Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Army to Concha: Surrender now

From Panay News (Dec 8, 2021): Army to Concha: Surrender now (By Ruby Silubrico)



The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) is calling on Ma. Concepcion “Concha” Araneta-Bocala, a top-raking leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Panay Island, to surrender now.

“Matanda na sia. Dapat sa kanya mag-surrender na at magpahinga,” said Major General Benedict Arevalo, 3ID commander.

Bocala was believed not among the 16 rebels killed in the airstrike in Barangay Alimodias, Miag-ao, Iloilo on Dec. 1.

Bocala, of the country’s most wanted rebels, has a bounty of P4.8 million along with her husband Reynaldo who died in a shootout with policemen on May 28 this year at Providence Subdivision, Pavia, Iloilo.

Bocala, now in her 70s, used to be the highest ranking NPA leader in Panay Island prior to her arrest in 2015.


She was also the Visayas-based consultant of the National Democratic Front (NDF) which had been negotiating peace with the government.

“Patuloy tayo maghanap sa kanya. She better surrender rather than mamatay sia sa giyera,” added Arevalo.

Bocala was arrested by combined forces of the military and police on Aug. 1, 2015 at a safe house in Barangay Calumpang, Molo, Iloilo City. She was temporarily released from detention in 2016 to participate in the peace talks between the CPP and the national government in Norway.

After President Rodrigo Duterte terminated the negotiations 2017, Bocala sought the help of comrades to hide.

Meanwhile, Concha’s husband was killed in a police operation with his aide Willy Epago.

Before his death, Reynaldo had several positions in the NPA in Panay Island. He was the former deputy secretary of the NPA Southern Front Committee, chief of the NPA regional operational department, and finance officer.

He was one of the country’s most wanted persons with several warrants for various criminal cases in Panay Island to include murder, destructive arson, robbery in band with frustrated homicide, and robbery with serious physical injuries.


https://www.panaynews.net/army-to-concha-surrender-now/

Army troops foil NPA extortion activities

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 8, 2021): Army troops foil NPA extortion activities (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The intensified combat operations of the Philippine Army in northern Negros resulted an encounter on December 5 in Sitio Anita Dos, Brgy. Winaswasan, Calatrava, Negros Occidental.

Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines, 79th Infantry Battalion commander, yesterday said that patrolling Army soldiers thwarted extortion activities of NPA remnants in northern Negros, following an encounter with five armed rebels.


Javines said that residents, who are already fed up by rebel extortion activities, reported their presence to 79IB troopers, who immediately responded to complaints.

Nobody among 79IB injured in about seven minutes of gun battle with five NPA rebels, who scampered in various directions, he added.

Javines believes that some of the fleeing rebels may have been injured in the armed skirmishes, as traces of bloodstains were discovered along their route of withdrawal.

He added that the 79IB already coordinated with other security forces in neighboring areas to intercept the fleeing rebels.

https://visayandailystar.com/army-troops-foil-npa-extortion-activities/

Troops overrun NPA camp in Lanao hinterlands

 From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Dec 8, 2021): Troops overrun NPA camp in Lanao hinterlands



ZAMBOANGA. Troops of the Army's 5th Infantry Battalion overrun a camp of the New People's Army (NPA) rebels following an intense hour-long gun battle Sunday, December 5, in the hinterlands of Maguing, Lanao del Sur. A photo handout shows the explosives, medical supplies, NPA flags, and containers filled with rice the troops recovered from the fallen camp. (SunStar Zamboanga)

TROOPS of the Army's 5th Infantry Battalion (IB) overran a camp of the New People's Army (NPA) rebels following an intense hour-long gun battle in the hinterlands of Lanao del Sur, a top military official said Wednesday, December 8.

Lieutenant Colonel Romulus Rabara, 5IB commander, said the fallen camp of the NPA, which the troops overran Sunday, December 5, is located in the municipality of Maguing, Lanao del Sur.


Rabara said the combat operation was launched following receipt of reliable information from peace-loving residents.

He said the troops recovered from the fallen NPA camp numerous improvised explosive devices (IEDS), medicines, medical equipment, subversive documents of high-intelligence value, six 20-liter containers filled with rice and other food supplies.

The troops also dismantled the NPA's fortifications, which the rebels use for cover and shelter, according to Rabara.

He said there were no casualties among the government forces, but the NPA rebels were believed to have suffered casualties as bloodstains were found along their withdrawal routes.

He said the capture of valuable enemy supplies dealt a significant blow on the ability of the rebels to sustain its activities in the hinterlands of Maguin town.

"I commend the people of Maguing for their cooperation by providing vital information about the enemy. Our troops will continue to be relentless in pursuing the communist terrorists here in Lanao Del Sur no matter what the odds are," Rabara said.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1915312/Zamboanga/Local-News/Troops-overrun-NPA-camp-in-Lanao-hinterlands

De Leon assumes top military post of Eastern Visayas

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 8, 2021): De Leon assumes top military post of Eastern Visayas (By: Joey Gabieta)



Major Gen. Edgardo de Leon on Monday assumed the top military post of Eastern Visayas.

The ceremony, held at the grounds of the 8th Infantry Division camp in Catbalogan City in Samar, was presided by chief of staff and current Army chief, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino.

De Leon, who was the deputy chief of staff for operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and a member of the Class Maringal of 1988 of the Philippine Military Academy, vowed to address the continuing insurgency problem in the region.

The region, composed of the provinces of Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar, continues to be saddled with the presence of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Centino, in his address during the turnover ceremony, described de Leon as a “determined and well-trained” officer.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1525538/de-leon-assumes-top-military-post-of-eastern-visayas

MGen Romeo Brawner Jr. is new Philippine Army chief

From MindaNews (Dec 8, 2021): MGen Romeo Brawner Jr. is new Philippine Army chief (By FROILAN GALLARDO)


Major General Romeo Brawner Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, checks the 15 firearms seized from NPA rebels in San Fernando, Bukidnon on Sept. 8, 2021. Photo taken Sept. 9, 2021 in Maramag, Bukidnon by FROILAN GALLARDO/MindaNews

Five months after he assumed command of the Army 4th Infantry Division, Major General Romeo Brawner Jr., was appointed as commanding general of the 100,000-strong Philippine Army.

President Rodrigo Duterte notified Secretary of Defense Delfin Lorenzana that his appointment of Brawner as Philippine Army Chief took effect on December 7.


“I wish to inform you that per your letter-endorsement and in accordance with the recommendation of Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Chairman, AFP Board of Generals, the designation of General Romeo Brawner Jr., as commanding general, Philippine Army, is hereby approved effective this date,” Duterte said in the appointment order dated December 7.

Brawner replaced Philippine Army Chief Lt. Gen. Andres Centino, who is now the AFP Chief of Staff.

He assumed command of the 4th Infantry Division, the Army unit mainly responsible for counterinsurgency operations in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions last July 1.

His major success during the five-month stint was the death of communist leader Jorge Madlos aka “Ka Oris,” spokesperson of the New People’s Army National Operational Command and the National Democratic Front in Mindanao who was killed in a military operation in Impasugong, Bukidnon last Oct. 31.

Brawner used to the spokesperson and deputy commander of the Task Force Ranao fighting the ISIS-inspired militants who attacked Marawi City in 2017.

He later took over the command of the 103rd Infantry Brigade based in Marawi as the military launched operations to flush out the remaining militants.

Zia Alonto Adiong, Bangsamoro Transition Authority Deputy Speaker heaped praises on Brawner on his appointment as Army chief.

“I have personally seen his dedication and degree of commitment in serving the people,” Adiong said.

Adiong and Brawner used to work together during the siege in Marawi as spokespersons for the government.

A native of Kiangan, Ifugao province, Brawner belongs to the Philippine Military Academy “Makatao” Class 1989.

He became the Commandant of Cadets at the academy after it was rocked by a hazing scandal in 2019.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/12/mgen-romeo-brawner-jr-is-new-philippine-army-chief/

14 BIFF Extremists with 17 High-Powered Firearms and Explosives Surrender Anew in Maguindanao

From the Journal Online (Dec 5, 2021): 14 BIFF Extremists with 17 High-Powered Firearms and Explosives Surrender Anew in Maguindanao



CAMP SIONGCO, MAGUINDANAO – Fourteen members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrender anew to Joint Task Force Central forces in Upi, Maguindanao on December 3, 2021. These 14 former extremists belong to BIFF-Bungos Faction and surrendered with them 12 high-powered firearms and five (5) explosives.

Major General Juvymax Uy, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central and the 6th Infantry Division expressed his appreciation to the decision of the 14 former BIFF members to return to the folds of the law and to live peaceful lives with their families.

The 14 former extremists were presented by Lt. Col. Jonathan Pondanera, Commander of 57th Infantry Battalion, at Headquarters 57IB, Camp Edwards, Brgy. Mirab, Upi, Maguindanao and was welcomed by Brig. Gen. Eduardo Gubat, 603rd Infantry Brigade Commander; Ustadz Abdulatip Pinagayao, Maguindanao Cultural Affairs Office (MCAO) Planning Officer; and the Local Chief Executives of the Municipalities of Upi and South Upi, all of Maguindanao Province.

The surrendered firearms includes one (1) 60mm Mortar, one (1) M16A1 Rifle, two (2) M203 Grenade Launchers, two (2) 7.62 M14 Rifles, one (1) Cal .30 Garand Rifle, one (1) Cal .30 Sniper Rifle, one (1) Cal .50 Barrett Sniper Rifle, two (2) Rocket-Propelled Grenades, and one (1) 12-Gauge Shotgun. On the other hand, the surrenderers also turned-over one (1) Jetmatic Improvised Explosive Device and four (4) Improvised Hand Grenades.

Since January of this year, the Joint Task Force Central alongside the Local Government Units of South and Central Mindanao has facilitated the surrender of more than 300 former BIFF and Daulah Islamiya members. Most of these former extremists have already received livelihood assistance under the AGILA – HAVEN (Anak Na May Ginintuang Layunin Upang Hintuan Ang Violent Extremism Ngayon) Program of Maguindanao Province while the new surrenderers are still in process to receive their respective assistance for them to start living normal, peaceful, and sustainable lives with their families.

“Together with our partners from the Local Government Units, religious sector, and the community, our dream of a peaceful and developed South and Central Mindanao is within reach,” stressed by Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy while calling on the remaining BIFF and DI members to return to the folds of the law and start living a peaceful life with their family.



https://journal.com.ph/14-biff-extremists-with-17-high-powered-firearms-and-explosives-surrender-anew-in-maguindanao/

BIFF leader, 5 followers give up to Armed Forces

From the Manila Times (Dec 6, 2021): BIFF leader, 5 followers give up to Armed Forces

A field commander of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)-Karialan faction and five of his followers surrendered to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Sultan Kudarat over the weekend.

The six turned themselves in at the headquarters of the 40th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Tual, President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat province.

According to Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom),
the surrenderers handed over their firearms, including one 5.56 mm M16A1 rifle, one 5.56 mm Ultimax 100 light machine-gun, one 7.62 mm M14 rifle, two 7.62 mm Barrett rifles, one 40 mm grenade launcher and one heat rocket-propelled grenade.


Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of Joint Task Force Central, said, "This feat is a result of the joint efforts of our troops, [the] Datu Paglas Municipal Police Station and the local government of Datu Paglas. We hope that [the BIFF field commander's] remaining followers will be enlightened by the surrender of their field commander."

The identities of the BIFF fighters remained undisclosed for their safety.

The six men underwent custodial debriefing at the 40th IB headquarters.

"The influx of surrenders weakened the terror group. Hence, more of its members opt to abandon their armed struggle and return to the [fold] of the law," Rosario Jr. said.

"Our security campaign in Central Mindanao is gaining significant headway with already 237 neutralized BIFF personalities for this year alone," Rosario Jr. added.

"My congratulations to the soldiers of the units under the command and control of the Westmincom for continuously reaping successes. The command will step up its effort toward the end state of defeating all threat groups, especially those that are connected with identified terror groups," the Westmincom chief continued.

Joint Task Force Central had been intensifying its security operations against the BIFF and other terrorist groups in Central Mindanao.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/12/06/news/regions/biff-leader-5-followers-give-up-to-armed-forces/1824867

14 more BIFF members yield in Maguindanao

Posted to PTV News (Dec 8, 2021): 14 more BIFF members yield in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)


One of the 14 surrendering BIFF gunmen hands over his rifle to Brig. Gen. Eduardo Gubat (center), 603rd Infantry Brigade commander, during surrender rites held at the 57th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Upi, Maguindanao on Sunday (Dec. 5, 2021). The surrenderers also turned over (inset upper left) 12 high-powered firearms and five explosives. (Photo courtesy of 603rd IBde via PNA)

Displeased with their life as rebels, 14 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) yielded to authorities in Upi town of this province bringing with them high-powered firearms and explosives, a top military official here said Monday.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) commander, said
the 14 BIFF gunmen voluntarily surrendered Sunday afternoon to the Army-led Joint Task Force Central (JFTC) units in Upi.


Lt. Col. Jonathan Pondanera, 57th Infantry Battalion commander based in Upi, presented the surrenderers to 603rd Infantry Brigade (603rd IBde) chief Brig. Gen. Eduardo Gubat at the battalion headquarters at Camp Edwards in Barangay Mirab, Upi.

“They belonged to the BIFF-Bungos faction and they handed over 12 high-powered firearms and five explosives,” Uy, concurrent head of the JTFC, said, quoting a report from the 603Rd IBde.

Uy lauded the decision of the BIFF surrenderers to choose the right path to peace so they can live quietly with their families.

Since January this year, more than 300 BIFF members have surrendered to the 6ID.

The military’s surrender program is in partnership with the local government of Maguindanao that provided livelihood funds for the surrenderers to restart their lives with decent sources of income.

“Together with our partners from the local government units, religious sector, and the community, our dream of a peaceful and developed South and Central Mindanao is within reach,” Uy said.

He appealed to other BIFF members still in the field to come forward and peacefully return to the fold of the law.

https://ptvnews.ph/14-more-biff-members-yield-in-maguindanao/

14 BIFF men, Dawlah Islamiya bomb maker surrender

From the Philippine Star (Dec 8, 2021): 14 BIFF men, Dawlah Islamiya bomb maker surrender (John Unson)

NORTH UPI, Maguindanao, Philippines — Fourteen members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered to the military here on Monday.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th Infantry Division (ID) commander, said the surrenderees turned over 12 rifles, four fragmentation grenades and a 60-millimeter mortar.


Uy said the 6th ID has been receiving surrender feelers from more BIFF bandits.

In North Cotabato, an alleged bomb expert of the Dawlah Islamiya surrendered in Carmen town on Sunday.

Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., Western Mindanao Command chief, said the surrender was not immediately announced so as not to jeopardize follow-up operations.

The military withheld the identity of the bomb maker for the safety of his family. РRoel Pare̱o

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2021/12/08/2146397/14-biff-men-dawlah-islamiya-bomb-maker-surrender

Farmers' group to new PAF chief: Stop airstrikes in peasant communities

From the Philippine Star (Dec 8, 2021): Farmers' group to new PAF chief: Stop airstrikes in peasant communities



File photo shows the Philippine Air Force's FA-50 sonic jets acquired during the Aquino administration used in battling the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups backed by foreign-based terrorists during the Siege of Marawi City.   File / Malacañang Photo Bureau

A group representing farmers urged Wednesday the new chief of the Philippine Air Force, Maj. Gen. Connor Anthony Canlas, to stop conducting what they said were "overkill airstrikes" that they said severely damage the lives of people, livelihood, and the environment in hinterland peasant communities.

To recall, the PAF in December conducted an airstrike operation in Brgy. Alimodias, Miag-ao, Iloilo that left at least seven people dead, and irreparable damages on the livelihood and well-being of the attacked community.

Canlas, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1989, previously served as PAF vice commander and former Air Defense Command chief.

In a statement sent to media, the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas said that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and its PAF violated the Geneva Conventions and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law by conducting surgical airstrikes that eventually resulted in heavy collateral damage.

Canlas assumed office on Tuesday, replacing retired Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes. In his speech, Canlas said he believed that continuity of the "previous command thrusts and frameworks" would be key for the PAF moving forward.

"As such, I am not really too keen on leaving legacies but my ultimate goal is to achieve the milestones set by our Flight Plan (2028) that was established by our predecessors," he is quoted as saying in an article by state-run Philippine News Agency.

According to Article 85(3)(b) of the 1977 Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, it is a grave breach of the Protocol to launch “an indiscriminate attack affecting the civilian population or civilian objects in the knowledge that such attack will cause excessive loss of life, injury to civilians or damage to civilian objects.”

KMP argued that the airstrikes are in violation of the CARHRIHL, an agreement signed by the GRP with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines in 1998.

Article 2(4) of Part III of the 1998 CARHRIHL provides that the Agreement seeks to protect the right to life, especially from “indiscriminate bombardments of communities.”

"We strongly condemn these airstrikes conducted by the PAF. Airstrikes are always overkilled and extremely damaging. The use of air assets is unreasonable and violates international humanitarian laws,” KMP chairperson Danilo Ramos said.


"The PAF and AFP units conducted surgical airstrikes targeting alleged NPA lairs in rural villages in Eastern and Northern Samar, Cagayan, Bukidnon, and Iloilo."

Similar airstrikes are conducted under the pretext of Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70, which created the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and instituted a "whole of nation" approach to the government's anti-insurgency campaign.

Citing the initial reports of witnesses, KMP said that in the early morning of December 1, two aircraft flew over Sitio Burak in Brgy. Alimodias. Immediately after, two big explosions were felt, shaking the ground and leaving big craters as deep as 15 feet and as wide as 20 feet.

"These explosions were then followed by what witnesses recall as artillery cannon fire. KMP supports the solidarity statement demanding a stop to the indiscriminate bombing of peasant communities and allowing humanitarian help for the victims of Miag-ao airstrike," the statement reads.

The peasant group in its statement Wednesday also lambasted the AFP and PAF’s shopping spree of deadly armaments used in airstrikes and military operations.

In 2021, the AFP acquired 16 Polish-made S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters; two Jordan-made Bell AH-1S 'Cobra' dedicated attack helicopters, and two Turkish-made T129 ATAK helicopters worth billions of pesos.

Also this year, the US State Department approved a potential arms sale to the Philippines, a proposed deal that includes the possible transfer of twelve (12) F-16 Block 70/72 fighter jets, Sidewinder air-to-air, and Harpoon anti-ship missiles for use in the West Philippine Sea.

"Airstrikes will leave a lifelong scar on farmers and affected peasant communities. It's like hell falling from the sky," Ramos said.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/12/08/2146567/farmers-group-new-paf-chief-stop-airstrikes-peasant-communities

ESSCom crippled 41 Abu Sayyaf groups since formation in 2013, says commander

Posted to the Malay Mail (Dec 8, 2021): ESSCom crippled 41 Abu Sayyaf groups since formation in 2013, says commander


ESSCom commander Datuk Ahmad Fuad Othman speaks during an interview in Lahad Datu September 19, 2020. ― Bernama pic

Since its establishment in 2013, the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) has crippled 41 Abu Sayyaf group clans involved in kidnapping for ransom activities in Sabah.

Its commander Datuk Ahmad Fuad Othman attributed the success to swift intelligence exchange between ESSCom, the Sulu Joint Task Force and the Western Mindanao Command military team.


“Two of the Abu Sayyaf group clans, namely Hatib Munap Binda and Jemaah Group led by Ustaz Mamay Aburi were crippled during my tenure as ESSCom Commander,” he told reporters after a parade to mark his retirement, here, today.

Ahmad Fuad also shared the success of three joint special operations with the Philippines in neutralising nine main targets of Abu Sayyaf, thus maintaining zero kidnappings in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).

“No kidnappings occured during my tenure and this is due to the close cooperation with security forces from the Philippines and Indonesia,” said Ahmad Fuad who will retire on Dec 11.


Meanwhile, Ahmad Fuad said several plans had been drawn up by ESSCom to strengthen security control in the ESSZone, including the proposal to build General Operations Force posts in populated areas.

“ESSCom also proposed that a Forward Operation Base of the Air Operation Force be established in Tawau to house all the assets and facilitate their maintenance works,” he added.

Ahmad Fuad also reminded all members of the security forces in the ESSZone against abetting cross-border criminals or syndicates in conducting their illegal activities. — Bernama

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/12/08/esscom-crippled-41-abu-sayyaf-groups-since-formation-in-2013-says-commander/2026920

PH Army headquarters braces for Omicron threat

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 8, 2021): PH Army headquarters braces for Omicron threat (By Priam Nepomuceno)



BRACING FOR OMICRON. Philippine Army (PA) officials hold a virtual meeting on the preparations to deal with a possible surge in cases due to the Omicron variant of Covid-19, on Tuesday (Dec. 7, 2021). The PA is implementing a "no vaccination, no entry" rule in its headquarters. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

All possible efforts will be undertaken to ensure that the Philippine Army (PA) headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig is prepared for the threat posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) Omicron variant.

"The PA's main headquarters in Taguig City reiterated strict adherence to health protocols in a virtual meeting today, December 7, in light of the threat posed by the Covid-19 caused by the new coronavirus Omicron variant," Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement Tuesday night.

Army Operations Center Chief, Maj. Christian Agonos, led the virtual meeting that was attended by infectious disease control officers from PA headquarter offices and units.

During the meeting, the Office of the Army Chief Surgeon reiterated strict adherence to minimum health standards, continued vaccination efforts, and preparation of medical facilities and personnel to manage a possible surge.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Ritchiemel Caballes, acting Commander of the 191st Military Police Battalion of the Installation Management Command, reiterated the "no vaccination, no entry" rule at Fort Bonifacio and the continuing strict implementation of minimum health protocols within the camp.

From a weekly peak of 196 new confirmed cases from August 9 to 15 this year, the Army General Hospital recorded just four new confirmed cases from November 30 to December 6.

Reports said the Omicron variant is more transmissible than the Delta variant, which caused a surge in infections in the country in August.

However, no deaths have so far been reported due to the new variant, which was first reported by South African scientists in late November.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162130

Brawner vows to focus on improving Army troops' health, welfare

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 8, 2021): Brawner vows to focus on improving Army troops' health, welfare (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Philippine Army chief, Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (File photo courtesy of AFP)

Newly appointed Philippine Army (PA) chief, Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., has vowed to focus on taking care of the health, welfare, and morale of the troops and their families.

"Itong mga tropa natin, these are the most important resource of the PA, yung tropa natin, tao (Our troops are the most important resource of the PA)," Brawner said in an interview on Tuesday.

He also said he would continue to focus on developing the Army's core competency, which is warfighting, by further developing the Filipino soldier and the PA as an organization.

Brawner noted that soldiers must be capacitated to finish the task given to the military by President Rodrigo R. Duterte, which is to eliminate the communist rebels by the end of his term.

Brawner is the outgoing commander of the Cagayan de Oro City-based 4th Infantry Division (4ID).

Under his leadership, the 4ID neutralized ranking communist combatants in the Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions, including Jorge Madlos alias Ka Oris, head of the New People's Army (NPA) National Operational Command.

Ka Oris' neutralization resulted in a series of surrenders and seizure of firearms nationwide.

The 4ID also significantly reduced the Communist Party of the Philippines - NPA presence in their areas of responsibility, in compliance with Duterte's directive.

On Wednesday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) lauded the appointment of Brawner Jr. as Army chief.

"Maj. Gen. Brawner’s appointment is a testimony to the professionalism and dynamism of the military organization, which is important in carrying out our mission to protect the people and the state," AFP spokesperson, Col. Ramon Zagala, said in a statement.

Brawner replaced Lt. Gen. Andres Centino, who was appointed as AFP chief on November 12.

Centino also welcomed Brawner's designation as PA commander.

"As a competent and dedicated commander and leader, the PA is in good hands with Maj. Gen. Brawner at the helm," he said.

The Department of National Defense also welcomed the appointment of Brawner and Maj. Gen. Connor Anthony Canlas as the new chiefs of the Army and the Philippine Air Force, respectively.

"These two gentlemen bring with them their vast experience and excellent leadership honed through the years as they rose in their respective services," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement.

Brawner is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1989.

He previously held such positions as deputy chief of staff for financial management, J10, an office which was newly activated in December 2020; commandant of cadets of the PMA; deputy commander of the Joint Task Force Marawi, in charge of organizing social support activities and as spokesperson during the Marawi Siege; commander of the 103rd Brigade, Philippine Army; and chief of the AFP Public Affairs Office.

He is also a Special Forces and Airborne officer who was named as one of the country's Most Outstanding Filipino Soldiers in 2013.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162132

200 troops in V. Luna hospital get Xmas gifts from AFP chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 8, 2021): 200 troops in V. Luna hospital get Xmas gifts from AFP chief (By Priam Nepomuceno)



CHIEF 'SANTA CLAUS'. Armed Forces chief, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino (left), hands over a Christmas gift to a troop confined at the V. Luna Medical Center in Quezon City on Wednesday (Dec. 8, 2021). Centino thanked the officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resources working at VLMC and other military treatment facilities nationwide for taking care of wounded soldiers and ensuring the health and safety of AFP personnel amid the Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino, distributed Christmas gifts to at least 200 soldiers confined at the V. Luna Medical Center in Quezon City during his visit on Wednesday.

"Your sacrifices have brought us much closer to our objective of ending all armed threats next year. My heartfelt gratitude goes to all of you who put your lives on the line and fought valiantly for the accomplishment of our mission,” he said.

Centino was received by AFP Health Service commander, Air Force Brig. Gen. Edgar M. Cardinoza.

“I wish for your speedy and full recovery so that you may return to your families in time for Christmas,” the AFP chief added, committing the Command’s all-out support to the military’s treatment facilities.

He also thanked the officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resources working at VLMC and other military treatment facilities nationwide for taking care of wounded soldiers and ensuring the health and safety of AFP personnel amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

"Thank you for tirelessly taking care of us and for ensuring that our brave soldiers recover from their wounds and return to their stations and their families as soon as possible,” Centino said.

He also congratulated the AFP Health Service and health workers for their efforts in keeping Covid-19 cases among the military low.

The consistent enforcement of minimum health standards in military camps resulted in the low number of Covid-19 cases in the AFP, with only 60 active cases reported as of Wednesday, including dependents.

A total of 98 percent of AFP personnel have also received the Covid-19 vaccine, while 85 percent have received at least two doses.

“I have always said in my field visits that the AFP has enough resources to accomplish our mission. This is true also for ensuring the health and wellness of our personnel. Let us continue to use our resources wisely and judiciously in keeping our force at its peak and best form,” Centino said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162160

Down payment for PAF's Russian heavy-lift choppers out soon: DND

 From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 8, 2021): Down payment for PAF's Russian heavy-lift choppers out soon: DND (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (Presidential photo)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the down payment for the Philippine Air Force (PAF)'s Russian-sourced heavy-lift helicopter acquisition program will be released soon.

"Also, the down payment for the heavy-lift helicopters, I think will be paid soon so that we will have the heavy-lift helicopter, Mi-17, of Russia. Malaking helicopter po iyon (that is a big helicopter),"
Lorenzana said on the sidelines of the assumption ceremony of Maj. Gen. Connor Anthony Canlas as the new PAF chief on Tuesday night.

Canlas replaced Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes, who retired from the service upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

The PAF earlier announced that it is looking at the possibility of acquiring heavy-lift helicopters as part of efforts to beef up its helicopter fleet.


A heavy-lift helicopter is a type of rotary aircraft capable of lifting large numbers of personnel or cargo. The Mil Mi-17 is a Soviet-designed Russian military helicopter family in production at two factories in Kazan and Ulan-Ude.

It is known as the Mi-8M series in Russian service. The helicopter is mostly used as medium twin-turbine transport helicopter, as well as an armed gunship version.

It has a maximum speed of 280 km/h (170 mph, 150 knots) and a range of 800 km. The Mi-17 has a crew of two pilots and one engineer and is capable of transporting 24 soldiers or 12 stretchers internally.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162156

Legislators back higher NTF-ELCAC 2022 budget

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 8, 2021): Legislators back higher NTF-ELCAC 2022 budget



The resounding pleas of local officials to reinstate the PHP28.1-billion budget of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has gained ground, as it continues to change the perceptions of many legislators especially those in the 2022 Congressional Bicameral Conference Committee (bicam).

Before the 2022 Bicam, Senate Finance Committee chairman Senator Sonny Angara was already convinced that the NTF-ELCAC budget, especially its flagship program, the Barangay Development Program (BDP) will be given a higher budget at the bicam.

Angara said with the recent submission of the NTF-ELCAC’s accomplishment report on the BDP, most of the senators have now a bigger picture of how very important the projects are for barangays in the far-flung areas.

Angara said if they will push through with the additional budget at the bicam, most of the senators would want the funding to be put into the infrastructure component of BDP.


“Basta ang gusto ng mga kasamahan namin, ang gusto ng iba kung dadagdagan natin, huwag natin ilagay sa maintenance expenses. Ilagay natin sa infrastructure, sa mga very visible na makikita ng ating mga kababayan sa kanayunan. Kasi yun naman yung point ng programa at yun ang magugustuhan ng mga kababayan natin (What our colleagues want that if we increase, let’s not put in maintenance expenses. Let’s put it in infrastructure, the very visible ones that our countrymen can see in the countryside. Because that is the purpose of the program and that’s our countrymen want),” he said.

“Kapag nakikita nila na may kalsada sila, mayroong patubig, mayroon silang magagandang proyekto mula sa gobyerno nila, ramdam nila yung pag-aruga ng pamahalaan (When they see that they have roads, irrigation, they have good projects from their government, they feel the care of the government),” Angara said.

Angara, however, explained that the massive budget-cut made by the Senate in the NTF-ELCAC proposed budget for the 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA), was brought about by the delayed report on the BDP, which the Senators later realized was due to the immense scope of the various NTF-ELCAC’s projects targeted and being implemented nationwide.

“Kaya malaki yung cut namin (That’s why we made big cut). Since, they’ve given us reports and out of the 2,300 projects meron ngang so many are nasa pre-procurement stage, yung iba binibid-out na, yung iba under construction na. So, at least nakita namin na meron naman palang napupuntahan yung pera ng ating bayan (many are in the pre-procurement stage, the others are being bid out, the others under construction. So, at least, we saw that the people’s money went to the right projects),” Angara said.

Angara also suggested that the NTF-ELCAC should set aside a budget for its system of monitoring and reporting because of the huge undertaking of the BDP.

“So, dahil nationwide yung mga projects niyan at kalat-kalat, it takes time to gather information, kailangan bawat munisipyo, bawat barangay magre-report sa iyo. Medyo matrabaho nga iyon (because the projects are nationwide and in different areas, it takes time to gather information, every municipal, barangay needs to report. It really requires a lot of work). That’s what the NTF-ELCAC should improve in moving forward para gumanda yung (for good) implementation,” Angara said.

On the other hand, Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa, a member of the Senate contingent for the 2022 bicam said at Usaping Bayan in SMNI on Tuesday, that what he wanted is for the NTF-ELCAC budget should be at least restored to this year’s PHP19 billion fund.

Being a staunch supporter of the NTF-ELCAC and the BDP, Dela Rosa also said before the start of the bicam, “Actually, I talked to Senator Angara, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and he gave me the assurance na ire-restore yung (it will be restored) somewhere along the figure for this year.”

Dela Rosa hoped that the NTF-ELCAC budget will be resolved during the small group discussions of the bicam as members of the House of Representatives, including Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez and House Appropriations Committee Chair ACT-CIS Rep. Eric Yap will continue to defend the original NTF-ELCAC budget of PHP28.1 billion.

It can be recalled that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has already expressed his dismay over the budget cuts and requested Congress to restore the budget of the NTF-ELCAC and the BDP -- a strong deterrent of insurgency, as it brings development to formerly terrorized communities by the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

On the other hand, National Security Adviser (NSA) and NTF-ELCAC vice chairman Secretary Hermogenes Esperon reiterated that the BDP is beyond any political agenda but ending local communist armed conflict which continues to hamper the progress and economic development of the whole country, especially in the far-flung barangays.

“Hindi naman politikahan ito (It’s not about politics). This is about ending the local communist armed conflict na kung mawawala ang conflict na ito ay ang makikinabang ay ang buong Pilipinas (that if the conflict is eliminated, the whole Philippines will benefit),” Esperon said.

He added the local leaders are the ones clamoring for the reinstatement of the original BDP budget as the slash would limit the implementation of many of the promised infrastructure projects.

“Tandaan natin yung PHP28.1 billion ay hindi pondo ng NTF-ELCAC iyan. Iyan ay pondo ng Barangay Development Program at diretso iyan na napupunta sa barangay. Mawawala na yung kanilang farm-to-market road at saka yung pinaka importante siguro ay mawawala na din yung classrooms, mawawala na ding yung livelihood projects. At dahil ito ay dapat na PHP20 million bawat barangay (Let’s remember that the PHP28.1 billion is not NTF-ELCAC budget. That’s for BDB and will go directly to barangay. There will be no more farm-to-market roads and most importantly, classrooms and livelihood projects. And because of this every barangay should have PHP20 million),” Esperon said.

Governors Chiz Escudero of Sorsogon, Ben Evardone (Eastern Samar), Nelson Dayanghirang (Davao Oriental), Jayvee Tyron Uy (Davao de Oro), Nancy Catamco (North Cotabato), and Jose Maria Zubiri Jr. (Bukidnon) were also very disappointed with the budget cut made by the Senate.

Many of the governors also said the budget cut would only benefit the CPP-NPA-NDF, as these communist terrorist groups (CTGs) will easily discredit the government efforts for failing to fulfill the promises to the already poverty-stricken barangays.

On the other hand, municipal mayors whose barangays are the target beneficiaries for the implementation of BDP in 2022 were also disheartened and urged their constituents not to vote for senators defunding the NTF-ELCAC.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162197

Bangsamoro leader welcomes Brawner's promotion

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 8, 2021): Bangsamoro leader welcomes Brawner's promotion (By Divina Suson and Nef Luczon)



OUTSTANDING SERVICE. Maj. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. in an interview by reporters in Marawi City during the 4th-year commemoration of the siege liberation on Oct. 16, 2021. President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Brawner as the commanding general of the Philippine Army on Tuesday (Dec. 7, 2021). (PNA photo by Nef Luczon)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur – A Bangsamoro regional lawmaker who hails from this area is glad and proud of the appointment of Maj. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. as the new commanding general of the Philippine Army (CGPA).

Zia Alonto Adiong, a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said Brawner is well deserving to become the next CGPA.

"I have personally witnessed his dedication and the degree of commitment he has in serving the people. We worked together during the Marawi siege, and he has helped us get through with our humanitarian responses by listening to our peoples' concerns," Adiong said in a statement sent to the media Tuesday night.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed Brawner's appointment on Tuesday.

Adiong and Brawner were spokespersons, respectively, for the provincial government and military during the five-month siege in Marawi City in 2017.

"He is open to dialogue, an indication that he truly aims to understand the beating heart of the people," Adiong said.

He said when Brawner was stationed as the commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade in Marawi City, the latter was practically always on the move running after remnants of the Maute-Islamic State of Iraq and Syria local terrorist group who were hiding in the hinterlands of Lanao del Sur.

He said Brawner was able to capture many Maute-ISIS fighters, thus, reducing their ranks and substantially crippling the local terrorist network.

"We are proud to call him our brother because he shares and is also sensitive to the kind of narrative the Bangsamoro people continue to pursue considering that Maj. Gen. Brawner is himself a member of the indigenous cultural community in the North," Adiong said.

He also said Brawner speaks the principle of inclusivity and represents the many cultural minorities in the country which is an additional asset to our security sector.

Brawner is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Makatao” Class of 1989.

Before his appointment CGPA, Brawner is the commander of the 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan de Oro City.

Under his leadership, the 4ID neutralized high-ranking communist leaders in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions including Jorge Madlos alias Ka Oris, head of the New People's Army national operational command.

Brawner earlier said Ka Oris' death demoralized the NPA group that resulted in a series of surrenders and seizure of firearms nationwide.

The unit also significantly reduced the NPA presence in their areas of responsibility in compliance with the directive of Duterte to eradicate insurgency by the end of Brawner's term.

In an interview during the 4th-year commemoration of Marawi liberation on October 16, Brawner said it mattered not whether the opposing forces were IS-Maute or the NPA, as long as there is a holistic approach from the government.

"All of these (armed conflicts) do not only include military solution but a whole of nation approach," he said.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Lt. Gen. Andres Centino welcomed Brawner's designation as the new CGPA.

"The Philippine Army congratulates Maj. Gen. Brawner on his appointment. As a competent and dedicated commander and leader, the Philippine Army is in good hands with Maj. Gen. Brawner at the helm," he said in a statement.

Centino also served as 4ID commander before being succeeded by Brawner.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162129

2 ASG bandits surrender amid relentless military combat ops

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 8, 2021): 2 ASG bandits surrender amid relentless military combat ops (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



COMBAT OPERATION. Two followers of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) "Amir" Radullan Sahiron (2nd from left and 2nd from right, respectively) surrendered Monday as the military is on continuous pursuit operation against Sahiron's group in Patikul, Sulu. Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, 11th Infantry Division commander (center), announced Wednesday (Dec. 8, 2021) that two followers of Sahiron and a soldier were killed in a series of clashes earlier in Barangay Danag, Patikul. (Photo courtesy of 11ID)

State troopers are relentlessly in pursuit of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits who figured in a series of clashes that resulted in the death of two ASG followers and a soldier in Sulu, a top military official disclosed Wednesday.

Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, the Army’s 11th Infantry Division commander,
identified the subject of the continuous pursuit operation as the group of Radullan Sahiron, considered the “Amir” of the ASG.

Gonzales said the group of Sahiron figured in three separate clashes against the troops of the Special Forces and 45th Infantry Battalions (45IB) from 12:40 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. Sunday in Barangay Danag, Patikul, Sulu.

Gonzales said two followers of Sahiron and a soldier were killed during the series of clashes.


“The 45IB and our Special Forces had a series of clashes with the group of Sahiron. Our intelligence officers reported that two bandits were killed during the separate firefight but unfortunately one of our soldiers, Corporal Jonald Casing, gave the ultimate sacrifice,” Gonzales said in a statement Wednesday.

After the series of clashes, two followers of Sahiron surrendered Monday to the troops of the 45IB in Barangay Tugas, Patikul.

Lt. Col. Vicente Mabborang, the 45IB acting commander, identified the two ASG surrenderers as a certain Abu Adzmil, 31, and Abu Raj, 18, both residents of Patikul municipality.

Mabborang said Adzmil joined the ASG at the age of 18 while Raj at 12.

The surrenderers handed over an M-79 grenade launcher and an M-16 rifle to Gonzales.

He said that the two decided to surrender after they learned that the Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (TF-ELAC) will take care and provide them with livelihood assistance to live a peaceful life together with their respective families.

The TF-ELAC is the local counterpart of the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) of the national government that assists communist New People’s Army (NPA) surrenderers.

“Although this loss (of Casing) deeply hurt us, we honor Jonald by accepting ASG members who are ready to start anew. We forgive so that we can end the cycle of violence,” said Gonzales, the concurrent Joint Task Force Sulu commander.

“As for those who are insisting on this senseless violent extremism, we will continue to do our job until our mission is fully realized,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162161

Army pursues NPA remnants under 'Ka Oris' in Lanao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 8, 2021): Army pursues NPA remnants under 'Ka Oris' in Lanao Sur (By Divina Suson)



The armed men that military forces encountered earlier this week in Maguing, Lanao del Sur, were remnants of the group of slain New People’s Army (NPA) leader Jorge "Ka Oris" Madlos, a high-ranking military official here said.

Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo, commander of the Army's 103rd Infantry Brigade, said
the group, with around 20 members, is reported to have been hiding in the boundaries of Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur.

"This group is under the late (Jorge) Madlos of the North Central Mindanao Region," Cuerpo said in a text message to the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday night.


He added that they are continuously pursuing the NPA group in the area.

Madlos, one of the high-ranking officers of the New People’s Army (NPA), was killed in an encounter in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon on October 30.

On December 4, the military confirmed the encounter with around 20 armed men and exchanged fire with them for around 40 minutes in the peripheries of Maguing town.

War materials were recovered after the firefight including flags of the NPA.

Cuerpo said the military is also verifying if the same group was behind the December 3 bombing of the transmission tower of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines in Maguing town, some five kilometers away from the encounter site.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) - NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162176