U.S., Philippines Conduct Maritime Security Review

 From Palawan News (Jul 18, 2022): U.S., Philippines Conduct Maritime Security Review

A Philippine Coast Guard member working at the NCWS demonstrates vessel traffic monitoring. Credit: MITRE.

On July 15, the United States government, through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), in partnership with the National Coast Watch System (NCWS), concluded its one-week review of facilities, equipment, and training programs provided to enhance the Philippines’ maritime domain awareness.

The in-depth review allowed DTRA to better understand the various aspects of the NCWS and further enhance DTRA experts’ knowledge of specific regional maritime security challenges through meetings with personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Coast Guard Weapons, Communications, Electronics, and Information Systems Command (CGWCEISC), and NCWS in Manila, Negros Oriental, Palawan, and Cebu. These site visits also enabled DTRA to witness the integration and cooperation between NCWS personnel and PCG District Visayas Stations and observe the effectiveness and condition of communication and sensor equipment to guide future upgrades for each site.

During a visit to the National Coast Watch Center (NCWC) in Manila, DTRA briefed CGWCEISC Coast Guard Deputy Commander Arnoldo M. Lim on the outcomes of the visit which are expected to contribute to a more effective and capable NCWS.

“Our common goal is to achieve optimum maritime domain awareness,” NCWC Director Rear Admiral Roy Echeverria said.

“This review’s outcomes are critical because maritime domain awareness requires precise coordination and communication to execute the mission successfully. Optimal enforcement often requires cooperation between multiple agencies within the Philippine government or foreign partners,” DTRA International Project Officer U.S. Navy Commander Bryan Kroncke said. “DTRA understands these requirements and is proud to partner with the Philippines, through the NCWS, to provide the tools necessary to address maritime security threats.”

A long-time partner of the Philippine government, DTRA played an important supporting role in establishing the NCWS. DTRA was responsible for constructing the NCWC in Manila, Regional Coordination Centers in Cebu and Palawan, and many other manned and unmanned sites around the archipelago. DTRA also worked closely with the PCG and the CGWCEISC to ensure that the NCWS can meet current and future maritime security challenges. Since 2012, DTRA has provided more than $64 million to the NCWS for the acquisition of advanced equipment and the training of personnel, enabling it to become the premier maritime security entity in the Philippines.

“This successful review would not have been possible without the cooperation of NCWC and their impressive and professional personnel,” Commander Kroncke added. “DTRA looks forward to continue supporting the NCWS in their efforts to become a regional maritime security leader.”

[About the Defense Threat Reduction Agency: DTRA enables the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. government and international partners to counter and deter weapons of mass destruction and emerging threats.]

[About the National Coast Watch System: NCWS was established in September 2011 pursuant to Executive Order No. 57 series of 2011 as a central interagency mechanism for a coordinated and coherent approach on maritime issues and maritime security operations towards enhancing governance in the country’s maritime domain.]

https://palawan-news.com/u-s-philippines-conduct-maritime-security-review/

WESCOM’s Vice Adm. Carlos visits Rizal Reef in West Philippine Sea

From Palawan News (Jul 20, 2022): WESCOM’s Vice Adm. Carlos visits Rizal Reef in West Philippine Sea (By Celeste Anna Formoso)

WESCOM commander Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos (1st from left) with Filipino troops securing Rizal Reef in the West Philippine Sea on July 16, 2022. (Photo from Western Command)

Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos, commander of Western Command (WESCOM), visited Rizal Reef in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) over the weekend aboard the BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS 17) while it was conducting “sovereignty patrol”.

Carlos joined the Del Pilar-class ship’s initial maritime patrol in the disputed region and arrived on Rizal Reef (also Commodore Reef) on Saturday, July 16, days after departing from the Naval Forces West (NAVFORWEST) detachment in Oyster Bay, Puerto Princesa City.

The journey was part of BRP Andres Bonifacio’s initial territory defense tasks following the completion of its necessary repairs and maintenance inspections, which Carlos personally saw on the first week of July.

WESCOM Public Affairs Office (PAO) officer-in-charge, Cpt. Reynaldo Aragones Jr., told Palawan News that Carlos spoke with Filipino troops stationed on Rizal Reef, which is roughly 110 nautical miles west of the island town of Balabac, to check how they’re doing as they safeguard the Philippine-claimed feature.

Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos (1st from left), commander of WESCOM, speaks with Filipino troops stationed at the Rizal Reef detachment of the Philippine Navy, Armed Forces of the Philippines, in the West Philippine Sea. (Photo from Western Command)

“Isa sa mga tungkulin niya bilang commander ay masigurado na nasa maayos na kalagayan at mapunan ang mga pangangailangan ng kanyang mga tropa saan mang sulok o isla ng kanyang nasasakupan,” Aragones said.

“Sa katunayan niyan, nitong nakaraan na June 12, Araw ng Kalayaan, si VAdm. Carlos mismo rin ang pumunta sa sa Pag-asa Island upang bisitahin ang mga tropa natin. Siya rin ang nagtaas ng ating bandila sa isla,” he added.

The reef, which appears as two atolls, is submerged, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are in charge of the facilities and buildings there under WESCOM’s purview.

Carlos’ descent on Rizal Reef was deemed “very rare” by the AFP, since aviators like himself, a navy grey eagle, often drop provisions to Filipino troops.

“Notably, it’s very rare for naval aviators of the Philippine Navy to set foot at Rizal Reef. They usually drop provisions such as but not limited to food, water, medicines, and other supplies for its contingent by air. VAdm. Carlos is also known among pilots as the Navy’s Grey Eagle being a naval aviator himself,” Aragones said.

https://palawan-news.com/wescoms-vice-adm-carlos-visits-rizal-reef-in-west-philippine-sea/

Mga dating rebelde, nakatanggap ng financial assistance mula sa pamahalaang panlalawigan

Posted to Palawan News (Jul 20, 2022): Mga dating rebelde, nakatanggap ng financial assistance mula sa pamahalaang panlalawigan (Former rebels, received financial assistance from the provincial government)

Sina Palawan Gov. Victorino Dennis Socrates, PSWDO chief Abegail Ablaña, at P/Lt. Col. Salvador Tabi ng PPO kasama ang mga dating rebelde na tumanggap ng tig P25,000 na financial assistance mula sa LSIP ng pamahalaang panlalawigan. (Photo from Palawan PIO)

Labintatlong dating mga rebelde ang pinagkalooban ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Palawan ng P25,000 bawat isa sa isinagawang Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) for Former Rebels Awarding Ceremony na noong Martes sa gusaling kapitolyo.

Ang tulong pinansyal ay ipinagkaloob sa mga benepisyaryo ni Governor Victorino Dennis Socrates katuwang sina Abigail Ablaña, pinuno ng Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) at P/Lt. Col. Salvador Tabi ng Police Provincial Office (PPO) sa Palawan.

Ayon kay Ablaña, maliban sa financial assistance ay ibabahagi rin sa mga ito ang iba pang mga serbisyo mula sa mga katuwang na ahensiya na makakatulong sa tuluyang pagbabagong buhay ng mga dating miyembro ng New People’s Army (NPA) na nagbalik loob sa pamahalaan.

“Maaari nilang gamitin ang kanilang natanggap bilang panimula sa negosyo, sa pagpapaayos ng tahanan at kung ano pa ang kanilang naisin. Katuwang natin dito ang TESDA para sa mga pagsasanay at mayroon din tayong housing assistance, medical, PhilHealth Insurance at counselling services,” pahayag niya.

Sa naging mensahe ni Gob. Socrates, binigyang diin nito ang kahalagahan ng buhay ng bawat isa na maaaring masayang dahil sa maling ideolohiya.

“Malaking panlilinlang ang sinasabi nilang pagsusulong nang pagkakapantay-pantay dahil mayroon tayong iba’t ibang batayan ng ating kailangan at kaligayahan, ang dapat nating isipin ay katarungan upang maibigay sa atin ang mga nararapat sa ating buhay at sa lipunan,” ayon kay Socrates.

Malaki naman ang pasasalamat ng mga former rebels sa tulong ng gobyerno at sa muling pagtanggap sa kanila na maging bahagi ng lipunan.

“Gusto na nating mabuhay ng payapa, nagpapasalamat tayo at magtulungan para sa wakas ay matapos na ang kaguluhan,” bahagi ng tugon ni Justine Kate Raca, isa sa recipients ng LSIP.

Ang tagumpay na ito ay magkasamang pinagtulungan ng bawat miyembro na kumakatawan sa Palawan Task Force Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC).

Ang LSIP ng pamahalaang panlalawigan na pinangangasiwaan ng PSWDO ay naisakatuparan noong taong 2013 at sa ngayon ay mayroon ng 193 beneficiaries na napagkalooban ng tig P25,000 na tulong pinansiyal.

https://palawan-news.com/mga-rebelde-nakatanggap-ng-financial-assistance-mula-pamahalaang-panlalawigan/

Panay rights victims, defenders renew pledge to resist repression

 From Panay News (Jul 18, 2022): Panay rights victims, defenders renew pledge to resist repression

ILOILO City – Martial law survivors in Panay Island, victims of human rights violations and their families renewed their commitment to resist tyranny and repression during a forum at St. Clement’s Church compound in La Paz district here over the weekend.

The gathering was organized by the Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainee Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (Selda), Mothers and Relatives Against Tyranny (Martyr) and Panay Alliance Karapatan.

Veteran activists and victims in attendance recounted personal experiences and the history of suppression of civil and political rights in Panay Island.

They also urged human rights defenders and organizations to continue to fight authoritarian policies restricting civic space and avenues for dissent.

“It’s getting more obvious at each passing day that we are facing harder times with a Marcos and a Duterte in power,” said Atty. Elias Guiloreza, Selda-Panay chair. “It is the correct remembrance of the past that should guide us through.”

In September, the nation will mark the 50th anniversary of the declaration of martial law by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, father of the current president, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Under the older Marcos’ draconian rule, an estimated 3,200 people were extrajudicially killed from 1972 to 1986 while thousands more were subjected to torture, enforced disappearance, rape and sexual violence, arbitrary arrest and detention and other forms of abuse.

Republic Act No. 10368 or the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013 was passed to recognize the sacrifices of the countless victims of gross human rights violations under the first Marcos administration.

The Marcoses were ousted from power and fled the country following an uprising in 1986. However, over the next three decades, the Marcos family re-entrenched itself in the national government, benefiting from a pervasive campaign of disinformation and historical revisionism.

In 2016, the government of President Rodrigo Duterte – itself marred by human rights violations issues – authorized the burial of the remains of Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, with full military honors.

https://www.panaynews.net/panay-rights-victims-defenders-renew-pledge-to-resist-repression/

Phil. Army blasts NPA for disrespecting dead comrade

From Panay News (Jul 18, 2022): Phil. Army blasts NPA for disrespecting dead comrade

ILOILO City – The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) condemned the New People’s Army (NPA) for hastily burying a dead comrade without informing the latter’s family.

Major General Benedict Arevalo, 3ID commander, said even dead rebels deserve decent burial.

The 61st Infantry Battalion troops recently unearthed a rebel’s cadaver in Barangay Bucari, Leon, Iloilo.

Arevalo said the Army was tipped off about the shallow grave of a dead member of the NPA’s Sibat Platoon, Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon – Panay.

The Army said the dead rebel was a certain alias Karl / Bonet / RamRam, member of Squad 3, Suyak Platoon, Southern Front, Kometing Rehiyon-Panay.

From what the Army had gathered, Hembra had a nervous breakdown and also contracted a high fever last year. He eventually died and was buried.

From the vicinity of the shallow grave Army troops also recovered 30 rounds M16 rifle magazine, 15 cartridges of M16 rifle, three backpacks, one sling bag, one soldering iron, seven rolls of electrical wires, one bundle of surgical gloves, three plaster tapes and 50 pieces intravenous cannulas.

“Kami po ay nakikiramay sa pamilya ng namatay. And we strongly condemn this barbaric act of the NPA terrorists,” said Arevalo.

Addressing the rebels, he said: “This is how the leaders of this terrorist group will treat you when you’re dead. Mayroon pa tayong time, magbalik loob na po kayo sa gobyerno at mag-avail ng programa ng gobyerno.”

“The fate of alias Karl may serve as an eye-opener and realization to the remaining NPA members still hiding and refusing to return to the folds of the law. Surrender now before it’s too late,” Arevalo said.

https://www.panaynews.net/phil-army-blasts-npa-for-disrespecting-dead-comrade/

NPA hails 4 slain members as martyrs

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 18, 2022): NPA hails 4 slain members as martyrs (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Mt. Cansermon Command – New People’s Army (MCC-NPA) hailed its four slain members as “revolutionary martyrs,” insisting that they died in a massacre and not in encounter, contrary to reports by Armed Forces of the Philippines and National Police.

Rebel spokesman Ka Dionesio Magbuelas identified them as Roel “Ka Jack” Ladera, Nikka “Ka Chai” dela Cruz, Alden “Ka Rocky” Rodriguez and Roel “Ka Caloy” Deguit.

The Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade and the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office issued separate statements, maintaining that it was a legitimate encounter, and that four high-powered firearms were recovered from the slain rebels.

The four slain rebels were also linked by the Philippine Army to the ambush of Binalbagan policemen who responded to a shooting incident early this year.

Mayor Alejandro Mirasol, in a statement published by the 94th Infantry Battalion on its social media account, said “The Local Government Unit of Binalbagan is very grateful for the efforts of our soldiers and police that greatly contributed in maintaining the peace and security in the municipality.”

Mirasol also applauded the full cooperation of the residents of So. Amelis in Brgy. Santol, Binalbagan, that paved the way in locating the threat group in the place.

In a statement, Magbuelas said that Ladera served as a military cadre of the MCC-NPA South Central Front, for six years.

He also lauded the contribution of dela Cruz, a Journalism graduate and a former radio reporter, to the revolutionary movement, as a political officer and a propagandist who later joined the NPA.

Magbuelas also said that Ladera and Rodriguez joined the NPA, because both were allegedly victims of military abuses, while Deguit was an active leader of a mass organization prior his entry to the revolutionary movement.

He claimed that the deaths of what he called “Binalbagan 4” will serve as an inspiration to them.

https://visayandailystar.com/npa-hails-4-slain-members-as-martyrs/

76 NPA members neutralized this year

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 18, 2022): 76 NPA members neutralized this year (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division reported to have neutralized 76 members of the New People’s Army in Negros and Panay Islands, who were either killed or captured in gunbattles, or surrendered to the authorities, this year from January up to July 14.

At the same time, the 25 encounters initiated by various infantry units of 3ID also resulted in the seizure of firearms, among other war materials.

The latest encounter was on July 14 where combined units of the 15th and 47th Infantry Battalions figured in a clash with about 10 NPA rebels in Sitio Hanot, Barangay Inayawan, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, that resulted in the recovery of a caliber .45 pistol and an improvised explosive device (IED), among other materials.

A week earlier, four suspected NPA rebels died in an encounter in Brgy. Santol Binalbagan, while a top-ranking female rebel leader was also captured, military records show.

That encounter was preceded by the surrender to the 94th Infantry Battalion of 19 rebel combatants of Central Negros 2, who are comrades of the four rebels slain in Binalbagan.

In a statement, Major Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3ID commander, lauded the local populace for giving correct and timely information to the operating troops.

“The willingness of the local populace in helping the soldiers by giving noteworthy information on the whereabouts of these NPA terrorists is a great help to our continuous campaign to end local communist armed conflict in Negros Island,” Arevalo said.

In recognition of the bravery and boldness of the operating troops for pressing the fight, to sustain just and lasting peace on the Island of Negros, Arevalo awarded Military Merit Medals to 36 soldiers of the 94IB, and four police personnel, for the neutralization of four rebels during the Binalbagan encounter.

Similar medals were also given to 20 members of the 79th Infantry Battalion for the capture of a second highest leader of the dismantled Northern Negros, and Bronze Cross Medals for six women soldiers of 94IB, for the surrender of rebel combatants.

https://visayandailystar.com/76-npa-members-neutralized-this-year/

Tribal leader's death major loss to peace process

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 19, 2022): Tribal leader's death major loss to peace process (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

REST IN PEACE. Kalinga elder Pedro Magannon Abbacan Sr., a key figure in the historic signing of the Mount Data Peace Accord on Sept. 13, 1986, died at the age of 89 on July 12, 2022. He was part of the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army that signed the peace accord with the government. (Photo courtesy of OPAPRU)

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) is mourning the death of a Kalinga tribal peace builder “who selflessly worked hard” for the benefit of the indigenous people.

OPAPRU chief Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said Pedro Magannon Abbacan Sr., a Kalinga pangat (respected elder), worked to pursue the peace process in the Cordillera region.

Abbacan, who died July 12 at 89, was one of the key figures in the historic signing of the Mount Data Peace Accord between the Philippine government and Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) on Sept. 13, 1986.

He was buried July 15 in his hometown of Barangay Bangad, Tinglayan in accordance with indigenous traditions.

“Abbacan’s death is a major loss to the peace process with the CPLA. His legacy should inspire all of us to persevere even more to achieve our collective goal of uplifting the lives of our Cordilleran brothers and sisters, and bringing a just and lasting peace to all Filipinos,” Galvez said in a statement on Tuesday.

Thomas Killip, OPAPRU consultant, said Abbacan transcended his role as an elder of the Cordillera Bodong Administration (CBA), the political arm of the CPLA, following the signing of the peace pact.

“He worked selflessly for people, not for himself. People like him give meaning to the work we do,” Killip said in a separate statement.

The CPLA, led by Fr. Conrado Balweg, heeded the call for peace by then President Corazon Aquino through the forging of the sipat (peace agreement) in Bauko, Mountain Province.

The CBA broke away from the New People’s Army, also in 1986.

The OPAPRU said Abbacan was actively involved in pushing for the Cordillera people’s ultimate aim of genuine autonomy.

“He was unschooled in formal education but his wisdom as a pangat was renowned and respected in Kalinga,” recalled former Tinglayan vice mayor Samuel Calbuyao in a statement.

Abaccan proposed the construction of a hanging bridge connecting the community to the rice fields across the Chico River in December last year.

The project was approved and is set to be included in the annual list of OPAPRU’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan Program (Peaceful and Abundant Community Program) projects for 2023.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179289

Helicopter aboard PH frigate joins RIMPAC anti-sub exercise

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 20, 2022): Helicopter aboard PH frigate joins RIMPAC anti-sub exercise (By Priam Nepomuceno)

ANTI-SUBMARINE DRILL. The Philippine Navy's AW-109 helicopter undergoes preparations for its participation in the combined anti-submarine warfare exercise during the sea phase of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 on July 14, 2022. During the exercise, personnel on board a surface or air asset were tasked and trained to recognize a submarine maneuvering broached and submerged at periscope depth. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Navy)

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Wednesday announced that its AgustaWestland (AW-109) helicopter aboard the missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) participated in the anti-submarine drills of this year's Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise.

Navy spokesperson, Commander Benjo Negranza, said the drills, formally known as the combined anti-submarine warfare exercise, took place on July 14 or two days after the start of the RIMPAC's sea phase.

"During this exercise, personnel on board a surface or air asset were tasked and trained to recognize a submarine maneuvering broached and submerged at periscope depth," he said.

Periscope depth refers to the depth where the submarine is lying and able to use its periscope for tracking and target identification purposes.

Negranza said the AW-109 is part of the Naval Task Group 80.5 wing component led by pilot-in-command, Lt. Philipp Concepcion Padreganda, along with co-pilots Lt. Elvan Anthony Marcelo and Lt. (Junior Grade) Kevin John Reforba.

"The PN Naval Air Wing’s AW-109 helicopter is among the more than 170 aircraft currently participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California," he added.

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

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

This year's RIMPAC began on June 29 and runs until August 4.

Negranza earlier said Naval Task Group 80.5 would 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, the 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.

BRP Antonio Luna joins gun drills

Meanwhile, the BRP Antonio Luna also fired its 76mm. Super Rapid main gun and other gunnery systems during the RIMPAC's seagoing phase, which took place from July 12 to 16.

"During the gunnery exercise, FF-151 tested the accuracy of its main battery 76mm. Super Rapid Gun, 30mm. Smash Aselsan, and caliber .50 machine gun, aiming at the hammerhead targets deployed by the Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Winnipeg while underway," Negranza said.

The frigate's 76mm. Super Rapid Gun, he said, was again fired during the Naval Surface Fire Support "Rodeo" exercise.

Negranza said the weapon was tested by targeting 2D virtual land information.

Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy

The BRP Antonio Luna and other participants were given a practice run for gunfire corrections before proceeding with the record firing.

"RIMPAC 2022 helps to gauge and validate the Philippine Navy's capacity to sustain operations overseas, and provides resources and an environment that permit international participants to achieve their individual and collective training objectives," Negranza said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179316

NPA attacks aimed at forcing gov't to negotiate peace talks: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 20, 2022): NPA attacks aimed at forcing gov't to negotiate peace talks: AFP (By Priam Nepomuceno)

(File photo)

The recent attack by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) insurgents against soldiers in Northern Samar are part of their efforts to project strength through terror in a bid to force the government to return to the negotiating table.

"The violent actions of the CPP-NPA are expected. They are meant to strengthen the CPP’s hold on their dwindling and demoralized fighters and increase the pressure to the government to resume the peace talk according to their terms. They will not succeed in their underhanded scheme," said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) acting spokesperson, Col. Medel Aguilar, in a message to reporters Wednesday.

This came after a soldier from the 20th Infantry Battalion was killed while five others were wounded after the NPAs detonated anti-personnel mines in the remote Osang village in Catubig, Northern Samar on Tuesday.

The fatality and injured soldiers were among the 24 troopers patrolling the vicinity belonging to the Community Support Program (CSP) team assigned to Osang and Nagoocan villages.

The CSP is a flagship program of the AFP used to clear communities of NPA infestation and to bring the government closer to the people through faster delivery of basic services.

The attack occurred just two weeks after the July 5 explosion that injured seven soldiers in Magsaysay village in Mapanas, Northern Samar.

Despite these attacks, Agular said the government is determined to pursue peace in the countryside with the help of the Filipino communities.

"With the Filipino community behind the government in its journey towards peace, the community support program, together with the localized peace engagements, will be pursued aggressively to involve the local government units, civil government agencies, non-government organizations, and the community themselves in addressing the root causes of insurgency," he added.

He added that the NPA's attacks aim to project strength in an apparent total disregard for International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

"That is what they want to project, strength, but what we see is their weakness. They resort to acts of terror with full disregard to IHL and everyone’s safety, including civilians," he added.

Aguilar assured that the military will continue intensifying operations against the communist rebels.

"As we file appropriate cases against them, we will also intensify our security operations in coordination with all stakeholders, the civilian communities, in particular, to avoid unnecessary loss and destruction of human lives," he added.

Also, Aguilar said the localized peace engagements being pushed by the government are more effective as it makes stakeholders find problems and formulate solutions in addressing the root causes of the insurgency.

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 Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization 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/1179328

Cop slain in Samar ambush gets posthumous award

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 20, 2022): Cop slain in Samar ambush gets posthumous award (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

HERO COP. Lt. Gen. Jose Chiquito Malayo, commander of the PNP's Area Police Command-Visayas, confers the PNP Distinguished Conduct Medal (Medalya ng Kadakilaan) to the bereaved kin of Pat. Mark Monge during a visit to his wake on Monday (July 18, 2022). Monge was killed in an ensuing encounter from an ambush by communist rebels during a humanitarian activity in Samar last July 16. (Photo courtesy of PNP)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has feted a police officer who was killed in an ambush by communist rebels during a humanitarian activity in Samar last July 16.

In a statement on Wednesday, PNP officer-in-charge, Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., said Pat. Mark Monge was posthumously conferred with the PNP Distinguished Conduct Medal (Medalya ng Kadakilaan), for making a "supreme sacrifice in the line of duty" during the encounter that ensued from the attack.

Monge was cited for his bravery and heroism when his team engaged in a firefight with around 10 members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) at the boundary of San Jose de Buan and Gandara towns in Samar.

Danao also assured the surviving kin of the late cop of financial support and social benefits due to police personnel who died in the line of duty.

“Patrolman Monge did not die in vain, the PNP derives inspiration from his heroic death. We will not let his efforts go down the drain. We will not let these terrorists win. We will continue to crush them," Danao said.

On July 17, Danao turned over financial assistance worth PHP300,000 to the family of Monge.

Monge's surviving kin will also receive death benefits that include PHP500,000 from the President’s Social Fund; PHP256,345 as Special Financial Assistance (SFA); PHP107,462 as commutation of accumulated leave from the PNP; PHP445,020 gratuity from the National Police Commission; and PHP100,000 financial assistance from the Civil Service Commission's Pamanang Lingkod Bayani program.

Monge’s kin is also entitled to an insurance benefit worth nearly PHP976,000 from the Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund, Inc.

These death benefits are on top of the estimated monthly salary lifetime pension from the PNP of the police officer and roughly the same amount of pension for five years from Napolcom.

"We feel the anxiety of every wife, child, and parent of our policemen. Just like that, another policeman’s family can become fatherless, another can become a widow, and another parent can lose a child while our policemen perform their duty to ensure that our countrymen are safe in their homes. The only way to address the situation is to strike hard on these terrorists," Danao 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 Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front 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/1179339

PSG in ‘final stages of preparation’ for PBBM’s 1st SONA

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 20, 2022): PSG in ‘final stages of preparation’ for PBBM’s 1st SONA (By Azer Parrocha)

PSG Commander Col. Ramon Zagala (File photo)

The Presidential Security Group (PSG) is in the “final stages of preparation” for the first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on July 25, its commander said Wednesday.

In an interview with reporters, PSG Commander, Col. Ramon Zagala said the PSG continues to make “necessary coordination” with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, and other security agencies to ensure that there would be no untoward incidents before, during, and after the SONA.

“So these preparations are being planned since last week and we at PSG…we are prepared in coordination with the PNP so that everything will run smooth from the time he arrives, he delivers the SONA, until he returns to Malacañang,” Zagala said.

He said the PSG is heightening security measures to ensure that the President, the First family, and all attendees are safe.

“We assure you that we will deploy enough personnel to protect the President, the First family, and all those attending. As you know, it is not just the President attending the SONA. There will be members of the House of Representatives, the Senate, and other guests who will be attending,” he added.

Zagala also noted that the PSG is also in full alert of anything that could derail the smooth conduct of the first SONA of Marcos.

“What’s important is we receive information and all this information we receive we consider important that we verify. For now, everything is okay. However, if there are any new information then we will act on it,” he said.

However, he assured that the PSG has not received any information on plans to sabotage the SONA.

Last week, the PSG led an inter-agency meeting to discuss the safety and security preparations for Marcos’ first SONA.

Series of oculars, walk-throughs, and inter-agency coordination are also being held until the day of the SONA itself, according to the PSG.

There will be over 21,000 police officers deployed for the security of the event, according to the PNP’s National Capital Region Police Office.

The PNP is also set to enforce a strict gun ban in Metro Manila from July 22 to 27.

House Secretary General Mark Llandro Mendoza earlier said the House of Representatives is expected to be at full capacity during Marcos’ first SONA.

This would be the first time that Congress will be allowed at full capacity since 2019. Former President Rodrigo Duterte held his last two SONAs in a mixed live and virtual setup as part of efforts to control the spread of Covid-19.

The SONA is a constitutional obligation and yearly tradition where the President reports on the status of the country unveils the government’s agenda for the coming year and proposes to Congress certain legislative measures.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution fixed the date of the SONA “every year on the fourth Monday of July.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179355

NPA rebel-turned-soldier calls on former comrades to surrender

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 19, 2022): NPA rebel-turned-soldier calls on former comrades to surrender (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

A former ranking New People’s Army (NPA) rebel-turned-soldier urged his former comrades to return to the fold of the law and live a peaceful life with their families.

In a video message Tuesday on the Facebook Page of the 1st Infantry Division (1ID), Private Nestor Apanon said his ex-comrades in the mountains can also avail of the government’s program to uplift their lives just like him.

Apanon, 34, said he managed to buy a lot and build a house through the financial assistance by the government following his surrender.

Apanon, who surrendered in January 2020, received PHP20,000 immediate cash assistance from the provincial governor of Zamboanga del Norte; a PHP60,000 livelihood fund assistance, and PHP240,000 firearms remuneration funds for the two M14 rifles he yielded.

“My life is very different now compared to the time when I was in the mountains. Now I can freely visit my parents and help them in their needs,” Apanon said.

“In my years of stay with the NPA, they didn’t even provide me one peso. They promised to help our parents, to give monthly support, but that was not fulfilled,” he added.

Apanon said he decided to surrender after realizing their struggle will not do good to the masses and that “what we have been telling to the people are all lies.”

He said upon recruitment, the NPA indoctrinated him for three months and was given firearms for training as an NPA fighter.

Capt. Mary Jephte Mañebog, 1ID information officer, said Apanon joined the NPA when he was 18 years old.

After three years, Apanon left the NPA and rejoined the group at the age of 26 where he stayed with the movement for five years more.

Mañebog said Apanon surrendered in January 2020 to the Army’s 97th Infantry Battalion in Del Pilar, Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte.

Apanon was the former vice commander of the Main Guerilla Unit of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.

Currently, he is assigned with the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade, one of the line units of the 1ID.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179259

Basilan town election officer shot dead

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 20, 2022): Basilan town election officer shot dead (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Google map of Basilan Island province

An election official was shot to death in Isabela City, Basilan, while supervising the ongoing registration of voters for Al-Barka municipality in the province Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Junpikar Sitin, Isabela police chief, identified the victim as Ruayna Sayyadi, the election officer of Al-Barka town.

Sitin said Sayyadi was in front of the Al-Barka satellite municipal election office in Barangay Doña Ramona, Isabela City, when a gunman approached and shot her around 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Sayyadi was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Sitin said the suspect fled on a motorcycle towards the city proper of Isabela, based on information gathered from witnesses.

Lawyer Roberto Dela Peña, the Basilan provincial election supervisor, strongly condemned Sayadi's killing and urged the police to investigate and solve the crime.

The Commission on Elections is conducting voter registration in Basilan in connection with the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on Dec. 5 this year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179293

Police hunt ambushers of NoCot village chair

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 20, 2022): Police hunt ambushers of NoCot village chair (By Edwin Fernandez)

TIGHT CHECK. Police conduct checkpoint operations along the national highway as part of precautionary measures following the ambush and killing of village Chairperson Datu Jalandoni Akas Matalam (inset) in Pikit, North Cotabato, Wednesday (July 20, 2022). Relatives say the victim has no known enemies in the area. (Photos from Pikit-MPS and victim's Facebook account)

Police have launched a pursuit operation following the ambush-slay of a village chairperson in Pikit, North Cotabato, Wednesday morning.

Datu Jalandoni Matalam Akas, 58, chairperson of Barangay Macabual, Pikit, was driving a motorbike with his wife when waylaid by riding-in-tandem gunmen along the national highway in Barangay Nalapaan, Pikit town past 8 a.m.

He died on the spot while his wife was unharmed.

“Pursuit operation is still ongoing,” Peralta said, adding that Matalam and his wife were on their way home to Barangay Macabual when ambushed.

Matalam’s relatives said he has no known enemies and roams around the village without a firearm or armed escort.

Matalam’s killing was the second daylight shooting in Pikit in two days.

On Tuesday afternoon, unidentified gunmen also ambushed and killed Alex Salcedo, 58, an employee of the Pikit Water District.

He was on a motorbike when gunmen onboard a separate motorbike shot him from behind along Barangay Batulawan around 2 p.m.

Peralta said police are investigating the two shooting incidents.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179337

Resumption of CPP peace talks 'betrayal' to Filipinos: ex-rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 20, 2022): Resumption of CPP peace talks 'betrayal' to Filipinos: ex-rebels (By Che Palicte)

Arian Jane Ramos alias Ka Marikit, the former secretary of the New People's Army Guerrilla Front 55 in Southern Mindanao. She is also former chairperson of Gabriela Youth at the University of the Philippines-Mindanao. (Screengrab)

Resuming peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) is a betrayal to the Filipino people and a disgrace to the government's success in dismantling the group, an ex-NPA cadre said Wednesday.

“The goal of 'negotiation' is to buy time to buttress a position—military, political, social, or economic—and to wear down, frustrate, and harass the state and its security forces,” Arian Jane Ramos, known as Ka Marikit, when she was secretary of the Guerrilla Front 55 under the NPA's Southern Mindanao Regional Command.

Ramos’s reaction came following a statement issued by CPP founding chairman Jose Maria “Joma” Sison that he was always open to peace negotiations with the Government of the Philippines (GPH), whoever the president is.

Ramos, also former chairperson of Gabriela Youth–University of the Philippines Mindanao, said such negotiations served only the rebels' propaganda objectives and are not to reach peaceful agreements.

“The CPP-NPA-NDF will never compromise, concessions are only made to advance its strategic plan,” she said in an interview.

If the CPP-NPA-NDF is successful in capitalizing on the momentum in their favor, Ramos said the rebel group will continue to “commit acts of terror across the entire nation.”

Recently, National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos, who also serves as the vice chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), said the future of the stalled peace negotiations between the GPH and the CPP lies in the hands of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

“That is a decision that the President of the Republic will make,” Carlos said.

The peace talks between the national government and the NDF have been intermittent since 1986.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte on Nov. 23, 2017 signed Proclamation 360, terminating the national government's peace negotiations with the CPP-NDF following a series of attacks waged by the CPP's armed wing, the NPA, against state forces and civilians.

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 NDF has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the ATC 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/1179331

NPA mine blast out to delay dev't projects in N. Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 20, 2022): NPA mine blast out to delay dev't projects in N. Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)

SITE OF LATEST ATTACK. The map of Catubig, Northern Samar, where rebels detonated banned mines on July 19, 2022. The Philippine Army said on Wednesday (July 20) the attack is an attempt to delay the implementation of development projects in the remote village. (Google image)

The detonation of anti-personnel mines in Northern Samar is a manifestation of the New People’s Army’s (NPA) opposition to the implementation of the Barangay Development Program (BDP), an official of the Philippine Army said on Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Joemar Buban, commander of the Philippine Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion, on Wednesday said the attack of the communist group on the soldiers belonging to the Community Support Program (CSP) was a strategy to delay projects since these soldiers are tasked to secure BDP projects.

BDP projects are socioeconomic development undertakings geared towards the provision of farm-to-market roads, health centers, electrification, water and sanitation facilities, schools, and livelihood.

Buban said Osang village in Catubig town, Northern Samar where the NPA planted the mines is a recipient of a PHP20-million BDP funded by the central government.

Among these projects are infrastructure, agriculture, livelihood programs, and handicraft training.

“We deployed our CSP teams to ensure smooth delivery of basic social services without being hampered by the NPA’s extortion and intimidation, but they were attacked. Due to the presence of insurgents, the implementation of projects and livelihood programs were delayed in Osang village,” Buban said in a phone interview.

CSP is a flagship program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines used to clear communities of NPA infestation and to bring the government closer to the people through faster delivery of basic services.

The official issued the statement a day after a soldier died and five others were wounded when the New People’s Army (NPA) detonated anti-personnel mines in the remote Osang village in Catubig town.

The incident occurred 9:25 a.m. within a coconut farm just a kilometer away from a nearby community.

The detonation of mines is a violation of the Ottawa Convention (Mine Ban Treaty) that prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines.

The attack occurred just two weeks after the July 5 explosion that injured seven soldiers in Magsaysay village in Mapanas town, Northern Samar.

The attack, according to Buban, shows that the NPA is against development since the improvement in communities means losing their source of food and funds.

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

The official said an NPA platoon in Northern Samar used to solicit PHP175,000 monthly contributions from residents, village officials, and small businesses aside from around 64 sacks of rice from local farmers.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179321

NPA rebel killed, guns seized in clash with Army in NegOr

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 20, 2022): NPA rebel killed, guns seized in clash with Army in NegOr (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

ENCOUNTER. Some of the items recovered after a five-minute firefight between 62nd Infantry Battalion troops and New People's Army rebels in Barangay Sandayao, Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental on Wednesday (July 20, 2022). A rebel was killed in the encounter. (Photo courtesy of 62IB, Philippine Army)

A fighter of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) was killed in an encounter with Army troops of the 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) in Barangay Sandayao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on Wednesday morning.

A report from the 62IB said the troops exchanged gunfire with about five guerillas in Sitio Taluktok for about five minutes, after which they recovered the body of the slain rebel identified as Pompeo D. Landesa, 56, a resident of Sitio Dako in the same village.

Landesa was a member of the NPA’s Central Negros 1 (CN1) under the Komiteng Rehiyon Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor and was involved in various murder cases and violations of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition, the Army report said.

Meanwhile, seized after the encounter were a KG-9 semi-automatic firearm loaded with one magazine; one caliber .357 Magnum revolver loaded with three rounds of ammunition; one hand grenade; and suspected subversive documents.

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA), Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303rd Brigade based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, said the troops were acting on information from civilians on the presence of armed men in the area who were conducting extortion activities.

“This latest encounter is an indication that people are supportive of government efforts to crush the insurgency and they are getting tired of the presence of the NPA in their communities, especially as they have already experienced relative peace,” Pasaporte said in the Ilonggo dialect.

He also said the Armed Forces of the Philippines, through the Philippine Army, and the Philippine National Police are continuously coordinating to prevent the NPA from taking back the area, which has been cleared of insurgency.

The CN 1 is now considered a “weakened” guerilla front with 30 to 40 members remaining, Pasaporte said.

He called on the remaining NPA rebels to give up the armed struggle and surrender so they could avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, which could help them start a new life.

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.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179344

22 ex-rebels in DavOcc get livelihood kits

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 20, 2022): 22 ex-rebels in DavOcc get livelihood kits (By Che Palicte)

STARTER KITS. Twenty-two former rebels in Davao Occidental receive the “Pangkabuhayan” business kits for sari-sari store from the Department of Trade and Industry on Tuesday (July 19, 2022). The group got PHP150,000 worth of groceries during the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Week Celebration in the province. (Photo courtesy of 10ID)

Twenty-two former rebels in Davao Occidental received the “Pangkabuhayan” business kits for sari-sari store from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), a military official said Wednesday.

Capt. Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division (10ID), said the surrenderers got a total of PHP150,000 worth of groceries during the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Week Celebration in Malita, Davao Occidental on Tuesday.

“This is also the effort of the Davao Occidental government, which recognized them as an organization. They are members of DOFRA (Davao Occidental Friend Rescued Association) people's organization,” Tito said in an interview.

He said the business kit, a DTI program that offers business development assistance to former rebels, is part of the department's “Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa” initiative.

Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin, the 10ID commander, described the livelihood kits as “a good start for our former rebels in going back to the mainstream society.”

“We encouraged them to continue to work hard for the betterment of their life and their families,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179353