U.S., Philippine Marine Corps conclude MASA 22.1

From Palawan News (Jun 21, 2022): U.S., Philippine Marine Corps conclude MASA 22.1

U.S. Marines and Philippine Marines participate in a small unmanned aircraft systems exchange during Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 22 in Palawan.

The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) and Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) concluded have concluded two weeks of bilateral training as part of Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 22.1.

Held from June 6 to 17 in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, and Antonio Batista Air Base in Palawan, the bilateral exercise increased the PMC and USMC’s interoperability and improved aviation-related capabilities in support of U.S.-Philippine mutual defense. Units from the Philippine Air Force and Philippine Naval Air Wing also participated in the exercise.

“Training side by side increases our combined military capability, but also our friendship, which directly contributes to the strength of our alliance. This exercise builds on decades of cooperation, friendship, and shared experience,” said U.S. Marine Forces Pacific commander Lt. Gen. Steven Rudder.

U.S. Marines and Philippine service members participate in a training on joint forward arming and refueling in Ilocos Norte.

MASA 22.1 included integrated and joint interoperability activities such as coastal defense, forward arming and refueling, and subject matter expert exchanges (SMEE) for small unmanned aviation systems and engineering. Exercise participants also took part in a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) SMEE, which culminated in a practical demonstration.

“The MASA 22.1 exercise in Palawan is important for our Marine forces and aviators to enhance our effectiveness and readiness to protect our territory. It will also improve our interoperability with the U.S. Marine Corps and contribute to our longstanding alliance with the U.S. armed forces,” said PMC 3rd Marine Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Jimmy Larida.

This exercise also marked a historic first with the inaugural deployment of the TPS-80 Ground/Air Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) in the Philippines. For the duration of the training, Marine Air Control Squadron 4 employed the G/ATOR in Laoag City to provide airspace surveillance and air defense in support of theater security cooperation and enhanced bilateral training.

MASA 22.2, set to be held from July 18 to 22, is planned to include combined tactical and heliborne training between USMC and PMC partner units. Through MASA, the USMC and PMC are able to rehearse and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures for command and control of aircraft together in support of mutual defense and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

https://palawan-news.com/u-s-philippine-marine-corps-conclude-masa-22-1/

Reds, soldiers clash in Leon

 From Panay News (Jun 21, 2022): Reds, soldiers clash in Leon (By Ruby P. Silubrico)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) clashed on Sunday in Barangay Danao, Leon town.

Personnel of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion were having an offensive operation. and checked the information sent to them by the concern citizen .

The exchange of fire erupted at around 3:30 p.m. There were seven armed insurgents.

The encountered lasted for one minute; the NPA quickly withdrew, according to Captain Kim Apitong, spokesperson of the 3rd Infantry Divisi on (3iD).

They were seen fleeing to Barangay Bucari, Leon.

Apitong said that there were no casualties in the part of the army.

The seven rebels were members of the Sibat Platoon, Komiting Rehiyon Panay.

“Troops in the ground are still conducting hot pursuit operation against the enemy.

The Command will continue to hunt the remaining members of this terrorist group, that is our mandate. As long as there is still time, we are inviting them to surrender,” Apitong said.

https://www.panaynews.net/reds-soldiers-clash-in-leon/

NPA close to being wiped out | Esperon

From the Mindanao Times (Jun 23, 2022): NPA close to being wiped out | Esperon (By RHODA GRACE SARON)

Photo by Rhoda Grace Saron.

SECURITY Forces said the New People’s Army (NPA) group operating under the area of the Eastern Mindanao Command is now degrading, with the declaration of Davao De Oro as insurgency-free.

Meanwhile, the military also captured 4,579 firearms since 2017 until present.

Based on the record, In 2017 there were 70 high-valued individuals neutralized and 546 firearms captured.

In 2018, around 1,185 firearms were captured and 72 high-valued individuals neutralized.



There were 690 firearms captured in 2019 and 54 HVI neutralized. In 2020, around 1001 firearms were captured and 79 HVI neutralized. Photo by Rhoda Grace Saron.

In 2021 and 2022, there were 761 firearms captured and 71 HVI neutralized while 396 firearms captured and 27 HVI neutralized, respectively.

Accordingly, the Guerilla Front 18 operating in Davao Oriental and GF 57 were dismantled.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., in an ambush interview at the sidelines of the Presentation of Eastern Mindanao Accomplishments on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict, and on Updates regarding the Dismantling of Guerrilla Fronts and Declaration of Provinces as Insurgency-free, said that 51 Guerilla Fronts out of 69 were already dismantled.

“You know the tactics of the NPA, if dismantled they will leave their remnants but it’s weak already,” Esperon said.



” In the area of EastMinCom, the only left (still facing the insurgency) is Surigao, so we are really degraded in terms of vertical formation,” he added. Photo by Rhoda Grace Saron.

For now, he said security forces are looking into the underground mass organizations and the above-ground organizations supporting the communist terrorists.

“That’s why we are identifying them so that they will no longer regain their strength but we will identify them and inform the public,” he said.

Defense secretary-designate Jose Faustino Jr. attended the Presentation of Eastern Mindanao Accomplishments, along with ranking officials of the Eastern Mindanao Command, and Davao del Norte Governor Edwin I. Jubahib.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2022/06/23/61946/

Northern Negros NPA camp falls

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 23, 2022): Northern Negros NPA camp falls (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Personal belongings left behind by fleeing NPA members, following an encounter with 79IB soldiers in Brgy. Minapasok, Calatrava, Negros Occidental.* PA photo

Army soldiers yesterday overran a temporary encampment of the New People’s Army, following an encounter with rebel remnants in northern Negros, at Sitio Tinibyangan in Brgy. Minapasok, Calatrava, Negros Occidental.

Lt. Col. Jay-Jay Javines, 79th Infantry Battalion commander, yesterday said that Army soldiers responded to reports by civilians of the presence of armed rebels, which subsequently triggered about 15 minutes of gun battle.

An estimated 10 rebels fled, abandoning their temporary hideout as Army soldiers pressed their pursuit operations, following heavy traces of bloodstains along the withdrawal route, Javines said.

No casualty was reported on the government side while soldiers recovered personal belongings from the abandoned rebel camp, Javines said.

He added that the fleeing rebels form part of the dismantled Northern Negros Front, led by Ka Rigor, who are trying to recover lost territory.

https://visayandailystar.com/northern-negros-npa-camp-falls/

Agusan court reverses ruling, orders rearrest of Doc Naty

From MindaNews (Jun 22, 2022): Agusan court reverses ruling, orders rearrest of Doc Naty (By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN)

The Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Bayugan City has ordered anew the arrest of Dr. Maria Natividad Castro, community health advocate and human rights activist, after it reversed its ruling for the dismissal of her kidnapping and serious illegal detention case.

Dr. Maria Natividad Marian Silva Castro. Photo courtesy of UP College of Medicine Class 1995

In his eight-page ruling, Judge Ferdinand Villanueva, executive judge of RTC Branch 7, granted the motion for consideration filed by Prosecutor Genesis Efren, agreeing there was no denial of the procedural due process and the Court acquires jurisdiction over Castro.

The decision reads: “The Motion for Reconsideration is granted. Let an E-warrant of arrest be issued against the accused, Dr. Maria Natividad Castro.”

Castro, who spent at least two decades in community health work in Agusan and was former secretary-general of the human rights group Karapatan Caraga, was arrested in her home in San Juan City in Metro Manila evening of February 18 this year for her alleged involvement in the kidnapping and serious illegal detention of a paramilitary man in Sibagat town, Agusan del Sur on December 29, 2018.

The military and police claimed Castro is a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines central committee and head of New People’s Army’s National Health Bureau.

Castro was the class valedictorian of High School Class 1986 in St. Scholastica’s College, was among 100 honored as its outstanding graduates in the last century along with the late President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino; graduated Cum Laude, BS Zoology at the University of the Philippines; and finished medicine at the UP College of Medicine in 1995.

After passing the medical board exam, in 1996, she pursued a vocation as a community doctor, public health practitioner and human rights activist in the two Agusan provinces.

In his argument, Efren said the dismissal ruling in the case of Castro has no factual and procedural grounds because a subpoena was issued to the then respondent whose lawyer failed to submit any countervailing evidence.

He also cited in his motion for reconsideration that Castro was not denied her substantial right to due process because there was a preliminary investigation.

As part of the ruling, Villanueva cited the supplemental affidavit of kidnap victim Bernabe Salahay, a paramilitary man, who alleged that it was Castro who accompanied the abductors, talked to them while in captivity, and assured them that he would not be hurt.

The Provincial Prosecutors Office at the left wing of the provincial capitol in Prosperidad town received the court dismissal ruling on March 30 this year around 11:30 a.m. Two hours later, they submitted to the court the motion for reconsideration.

Judge Villanueva granted the motion on June 16, and Provincial Prosecutor Ceferino Dino Paredes received a copy of the ruling on June 20.

Judge Fernando Fudalan of the same sala dismissed Castro’s case on March 25 on the grounds of denying her rights to due process and its lack of jurisdiction over her.

Fudalan immediately ordered authorities to release her from detention at the Provincial Jail inside the provincial capitol complex.

“Without the probable cause, the court did not acquire jurisdiction over the accused, which warrants the dismissal of the case,” the decision read.

Fudalan was the same judge who issued the warrant against 468 persons linked to the alleged kidnapping.

The case against Castro and others for kidnapping and serious illegal detention was filed on January 14 last year, less than a month after the alleged incident occurred in Sibagat town in Agusan del Sur on December 18, 2018.

An information was filed in court on December 18, 2019; a subpoena was issued on January 17, 2021; the doctor was arrested on February 18 this year; and her lawyers filed a motion to dismiss a few days later, on February 22.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2022/06/agusan-court-reverses-ruling-orders-rearrest-of-doc-naty/

Skirmishes leave 3 NPA rebels dead in Caraga

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23, 2022): Skirmishes leave 3 NPA rebels dead in Caraga (By Alexander Lopez)

SLAIN REBELS. The Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade reports the death of two NPA insurgents during an encounter with 23rd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Consorcia, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, on June 21, 2022. In a separate clash on the same day, an unidentified rebel was also slain in an encounter with the 36th Infantry Battalion in Madrid, Surigao del Sur. (Photo courtesy of 402Bde)

Three New People's Army (NPA) guerrillas were killed in two separate encounters early this week in Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur provinces, authorities said Thursday.

In Agusan del Norte, the Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade (402Bde) said in a statement that troops from the 23rd Infantry Battalion (IB) clashed with some 15 NPA rebels Tuesday in Barangay Consorcia of Las Nieves town.

The encounter left two NPA insurgents dead, later identified by authorities as Rey Torregosa, 24, of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur; and Juliven Badbaran, 41, of San Luis, Agusan del Sur.

Torregosa was a member of the NPA's Sub-Regional Committee 3 (SRC-3) while Badbaran is the former commanding officer of the same rebel unit, 402Bde said.

“The NPA rebels in Agusan del Norte are suffering from losses with the continued focused military operations,” Brig. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, the 402Bde commander, said.

In Surigao del Sur, an encounter between the troops of the 36IB and a dozen NPA rebels Tuesday in Madrid town also resulted in the death of an insurgent.

The Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SSPPO), in a separate report Thursday, said the five-minute encounter also led to the recovery of an M16 rifle.

The SSPPO is still verifying the identity of the slain NPA rebel, reportedly belonging to the NPA Guerrilla Front 30.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-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 National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177353

Ejection seat repair facility to help ensure safety of PAF pilots

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2022): Ejection seat repair facility to help ensure safety of PAF pilots (By Priam Nepomuceno)

GROUNDBREAKING. Defense Undersecretary for Acquisition and Resource Management Raymundo Elefante (center); PAF Air Defense Command head Maj. Gen. Augustine Malinit (left); and Novacell Telecom Corp. vice president for sales and marketing Ricardo Pinsotes (right) lead the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Martin-Baker ejection seat maintenance facility at Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga on Tuesday (June 21, 2022). Egress components, also known in Air Force parlance as ejection systems, are used by pilots to safely propel themselves out of malfunctioning or badly damaged aircraft. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Air Force)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will soon have the capability to inspect and repair the ejection systems of its various fighter and attack aircraft, a measure that would ensure the safety of its pilots.

This will be possible with the establishment of the Martin-Baker maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at the Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga, which began construction on Tuesday.

"Through the MRO facility, the PAF will cater to the supply and distribution of services for the maintenance, overhaul, and repair of egress components of FA-50PH, AS-211, and A-29 'Super Tucano' aircraft," Air Force spokesperson Col. Maynard Mariano said in a statement

The FA-50PH light jet fighters are considered the most advanced aircraft in the PAF while the SIA-Marchetti AS-211 acts as trainer jet and attack aircraft along with the newly acquired A-29B close-air-support planes.

Egress components, also known in Air Force parlance as ejection systems, are used by pilots to safely propel themselves out of malfunctioning or badly damaged aircraft.

These serve as a piece of lifesaving equipment for pilots flying fighter and attack aircraft.

The Martin-Baker MRO facility would help the PAF address the operational and logistical challenges affecting aircraft readiness as it will serve as a one-stop shop for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of ejection system components.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177250

OPAPRU cites HEIs importance in mainstreaming peace education

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2022): OPAPRU cites HEIs importance in mainstreaming peace education (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

PEACE PROMOTION. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), through its Knowledge Management and Peace Institute Service (KMPIS), conducts a virtual learning exchange between the Asean-Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (A-IPR) and Philippine Higher Education Institutions. It aims to mainstream the culture of peace within higher academic community. (Screengrab from OPAPRU)

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on Wednesday acknowledged the importance of mainstreaming peace education in partnership with higher education institutions (HEIs).

In a statement, the OPAPRU bared it has been providing “a space for evidence-based conversations on peace, conflict and security concerns” in order to identify key problems affecting the implementation of peace education in HEIs -- called “conflict profiling.”

The OPAPRU has been conducting a series of planning sessions with the representatives from the Commission on Higher Education, its peace partners, and 15 peace-promoting HEIs in the country, as part of its efforts to promote the culture of peace within academic communities.

OPAPRU director Mae Ballena, who also heads the agency’s Knowledge Management and Peace Institute Service (KMPIS), cited the need to highlight the key role of the academe in building a culture of peace, particularly in conflict-afflicted areas.

“Mainstreaming Peace Education is really a whole of society effort and the more people we can engage to join us in this cause, the more effective we will be,” Ballena said.

Dr. Rejie Palmos, director of the West Visayas State University – Center for Peace Education (WVSU – CPE), earlier emphasized the crucial part of cultivating inner peace among educators.

“In the many content areas of peace education, we will always have to go back to the cultivation of inner peace. No matter how good we are at delivering the content, the medium will always speak the message. You cannot share what you do not own,” Palmos said.

The OPAPRU-KMPIS has also pushed for a virtual learning exchange between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (Asean-IPR) and Philippine HEIs.

Deputy Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (DPAPRU) for Operations, Undersecretary Isidro Purisima, cited that Asean member states “are bound by the same commitment and responsibility” to strengthen regional peace and security and uplift the socio-economic well-being of its people.

Meanwhile, OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said creating a strong link between ASEAN-IPR and Philippine education institutions can contribute to establishing a better Asean region.

Galvez said the virtual learning is aimed “to expand the constituency for peace and establish linkages between and among Asean-IPR and various HEIs in the Philippines toward future collaboration on peace promotion, exchange of expertise, and mainstreaming of peace education in academic institutions.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177268

NTC orders ISPs to block terror group-related sites

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2022): NTC orders ISPs to block terror group-related sites (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has ordered internet service providers (ISP) to block 26 websites with ties to communist terrorist groups (CTG).

In a memorandum dated June 8 and released to the media on Wednesday, NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba required all local ISPs to submit an action report “not later than five days” after their receipt.

“You are hereby directed to effect the immediate blocking of the reported websites found to be affiliated to and are supporting terrorist and terrorist organizations,” the memorandum read.

The memorandum came after National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. requested the NTC to block 26 websites, several of which are related to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its leader, Jose Maria Sison.

The first page of the letter sent by National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. to National Telecommunications Commissioner Gamalier Cordoba on June 6 requesting the blocking of 26 websites related to communist terrorist groups. (Document courtesy of NSC)

In a letter sent addressed to Cordoba on June 6, Esperon said the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) have designated the CPP, New People’s Army (NPA), and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) as terrorist organizations—and dubbed Central Committee members of the CPP-NPA as terrorists.

“The activities, in terms of recruitment, funding, and propaganda, of these communist terrorist organizations, should be stopped,” he said.

The letter's second page. (Courtesy of NSC)

He noted that both Facebook and Twitter have started a crackdown against accounts and pages belonging to CTGs.

However, he said these groups have established a “pervasive online presence,” with their websites containing “propaganda and misinformation campaigns in order to malign the Philippine government, recruit new members, and solicit funds from local and international sources.”

“In this regard, may we request the NTC to issue legal instruments to order Philippine ISPs to block access to the following websites affiliated to and are supporting these terrorist and terrorist organizations,” he said.

The list includes the websites of the NDFP, CPP, Bulatlat, Hiyaw, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Rural Missionaries of the Philippines, among others.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177276

Websites can exhaust legal remedies vs. NTC blocking

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2022): Websites can exhaust legal remedies vs. NTC blocking (By Azer Parrocha and Marita Moaje)

Malacañang on Wednesday said websites tagged as affiliates or supporters of terrorist organizations which are set to be blocked by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) may exhaust legal remedies to reconsider the action.

Acting presidential spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar made this remark after several groups condemned NTC’s order to block websites tagged as affiliates or supporters of terror organizations.

“Legal remedies are available to any party, including online media outfit Bulatlat, affected by this action,” Andanar said in a press statement.

He also stressed the NTC’s move to block certain websites is upon the request of the National Security Council (NSC) in performance of its mandate.

In a letter dated June 6, National Security Advisor Hermogenes Esperon requested the NTC to order internet service providers in the country to block access to 26 websites “affiliated to and are supporting” designated terrorists and terrorist groups Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army (NPA), and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

Esperon further said the CPP-NPA-NDFP “have established a pervasive online presence through their websites that they continually use to publish propaganda and misinformation campaigns in order to malign the Philippine government, recruit new members, and to solicit funds from local and international sources.”

“In this regard, may we request the NTC to issue legal instruments to order Philippine ISPs to block access to the following websites affiliated to and are supporting these terrorist and terrorist organizations,” Esperon said.

The list includes the websites related to the NDFP and CPP and its leader Jose Maria “Joma” Sison.

It also includes websites of progressive groups and independent media such as Bulatlat, which said that the move “sets a dangerous precedent for independent journalism in the Philippines.”

Long arm of justice

Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz, a former CPP-NPA-NDF cadre, hailed Esperon’s request to block websites related to the communist terrorist groups (CTGs).

“Finally, the long arm of justice is now slowly being felt by the evil organizations being run and financed and operated by CPP-NPA-NDF in their so-called urban infiltration operations,” Celiz said in a message sent to the Philippine News Agency.

He said the move is due to the consistent and focused efforts by the NSC under Esperon’s leadership.

Celiz added that state authorities should always be strict and firm in dealing with the CTG colluders and conspirators.

“The operational environment must always be made difficult to survive for all those forces that aim to overthrow our government and exploit our legal and democratic processes,” Celiz said.

Celiz, together with the national organization of former rebels dubbed Sentrong Alyansa Ng Mga Mamamayan Para Sa Bayan (Sambayanan) also launched the same call through an online petition via change.org.

The petition https://www.change.org/p/sovereign-petition-of-the-filipino-people specifically calls on concerned authorities to take down and perpetually ban The Philippine Revolution Web Central https://cpp.ph, the website of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) https://ndf.org, and other websites that continuously provide timely news and information, including statements from the CPP and allied organizations of the NDFP.

In June 2021, the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) approved a resolution designating the NDFP as a terror group.

The designation of the NDFP came six months after the government declared the CPP and the NPA as terrorist organizations.

The National Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has maintained that the terror tag on the NDFP was long overdue.

The NSC is the principal advisory body on the proper coordination and integration of plans and policies affecting national security.

It consists of two distinct bodies namely the Council Proper and the National Security Council Secretariat.

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

The NDF has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177292

Remedies available for people aggrieved by ATC rulings: DOJ

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2022): Remedies available for people aggrieved by ATC rulings: DOJ (By Benjamin Pulta)

There are sufficient safeguard and recourse for parties and individuals who feel aggrieved by rulings of the Anti-Terror Council (ATC), a justice official said Wednesday following the request by National Security Advisor Hermogenes Esperon Jr. for authorities to block the affiliated websites of Communist terror groups (CTG).

Replying to newsmen’s queries, Justice Undersecretary Adrian Sugay said that “if anybody should feel aggrieved by any perceived improper use or application of any provisions of the ATA (Anti-Terror Act), including the provisions in designation, there are remedies under the law and judicial recourse is always available.”

Sugay cited rules implementing ATA which provides that assets of the designated terrorist individual, groups of persons, organization, or association under the Act shall be subject to government authority and that all designations shall not be dependent upon the pendency of any criminal proceeding against the proposed designee.

In a letter to National Telecommunications Commissioner Gamaliel A. Cordona last June 6, Esperon sought the agency’s action against 26 websites affiliated with the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army.

The groups, Esperon said in his letter to the NTC “have established pervasive online presence through their websites that they (CTG) continually use to publish propaganda and misinformation campaigns in order to malign the Philippine government, recruit new members, and to solicit funds from local and international sources.”

Esperon is requesting an order from the NTC for Philippine internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to the sites.

Last April 26, the Supreme Court (SC) upheld the validity of the Republic Act (RA) 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2022 except for two provisions of the law.

Aside from a portion of Section 4 and a portion of Section 25, all the other challenged provisions of RA 11479 are not unconstitutional.

Section 4 deals with excluding mass actions and similar exercise of civil and political rights from the definition of terrorism while Section 25 is about requests by foreign agencies or bodies to designate persons as terrorists and terrorist organizations.

The SC voted 12-3 to declare unconstitutional the qualifier portion of Section 4 which states “which are not intended to cause death or serious physical harm to a person, to endanger a person's life, or to create a serious risk to public safety."

This qualifier to the proviso in Section 4 "is declared as unconstitutional for being overbroad and violative of freedom of expression,".

Likewise stricken down by a vote of 9-6 was a portion of Section 25, Paragraph 2 which allows "request for designations by other jurisdictions or supranational jurisdictions may be adopted by the ATC after determination that the proposed designee meets the criteria for designation of UNSCR No. 1373.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177285

PH, Australia eye stronger collaboration in logistics, defense

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2022): PH, Australia eye stronger collaboration in logistics, defense (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The Philippines and Australia will pursue stronger collaboration in the fields of defense and logistics.

This, as the Department of National Defense (DND) hosted the 21st Philippines-Australia Defense Cooperation Working Group (DCWG) from June 15 to 17 in Makati City.

In a statement Wednesday, DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said the event is the first in-person bilateral dialogue hosted by the agency since the coronavirus pandemic started in 2020.

"A reception was held on June 15, 2022 to kickstart the activity, followed by the Inaugural Logistics Working Group (LWG) Meeting between the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics (OJ4), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Joint Logistics Command (JLC), Australian Defence Force (ADF) on June 16, 2022, where they discussed the implementation of the Philippines-Australia Arrangement on the Provision of Mutual Logistic Support (MLSA) following its signing in 2021," he added.

Both the Philippine and Australian delegations also welcomed the prospects of logistics and defense industry collaboration in the future and further enhancing multilateral cooperation.

Manila also expressed its appreciation for Canberra's continued support for Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) centrality and active engagement through the Asean Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus.

Also carried out was a review of the annual Philippines-Australia Defense Engagement Plan (DEP) that was co-chaired by the Office of Strategic Assessment and International Affairs (OSAIA), DND, and the International Policy Division (IPD), Australian Department of Defence (DoD).

The DEP outlines Philippines-Australia defense engagements for the upcoming cycle and will be submitted to Philippine and Australian authorities by the DCWG through the Philippines-Australia Joint Defense Cooperation Committee (JDCC).

The Australian delegation also paid a courtesy call on Assistant Secretary for Strategic Assessments and International Affairs Teodoro Cirilo T. Torralba III.

In the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further develop Philippines-Australia defense relations.

“While the past two years of virtual meetings had been productive, nothing can replace in-person engagements,” Torralba said during an official dinner he hosted to welcome the Australian delegation.

The DCWG Meeting was co-chaired by Director Marita I. Yoro, OSAIA, and Director Stephen Broadbent, Philippines and Malaysia, IPD, on June 17.

Held annually, the DCWG is the working-level dialogue mechanism between the DND and DoD where the activities for the next cycle year are deliberated.

During the DCWG meeting, the DND bureaus presented their proposed engagements and highlighted key activities and new initiatives.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177287

NBI cyber units chiefs switched

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2022): NBI cyber units chiefs switched (By Benjamin Pulta)

The official internal investigation in the Cybercrime Division of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI-CCD) remains pending even as new personnel have been designated in the meantime, the agency's spokesman said Wednesday.

In a message to newsmen, NBI Deputy Director and spokesman Ferdinand Lavin said the NBI “is still waiting for the outcome of the IAD (Internal Affairs Division) investigation” on the alleged anomalies in an operation last May.

Lavin said that, in the meantime, Atty. Michelle Valdez is now chief of the NBI’s Digital Forensic Laboratory (FDL) switching posts with Special Agent Christopher Paz who is now Chief of the Cybercrime Division (CCD).

The movement of the personnel was in the “exercise of executive and management prerogative of the (NBI) Director,” Lavin said.

Valdez had been acting NBI-CCD chief following Victor Lorenzo’s promotion in March as assistant regional director and head of the Cybercrime Investigation and Assessment Center (CIAC).

Earlier this month, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra gave the green light for the relief of Lorenzo pending an internal investigation over an alleged anomalous operation as standard operating procedure whenever any NBI official or agent is under investigation by the internal affairs division in order to preserve the evidence and preclude any undue influence during the investigation.

Guevarra said the actual details of the incident involving Lorenzo’s unit are still sketchy but that it involved an operation in Manila involving the service of a warrant to search, seize, and examine computer data in a certain establishment in Manila last May 31 where some supposed irregularities were purported.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177293

Bulatlat, Pinoy Weekly websites promote terrorism: Esperon

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2022): Bulatlat, Pinoy Weekly websites promote terrorism: Esperon (By Marita Moaje)

CPP-NPA-NDF AFFILIATES. An article published by Pinoy Weekly on its website on March 30, 2022, entitled “NPA at Masa, ‘di Matitinag” (NPA and masses, ‘unshakable’), promotes terrorism and violates the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, National Security Adviser Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said. He said this explains why Pinoy Weekly and Bulatlat are included in the list of websites affiliated with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front. (Screengrab from Pinoy Weekly website)

News organizations Bulatlat and Pinoy Weekly were among the websites listed and submitted by National Security Adviser (NSA) Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr. to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for blocking on the internet as they support and promote terrorism.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Esperon said upholding and promoting the truth is a national security responsibility imbued with public interests, especially in this digital age where most Filipinos get information through different social media platforms.

Bulatlat and Pinoy Weekly, which claimed to be advocates of truth and objectivity, in reality, Esperon said, promotes misinformation and even terrorism.

“Misinformation remains to be one of the nation’s greatest enemies; and is in fact a powerful tool used by the Communist Terrorist Group to sow enmity and discord—dividing the Filipino people and separating us from objectivity and the truth,” Esperon said.

“Though we recognize that websites like Bulatlat and Pinoy Weekly have been using their platforms to spread information on causes important to them, we cannot simply turn a blind eye to the fact that they have actively supported organizations affiliated with the CPP-NPA-NDF,” he added.

Esperon said the decision to include the two news organizations in the list of websites affiliated with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) stemmed from the stories and articles published by the news sites.

He quoted an excerpt of an analysis published by Pinoy Weekly on Nov. 3, 2020, entitled “Limang katwiran ng armadong paglaban” (Five justifications of armed resistance) (https://pinoyweekly.org/2020/11/limang-katwiran-ng-armadong-paglaban/).

Esperon said the published analysis promotes armed struggle to radically change the society, which falls under Section 9 (definitions of terrorism) of Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

He quoted another excerpt of an article from Pinoy Weekly entitled “NPA at Masa, ‘di Matitinag’” (NPA and masses, ‘unshakable’) (https://pinoyweekly.org/2022/03/npa-at-masa-di-matitinag/) published on March 30, 2022.

According to the article, “Sa huli, inatasan naman ng CPP ang NPA na palakasin ang pagrerekrut at pagsasanay ng libu-libo pang pulang mandirigma mula sa hanay ng mga kabataang magsasaka, mga manggagawa, intelektuwal, kababaihan at iba pang sector (At the end, the CPP instructed the NPA to strengthen the recruitment and training of thousands of more red fighters from the ranks of young peasants, workers, intellectuals, women and other sectors).

“Dapat lalong itaas ng hukbong bayan ang kakayahan sa gerilyang pakikidigma, ang pagsisikreto sa mga paraan nito ng paglalakad at pagkakampo, upang manatiling bulag at bingi ang kaaway at mapawalangsaysay ang mga bomba at makabagong kagamitan sa pagsasarbeylans at pambobomba,’ atas ng CPP (The people’s army must further increase its guerrilla warfare capabilities, the secrecy of its methods of walking and encampment, in order to keep the enemy blind and deaf and to dismantle bombs and modern surveillance and bombing equipment,’ the CPP ordered)”.

The quoted excerpt, Esperon said, falls under the ATA’s Section 10, or the Recruitment to and Membership in a Terrorist Organization.

The order for NTC to block the websites of CPP-NPA-NDF affiliates, including Bulatlat and Pinoy Weekly, seen by many as a blatant attack on free speech is, in fact, Esperon said, an act of protecting the integrity of the nation’s digital space.

He, however, clarified that the restriction to access the said websites does not mean that they are being restricted to engage in free speech.

“Simply put, these websites through the order of the NTC dated June 08, 2022, will not be accessible to users within the bounds of the country’s Internet Service Providers. Bulatlat, Pinoy Weekly, and other websites stated in our letter to NTC are free to continue publishing articles and editorial pieces that fit their messaging lines, but they will not be accessible to internet users in this country,” he said.

Esperon assured that the right to free speech remains protected, even under the Anti-Terrorism Act. However, he added that this right should be used responsibly.

The 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 ATC also formally designated the NDF as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177342

3 NPA rebels surrender in Quezon province

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23, 2022): 3 NPA rebels surrender in Quezon province (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of 85th Infantry Battalion

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced the surrender of three New People's Army (NPA) communist terrorists to troops of the 85th Infantry Battalion in Lopez, Quezon on Tuesday.

In a statement late Wednesday, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Jorry Baclor, said the three NPAs, whose identities were withheld for security reasons, also surrendered an M-14 automatic rifle and a carbine with ammunition.

"They were formally presented by 85th (Infantry Battalion) troops, Lopez Municipal Police Station, and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) to Mayor Rachel Ubana who is also the chairperson of the Municipal Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict," Baclor said.

Baclor said the MSWD Office initially provided the surrenderers with financial assistance and farm supplies and equipment.

The municipal mayor also offered free education, livelihood, and housing assistance to the former rebels.

Government agencies are now processing necessary documents to include the former rebels in their beneficiaries under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

"The AFP meanwhile is continuously intensifying all efforts to encourage the remaining CNTs (communist NPA terrorists) to return to the government fold, avail of the E-CLIP benefits and become productive citizens," Baclor said.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (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 (NDF) as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177349

Lorenzana fetes PRRD for 'people-centered' leadership

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23, 2022): Lorenzana fetes PRRD for 'people-centered' leadership (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Secretary Delfin Lorenzana Facebook page

Outgoing Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he is honored to have worked with President Rodrigo R. Duterte, whose leadership he described as "people-centered".

"Thank you, PRRD (President Rodrigo R. Duterte) Sir! It’s both an honor and a privilege to serve the nation under your exceptional and people-centered leadership," he said in his Facebook post on Thursday.

In the same post, Lorenzana said he received an award from the Chief Executive for his vital role in the country's pandemic response.

"In a simple ceremony last June 16, I received from President Duterte the Lakandula Award-Degree of Grand Cross for serving as Chairperson of the National Task Force against Covid 19 (NTF-Covid-19). I humbly received the award on behalf of the men and women of the NTF-Covid 19 who worked tirelessly and efficiently in the fight against the Covid virus," he added.

Lorenzana became the country's 36th defense secretary last June 30, 2016 and brought to the DND his expertise in national defense and security, special operations, foreign military affairs, public diplomacy, veterans affairs, and strategic leadership.

He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1973.

Earlier, Lorenzana said the Duterte administration worked hard for the Philippines to attain a credible defense posture to protect its vast maritime territories.

Lorenzana also said the AFP also significantly stepped up its external defense operations to secure the country's strategic border areas and exclusive economic zone by increasing naval surface and maritime air patrols.

Lorenzana is also pleased to note that during his term the AFP launched sustained operations against the communist insurgents and violent extremists which led to the weakening of these pressing security threats.

"The DND, through the AFP, sustained operations that led to the weakening of the communist terrorist group and revitalization of the government’s reintegration program for former rebels and violent extremists. Since 2016, thousands of rebels, violent extremists, and their supporters have returned to the fold of the law, resulting in a major loss of their ground-level support," he added.

Lorenzana said the DND also prioritized international defense and security engagements, wherein agreements were forged with traditional and non-traditional security partners, which brought the Philippines closer to becoming a strategic player in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Under the Duterte administration, the DND further advanced good governance policies aimed at enhancing the organization’s capability to perform its mandate.

Under Republic Act 11709, only the best officers in the AFP can assume the highest posts in the military.

"The principal objective of this law is to allow general officers sufficient time, i.e., three years time-in-grade, to do their jobs. If they are not promoted to the next higher grade, they are retired. This ensures that only the best officers ascend the ladder of leadership. This also puts an end to the revolving door system in the AFP leadership that resulted from the retirement law passed in 1979," Lorenzana said.

Under the new law, the AFP chief-of-staff, vice chief-of-staff, deputy chief-of-staff, heads of the major services (Army, Navy and Air Force), unified command commanders, and inspector general will have a three-year term of office "unless sooner terminated by the President."

The President may only extend the AFP chief-of-staff's tour of duty in times of war or other national emergencies declared by Congress.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177350

Missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna crosses Int'l Date Line

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23, 2022): Missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna crosses Int'l Date Line (By Priam Nepomuceno)

CROSSING THE IDL. Philippine Navy personnel aboard the BRP Antonio Luna dress as 'pollywogs' during the line-crossing rites after the ship crossed the International Date Line on Wednesday (June 22, 2022). The ceremony, which is also observed when crossing the equator, serves as an initiation rite and marks a milestone in every sailor's life. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy)

Officers and enlisted personnel of missile-frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) held the ancient naval tradition of line-crossing ceremony upon passing through the International Date Line (IDL) on Wednesday.

"Prior to crossing the IDL – also known as the Domain of the Golden Dragon – these personnel were still called 'pollywogs' under the rule of King Neptune, the ruler of the sea. They had to pass various challenges and upon completion, the pollywogs have now evolved into the Golden Dragons of the IDL," said Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson, Commander Benjo Negranza, in a statement Thursday.

According to timeanddate.com, the IDL is the boundary where each calendar day starts and is also known as the “Line of Demarcation” because it separates two calendar dates.

The BRP Antonio Luna and the Naval Task Group 80.5 is the country's contingent to this year's Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise which is scheduled from June 29 to August 4.

"After the ceremony, Naval Task Group (NTG) 80.5 led by Captain Charles Merric Villanueva have their boodle fight in celebration of the International Date Line crossing and the awarding of certificate to the most senior personnel who crossed the IDL for the first time," Negranza said.

This tradition serves as an initiation rite and marks a milestone in every sailor's life. The same ceremony is observed when crossing the equator.

BRP Antonio Luna and NTG 80.5 left Naval Operating Base Subic last June 8 and arrived in Guam last June 12. The ship left the island on June 16 for Hawaii.

RIMPAC, considered the world's largest maritime exercise, is held biennially to promote regional stability in the Pacific Region.

Around 25,000 personnel from 26 participating nations are set to join the 28th iteration of RIMPAC which was first conducted in 1971.

Negranza earlier said NTG 80.5 will help develop, maintain, and enhance the Navy’s pursuit of maritime collaboration with its counterparts through the exercise.

The PN's participation in RIMPAC 2022, themed “Capable, Adaptive, Partners,” will be the third after its maiden participation in 2018 and its sophomore run in 2020.

In the 2018 RIMPAC, the Navy deployed the offshore patrol vessel, BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), and the landing dock BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602).

In the 2020 iteration of the maritime exercise, the PN sent the country's first missile frigate, the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150).

Both the BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna are capable of anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare operations.

The contract for the two ships was PHP16 billion and an additional PHP2 billion was spent on weapon systems and munitions.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177351

Certification program to fully capacitate Army gunners

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23, 2022): Certification program to fully capacitate Army gunners (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Army Artillery Regiment

The Army Artillery Regiment (AAR) announced the implementation of a comprehensive training program to mold rookie soldiers into becoming competent and professional field artillery personnel.

This is in line with the celebration of the AAR's 15th founding anniversary on Wednesday.

AAR chief Col. Anthony Coronel said the training will capacitate these personnel for field deployment.

“Upon field assignment, they won’t be worried. They will have confidence because we trained them well,” the AAR chief said in an exclusive documentary that premiered on YouTube.

He added that the AAR is implementing a certification program for gunners and assistant gunners prior to deployment at firing lines.

Coronel said that field artillerymen will undergo re-certification before handling actual operations.

As this developed, the AAR is also gearing up for the delivery of additional modern assets that will bolster the Army's territorial defense capabilities.

”The Regiment has constantly excelled at the frontlines in attaining the Philippine Army (PA)'s mission of defeating the remaining local armed groups,” said Army inspector general, Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, in his speech on behalf of PA chief, Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.

Galido also commended AAR troops, known for their moniker “Rex Belli” or “Kings of Battle,” for conducting a total of 608 live-fire missions and fire-support operations that bolstered ground forces’ focused military operations and internal security efforts.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177356

Centino vows all-out support to beef up PH Air Force

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23, 2022): Centino vows all-out support to beef up PH Air Force (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Andres Centino (Photo courtesy of AFP)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Andres Centino has reaffirmed his support for all efforts aimed at strengthening the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

This came ahead of the force's 75th founding anniversary on July 1.

"As Chief-of-Staff, I reaffirm my support to further strengthen the Philippine Air Force and enjoin all airmen to sustain the strong teamwork, competence, and dedication to duty as we journey all together to become world-class armed forces that are a source of national pride," he said in his speech during the Air Force Symposium 2022 at the Marriott Hotel, Pasay City Wednesday.

The symposium echoes PAF's anniversary theme: "Leading an Innovative, Progressive, Adaptive and Dependable Air Force for Peace, Security, and Development."

"We shall soon fully shift our focus to external defense operations to secure our territory and sovereignty. This necessitates a more capable PAF that can effectively address all present and emerging security threats that may challenge our resolve as a sovereign nation," Centino said.

PAF commander, Lt. Gen. Connor Anthony D. Canlas Sr., said the symposium was an ideal opportunity for PAF to assess its current air power capabilities and formulate plans for its advancement.

"We are focused on continuing to give excellent service to our nation. Our decisions that will emanate from this symposium are aimed at improving the air power of the PAF," he added.

The one-day symposium consisted of a two-part session. In the morning, world leaders in the aviation industry were given the chance to present their companies to military and civilian guests.

Among them were Airbus Defence, Diehl Defence, Korea Aerospace Industries LTD (KAI), Saab Philippines, Lockheed Martin, Jet Aviation Asia Pacific PTE LTD, and Textron Aviation Defense LLC.

Booths were also set up showcasing civil and defense aviation products and services that centered on the development of airpower technology.

The series of lectures and panel discussions during the afternoon session was the highlight of the symposium.

Presentations included the history of PAF and Philippine aviation in general, contemporary and emerging security challenges in the aviation industry both local and in the Asia-Pacific region, the Philippine space program, US Air Force Space Force, and cyber warfare.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177365

2 suspected members of NPA killed in Agusan del Norte clash

From GMA News Online (Jun 23, 2022): 2 suspected members of NPA killed in Agusan del Norte clash

Brigadier General Adonis Ariel Orio, 402nd Infantry Brigade commander, said the encounter with some 15 NPA members happened at So Little Baguio, Barangay Consorcia Las Nieves town in Agusan del Norte. FILE PHOTO

Two suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) died following an armed encounter with government forces Tuesday in Las Nieves town in Agusan del Norte, the Army’s 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB) said.
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Brigadier General Adonis Ariel Orio, 402nd Infantry Brigade commander, said the encounter with some 15 NPA members happened at So Little Baguio, Barangay Consorcia.

Orio identified the casualties as 24-year-old Rey Torregosa and 41-year-old Juliven Badbaran.

Seized from the operation were of one RPK LMG, one AK47 Rifle, one M16 Rifle; one Anti-Personnel Mine, 11 AK47 magazines; three M14 magazines, NPA flags, subversive documents and assorted personal belongings.

“I would like to commend the troops of 23rd Infantry Battalion for your recent accomplishment,” Orio said in a statement.

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“Indeed, the successful conduct of your combat operation was a result of careful planning, excellent intelligence and strategy with flawless execution of our capable leaders and soldiers, he added.

Orio, meanwhile, appealed to the remaining members of communist rebels to surrender and live peacefully with their families.

“As we have vowed to protect our people, we will continue to hunt the enemies down and remain true to our mandate of sustaining the peace and development in the area of Agusan del Norte,” the official said. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/835784/2-suspected-members-of-npa-killed-in-agusan-del-norte-clash/story/

Palace backs order to block 'terror' websites

 From the Manila Times (Jun 23, 2022): Palace backs order to block 'terror' websites (By Catherine S. Valente, Francis Earl Cueto and Moises Cruz)

Acting Palace spokesman Martin Andanar. File Photo

MALACAÑANG on Wednesday justified the order of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to block websites linked to terrorist organizations.

"The recent move of the NTC to block certain websites is upon the request of the National Security Council in performance of its mandate," Acting Palace spokesman Martin Andanar said in a statement.

"Legal remedies are available to any party, including online media outfit Bulatlat, affected by this action," he added.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. earlier asked the NTC to prohibit access to websites of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), progressive groups National Federation of Peasant Women and Pamalakaya-Pilipinas, as well as independent media Bulatlat and Pinoy Weekly.

The CPP-NPA-NDF was classified as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council.

"They have established a pervasive online presence through their website that they continually use to publish propaganda and misinformation campaigns in order to malign the Philippine government, recruit new members, and solicit funds from local and international sources," Esperon said in his letter to the NTC.

Meanwhile, militant groups denounced the NTC's action, alleging it was an attempt to silence government's critics in online media.

"We ask the Senate and House of Representatives' human rights committees, as well as the Commission on Human Rights, to look into this violation of these marginalized groups' right to free expression," said Ariel Casilao, national president of Anakpawis party-list, a member of the Makabayan Coalition.

"The move to block the websites of legitimate mass organizations and alternative media is yet another move to dilute the truth," Bayan Muna Chairman Neri Colmenares said.

Outgoing Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate said the NTC's move should prompt legal experts to review the anti-terrorism law.

"This heavy-handed move will hopefully give the court another look at the broad anti-democratic provisions of the terror law."

The other websites blocked by the NTC were Hiyaw, PRWC Newsroom, Revolutionary Council of Trade Unions, Compatriots-Revolutionary Organization of Overseas Filipinos and their Families, UMA Pilipinas, Arkibong Bayan, International League of People Struggle, Counter Punch, International Action Center, Monthly Review, People's March, Taga-Ilog News, Partisa-News, and People Resist News.

The NTC instructed internet providers to strictly follow its directive.

"You are hereby directed to effect the immediate blocking of the reported websites found to be affiliated to and are supporting terrorists and terrorist organizations," NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said in a memorandum to internet service providers.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/06/23/news/national/palace-backs-order-to-block-terror-websites/1848410

NPA camp seized in Negros Occidental

 From the Philippine Star (Jun 23, 2022): NPA camp seized in Negros Occidental (Gilbert Bayoran) 

Soldiers overran a camp of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels following an encounter in Sitio Tinibyangan, Barangay Minapasok in Calatrava, Negros Occidental yesterday.

Lt. Col. Jay-Jay Javines, 79th Infantry Battalion commander, said government troopers responded to reports from villagers on the presence of armed men in the area when the clash occurred.

There was no reported casualty on the side of the government.

Jayvines said the rebels are remnants of the NPA’s dismantled Northern Negros Front.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/06/23/2190216/npa-camp-seized-negros-occidental

NPA rebels kill forest ranger in Bulacan, cops say

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 22, 2022): NPA rebels kill forest ranger in Bulacan, cops say (By: Carmela Reyes-Estrope)

New People’s Army (NPA) | INQUIRER.net file photo

NORZAGARAY, Bulacan—A forest ranger, who was a former Dumagat leader in this town, was killed by suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) on Monday, June 20, the police said Wednesday.

Colonel Charlie Cabradilla, Bulacan police director, identified the victim as Mauro Mudlong, 54, chief forest ranger at Sitio (sub-village) Ipo, Barangay San Mateo in this town.

At least 10 rebels from the Kilusang Narciso Command dragged Mudlong out of his house at 7:30 p.m. and took him to the Consultant Area near the Ipo Dam, where he was killed, investigators said.

Cabradilla said some residents near the dam heard gunshots from the Consultant Area at that time.

Mudlong’s relatives rushed to the Consultant Area, where they found his body.

Police recovered eight empty shells for a.45-caliber pistol, three empty cartridges for a .9mm-caliber, and two deformed slugs of an unknown caliber.

The victim’s relatives identified four suspects through a lineup of photos of wanted rebels in the area.

Mudlong was also a former Indigenous Person Mandatory Representative in Sitio Ipo.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1614820/npa-rebels-kill-forest-ranger-in-bulacan-cops-say

Donor-embassies introduce new projects for ex-MILF troops’ societal reintegration

From the Business Mirror (Jun 22, 2022): Donor-embassies introduce new projects for ex-MILF troops’ societal reintegration (By MANUEL CAYON)

The United Nations (UN), European Union (EU) and Australia have pooled new resources to fund major social projects for former Mindanao-based combatants, including their families and communities.

Ambassadors Luc Véron of the EU Delegation in the Philippines and Steven Robinson of Australia, together with UN Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez launched on June 15 two projects designed in partnership with the Office of Presidential Adviser of Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA). These, they averred, will aid former combatants’ reintegration process into mainstream society.

Said initiatives would cover the communities in and around the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) Camp Bilal in the two Lanao provinces, Camp Bushra in Lanao del Sur, Camp Rajamuda in North Cotabato, as well as Camp Badre, Camp Omar, Camp Abubakar all in Maguindanao.

The Access to Legal Identity and Social Services for Decommissioned Combatants (ALIAS-DC) project will support former combatants as they revert into civilian life by giving them legal identities. It will provide birth registration for 31,000 former combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, their families, the Bangsamoro Islamic Women’s Brigade, and members of communities around MILF camps from marginalized sectors such as internally displaced persons and indigenous people.

Legal identity will accord individuals with certificates of live births, as former MILF combatants and their families will be able to cross checkpoints freely. They will also be able to access basic services and social protection. Nongovernment organization IDEALS will carry out this initiative forward to 2023 with funding of P62.41 million from the EU, and P18.1 million from Australia.

On the other hand, the Programme on Assistance for Camp Transformation through Inclusion, Violence Prevention and Economic Empowerment (PROACTIVE), will promote economic income and sustainable livelihoods, community resilience and security for two years.

PROACTIVE will work with commanders to create viable livelihoods in previously armed camps by supporting the formation of social enterprises, offering individual agricultural and nonagricultural livelihood training sessions, assistance packages, as well as improving access to basic services and social infrastructure.

The project will also work to transform conflict and create a culture of peace by enhancing the capacities and participation of local stakeholders such as women, youth, and faith-based leaders in community development and peacebuilding. Implemented by the UN Development Programme or UNDP, the project is jointly funded by the EU for P221 million.

After decades of conflict, obtaining a legal identity through birth certificate is a first step for former combatants in their re-engagement into society. As affirmed by the EU delegation, access to peace dividends also involves recreating viable livelihoods in previously armed camps. Achieving these goals of normalization requires strong ties among all stakeholders.

“Peace and development must walk hand-in-hand… Today we celebrate another milestone in this complex but rewarding journey,” said Gonzalez. “[The UN is] proud of being part of this collective investment jointly with the BTA, OPAPRU and our…development partners Australia and the EU.”

“The EU is here to support the work of the Bangsamoro Transitional Government and the OPAPRU to further consolidate the peace process,” confirmed Véron. “[We have] been a staunch and long-standing supporter of the peace efforts in Mindanao: with the projects we [launched since 2020, we have invested over €105 million, or some P9 billion] in projects covering…development and capacity-building for the transition.”

The EU envoy added: “We are happy to be partnering with Australia and the UN on normalization, since enhancing the normalization track—allowing for all the people engaged in the conflict to lead peaceful and productive lives without leaving anyone behind—is crucial to build lasting peace.”

Robinson remarked that Australia is a long-time supporter of Mindanao’s peace process, particularly in normalization. “I’m glad…we are helping provide… foundational assistance to former combatants. Identity documents are something that many of us take for granted; but if you lack these, you can find yourself locked out of education, health, work, and wider opportunities to participate in society. I hope these documents will help kick-start the process to transform these camps into peaceful communities.”

In his more than three-and-a-half years in the Philippines, the Australian ambassador shared that he has been fortunate to work closely with the government of the Philippines on the peace process, particularly Presidential Advisor on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Carlito Galvez Jr.: “I believe [the global community’s support is essential to the peace process here, as] no country can do this all on its own. I’m also proud that we are working on this together with the EU and the UN… I look forward to seeing more work that our collaboration will support in the future.”

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2022/06/22/donor-embassies-introduce-new-projects-for-ex-milf-troops-societal-reintegration/

7 killed, 6 hurt in latest Maguindanao clash

From Rappler (Jun 22, 2022): 7 killed, 6 hurt in latest Maguindanao clash (By ROMMEL REBOLLIDO)

Wednesday's encounter is the latest in a series of bloody incidents in various towns in Maguindanao this June that include clashes and ambuscades

Seven people, including a commander of a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) group, were killed while six others were wounded when an armed group engaged authorities in a firefight in Maguindanao province on Wednesday, June 22.

Police also arrested four suspects after the exchange of firepower in the village of Mileb in Rajah Buaya town, said Lieutenant Colonel Ernor Melgarejo, assistant director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).


Melgarejo said the police went to the village to arrest a fugitive identified as Torque Utto Latip, long wanted for murder and a string of other crimes.

Instead, the authorities were greeted with firepower, prompting them to fire back.

Police said Latip was killed during the fierce encounter.

Police said one of the seven killed was Haron Akmad, an MILF field commander under the Front’s 105th Base Command.

One of the wounded was a policeman from the Philippine National Police’s Regional Mobile Force Battalion.

Melgarejo said authorities seized several high-powered guns and ammunition that included two caliber .50 Barrett rifles, Garand rifles, a grenade launcher, an M16 and M14 rifles, an M203 rifle, and a 9-millimeter submachine gun.

Wednesday’s encounter was the latest in a series of bloody incidents in various towns in Maguindanao this June that included clashes and ambuscades.

The escalating tensions and violence have already resulted in bloodshed and evacuations, prompting the police in the BARMM and the MILF to step up security along sections of a highway.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/maguindanao-clash-june-22-2022/

Army lieutenant wounded in Sultan Kudarat clash feted

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2022): Army lieutenant wounded in Sultan Kudarat clash feted (By Edwin Fernandez)

HONORED. Maj. Gen. Robert Capulong, the Army’s acting 6th Infantry Division commander, pins a medal on 1Lt. Jomar C. Binay-an in a ceremony held inside the Camp Siongco Hospital in Maguindanao Tuesday (June 21, 2022). The young officer was wounded in a clash between his unit and communist rebels in Sultan Kudarat’s town of Palimbang. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A young Army lieutenant injured in an encounter with communist rebels in Sultan Kudarat received recognition Tuesday afternoon from the Philippine Army’s (PA) 6th Infantry Division (ID) here.

In a statement Wednesday, the 6ID said 1st Lt. Jomar C Binay-an received the Wounded Personnel Medal from Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong, acting 6ID commander, at the Camp Siongco Station Hospital, in recognition of his bravery.

Binay-an, executive officer of Bravo Company of the 7th Infantry Battalion, was wounded during an encounter against communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Baluan, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat on June 15.

An NPA rebel was killed while another surrendered with his rifle following the clash.

Aside from the medal, Capulong also gave cash assistance and groceries to Binay-an.

“This is in recognition of his heroic acts by putting his life in grave danger while pursuing terrorist groups in the hinterlands of Palimbang,” Capulong said.

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

The NDF has been formally identified as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177253

Army engineers build shelter for Leyte landslide survivors

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2022): Army engineers build shelter for Leyte landslide survivors (By Roel Amazona)

SHELTER. Army engineers start building temporary shelters for landslide survivors in Baybay City, Leyte province. Families displaced by the April 10, 2022 landslides are expected to stay in the shelter while waiting for the completion of permanent houses. (Photo courtesy of 546th Engineering Construction Battalion)

The Philippine Army's 546th Engineering Construction Battalion has started building temporary shelters for families displaced by recent killer landslides in Baybay City, Leyte.

Temporary shelters are being constructed within the two-hectare property in Maganhan village. The Department of Public Works and Highways recently completed the site development.

Army engineers are being assisted by personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Army, and the Philippine National Police.

“This is not enough, and we need more volunteers to help fast track the construction of the temporary shelters,” said Philippine Army’s 802nd Brigade Commander Col. Noel Vestuir in a phone interview Wednesday.

Volunteers will be supervised by the Department of Social Welfare and Development under the cash for work program.

They will be assigned to do masonry and carpentry works, or prepare food for the workers, Vestuir said.

At least 18 units of temporary houses will rise in the site for landslide survivors in Kantagnos village. These families have been staying in evacuation centers since April 12.

The massive landslide last April 10 killed 67 residents in Kantagnos while 50 others remained missing.

The village has been declared by the city government as danger zone and residents are no longer allowed to return to their old settlement.

At least 145 families or 524 individuals from Kantagnos village currently stay at the classrooms of Baybay City Senior High School while waiting for the completion of temporary shelters.

Aside from Kantagnos, other evacuees are from the villages of Mailhi (877 individuals), Bunga (12 individuals), Hipusngo (17 individuals), Bubon (five persons), Maypatag (106 residents), and Villa Mag-aso (38 individuals).

Residents from Mailhi stay at the Baybay City National High School and the rest have been taking shelter in their respective village halls.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177277

NPA loses food source, fund with dev’t projects in N. Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2022): NPA loses food source, fund with dev’t projects in N. Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)

ROAD FOR PEACE. The ongoing construction of access road to the remote village of San Miguel in Las Navas, Northern Samar. This is one of the projects under the Barangay Development Program designed to end insurgency. (Photo courtesy of Northern Samar provincial engineering office)

The New People’s Army (NPA) in Northern Samar has lost its source of food and funds with the initial implementation of Barangay Development Program (BDP) in six remote communities, a top official of the Philippine Army said.

In the past five months, the communist terrorists have stopped receiving financial support and food supplies from communities with the rollout of development initiatives, Maj. Gen. Edgardo de Leon, commander of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division said in an interview Wednesday.

“The much-improved accessibility to these villages due to ongoing farm-to-market road projects has driven the NPA away from communities. The people have stopped giving support to the NPA,” de Leon said.

He said a NPA platoon in Northern Samar used to solicit PHP175,000 monthly contributions from residents, village officials, and small businesses. A platoon used to receive 64 sacks of rice from local farmers.

“Losing these donations since we implemented the BDP in the past five months prompted hungry NPA members to surrender,” de Leon added.

De Leon said there are only two remaining NPA guerrilla fronts in Eastern Visayas and one of them is in Northern Samar

Locals, including village officials, were willing to give cash and rice to the NPA who promised that they would facilitate the processing of their land titles, the army official said.

Members of the NPA-linked front organizations assume the tedious task of processing documents in government offices.

“With the BDP, that system has stopped. Members of the regional and local task force to end local communist armed conflict have been visiting these communities to address the concerns of villagers,” he said.

Six villages in the province are recipients of PHP120 million BDP under the 2021 allocation. As of June 8, PHP14.44 million have been spent for some of the 35 identified projects.

These projects include PHP31.93 million farm-to-market roads, PHP17.49 million water and sanitation system, PHP18.5 million health stations, PHP24.8 million for school buildings, PHP11 million electrification, PHP10.05 million assistance to poor families, and PHP6.22 million agricultural and livelihood training assistance.

Recipient villages are Quezon in Catarman; Calantiao in Bobon; Hitopian, Nagoocan, and Osang villages in Catubig; and San Miguel village in Las Navas town.

The BDP is a flagship program of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, which was conceptualized to address insurgency by bringing sustainable solutions and basic services to communities in need.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177282

Antique town seeks NTF-ELCAC funding for collapsed hanging bridge

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2022): Antique town seeks NTF-ELCAC funding for collapsed hanging bridge (By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay)

COLLAPSED. Part of the Latazon hanging bridge that collapsed and injured three persons on June 15, 2022. Laua-an Mayor-elect Aser Baladjay said in an interview Wednesday (June 22, 2022) that he will be seeking fund to construct a concrete bridge in Barangay Latazon in his municipality. (Photo courtesy of Arlene Pedro)

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The mayor-elect of the Municipality of Laua-an is seeking funding for the construction of a new concrete bridge to replace the old hanging bridge that collapsed on June 15, 2022 and injured three persons.

Mayor-elect Aser Baladjay said in an interview Wednesday that he will ask the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) if the proposed concrete bridge will be provided with funding since Barangay Latazon was once a rebel infested area.

"We had presence of the New People’s Army (NPA) as well as sympathizers before in Barangay Latazon and in about 14 more barangays in the municipality," he said.

He added that the bridge was identified on the list of priority projects that was endorsed to the office of Antique solon and now senator-elect Loren Legarda and the provincial government.

Antique Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao has already directed Provincial Engineer Inocencio Dajao to inspect the collapsed hanging bridge and make a report about it.

"If it would be found out that the bridge is substandard and had been constructed by the Provincial Government through a contractor, I will have the contractor banned from joining future biddings of the province," Cadiao said in a separate interview.

Cadiao further said that the Antique Provincial Board is also conducting its own investigation in aid of legislation.

Meanwhile, the provincial government will be extending PHP15,000 Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) to the staff of the Department of Trade and Industry, one of the three injured persons who happened to be passing on the bridge when it collapsed.

The injured staff, John Michael Villavert, obtained facial and cranial injuries when pinned by the steel mat of the hanging bridge and had to undergo surgery at the Western Visayas Medical Center in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

The two others, who are on-the-job trainees of the DTI will be subjected to assessment by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) to determine the amount of assistance that will be given to them.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177275

Ex-NPA rebels in NegOr receive business kits from gov't

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2022): Ex-NPA rebels in NegOr receive business kits from gov't (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

GOAT DISPERSAL. The Department of Trade and Industry in Negros Oriental hands over goats to former rebels of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on Tuesday (June 21, 2022). This is part of the two-day activity held by the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) in Central Visayas under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). (Photo courtesy of DTI-Negros Oriental)

Twenty-seven former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) have each received PHP8,000 worth of business kits during a two-day consultative meeting initiated by the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) in Central Visayas under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

The activity was held on Monday and Tuesday at the Guihulngan Satellite Skills and Development Center, Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental, where different agencies, such as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) presented and committed their programs, projects, and training to the village chairs of the city’s 16 barangays.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Negros Oriental provincial director Nimfa Virtucio on Wednesday told the Philippine News Agency that the first day was dedicated to consultations and program briefings but the distribution of the livelihood kits was held on the second day.

The former rebels, who were endorsed by the 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army to receive the business kits under the DTI’s Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay Program, are from Guihulngan City (19) and Canlaon City (8), Virtucio said.

“Of the number, 20 of them chose to engage in the goat breeding while the rest opted for 'sari-sari' or retail stores, E-load for cellphones, high-value vegetable production, and pig fattening,” she said.

The DTI distributed to the beneficiaries a pair of goats each (one male and one female) while vouchers were also given to the other former rebels as “we are not allowed to give the business kits in cash,” she added.

The goats have been insured by the local agriculture office in case they do not survive due to disease or calamities, the DTI official said.

Meanwhile, 10 other former rebels have been profiled and will soon also receive the same business assistance from DTI.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177313

Another NPA courier yields in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2022): Another NPA courier yields in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

Google map Kitcharao town, Agusan del Norte.

A communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebel in charge of transporting food and other logistics for insurgent units in Agusan del Norte surrendered to the police in Kitcharao town Wednesday.

The surrenderer, identified only as “Buchoy,” is the logistics officer of the Samahang Yunit Pampropaganda 16A, NPA Guerilla Front Committee 16.

“After a year of serving the NPA rebels, ‘Buchoy’ decided to return to the folds of the law to renew his life and live peacefully with his family,” said Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., the Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) director, said in a statement Wednesday.

Buchoy, 43, also handed over a smoke grenade upon his surrender, Caramat added.

“The surrenderer realized he was deceived by the NPA as none of their promises were fulfilled,” the police official said.

“Buchoy” was also convinced by the experiences of other former rebels who surrendered and are now living peacefully with support from the government, Caramat said.

“We hope that more NPA members will voluntarily surrender and no longer be imprisoned by deceptions, as well as be victims of tragic consequences,” he added.

Buchoy is the fourth NPA courier who voluntarily surrendered to police authorities during the past two days.

On Monday, three NPA supply couriers also yielded to the Agusan del Sur provincial police office.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-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 National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177309