Monday, December 20, 2021

Itaas case: Judge frees convicted killer of US colonel after 32 years in prison

From the Business Mirror (Dec 20, 2021): Itaas case: Judge frees convicted killer of US colonel after 32 years in prison (By JOEL R. SAN JUAN)

THE Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Muntinlupa has granted the petition for the issuance of the writ of habeas corpus filed by Juanito Itaas, one of the convicted killers of US Army Col. James N. Rowe on April 21,1989, and ordered his immediate release from prison.


In a 28-page order by Muntinlupa RTC Branch 204 Presiding Judge Gener Gito, the trial court also declared as invalid for being ultra vires Section 2, Rule IV of the 2019 Amended Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10592 or the Expanded Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) law.

The said provision expands the exceptions from the benefits provided by RA 10592 by barring the application of the GCTA to those convicted of heinous crimes.

Respondents Bureau of Corrections Director-General Gerald Bantag and New Bilibid Prison Superintendent Ricardo Zulueta, represented by the Office of the Solicitor General, have opposed Itaas’ release despite the latter having served his sentence already on the basis of Section 2, Rule IV of the amended IRR of RA 10592.

The respondents insisted that Itaas’ crime is considered a heinous crime.




However, the trial court stressed that under RA 10592, the benefits of GCTA are not available only to those who are recidivists, habitual delinquents, escapees and persons charged with heinous crimes.

The trial court agreed with the contention of Itaas that there is nothing in the law, which prohibits those convicted of heinous crimes from the benefits of GCTA.

Even if Section 2, Rule IV of the amended IRR of RA 10592 is valid, the trial court said, this couldn’t be applied retroactively to cover the case of Itaas.

“Thus, Section 2, Rule IV of the 2019 Amended IRR expands the coverage of the exceptions under the law. It provides for exceptions, which are not contemplated by the law. It enlarges the law. Therefore, Section 2, Rule IV of the 2019 Amended IRR should be declared invalid for being contrary to the law it seeks to implement,” the trial court ruled.

Itaas, a member of the New People’s Army (NPA), was charged and convicted for Rowe’s murder and frustrated murder of Rowe’s driver Joaquin Binuya in a ruling issued by the Quezon City RTC on February 27, 1991.

Rowe was then the deputy commander of the Joint US Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG) in the Philippines when he was killed in an ambush.

The NPA claimed responsibility over Rowe’s murder.

Itaas was sentenced to suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua for Rowe’s murder and imprisonment for 10 years to 17 for the crime of frustrated murder against Binuya.

On appeal, the Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of Itaas for as well as the penalty of reclusion perpetua imposed by the QC RTC.

However, the decision of the said court convicting Itaas for the crime of frustrated murder was modified, and he was convicted only of attempted murder for which he was sentenced from six to nine years and six months.

In computing the GCTA, which Itaas has already earned, the Court used as reference the actual time served as reflected in his prison record, which is 32 years, one month and 12 days as of October 9, 2021.

The trial court said Itaas is entitled to 10,758 days or 29 years, five months and 23 days reduction from his sentence by way of GCTA.

Under the two convictions, Itaas has to serve a total of 39 years and six months imprisonment.

“Considering that he has already served thirty-two [32] years, one [1] month and twelve [12] days and applying GCTAs he has already earned, which is ten thousand seven hundred fifty-eight [10,758] days or twenty-nine [29] years, five [5] months and twenty-three [23] days, Mr. Itaas is deemed to have already served his sentence for his two convictions,” the trial court ruled.
 
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/12/20/itaas-case-judge-frees-convicted-killer-of-us-colonel-after-32-years-in-prison/

Trial court orders release of NPA member convicted for death of US Army Col. Rowe

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 20, 2021): Trial court orders release of NPA member convicted for death of US Army Col. Rowe (By Jeffrey Damicog)



Regional Trial Court

A Muntinlupa City regional trial court (RTC) has ordered the release of Juanito T. Itaas, a member of a sparrow unit of the New People’s Army (NPA), who was convicted in the 1989 killing of United States Army Col. James Rowe.

In a 28-page decision dated last Nov. 8, RTC Judge Gener M. Gito granted the petition for a writ of habeas corpus filed by Jarel M. Itaas who sought the release of his convicted father, Juanito, from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.

Juanito was arrested on Aug. 27, 1989. He was convicted in 1991 for the killing of Rowe and the attempted killing of Rowe’s driver Joaquin Binuya while on their way to the Joint US Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG) in Quezon City. Rowe was then the deputy commander of JUSMAG.


https://mb.com.ph/2021/12/20/trial-court-orders-release-of-npa-member-convicted-for-death-of-us-army-col-rowe/

CPP/NPA-Mountain Province: Tallikudan ti dana ti pasismo, saan nga agpausar iti kabusor ti umili

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Dec 20, 2021): Tallikudan ti dana ti pasismo, saan nga agpausar iti kabusor ti umili



MAGNO UDYAW
SPOKESPERSON
NPA-MOUNTAIN PROVINCE (LEONARDO PACSI COMMAND)

December 20, 2021

Kakailian,

Nabara a kablaaw kadakayo amin!

Daytoy a surat ket para iti amin nga ex-NPA, sibilyan a surrenderee, ken kadagiti non-armed assets ti PNP ken AFP nga agpapausar iti pasista a tropa tapno mangitudo, mangisipsip, manglipit, ken mangbuteng iti masa a kailyan da, iti pamilia ti kakadua, ken amin nga umili.

Agserbi kuma daytoy a surat a kas maudi a pakdaar kadakayo tapno agballiw ken agsardeng iti dakes nga aramid yo. Awan pammakawan ti rebolusyunaryo a hustisya para kadagiti mangirubrubo iti kakadua ken masa, ken mangipakpakan kaniada iti naulpit nga reaksyunaryo nga pwersa kasukat ti siping, promosyon ken panagserrek kas army wenno pulis.

Iti naglabas a tawtawen, pinaarangkada ni Rodrigo Duterte ti panagusar iti nadumaduma a narugit a taktika nga agpangpanggep a maparmek iti gubat ti umili kas kadagiti sumaganad:
Panagpa-surrender kadagiti datin a nagtugaw wenno nag-surrender nga NPA ken panagusar kadagitoy nga agsao kontra iti rebolusyon, agitudo ken agpasurrender iti umili ken iti pada da nga NPA;

Panagpa-surrender kadagiti sibilyan, nangruna dagiti suspetsado nga aktibo iti panangilaban iti karbengan ken kalintegan ti umili.

Panagisipsip ken panagsugsog laban iti rebolusyonaryo a tignayan, ken panagitudo iti kailian da
Pammutbuteng ken panangpresyur tapno piliten dagiti kapamilya ken kakabagyan dagiti NPA tapno tumulong a mangpasurrender iti anak, kabsat wenno kabagyan da nga NPA.

Panangitudo ken panangisurender kadagiti armas ken lohistika ti NPA

Saan a mailibak nga adda dagiti naallilaw ken napilitan a tumungpal iti plano ti NTF-ELCAC gapu iti sileng ti kuarta ken dadduma pay a karkari para iti trabaho, posisyon, promosyon, ken proyekto a pangpersonal a pagnam-ayan. Iti bangir na, kongkreto a mabuya ti epekto na daytoy–adu dagiti napilitan a nagsurrender a sibilyan, adda dagiti natiliw ken natay a sibilyan ken NPA, adda met dagiti masa a naapektaran ti salun-at ken kabiagan da gapu iti tuloy-tuloy a pamutbuteng ti militar ken pulis kaniada.

Mapatawan ti rebolusyonaryo a hustisya ti siasinnoman, segun iti kadagsen ken epekto ti inaramid na kontra iti umili ken iti rebolusyonaryo a tignayan. Maipagna ti rebolusyonaryo a due process sakbay a maikeddeng ti kabatog a sentensya nga iyetnag ti korte ti umili.

Ipanpanawagan ti rebolusyunaryo a tignayan kadagiti kakailian nga isardeng ti panagitudtudo ken panagpaspasurrender iti umili ken dagiti nagtugawen a kameng ti NPA, panagisipsip, panangitudo ken panangisurender ti armas ti NPA, ken pananglipit ken pannakatiliw agingga a pannakapapatay dagiti lider masa.

Dawdawaten mi kadagiti kailian, kabagyan ken amin a mangipatpateg kadagiti ammo tayo nga agpapausar iti kabusor a tumulong kayo kuma a mangipadanon daytoy a warning kaniada.

Para iti umili ken rebolusyon,

Ka Magno Udyaw, Spokesperson
New People’s Army – Mountain Province (Leonardo Pacsi Command)

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/12/20/tallikudan-ti-dana-ti-pasismo-saan-nga-agpausar-iti-kabusor-ti-umili/

CPP/NPA-Ifugao: Kakailian, Saan a Paallilaw iti NTF-ELCAC!

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Dec 20, 2021): Kakailian, Saan a Paallilaw iti NTF-ELCAC!



NPA-IFUGAO (NONA DEL ROSARIO COMMAND)

December 20, 2021

Open Letter ti Nona Del Rosario Command (New People’s Army Ifugao) para iti Umili ti Ifugao

Iti tengnga ti COVID-19 pandemya, tuloy-tuloy ti panangpairteng ni Duterte iti militarisasyon iti kaaw-awayan. Babaen ti NTF-ELCAC nga idadauloan ti AFP-PNP-DILG, tuloy-tuloy dagiti combat, intel, saywar, ken retooled community support program operations ti AFP ken PNP. Awan sabali a panggep da nu di ti panangparmek ti rebolusyonaryo a tignayan ken dagiti progresibo nga organisasyon.

Malaksid iti combat operations a nakaturong kangrunaan iti panangparmek iti NPA, target pay ti NTF-ELCAC dagiti umili a buraken ti panagkaykaysa tapnu iddepen ti panangilaban da kadagiti kadawatan ken karbengan. Naduma-duma ti pamuspusan da: pananglipit, pamutbuteng, red-tagging, persona non grata, pilit a panagpasurender, panagkumpiska ti paltog, panagtiliw, ken panagikaso iti korte. Dagiti pammarang da tapnu ipakita a nagbaliw ti kinaberdugo da ket ti panagisayangkat ti dental-medical missions, libre a pukis, tulong iti talon, tulong iti brigada eskwela, youth seminar, ken dadduma pay. Saan a mangrisut dagitoy iti kinakurapay, kinakurang ti serbisyo, kinaawan ti hustisya, panaggundaway, ken panaglabsing kadagiti karbengan ti umili.

Ti kinaagpayso na, dakdakkel ti pondo a nailatang para iti NTF-ELCAC ken AFP modernization kumpara iti panangsango iti pandemya ken suporta iti agrikultura ken pangkabiagan ti umili. Makumikomen dagiti pulitiko iti charter change tapnu ilukat ti ekonomya ken kinabaknang ti Pilipinas kadagiti ganganaet. Agsagsagana dan para iti 2022 elections tapnu agtuloy ti panagturay ken panagpabaknang da. Awan manamnama a pudno a panagdur-as, kappia, ken hustisya.

Kakailian, saan tayo a paallilaw iti NTF-ELCAC. Warningan tayo dagiti agpapaaramat iti panagpasurender ti sibilyan ken paltog, pananglipit, ken panagsipsip para iti kabusor. Ituloy tayo latta nga irupir dagiti lehitimo a kadawatan ken karbengan tayo.

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/12/20/kakailian-saan-a-paallilaw-iti-ntf-elcac/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Military informant and gun-for-hire punished in La Castellana

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Dec 20, 2021): Military informant and gun-for-hire punished in La Castellana



JB REGALADO
SPOKESPERSON
NPA-CENTRAL NEGROS

December 20, 2021

Earlier today, around 6:30 in the morning, military asset and hitman Mario Landisa was punished by a unit of the Leonardo Panaligan Command – New People’s Army in Sitio Mambangon, Barangay Cabacungan, La Castellana, Negros Occidental.

According to the due process of revolutionary justice, Landisa was subjected to warning and last warning with political education and given a chance to change his ways. Despite these efforts from the NPA and revolutionary mass organizations, he still reverted to old ways and was involved in cases of hold-up, murder, and intimidation of civilians. He also is a military informant that served as a guide for military operations tracing NPA units, making Landisa a legitimate target.

Found guilty of the aforementioned crimes and pursuant to the decision of the revolutionary people’s court, the NPA meted out revolutionary justice and punished Landisa.

Lawless elements and criminals are subject to trial for their crimes. The level of punishment is decided by the people’s court according to the severity of crimes, and can range from warning, disarming, area arrest, death, and others. As such, they are urged to surrender to a nearby Party committee or NPA unit to be immediately tried in the court.

With the worsening crisis of the semicolonial and semifeudal system, only the National Democratic Revolutio serves as a comprehensive solution to the fundamental problems of society; not crimes that target the poor and oppressed, crimes that are perpetuated even by the AFP and PNP as machineries of the oppressive ruling class now represented by the tyrannical US-Duterte regime. ###

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/12/20/military-informant-and-gun-for-hire-punished-in-la-castellana/

Kalinaw News: Army installs new Task Group Bantay Acting Commanding Officer.

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 20, 2021): Army installs new Task Group Bantay Acting Commanding Officer



FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army installed Col. Alejandro C. Manalo Jr. as the new Task Group Bantay (PATGB) Acting Commanding Officer in a Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony on December 20, 2021, at Headquarters Philippine Army, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The Chief of Staff Philippine Army (CSPA) Maj. Gen. Roberto S. Capulong presided over the ceremony as Col. Manalo assumed command of TGB from outgoing Commanding Officer Col. Elmer M. Aterrado.

Col. Manalo served as the Executive Officer of PATGB before his assumption. He held various leadership positions, such as the Deputy Commander of Armed Forces of the Philippines Munitions Control Center (AFPMCC); Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics, G4, Army Reserve Command; and Division Provost Marshal of the 4th Infantry Division, to name a few.

In his assumption speech, Col. Manalo expressed his intent to work closely with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office in clearing the National Shrine from any illegal structures built within the area declared part of the Libingan ng Mga Bayani (LNMB) complex.

Meanwhile, during his two-and-a-half-year stint, Col. Aterrado secured the LNMB from illegal settlers. The TGB recovered approximately 363 square meters of lot areas from informal settlers, prevented the building of illegal structures, and sustained the confidence of various stakeholders under his guidance.

Col Aterrado also led the TGB during the simultaneous distribution of relief goods during the Enhanced Community Quarantine at the vicinities of Katipunan, Maliwanag, Masagana, Matatag, and Masigasig during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Col. Aterrado entered the service through Republic Act 2334 in 1990 and will now retire after rendering more than 31 years in the military service.

The CSPA congratulated both Col. Manalo and Col. Aterrado for their new endeavors inside and outside the military service.

“To the whole TGB family, I ask for your continuous positive performance. Work with Col. Manalo as one team. Your unit will reach more milestones with your new Acting Commanding Officer and his predecessors’ strong foundation. Remember that all your efforts and hard work greatly contribute to the fulfillment of your unit’s mandate,” said Maj. Gen. Capulong, in his remarks.



[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-installs-new-task-group-bantay-acting-commanding-officer/

Kalinaw News: 3ID Soldiers, Reservists Join Hands in Helping Communities Affected by Odette

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 20, 2021): 3ID Soldiers, Reservists Join Hands in Helping Communities Affected by Odette



CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – The Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division through its Infantry Brigades and Battalions has teamed up with the Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM) in collaboration with Local Government Units (LGUs) and concerned government agencies in helping communities in Western and Central Visayas devastated by Typhoon Odette.

A total of 43 Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) teams comprised of 3ID officers, enlisted personnel, CAFGU Active Auxiliaries (CAAs) and Army reservists were deployed to conduct HADR activities to mitigate the effects of Typhoon Odette. This effort is in collaboration with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), LGUs and other government agencies in Region 6 and 7.

In Panay and Guimaras islands, 3ID soldiers from 301st Infantry Brigade have worked together with the Army reservists, Local Government Units (LGUs) and civilian volunteers in extending humanitarian assistance and disaster response to affected municipalities during and after the onslaught of typhoon.

These HADR supports include manpower and transportation assistance during pre-emptive evacuation, rescue operation, road clearing, and preparation and distribution of relief goods to affected families and individuals.

The same efforts were extended by 303rd and 302nd Infantry Brigades and reservists in Negros Island, particularly in Odette-hardest hit, the Kabankalan City and municipalities in Southern and Northern Negros.

In Bohol, the 302nd Infantry Brigade through its 47th Infantry Battalion has also joined force with the Army reservists in providing HADR support to the provincial government. Loboc, Bohol is one of Odette’s hardest hit municipalities in Central Visayas.

“The wellbeing of the people we oath to serve is our priority during disasters and calamities; hence, we are employing all our HADR capabilities to ensure their safety. With the support of our reservists, and collaboration with concerned government agencies, we will continue to extend the needed assistance to affected communities,” said MGen Benedict Arevalo, Commander, 3ID.





[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/3id-soldiers-reservists-join-hands-in-helping-communities-affected-by-odette/

Kalinaw News: IP Youth Unite For Cultural Preservation

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 20, 2021): IP Youth Unite For Cultural Preservation (By Agatha Yowzha Arreola)



Manaoag, Pangasinan – “There is unity in diversity.”

Such was the rallying theme as 39 young leaders of Ilocos and Cordillera gathered last week in Danglas, Abra for the Indigenous People Cultural Camp.

The 3-day camp was not only a showcase and sharing of different IP cultural practices and traditions in the form of songs, dances and prayers but also a platform to mold the participants as government’s peace partners.

Cultural exposure consisted of treeplanting within the ancestral domain and tour to local tourist spots that include Century Old Balite, Reflection Site, view decks and the Law-ing (looking back) Heritage Site where the old ways of our forefathers were showcased.

“It was very informative and one thing that impressed me aside from loving our culture as IPs, is about developing the leader within me,” said Jyl Bright Cadalig, a participant from Quirino, Ilocos Sur of Applai Tribe.

Brigadier General Kris Mortela of the 702nd Infantry Brigade said, “Culture is about us as a people. Culture fosters unity accross tribes and tongues. We can only have peace if we collectively preserve such rich IP culture.”





[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/ip-youth-unite-for-cultural-preservation/

Kalinaw News: Wounded NPA traced and captured by Govt forces after encounter

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 20, 2021): Wounded NPA traced and captured by Govt forces after encounter



CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – Following an encounter in the hinterlands of Sitio Mangilit, Brgy Bal-ason, Gingoog City last December 14, troops of the 58th Infantry Dimalulupig Battalion together with the 1001st Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion Region X (RMFB-10) have captured one male NPA rebel, in Balingasag, December 17, 2021.

Concerned civilians reported that an unknown male had been transported to their area and was apparently wounded. This suspicious activity piqued the residents’ interest, and they immediately reported it to 58IB.

Following the validation of the report, troops from 58IB and RMFB 10 proceeded to Barangay Linggangao, Balingasag, and captured a certain Robert Hilogon, alias Boyka, Squad Leader of Platoon Cherry Mobile, Guerilla Front Huawei, SRC1, NCMRC. Boyka was later discovered to have a gunshot wound on his left lower foot.

Following coordination with the Balingasag Municipal Police Station, it was discovered that the arrested NPA personality has a standing arrest warrant with Criminal Case No. 2292-M (2018) at the Balingasag PNP. Alias Boyka was then turned over to the Balingasag MPS for proper disposition and case filing.

Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB said, “During the apprehension of Boyka, troops immediately checked on his wound and provided proper first aid before handing over to Balingasag MPS.”

He urged the remaining active NPA members to return to the folds of the law and voluntarily surrender before becoming casualties of the ongoing focused military operations. “To the surviving members of SRC1, NCMRC, now is the time to return.” Return to the legal folds and join the government’s efforts to find a solution. You can always approach a reliable local government official or the Army to express your submission to the government, and we will ensure that you are not harmed or killed, and that you can instead take advantage of the E-CLIP benefits and begin living a worry-free life with your family. Despite the pandemic, it is always better to spend time with family, especially as Christmas day approaches.”




[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/wounded-npa-traced-and-captured-by-govt-forces-after-encounter/

Kalinaw News: WestMinCom hauls relief goods for typhoon victims

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 20, 2021): WestMinCom hauls relief goods for typhoon victims



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – December 20, 2021

A navy vessel voyaged at about 2:14 a.m. Monday (December 20) to transport relief goods for the victims of typhoon Odette in Siargao. Basic commodities including 7,000 food packs, blankets, mosquito nets, and bath towels from DSWD-IX were loaded in the Philippine Navy’s BRP Ivatan (LC-298) on December 19.

Troops of the Joint Task Zamboanga picked up the food packs at the DSWD warehouse in Barangay Tetuan, this city Sunday morning, and transported them to Majini pier. Each food pack contains six kilos of rice, four cans of tuna, four cans of corned beef, two cans of sardines, five sachets of coffee, and five sachets of cereal. Also transported were medicines, hygiene kits, face masks, and tents from the Department of Health-Region IX.

The food packs are among the more or less 20 thousand food packs stored by DSWD-IX to meet emergency food requirements in case of calamities and disasters. “We are very thankful to the military for the assistance they provide especially in transporting relief goods to island municipalities,” Atty. Sittie Raifa Pamaloy-Hassan, Regional Director, DSWD-IX said. Currently, other DSWD Regional Offices (Davao and Region XII) are also preparing and coordinating with the AFP Units in their respective areas for the transport of relief goods.

“We, the armed forces in coordination with DSWD and other stakeholders, are currently doing our best to be able to help in all ways possible,” Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said. “Military units deployed in affected areas are also directly involved in the different disaster responses organized by the local and national government by facilitating and supporting the distribution of relief, rescue operations, and clearing of affected areas”.

It can be recalled that a trail of destruction in parts of Mindanao and the Visayas was left following the onslaught of Typhoon Odette, a severe tropical depression that hit the Philippine Area of Responsibility from December 14 to 18.

“Our Bayanihan spirit lives on especially during this time when most of our Kababayans in the Visayas and here in Mindanao are affected by the 15th storm that hit the country this year,” Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. further stated. “Let us pray for our fellow Filipinos, especially those in the worst-affected areas, that our Redeemer will grant them enough strength to move forward”.

[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/westmincom-hauls-relief-goods-for-typhoon-victims/

Longest-detained activist wins freedom, dents Duterte’s GCTA rule

From Rappler (Dec 20, 2021): Longest-detained activist wins freedom, dents Duterte’s GCTA rule (By LIAN BUAN)




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The Philippine government is appealing, which will lead to a legal showdown involving an activist and a highly-disputed rule on prisoners' time credits

Juanito Itaas, 57 years old, is the longest-detained activist in the Philippines but he has just won a freedom case that would potentially finally grant him liberty after 32 years. And the lower court ruling that could give Itaas his freedom also struck a blow to President Rodrigo Duterte’s restrictive rule on prisoner time credits.

The Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 204 ordered to release Itaas in a ruling on November 8 made public only recently, saying that Itaas “is entitled to be credited the equivalent days of the Good Conduct Time Allowances (GCTAs) earned by him.”

The court ruled Itaas has earned 29 years, five months and 23 days worth of GCTAs, or time deducted from sentence, and is deemed to have served his sentence for convictions for murder and attempted murder over the 1989 killing of American Colonel James Rowe, a high-ranking United States soldier based here back then.

In ordering Itaas’ release, Judge Gener Gito also “declared invalid” Section 2, Rule IV of the GCTA law’s amended Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) which excluded heinous crime convicts from GCTA.

It was an amendment by the Department of Justice (DOJ) as a response to public outrage when the late convicted murderer-rapist Antonio Sanchez was supposed to be freed in August 2019 as a beneficiary of the GCTA. The uproar that followed Sanchez’s foiled release also uncovered an allegedly corrupt system in the Bilbid jungle.

Itaas’ lawyer Ted Te of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) said Monday, December 20, that the lower court ruling would only apply to the activist, and not to everyone else whose GCTAs were delayed, or scrapped, because of the amendment.

It is the first known ruling that dents the DOJ’s IRR, a drastic move from the Duterte government that sent back already-freed convicts back to jail, resulting in deaths because of severe overcrowding in Bilibid.

The DOJ’s IRR also put on hold the releases of hundreds of prisoners, which is why the GCTA granted to US soldier Joseph Scott Pemberton last year was glaring compared to Filipino prisoners who had to stand by because authorities were waiting for a revised manual to suit the IRR. The eventual manual was cumbersome, but offered a narrow opening for heinous crime convicts to still avail of GCTA.

Te said Monday the “court’s ruling declaring as invalid the IRR provisions that made it more difficult for detainees to benefit from the GCTA is consistent with the Constitution and the law.”

“We hope that Mr. Itaas will be able to join his family for Christmas,” said Te.

On Monday, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) filed a motion for reconsideration, which could prolong the release of Itaas, or even scuttle it altogether should the lower court grant the motion.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra deferred comment, saying he would still have to “discuss the matter with the OSG.”

The filing of OSG’s motion leads to a legal showdown involving an activist with the backdrop of a crackdown, and a highly-charged GCTA rule.

‘Ka Nitoy’

Itaas, known as Ka Nitoy, was arrested in 1989 when he was 25 years old when the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) took responsibility for Rowe’s killing. He was convicted in 1991 by a local court.

Itaas told the court he was tortured by his captors in Davao City in 1989, and was made to sign a testimony of admission under threat. He said he was “hit and mauled while a cellophane was placed on his head thus, causing him to loss consciousness,” according to Supreme Court records.

In 2000, the Supreme Court affirmed his conviction, sentencing him to reclusion perpetua for murder, and up to 9 years for attempted murder. The law only allows up to 40 years in prison no matter how many simultaneous sentences you are ordered to serve.

Later that year, Itaas was among political prisoners granted amnesty from crimes committed because of furthering their political beliefs. It was always unsettled whether Itaas’ murder convictions were covered, which is why over the years, there have been pleas to free Itaas on basis of amnesty.

GCTA was his last, best hope because the law could slash up to half of the sentence if the prisoner behaves well.

But since Duterte and DOJ amended the IRR to exclude heinous crimes, his GCTA grant was scuttled even though – as the court upheld – he had already collected credits worth 29 years, and he has been in jail for 32 years, for a 40-year sentence. He could have been freed much, much sooner based on strict math.




GCTA

The GCTA IRR was heavily disputed, mainly because of violation of equal protection. Equal protection was what got the Supreme Court in the first place to apply the law retroactively, so that all prisoners would benefit from an increased time credit.

Justifying the IRR, the government lawyers in the Itaas case said Section 1 of the GCTA law, or RA 10592, said heinous crime convicts were “excluded from the coverage of this act.” It prompted a legal debate on the wording of the law, and how it should be interpreted.

Judge Gito sided with FLAG in saying that because Section 1 is concerned with credit of preventive imprisonment (CPI), then the exclusion is from CPI only and not from GCTA. CPI is jailtime before conviction, which will be deducted from your sentence.

“Exceptions from benefits are limited to those prisoners undergoing preventive imprisonment,” said Judge Gito.

A similar case questioning the constitutionality of the GCTA IRR is still pending before the Supreme Court.

This is another win for activists as Itaas – if he’s finally freed – would be the 40th activist cleared or freed this year alone. Of those, 24 were cleared from cases where a search yielded guns, which activists claim is a scam of planting evidence, 15 were cleared from a long-running case of the NPA purge.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/longest-detained-activist-juanito-itaas-wins-freedom-dents-duterte-gcta-rule-2021/

2 rebels slain in clashes

From the Mindanao Times (Dec 20, 2021): 2 rebels slain in clashes (By RHODA GRACE SARON) 

Photo Courtesy of Fourth Infantry Division

THE military reported that two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in separate clashes in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental and in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on Dec.14.

The report added that the soldiers, who were all under the Fourth Infantry Division, were able to seize six firearms during the incidents even as those killed have yet to be identified.

Major Francisco Garello Jr., Public Affairs Office chief of the division, said the first encounter took place in So Mangilit, Brgy Bal-ason, Gingoog City when soldiers under the 58th Infantry Battalion and 16th Infantry Battalion conducted an operation.

The soldiers found the hideout of the rebels which resulted in the 30-minute armed confrontation.

Recovered from the incidents were four rifles, an M-203 grenade launcher, some documents and personal belongings.

Later that morning, members of the 23rd Infantry Battalion clashed with five rebels in Sitio Malague, Barangay Guinabsan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

The firefight also resulted in the recovery of a rifle and ammunition.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/12/20/2-rebels-slain-in-clashes/

Army extends humanitarian assistance to typhoon-affected communities

 From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 20, 2021): Army extends humanitarian assistance to typhoon-affected communities (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)


Coast Guard personnel rescuing stranded individuals in Ilog town.*PCG photo

Army soldiers and reservists in Negros Island have been mobilized to help Negros Island local government units devastated by super typhoon Odette, as police regional offices not affected by the typhoon were ordered yesterday by PNP chief Dionardo Carlos to mobilize their assets and equipment to extend assistance to affected areas upon request.

Negros Army reservists, who are assigned at the 605th Community Defense Center and 1st Negros Occidental Ready Reserve Battalion, under the operational control of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, are now conducting Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response in typhoon affected areas, Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said.

Soldiers of the 79th and 62nd Infantry Battalion were also mobilized for similar HADR operations, including the 15th, 11th and 94th Infantry Battalions under the supervision of 302nd Infantry Brigade in Negros Oriental.


A total of 117 Negros Army Reservists were deployed to augment personnel of the different Army units and PNP in conducting HADR operations and relief distributions in the areas of Negros Island affected by the typhoon.

PNP chief Carlos, accompanied by other top police officials, also conducted yesterday an aerial survey of southern Negros, which was badly hit by the typhoon, before a briefing was held at Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City.

PBrig. Gen. Ronaldo Olay, chief of the PNP Directorate for Logistics, said that the PNP is now facilitating the procurement of communication equipment especially satellite phones which are critical during calamities when the cellular phone signals are down.

Army soldiers joined the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire and Protection, PNP, Philippine Navy and other rescue teams, in clearing roads from obstructions such as fallen trees, lamp posts and power lines to allow unimpeded passage of emergency response vehicles, relief supplies and public transport.

Pasaporte said that transportation assets were also provided for the hauling and delivery of relief goods from various stakeholders to evacuation areas and communities.

The New People’s Army Apolinario Gatmaitan Command yesterday issued a statement enjoining members of its various guerilla fronts to focus all efforts in helping the people affected by the typhoon, by mobilizing the people in repairing destroyed and damaged homes and farms.

But rebel spokesman Ka Juanito Magbanua ordered NPA units to be on a defensive mode against possible attacks from government forces.

In Moises Padilla and La Castellana towns, Mayors Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo and Alme Rhummyla Mangilimutan led the evacuation and relief operations in their respective LGUs.

https://visayandailystar.com/army-extends-humanitarian-assistance-to-typhoon-affected-communities/

NPA condemns ‘murder’ of Ka Kelly, companion

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 17, 2021): NPA condemns ‘murder’ of Ka Kelly, companion (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The New People’s Army Apolinario Gatmaitan Command yesterday issued a statement strongly condemning what it calls “brutal murder” of Florida “Ka Kelly” Ceballos and her companion allegedly by Army soldiers on December 16 in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

Rebel spokesman Ka Juanito Magbanua alleged in his issued statement that Ka Kelly and her companion, Wilfredo Fuentes, were waylaid and captured by 94th Infantry Battalion soldiers, while on their way to Kabankalan City.

Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, however, said that Ceballos, secretary of the Central Negros (Front) 2, and Fuentes, both died in an encounter with 94IB soldiers in Sitio Belo, Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City.

Pasaporte said that 94IB soldiers also recovered firearms and explosives, aside from subversive documents at the encounter, aside from the cadavers of two rebels left behind by their fleeing comrades.

Prior to the incident, Magbanua claimed that Ceballos was missing, while she was conducting social investigation on the current situation of farmers and farm workers in the haciendas of Himamaylan City and Kabankalan City, particularly the land holdings of Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. on December 8.

The rebel spokesman said that the encounter, as reported by the military, was a cover up.

Ka Kelly, according to Magbanua, is the tenth revolutionary in Negros within 2021 whose rights as hors de combat was violated along with others in Negros Island since early this year.

Pasaporte had said that Ceballos was the third CPP-NPA front secretary in Negros Island neutralized by government forces, which was an offshoot of series of gun battles.

The revolutionary movement in Negros will not rest until justice is achieved for Ka Kelly and all the victims of atrocities and human rights abuses of the AFP, Magbanua said.

https://visayandailystar.com/npa-condemns-murder-of-ka-kelly-companion/

BIFF commander, 10 followers yield in Maguindanao – military

Posted to MindaNews (Dec 20, 2021): BIFF commander, 10 followers yield in Maguindanao – military (By BONG S. SARMIENTO)

Tired of fighting government forces, a field commander of the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and 10 of his subordinates yielded to the military on Saturday to live peaceful lives, officials said Sunday.

Lt. Col. Samuel Nadala Jr, commander of the 2nd Mechanized Battalion (2MechBn), said Commander OB10, leader of the BIFF Second Division under the Bungos faction, surrendered to government forces in Barangay Kamasi, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

In a statement, Nadala said the surrenderees turned over their high-powered firearms, including two 5.56mm M-16 rifles, one 7.62mm M-14 rifle, one Springfield rifle, two Garand rifles, two locally-made rocket propelled grenade launchers and two locally-made Barret sniper rifles.

They were presented to Colonel Pedro Balisi Jr, commander of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Datu Piang Mayor Victor Samama and former Datu Anggal Midtimbang mayor Nathaniel Midtimbang, among other local officials, he said.

Lt. Col. Charlie Banaag, commanding officer of the 6th Infantry Battalion (IB), attributed their surrender to the “strong synergy and harmonious cooperation” among the 2MechBn and 6IB, local government units (LGUs), and the Bangsamoro regional and Maguindanao provincial police commands.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) and 6th Infantry Division commander, commended the efforts of both the government security forces and local government units in Maguindanao.

“The synergy between the security forces and the local government units manifests that we have an advantage in fighting against local terrorists in this part of the region. We can successfully thwart the enemies and stop them from committing dangerous acts through the cooperation of everybody,” Uy said.

Rest assured the JTFC will continue to strengthen our relationship with the police and the LGUs and will never stop hunting terrorists to ensure the safety of our people, he added. 

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/12/biff-commander-10-followers-yield-in-maguindanao-military/

160 Army recruits embark on 1st Division training

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20, 2021): 160 Army recruits embark on 1st Division training (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



CANDIDATE SOLDIERS. Senior Master Sergeant Melchor Bitara, 1st Infantry sergeant major (left), administers Monday (Dec. 20, 2021) the oath of the 160 candidate soldiers at the 1st Division Training School in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur. The new recruits will undergo a 16-week basic military training to mold and transform them into confident and competent soldiers. (Photo courtesy of the 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs Office)

A total of 160 recruits on Monday started their 16-week basic military training at the 1st Division Training School (1DTS) at Camp Sang-an in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

The trainees, who belong to the Candidate Soldier Course Class 703-2021, consisted of 22 females and 138 males.


Col. Rey Alemania, 2nd Mechanized Brigade commander, was the keynote speaker during the opening rites.

Alemania reminded the trainees that their entry to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) requires their willingness to transition to a regimented military life.

“You have surrendered your rights, you have given up your personal choices, and today also marks that you will be subjected to military rules, military law, military policies, and everything under the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Alemania emphasized.

He added that for now, the trainees might have different reasons for joining the ranks. But after the indoctrination and completion of their training, everyone will have only one reason -- service.

The 16-week basic military training aims to transform the recruits into confident and competent soldiers who will preserve the Army's fundamental values, Alemania said.

Col. Norberto Agbay, officer-in-charge of the Office of the Chief of Staff, welcomed the new batch of trainees.

Agbay acknowledged the efforts of the officers and the 1DTS who were in charge of the application and selection process.

Agbay also encouraged the recruits to adapt to the changes they will experience in the coming weeks, living in a military environment.

“Today is the start of your journey as members of the AFP, and today marks the beginning of your military career,” Agbay said.

Senior Master Sergeant Melchor Bitara, the 1st Infantry Division Sergeant Major, led the oath-taking of the candidate soldiers.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1163286

PH Navy deploys 19-ship flotilla for 'Odette' relief ops

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20, 2021): PH Navy deploys 19-ship flotilla for 'Odette' relief ops (By Priam Nepomuceno)


Photo courtesy of Philippine Fleet

The Philippine Navy (PN), through the Philippine Fleet, is now assembling a "19-ship humanitarian aid-focused flotilla" that will be deployed in areas severely devastated by Typhoon Odette.

"This relief flotilla consists of seven sealift vessels for the transport of relief goods and locally stranded individuals, two patrol ships for command and control, eight other watercraft as general support vessels. Meanwhile, the Presidential Yacht, BRP Ang Pangulo (AC-S25) has been repurposed as a hospital ship,"
the Philippine Fleet said in a Facebook post Sunday night.

It added that BRP Tarlac (LD-601), BRP Bacolod City (LS-550), BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), BRP Iwak (LC-289), BRP Agta (LC-290) and BRP Ivatan LC-298) are to be deployed to augment ongoing humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts (HADR) in Cebu, Palawan, and Northern Mindanao specially Surigao, Dinagat and Siargao Islands.

"Already in Cebu are BRP Tausug (LC-295), BRP Enrique Jurado (PC-371), BRP Abraham Campo (PC-396), and ACS-700,"
it said.

On the other hand, BRP Gregorio Velasquez (AGR-702), BRP Hilario Ruiz (PC-378) and BRP Rafael Pargas (PC-379) are already in Northern Mindanao and have completed several relief sorties already.

"ACS-25 will join these ships in the Siargao/Dinagat area. While prepositioned in Palawan already are BRP Mangyan (AC-71), BRP Jose Andrad (PC-370), BRP Carlos Albert (PC-375), and BRP DIoscoro Papa (PC-381),"
the post read.


Aside from the ships, the PN also placed four naval aircraft on alert status to provide aerial survey, immediate rescue, and limited transport capabilities of the flotilla.

The naval air component consists of two BN Islander aircraft (NV-312 and NV-314), one Beechcraft King Air (C-90) aircraft (NV-394), and one ship-based AgustaWestland (AW-109) helicopter (NH-430).

These assets are provided by the Cavite City-based Philippine Fleet under the command of Rear Admiral Alberto B. Carlos.

"Aid and other carepacks are presently being loaded aboard AC-S25, LC-289, and LC-290. AC-S25 is scheduled to depart tonight, 19 December 2021, while LC-289 and LC-290 will depart tomorrow (Monday) morning," it said.

PN relief operations in Northern Mindanao, Cebu, and Palawan shall be directed by the current naval operating forces commanders in the area -- Commodore Carlos Sabarre in Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (Northern Mindanao), Captain Raul Regis PN in Naval Forces Central (Cebu), and Commodore Donn Miraflor in Naval Forces West (Palawan).

BRP Ang Pangulo repurposed as hospital

Meanwhile, the PN has repurposed the Presidential ship, BRP Ang Pangulo (ACS25), into a 10-bed floating hospital and will be utilized by those needing medical attention in typhoon-hit areas in Mindanao.

The ship departed from Pier 13 of Manila South Harbor on Sunday night, taking with it thousands of relief goods earlier hauled by fleet-marine personnel assigned in different PN vessels.

The relief items from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) include 1,000 boxes of family food packs, 300 rolls of laminated sacks, and 1,212 hygiene kits.

BRP Iwak delivers relief goods to Surigao City's typhoon-ravaged areas

The BRP Iwak (LC289) departed Cavite City at 4 a.m. Monday for a humanitarian assistance and disaster response mission to Surigao Port, Surigao City.

Onboard the ship are the relief goods and other cargoes bound for Surigao City, which include 7.8 tons of bottled water from the Office of the Vice President, 142 5-gallon water containers and 4 boxes of bottled water from Naval Task Group National Capital Region, 50 sacks of rice from Jam Pinaroc, 130 pieces of bottled water from Maynilad, and other consolidated assorted relief goods from the different units of the Philippine Fleet and other non-government and private stakeholders.

These well-meaning stakeholders include the Christian Bible Baptist Church, Bliss Restaurant and Pawssion Project Spar.

The cargoes were loaded on Sunday at Sangley Point, Cavite City.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1163213

PAF C-130 plane brings much needed relief aid to Cebu

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20, 2021): PAF C-130 plane brings much needed relief aid to Cebu (By Priam Nepomuceno)



RELIEF FOR CEBU. Boxes of relief goods are loaded into a Philippine Air Force C-130 aircraft at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Sunday (Dec. 19, 2021). The Air Force conducted two sorties where a total of 33,797 pounds of relief goods were transported. (Photo courtesy of PAF)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced that one of its Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo planes have flown relief goods from Villamor Air Base, Pasay City to Benito Ebuen Air Base, Cebu on Sunday.

"The PAF C-130 aircraft with tail number 5011 transported relief goods from Villamor Air Base, Pasay City to Brigadier General Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Cebu on December 19, 2021,"
Air Force spokesperson Lt. Col. Maynard Mariano said in a message to reporters late Sunday.

He added that two sorties were conducted where a total of 33,797 pounds of relief goods including tents, gallons of water, sacks of rice, toiletries, used clothes, canned goods, bottled water, and generator sets were transported.


"It will be distributed to those residents affected by Typhoon Odette in several parts of the Visayas region and Northern Mindanao," Mariano said.

He also added that the PAF along with other local government agencies quickly responded to conduct search, rescue, and evacuation operations.

"Rest assured, the PAF will continue to perform Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response operations as well as providing necessary airlift requirements and bring assistance to our fellow Filipinos in need," Mariano said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1163212

NTF-ELCAC to 'make do' with P17-B BDP budget for 2022

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20, 2021): NTF-ELCAC to 'make do' with P17-B BDP budget for 2022 (By Priam Nepomuceno)



BDP BUDGET CUT. National Security Adviser and National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) vice chair, Hermogenes Esperon Jr., answers queries on the NTF-ELCAC budget for 2022 Barangay Development Program (BDP) in an ambush media interview at the Quezon City Hall of Justice on Monday (Dec. 20, 2021). Esperon said the NTF-ELCAC will make do with the PHP17.1 billion budget allocation, which is much lower than the PHP28.1 billion earlier proposed by MalacaƱang to Congress for the task force's BDP for areas freed from the insurgency. (PNA photo by Ben Briones)

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) will make do with the PHP17.1 billion budget allocation it received for its Barangay Development Program (BDP) next year, an official said on Monday.

National Security Adviser and NTF ELCAC vice chair Hermogenes Esperon Jr. attributed the reduction to the opposition of some lawmakers regarding the BDP's 2022 budget which was projected to benefit 1,406 communist terrorists-cleared communities by next year.

The amount is much lower than the PHP28.1 billion budget earlier proposed by MalacaƱang to Congress for the task force.

"Ang mangyayari niyan, bale PHP12 million na lang instead of PHP20 million per barangay. Kaya pag-aaralan namin kung ano iyong maaabot ng PHP12 million. Dati rati, kung meron kang farm-to-market road, 'yung one kilometer na eight inches thick, five meters wide, PHP12 million na agad iyon, lalo na sa mga bundok, baka mas malalaki pa, pag-aralan natin kung ibibigay natin 'yun sa mga barangay o kalahati na lang (What will happen now is that, we will be giving out PHP12 million instead of PHP20 million. We look at how much PHP12 million can do. Usually, when you are building a farm-to-market road, it is usually a kilometer long, and is paved with eight inches of concrete, and is usually five meters wide, it costs PHP12 million, it could cost higher in mountainous areas. We will look at whether we give this to barangays or just cut it in half),"
he said during an ambush interview at the Quezon City Hall of Justice.


Since the people in the beneficiary communities already knew that they will be getting PHP20 million for BDP projects, Esperon said they have no choice but to explain why some lawmakers are not amenable to giving them the proposed budget.

"Kung anong rason nila ay bahala na rin ung mga mambabatas na magpaliwanag sa kanila dahil hindi naman namin alam kung ano 'yung paliwanag nila. Sabi nila ilalagay nila sa Covid (-19) pero alam ba ninyo na sa Bayanihan 1 at Bayanihan 2 ay PHP601 billion na ang nagastos ng gobyerno dun (Whatever their reasons, it is up to the lawmakers to explain to the affected communities, we don't know their explanation, they told us that they will be using the money for Covid-19 response but do know that in Bayanihan 1 and Bayanihan 2, the government has already spent PHP601 billion for Covid-19 response)," he added.

Initially, the BDP budget of PHP20 million will allow beneficiary communities to acquire or construct farm-to-market roads, school buildings, water and sanitation systems, livelihood programs, and health stations.

Also, Esperon said the Covid-19 response has got another PHP400 billion from the proposed 2022 national budget and loans made by the government, placing the amount spent for containing and mitigating the effects of the deadly pandemic to PHP1 trillion.

While not disputing the need to spend for Covid-19 mitigation efforts, Esperon, however, wondered whether it is right for lawmakers to cut funds for the BDP, which he described as a cure for the ills caused by 53 years of communist insurgency in the country.

"Ang insurgency natin ay parang katulad din yan ng terrorism na nangyayari sa Marawi, dahil ang mga NPA (New People's Army) naman talaga ay pumapatay, nangingikil, nanununog kaya mga terorista din sila. Tingnan natin kung ano ang magiging pakiramdam ng ating mga kababayan na mawawalan, nabawasan ung kanilang pondo from PHP20 million to PHP12 million na lang. Pag-uusapan namin paano namin i-implement yan (Insurgency is like the terrorism that took place in Marawi because the NPA really kill, extort, burn, just like those terrorists. We'll see how countrymen feel about their (BDP) funds being cut from PHP20 million to PHP12 billion. We are meeting on how to implement that)," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1163265