood development, and the implementation and delivery of health, education and social services in every community. Let us help one another to develop our community and our nation through unity, understanding, and cooperation in order to achieve lasting peace and development for the benefit of Gingoognon people,” Restituto said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the commander of 23rd IB said he is happy to be with the people of Barangay Kamanikan especially that the lives of local residents have been saved from the atrocities of the CNTs.

“We are glad that you finally realized that supporting the CNTs will not help you get away from poverty, in fact, it will only add burden to your lives. We are here today because we don’t want you to experience once again the armed conflict that previously happened in Sitio Likodon. As we all know, the conflicts affected the lives of everyone here,” Paulo said.

He emphasized that the government is sincere in helping the people build their new lives through the Enhanced Comprehensive Livelihood Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“The troopers of 23rd IB and the PNP”, he added, “will always be the partners of the people of Kamanikan in the quest to achieve lasting peace and sustainable development.”

“To the remaining CNT members, it is the right time to go back to the folds of the law. In this time of crisis, particularly the pandemic, be with your family. Lay down your arms and the government will help you as you go on to another journey and in the right path,” 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/60-more-cnt-supporters-denounce-abandon-terrorist-movement-in-misor/

Kalinaw News: LGU Assumes custody of civilians coerced by NPA Leader

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 10, 2020): LGU Assumes custody of civilians coerced by NPA Leader

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – Three individuals who requested for military custody after they were coerced to hide a fleeing notorious NPA leader were received on Thursday by the LGU of Kalayaan, Laguna.

It can be recalled that the Army’s 202nd Brigade granted the request for custody of the three individuals expressed through their Aug 11 affidavit which was endorsed by Mayor Sandy Laganapan the following day.
Aside from the Municipal Mayor, present during the handover were Maricar Palacol of Laguna Peace and Order Council, Brigadier General Alex Rillera of 202nd Infantry Brigade and Lt Col Jesus Diocton of the 1st Infantry Battalion.

During the undertaking, Mayor Laganapan expressed the “people of Kalayaan’s heartfelt appreciation to the military for always living up to your mandate of securing our citizens from possible terroristic actions by the enemies of the state.”

BGen Rillera responded by “reaffirming our readiness to help our constituents and respond to their requests to the best of our abilities regardless whether those are in times of conflict, disaster or peace.”

“The fact that these civilians requested for military custody is a manifestation, and a tangible proof, of our people’s growing degree of trust and confidence to the AFP”, added BGen Rillera.

He ended his statement by saying that prior to the handover to the LGU, “these civilians received psycho-social intervention from social workers and health professionals to ensure that they are no longer suffering from trauma and ready to return to their normal lives.”

On an earlier press release, the military said that the trio admitted to being forced to hide and support Mario Caraig alias Jethro, the Secretary of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee’s SRMA 4C, from pursuing AFP-PNP elements who were then closing in to the location of the now deceased terrorist commander.

“Under duress, these civilians took in alias Jethro who was then fleeing from the Aug 4 encounter site wherein RTF ELCAC 4A’s PLEDS Team neutralised alias Termo, the NPA Commander of the Main Regional Guerilla Unit which operates across Southern Tagalog”, the press release read.

The three civilians have been previously identified as Virgillo Asedillo, Chloe Anne Asedillo and Marknel Iwarat.

Major General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr, Commander of the AFP’s Northern Luzon Command who is concurrently serving as the Commander of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, reassured the public that “your soldiers will always protect our informants as well as their families from any retaliatory acts of the terrorists.”

He added that granting protective custody to those under terrorist threat is part of their responsibility to every Filipino citizen.

“The Jungle Fighter Division will remain steadfast in living up to our most solemn oath of being advocates of peace, servants of the people and defenders of Southern Tagalog”, ended Maj Gen Burgos.

[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/lgu-assumes-custody-of-civilians-coerced-by-npa-leader/

Kalinaw News: 95IB formally opens Training on Electrical Installation and Maintenance for Former Rebels in partnership with TESDA-Isabela

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 10, 2020): 95IB formally opens Training on Electrical Installation and Maintenance for Former Rebels in partnership with TESDA-Isabela

The training is part of the government program intended for the Former Rebels (FRs) through the implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) which aims to provide the FRs with proper technical skills that they could use in seeking for employment or as their livelihood to source income for their families.

According to Director Madarang, the program will help the Former Rebels to have livelihood and employment opportunities in starting a new life as part of the mainstream society.
Brigadier General Laurence E Mina PA, Commander, 5ID expressed his profound gratitude to the members of the TESDA for their continuous support in giving the Former Rebels an opportunity to gain new skill set they need to have economic opportunities.

“Training our former adversaries for them to have a living is a testament of our genuine commitment to serve the people. This collaborative training program of different government institutions are geared toward attainment of lasting peace and progress for all. This activity should inspire our deceived brothers and sisters to lay down their arm and benefit with this kind of trainings for themselves and their families” BGen Mina said.

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela – Electrical Installation and Maintenance Training was formally opened for 30 Former Rebels (FRs) at Salaknib Former Rebels Integrated Farmers’ Association (SFRIFA), Happy Farm Ville, Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela on September 9, 2020. The said training was facilitated by 95th Infantry (Salaknib) Battalion, 5th Infantry (Star) Division, Philippine Army headed by its Battalion Commander, LTC Gladiuz C. Calilan in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Isabela headed by Director Edwin P Madarang, School Superintendent of TESDA-ISAT.

[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/95ib-formally-opens-training-on-electrical-installation-and-maintenance-for-former-rebels-in-partnership-with-tesda-isabela/

Kalinaw News: Army, MisOr village officials tandem in a peace dialogue

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 10, 2020): Army, MisOr village officials tandem in a peace dialogue

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – The 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion of the Philippine Army and the members of the council of Barangay Kalipay in Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental conducted a peace dialogue and consultation (pulong-pulong) among the residents in the area last September 8, 2020. The activity was facilitated by the Community Support Program (CSP) and the Community Action (ComAct) teams of the 23rd IB and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The pulong-pulong was organized to address the issues and concerns of the residents in Barangay Kalipay particularly on peace and order and on the encounter that erupted between the Army and the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) last May 10, 2020 in the area. The activity also served as a venue where barangay officials and residents were informed on their responsibilities and roles in promoting peace and development in their community in relation to the implementation of Executive Order 70 or the Whole of Nation Approach to end the local communist armed conflict especially in areas considered as geographically-isolated and disadvantaged.
An open forum was also conducted during the pulong-pulong where residents were given the opportunity to ventilate their concerns especially on the security situations. They also admitted that they provided support to the CNTs by force and fear. They CNTs, they added, constantly threatened them to provide support and join the terrorist movement.

In his message, Kalipay Barangay Captain Ruel Mantantuan expressed his heartfelt gratitude to 23rd IB soldiers and the PNP for saving the barangay from the threats of CNTs. He also encouraged every parent to become vigilant and look after their children to protect them from the recruitment of the CNTs. “We need to protect them from the deceptions of the CNTs. I hope that after this activity, you will become the parents who think about what will be your next step to change your community for the better,” Mantantuan said.

Datu Sinangunan Estoryano Mandahinog, an IP leader in the area also joined the pulong-pulong and emphasized the seriousness of the government in the pursuit of genuine peace and development.

“Suportaran nato ang atong gobyerno, magka hiusa kita ug magtinabangay para makab-ot na to ang kalinaw nga dugay na nato nga gipangandoy. Lisod kaayo ang kinabuhi kung ang NPA magpabilin sa atong barangays. Atong huna-hunaon ang kaugmaon sa atong mga anak ug panganduyon nato nga dili na nila maagihan ang kagubot ug kalisod nga gihimo sa NPA kanato. Atong protektahan ang atong barangay para dili na makasolod na dautang grupo,” Mandahinog said

For his part, Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the commander of 23rd IB expressed gratitude to the support provided by the barangay council s as well as the residents of Kalipay.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the council members for their never-ending support and generosity as they never get tired of helping us conduct our activities. The collaboration of efforts between the 23rd IB and the barangay officials is one of the keys to reach the everlasting peace and development,” Paulo said. He also urged the populace to cut-off their support and connection with the CNTs.

“Akong giawhag ang tanan na dili na mag-apil-apil og magsuporta sa teroristang CPP-NPA. Kung inyo ning ipadayon mabutang lang sa piligro ang inyong kinabuhi. Walay maayong mahatag ang Teroristang CPP-NPA kung dili kadautan og kagubot”, (I encourage everyone not to join and support the CNTs. It will not do you good but will only destroy and make your lives miserable.) Paulo added.

He also emphasized that with the Executive Order No. 70, the government will prioritize and harmonize the delivery of basic services and social development in the conflict-affected areas and vulnerable communities and will facilitate social inclusivity and ensure participation of all sectors.

[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-misor-village-officials-tandem-in-a-peace-dialogue/

Kalinaw News: Army, Misamis Oriental village officials tandem in a peace dialogue

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 10, 2020): Army, Misamis Oriental village officials tandem in a peace dialogue

BUENAVISTA Agusan del Norte – The 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion of the Philippine Army and the members of the council of Barangay Kalipay in Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental conducted a peace dialogue and consultation (pulong-pulong) among the residents in the area last September 8, 2020. The activity was facilitated by the Community Support Program (CSP) and the Community Action (ComAct) teams of the 23rd IB and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

[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-misamis-oriental-village-officials-tandem-in-a-peace-dialogue/

Hontiveros seeks Senate probe into BCDA remittances to military

From Rappler (Sep 10, 2020): Hontiveros seeks Senate probe into BCDA remittances to military (By JC GOTINGA)

‘Any shortage of funding for the AFP Modernization Program seriously threatens our ability to protect Filipinos from various threats,' says Senator Risa Hontiveros

Senator Risa Hontiveros has called for a probe into whether the military has been getting its rightful share of proceeds from the sale of former bases and reservations by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

In a resolution filed on Wednesday, September 9, and shared with reporters the next day, the opposition senator urged the Senate to lead a “comprehensive audit” of the BCDA’s operations and how the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has used its share of the BCDA’s earnings over the years.

Hontiveros said the legislative probe would look into whether the AFP is able to use its shares of proceeds from the BCDA’s sale of former military assets “to ensure that vital national security interests are actually upheld.”

This, after the BCDA denied a claim by AFP chief General Gilbert Gapay that it owed the military some P13.2 billion in remittances. The BCDA said the amount was already with the Bureau of the Treasury, but it had yet to be appropriated.

“The conflicting claims of these two agencies should be investigated and reconciled. Nasaan na ba talaga ang P13.2 billion na hinihingi ng AFP? Bakit hindi pa ito ginagamit para pondohan ang mga kailangan na barko, eroplano, weapon systems, at ibang kagamitan?” Hontiveros said. (Where is the P13.2 billion that the AFP is asking for? Why hasn’t it been used to fund the needed ships, planes, weapons systems, and other equipment?)

The government needs to ensure enough funds for the AFP’s modernization in the face of the lingering threat of terrorism, and China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, the senator added.

“We need to conduct a comprehensive audit of the proceeds from BCDA’s operations over the years, to determine whether the AFP has been receiving its rightful share of such proceeds to finance its modernization projects,” she said.

The Commission on Audit (COA) reported in 2017 that the AFP received no share of proceeds from BCDA operations in military camps outside Metro Manila, including the Clark Special Economic Zone. Hontiveros said the COA then recommended that Congress pass legislation “to correct this deficiency.”

In a separate report, the COA said the AFP was denied its share from the disposition of the property now occupied by the commercial complex that includes the mall SM Aura. Hontiveros said the property was donated to the City of Taguig in 2008, and a portion was subsequently leased to SM Prime Holdings.

Republic Act No. 7898 or the Bases Conversion and Development Act mandates the BCDA to remit 35% of proceeds from the sale of former military reservations to help finance projects under the AFP Modernization Program.

The BCDA was established in the early 1990s to help fund the AFP by selling and developing former military bases and reservations for commercial use. According to its website, the BCDA has contributed a total of P46.55 billion to the AFP’s modernization program from May 1993 to June 2020.

In denying it owed the military billions in remittances, the BCDA said it posted record-high contributions to the AFP in the first half of the Duterte administration, amounting to P15.16 billion.

During Gapay’s confirmation hearing with the Commission on Appointments on September 2, Senator Panfilo Lacson said the BCDA had so far only remitted P6.8 billion out of an expected P20 billion for fiscal year 2020. The military chief affirmed this.

Lacson then told Gapay to collect the balance of P13.2 billion.

Rappler sought clarification from Gapay and Lacson after the BCDA made its denial. Neither official has responded to the queries as of posting. We will update this story as soon as they reply.

“Despite the BCDA’s claims of record remittances, the fact remains that there is still a whopping P300 billion worth of unfunded projects in the AFP Modernization Program which are yet to receive a single centavo from the BCDA. This is unacceptable,” Hontiveros said on Thursday, September 10.

“Any shortage of funding for the AFP Modernization Program seriously threatens our ability to protect Filipinos from various threats, including terrorist attacks and aggression by foreign countries in our territorial waters. Ang bawat piso na hindi naibibigay sa modernisasyon ng AFP ay naglalagay sa buong bansa sa alanganin,” she added. (Every peso not given to the modernization of the AFP puts the entire country in peril.)

https://rappler.com/nation/hontiveros-seeks-probe-bcda-remittances-military

PNP to probe police stations 'terror-tagging' activists

From Rappler (Sep 10, 2020): PNP to probe police stations 'terror-tagging' activists (By RAMBO TALABONG)

Top cop General Camilo Cascolan says the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group will lead the investigation

The Philippine National Police will investigate police stations that have been tagging activists as terrorists, PNP chief General Camilo Cascolan said on Thursday, September 10.

Cascolan said this as he defended the PNP budget at the House of Representatives, where ACT Teachers Representative France Castro confronted him about the practice of some police stations in the country tag activists and leftist lawmakers as terrorists on social media.

Castro flashed a slide showing a composite image of activists and Makabayan bloc representatives, collectively described as "having links to terrorists" in one social media post made by police.

In response, Cascolan said he will order the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group to probe the erring police stations.

"We will investigate.... We assure you that the PNP always follows the rule of law," Cascolan said.

Castro asked Cascolan, who is set to retire in two months, when he could send her the results of the probe. The PNP chief said he would send the report in two weeks.

A Rappler report illustrated how dozens of police stations have been red-tagging and terror-tagging activists and spreading false information on social media, violating the PNP's own policy of responsible use of social media.

Red-tagging has endangered the lives of targeted activists and human rights defenders, as seen in the case of activist Zara Alvarez, who was gunned down in August.

Lives in danger as red-tagging campaign intensifies

Alvarez and others had been subjects of a "vilification campaign" as the Duterte administration continues to crack down on activists by labeling them as either communists or terrorists, and then using laws to have them detained and jailed.

In July 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the controversial anti-terror law, which allows warrantless detention for up to 24 days on the basis of the government's suspicion of involvement in terrorism.

https://rappler.com/nation/pnp-probe-police-stations-terror-tagging-activists

De Lima calls for Senate probe into Misuari’s dealings with Abu Sayyaf leader

From Rappler (Sep 10, 2020): De Lima calls for Senate probe into Misuari’s dealings with Abu Sayyaf leader (By JC GOTINGA)

Senator Leila de Lima questions the circumstances of the arrest of Abu Sayyaf leader Idang Susukan aided by MNLF founder Nur Misuari

Senator Leila de Lima called on her fellow senators to investigate the dealings of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding leader Nur Misuari with Abu Sayyaf leader Abduljihad “Idang” Susukan, whom Misuari handed over to the police in mid-August.
In a message dispatched from her detention cell in Camp Crame, Quezon City, the opposition senator said a probe into the circumstances surrounding Susukan’s arrest aided by Misuari is necessary “to ascertain the nature of their dealings,” and their implications on national security.

De Lima filed Senate Resolution No. 513 to “underscore the need to establish the legitimacy” of Misuari’s activities, and whether his activities in Mindanao are “sanctioned by the highest authorities and serve interests of the country.”

Misuari is the Philippines’ special economic envoy to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte in December 2019.

“For the sake of our national security, there is a need for our security sector…to disclose the complete details of the deal between Misuari and Susukan, and determine whether the same was sanctioned by the highest authorities, and on what basis,” De Lima said.

“There is a need to determine whether the trust being reposed by President Duterte on [Misuari] is being abused by the latter as evidenced in his highly questionable caper with a known terrorist, which can already be considered as aiding and abetting a terrorist, and therefore should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” she added.

With 34 warrants of arrest against him, Susukan was nabbed by the Philippine National Police in Davao City on August 13. He was surrendered to the cops by Misuari, who until then did not inform the police or military that he was with the fugitive terror group leader.

The incident aroused suspicion. Senator Panfilo Lacson warned against "mixing politics and terrorism,” following reports of a “surrender deal” allegedly brokered by Misuari.

Davao City Police chief Colonel Kirby Kraft told Rappler in August that his office was looking into the circumstances of Susukan’s presence in the city before his arrest.

De Lima noted that Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Misuari may be charged with violating the Anti-Terrorism Act if it turns out he coddled Susukan.

“The incident is reported to have bared serious differences of opinion on our country’s security policies. The bone of contention, military sources said, was the presidential amnesty that allegedly underpinned a surrender deal brokered by Misuari,” De Lima said.

Citing military sources, De Lima said Misuari promised Susukan the position his deceased father, Agga Susukan, held during the early days of the MNLF rebellion – in exchange for his surrender. The older Susukan was allegedly Misuari’s trusted aide, the senator added.

De Lima said it would be “morally wrong” for the government to offer any political deal to terrorists, including amnesty, while the families of their victims have yet to receive justice.

Susukan is accused of killings and kidnappings with the Abu Sayyaf, which splintered from the MNLF in the early 1990s.

De Lima was justice secretary when an MNLF faction allegedly led by Misuari laid siege to Zamboanga City in 2013.

“There is a need for our government to declare a clear policy on the Abu Sayyaf, Misuari, and his MNLF splinter faction still holding out in Sulu after the 2013 Zamboanga siege, which terrorized and almost destroyed the city,” De Lima said.

The senator is detained over illegal drug cases filed against her by the Department of Justice in February 2017, after she led a Senate investigation of killings in Duterte’s drug war. As human rights chief years before, De Lima investigated extrajudicial killings in Davao City under Duterte as mayor. Rights groups have called for De Lima’s release, saying her detention is a form of political persecution.

https://rappler.com/nation/de-lima-calls-senate-probe-misuari-dealings-abu-sayyaf-leader

Senate panel tackles fixed term for AFP chief, other top officers

From Rappler (Sep 10, 2020): Senate panel tackles fixed term for AFP chief, other top officers (By JC GOTINGA)

(UPDATED) Setting a fixed three-year term for the military's top generals would allow for better leadership and minimize politicking for promotions, says Senator Richard Gordon

A Senate panel has begun discussions on setting a fixed three-year term for the chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and its other top officers, and raising the age of compulsory retirement for commissioned and senior non-commissioned officers from the current 56 years.

On Thursday, September 10, the Senate sub-committee on national defense and security, peace unification and reconciliation led by Senator Richard Gordon held its first hearing on Senate Bill No. 1785, which would repeal current laws on military officers' tenure and retirement.

There is currently no fixed term for the AFP chief of staff or any of its other officers. Following the military's strict observance of seniority, the President often appoints a chief of staff with only months left before their compulsory retirement. This has led to a "revolving door" policy in which the appointment is perceived as a reward for loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief, and generals ripe for the post jostle for it.

"The practice of 'revolving door' in the appointment of the chief of staff of the AFP is inimical to public interest because it hinders continuity and stability in the leadership of the AFP and allows for political patronage and accommodation promotion that favors personalities over the security and defense of the nation. Thus, such practice must be prevented," Gordon said.

Since 1987, there have been 35 AFP chiefs of staff who served for an average of one year, Gordon observed.

Including the current military chief General Gilbert Gapay, President Rodrigo Duterte has had 8 AFP chiefs of staff in his 4 years in office. Gapay will have served 6 months when he turns 56 in February 2021. Before him, General Felimon Santos Jr was AFP chief of staff for 7 months. Before Santos, General Noel Clement led the military for just over 3 months.

"The current system appears to limit the President's choices to officers whose retirement draws near, which gives a perception that the selection is politically driven," Gordon said.

Senate Bill No. 1785, filed by Gordon, sets a fixed three-year term of office for the following military officers:

AFP Chief of Staff
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs (concurrently the AFP Chief of Staff)
Vice chairman of the joint chiefs
Chief of the Army
Chief of the Air Force
Chief of the Navy
Joint Forces Commanders of the Unified Commands
Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps
Commander of the Special Forces Command
Commander of the Cyber Security Command

The bill sets a 4-year fixed term for the superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy. The appointee should have at least 4 years of remaining active duty to qualify.

The proposed measure sets the age of compulsory retirement for these and other commissioned officers in the military at 65 years old.

Appointees to the positions of vice chairman of the joint chiefs, chief of the joint staff, chief of the Army, chief of the Air Force, and chief of the Navy must have at least 3 years of remaining active service to qualify.

This three-year minimum does not apply to the AFP chief of staff – their retirement may be deferred beyond the age of compulsory retirement until they complete their three-year term. This term may also be extended in times of war or national emergency declared by Congress.

Compulsory retirement at 65 only for AFP chief of staff?

During the Senate panel hearing, resource persons from the defense establishment including Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said only the AFP chief of staff should be compulsorily retired at 65 years old. All other commissioned officers and senior non-commissioned officers should be made to retire at 62 years old.

Gordon and Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, who was part of the panel, took note of this suggestion.

Under the proposed measure, enlisted personnel with the rank of master sergeant and below are to compulsorily retire at the age of 56 with at least 20 years of active service, or upon accumulating 30 years of satisfactory active service, whichever comes earlier.

Lorenzana said this is to maintain a relatively young military.

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No more 'revolving door'

The defense chief has long campaigned for a fixed term for the AFP chief of staff, referred to in the military as the CSAFP.

"The disadvantage of a brief stint is that there is not enough time for the CSAFP to really have his leadership felt by the organization. When a CSAFP retires, there is a ripple effect down the line as those commanders likewise may have stayed only a short time in their commands before going up the ladder of command," Lorenzana told Rappler in January.

It normally takes 6 months for the CSAFP to get familiarized with the job. They reach full swing in implementing their plans and programs on their second year, Lorenzana said.

However, it is rare that a CSAFP is able to stay beyond one year under the current practice.

Although pleased with the AFP's performance over the past two decades despite having short-term chiefs of staff, the defense secretary said the military could have done better if CSAFPs served three-year terms.

In 2012, then president Benigno Aquino III vetoed a similar bill, saying it would have been unconstitutional to allow a CSAFP to remain in office beyond the mandatory retirement age. The problem would have only applied to the military chief at the time, and Aquino could have appointed a new CSAFP with 3 years left in active service.

https://rappler.com/nation/senate-panel-tackles-fixed-term-afp-chief-other-top-officers

Remains of slain NPAs to be flown home by relatives

From Palawan News (Sep 10, 2020): Remains of slain NPAs to be flown home by relatives (By Romar Miranda)

This, after the relatives who arrived in the city over the weekend accompanied by members of Karapatan Southern Tagalog, appealed to city officials. They were earlier held in a hotel for mandatory quarantine in line with existing COVID-19 protocols.

The caskets that contain the remains of the rebels killed in an encounter in Brooke's Point are shown in this photo taken from Heaven's Gate funeral homes.

The city government has decided to ease its quarantine protocols to allow the relatives of slain New People’s Army (NPA) members to bring their bodies to their respective home provinces.

This, after the relatives who arrived in the city over the weekend accompanied by members of Karapatan Southern Tagalog, appealed to city officials. They were earlier held in a hotel for mandatory quarantine in line with existing COVID-19 protocols.

The bodies of the slain rebels had been brought to the city straight to a funeral parlor from Brooke’s Point in Southern Palawan where the encounter took place on September 3.

Lawyer Arnel Pedrosa, city administrator, maintained that the local government of Puerto Princesa was merely following quarantine protocols and decided to ease it after the city government received the request on Wednesday.

“Pinayagan na ang request ng mga relatives to claim the cadavers of those killed in the encounter in Brooke’s Point and to bring the remains to their respective hometown. The request was received past noontime,” Pedrosa said in a text message to Palawan News.

Kyle Salgado, paralegal of Karapatan, said the relatives of Andrea Rosal, daughter of the late spokesperson of the Communist Party of Philippines (CPP), Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal; Rona Jane “Ren” Manalo, former secretary-general of Gabriela Southern Tagalog; Bonifacio “Salvador Luminoso” Magramo, believed to be the secretary of sub-regional military guerilla unit under southern Tagalog regional party committee; and Noel “Ka Celso” Siasico, front operational command, have decided to fly the remains home.

Their “humanitarian team”, composed of five paralegals from Karapatan and the relatives of the slain NPA members, have been held for five days in Puerto Princesa City due to the enforced strict quarantine measures by the local government for individuals arriving from outside the mainland Palawan. The group arrived at Puerto Princesa International Airport on September 5 and was supposed to complete at least seven days of quarantine at Rockstar Inn in Barangay San Miguel, this city.

“The relatives decided to bring the cadavers home, instead of having them cremated so the friends and families could host a wake and proper burial,” Salgado said in Filipino.

Rosal’s remains would be brought home in Ibaan, Batangas, while Magramo and Siasico will be transported to Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. Manalo will be brought home by his father who personally claimed the body to Sariaya, Quezon. The remains of Jay-ar Sento, believed to be a native of Palawan, is yet to be claimed by his relatives. (With a report from Ruth Rodriguez)

https://palawan-news.com/remains-of-slain-npas-to-be-flown-home-by-relatives/

NPA fighter in Brooke’s Point encounter surrenders

From Palawan News (Sep 10, 2020): NPA fighter in Brooke’s Point encounter surrenders (By Aira Genesa Magdayao)

According to the 3rd Marine Brigade (3MBde), Ka Daryl is a member of the Iskwad Buntot (Tres) Kilusang Larangang Guerilla (KLG)-Palawan, Sub-Regional Military Area (SRMA)-4E as a “mandirigma” and medical officer.

(L-R) Atty. Teodoro Jose Matta, PTF ELCAC director for peace and order program added; rebel surrenderee Ka Daryl, and 3rd Marine Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Nestor Herico during the press conference on September 10, 2020.

A New People’s Army (NPA) fighter who reportedly escaped the military raid of their camp in Brooke’s Point last September 3 has surrendered to government authorities.

The NPA member, identified by the military as Jimbo Juan, alias Ka Glean, Kid, Megan, and Daryl, a Cuyunon resident of the island town of Coron in northern Palawan, was presented to the media in a press conference Thursday.

According to the 3rd Marine Brigade (3MBde), Ka Daryl is a member of the Iskwad Buntot (Tres) Kilusang Larangang Guerilla (KLG)-Palawan, Sub-Regional Military Area (SRMA)-4E as a “mandirigma” and medical officer.

He was reportedly involved in the recent encounter between the 2nd Platoon, 61st Marine Company, Force Reconnaissance Group and the rebels in Sitio Kubuyoan, Brgy. Mainit in Brooke’s Point.

Ka Daryl said he was already planning to surrender before the encounter due to the hardship of living in the mountains.

“‘Yong naranasan kong hirap d’yan ay ‘yong maglakad ng gabi. Minsan natatapilok at nadudulas kaya hindi ka makalakad. Gutom at ‘yong maglakad kami ng malayo,” Ka Daryl said.

During the press conference, Ka Daryl was also able to talk to her mother (name withheld) in Coron whom he has not seen since 2019 when he joined the rebel group.

Ka Daryl spoke to her mother and assured her that his surrender was the right decision he made.

The government, on the other hand, welcomed Ka Daryl and urged the other rebels to give up their arms.

“We continue to call for the other rebels who are still out there in the mountains to surrender, to any local government officials, to media or anyone that could help. Our doors are open to accept them become law-abiding citizens,” 3MBde commander Brigadier General Nestor Herico said during the press conference.

“We know that you are all tired and that you all want to be with your families… let us help you because we can,” he added.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) chief Abigail Ablaña also said that the government is providing assistance to rebel returnees including cash, livelihood, health, and education support.

“Ang provincial government ay mayroong LSIP at kung sila ay kwalipikado pa rin maka-avail ng E-CLIP ay pina-process natin ‘yon sa ating DILG. Bukod d’yan mayroon din tayong livelihood program. Ang kanilang pamilya ay puwede rin i-enroll sa PhilHealth, patuloy po lahat ‘yan under the provincial government,” Ablaña said.

She added that they also offer housing assistance in partnership with the National Housing Authority (NHA).

“The most recent ay ang housing, in partnership with NHA. Sa ngayon ay ongoing ang validation para sa mga naunang sumukong rebelde para sa kanilang eligibility,” she said.

In addition, Ablaña said they are also offering educational assistance for those who are still young.

“In some way kung hindi naman siya mabibigyan ng livelihood dahil bata ay ini-enroll at nire-refer natin sa TESDA at Alternative Learning System (ALS). Kung employable naman na sila ay puwede silang i-absorb ng government,” Ablaña added.

https://palawan-news.com/npa-fighter-in-brookes-point-encounter-surrenders/