Wednesday, February 14, 2024

17 ex-rebels in Capiz receive cash aid

 From Panay News (Feb 15, 2924): 17 ex-rebels in Capiz receive cash aid (By Ruby P. Silubrico)

ILOILO City – Former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Capiz Province received financial assistance under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) program.

The distribution of aid to 17 former rebels was held at the Capiz Provincial Office.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Vicel Jan Garsuta, commander of the 12th Infantry Battalion, a total of P862,000 in cash was distributed.

Garsuta said this aims to help former rebels reintegrate into the community.

“Ang mga recipients were former rebels who surrendered from 2022 to 2023. Hindi pareho ang cash na natanggap nila kasi depende sa assessment. Pero naga-range from P15,000 to P21,000,” he added.

Garsuta thanked the provincial government of Capiz, under the leadership of Gov. Fredenil Castro, Cherryl Tacda of the Provincial Interior and Local Government, and other local government agencies for their active participation in the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict program that implements the E-CLIP.

Garsuta is calling on the remaining rebels who continue to fight the armed struggle to surrender and avail themselves of the government’s livelihood program.

“I’m calling them to lay down their arms and return to mainstream society. Marami na natutulongan ang ating pamahalaan na mga rebelde na nag-surrender,” Garsuta added.

Castro, on his part, welcomed the former rebels as he conveyed his gladness over their decision to surrender and embrace a peaceful and productive life again.

https://www.panaynews.net/17-ex-rebels-in-capiz-receive-cash-aid/

Stable Internal Peace and Security may be declared – Sison

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 15, 2024): Stable Internal Peace and Security may be declared – Sison (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) in Negros Island may now be formally declared by the concerned Local Chief Executives, after its conditions have been met, disclosed Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

In a statement, Sison, who supervises the internal security operations of six Army battalions in Negros Island, said the SIPS declaration in a locality will attract new investments, generate more jobs, and provide opportunities to Negrenses.

The 3ID earlier declared that all the five existing New People’s Army guerrilla fronts in Negros Island, have been dismantled.

But the focused military operations against rebel remnants are still ongoing to prevent them from recovering their lost territories and recruiting new members, according to Lt. Col. J Jay Javines, who is the 3ID Public Affairs Office chief.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Visayas Command reported that all NPA-infested communities in the Visayas region have already been cleared and its community engagement efforts are now geared towards preventing the resurgence of the CPP-NPA.

On February 13, PMaj. Gen. Robert Rodriguez, commander of the Area Police Command (APC-Visayas), visited the 3ID headquarters at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz, where he was welcomed by Maj. Gen. Sison and staff.

Both leaders have discussed enhancing military-police cooperation and collaboration in Regions 6 and 7, Javines said.

Rodriguez assured 3ID of full support from APC-Visayas, particularly in its efforts to end insurgency in Western and Central Visayas.

APC-Visayas, which covers three Police Regional Offices: 6, 7, and 8, has a mandate to orchestrate and supervise inter-regional operations against insurgency, terrorism, and other internal security threats.

Sison expressed his appreciation to APC-Visayas for pledging their full backing to the 3ID’s anti-insurgency endeavors.

This commitment is essential in establishing and sustaining stable internal peace and security, which will greatly improve the lives of the people in Western and Central Visayas, the 3ID chief said.

“With a stronger partnership with our police counterparts, together with other stakeholders in the region, our dream of establishing Stable Internal Peace and Security for the people of Western and Central Visayas is at hand,” Sison added.*

https://visayandailystar.com/stable-internal-peace-and-security-may-be-declared-sison/

Despite dismantled NPA fronts, no Army pull out in Negros

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 15, 2024): Despite dismantled NPA fronts, no Army pull out in Negros (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Despite the dismantling of all New People’s Army guerilla fronts in Negros Island, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday said that the Philippine Army will not pull out its forces in the province.

The statement was made by Lacson as the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division recommended placing Negros Island under the state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) on concerned local chief executives, after its conditions have been met.


Lacson said the Regional Peace and Order Council, which he chairs, will meet on March 13 to discuss if they can already declare it, as a collegial body.

But obviously, we recognize the gains and accomplishments of the Philippine Army. On the part of the local government units, it is our civic duty to keep those gains by providing assistance to previously conflicted areas, he added.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd Infantry Division commander, who supervises the internal security operations of six Army battalions in Negros Island, said the SIPS declaration in a locality will attract new investments, generate more jobs, and provide opportunities to Negrenses.

The 3ID earlier declared that all the five existing New People’s Army guerrilla fronts in Negros Island have been dismantled.

However, the focused military operations against rebel remnants are still ongoing to prevent them from recovering their lost territories and recruiting new members, according to Lt. Col. J Jay Javines, the 3ID Public Affairs Office chief.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Visayas Command reported that all NPA-infested communities in the Visayas region have already been cleared and its community engagement efforts are now geared towards preventing the resurgence of the CPP-NPA.

But again, Lacson said, we cannot just rest on the availability of the Philippine Army to secure those areas, and the LGUs really have to do their part.

Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, AFP Visayas Command chief, attributed much of what they have accomplished in the campaign against the CPP-NPA in the Visayas region, to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

“The Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict does wonders in our efforts to end the local communist armed conflict in the Visayas region. Much of what we have accomplished is attributed to the Task Force through its peace dialogue mechanism, community development initiatives, and local government empowerment endeavors,” Arevalo emphasized.

He also said that the completion of 562 community development projects under NTF-ELCAC, led to the permanent closure and complete resolution of the issues being exploited by the CPP-NPA to recruit and deceive the people to go against the government, and resulted in the collapse of its political structures in rural and urban communities.*

https://visayandailystar.com/despite-dismantled-npa-fronts-no-army-pull-out-in-negros/

AFP Chief of Staff visits WestMinCom

From the Mindanao Daily News Network (Feb 14, 2024): AFP Chief of Staff visits WestMinCom (By Shammah Sunga)

AFP Chief of Staff visits WestMinCom

General Romeo Brawner, Jr., the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, visited the Western Mindanao Command based in Zamboanga City on February 4, 2024.

In his message to the troops, General Brawner, Jr. reminded the officers and personnel to maintain a high level of professionalism and loyalty to the organization, the country, and the people.

General Brawner was welcomed by WestMinCom Commander, Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, and the officers and enlisted personnel of the command.

Among the military officials who joined Lt. Gen. Gonzales in welcoming the AFP Chief of Staff were Rear Admiral Donn Anthony Miraflor, Commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao; Maj. Gen. Araus Robert Musico, Commander of Air Combat Command; Brig. Gen. Rocky Binag, Wing Commander of the Tactical Operations Wing Western Mindanao; Brig. Gen. Randy Fajigalutan, Commander of the 54th Engineer Brigade; Brig. Gen. Taharudin Piang Ampatuan, Deputy Commander for External Defense Operations, WestMinCom; Brig. Gen. Aldrin Annani, Deputy Commander of WestMinCom; Col. Randolph Rojas, Commander of Joint Task Force Zamboanga; Col. Antero Troy Narcise, Deputy Commander of the Combat Support Brigade; and the WestMinCom Staff led by Col. Emmanuel Cabasan, the Chief of Unified Command Staff.

The Chief of Staff ended his message by commending the troops for their contributions to the numerous accomplishments of the command. He also encouraged them to maintain the same zeal to sustain peace in Mindanao. 

https://mindanaodailynews.com/afp-chief-of-staff-visits-westmincom/

MNLF revives federalism anew

 From the Mindanao Examiner (Feb 15, 2024): MNLF revives federalism anew

THE MORO National Liberation Front (MNLF) has revived its call for a tripartite federal system of government and called on Filipino leaders to prioritize the well-being of the people in whatever critical decisions they may make in the coming days.



A photo of Ustadz Abdulkarim Tan Misuari, the MNLF Vice-Chairman, from his Facebook page with his father, MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari.

“Now, we are facing challenging times yet again, brought about by the unjust and unbalanced political system that is the source of every political reformist’s cry for change,” said Ustadz Abdulkarim Tan Misuari, the MNLF Vice-Chairman.

“It is an indication that an immediate political reform is a must. However, we urge all our local, regional and national leaders to prioritize the well-being of their constituencies in whatever critical decisions they may make,” he added.

Misuari is the eldest son of MNLF founder Nur Misuari, a key political ally of former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is calling for the separation of Mindanao from the rest of the country.

“We advocate for the tripartite egalitarian parliamentary federal system of government with equal representation for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, as envisioned by my father, Moro National Liberation Front Chairman Nur Misuari. We see it as a just political system, equitable, and promotes an inclusive balance of power where no state is above the other. It is a solution that will pave the way for unity, stability and everlasting peace in the country, In Shaa Allah (if God wills),” said Misuari, also the Deputy Speaker of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament.

“We aspire that as one nation, we can unite to reform our political system through democratic and peaceful means and leave a legacy that will echo for generations to come. Let us make our country a great nation that can withstand global challenges and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with advanced countries,” he said.

Misuari said while they are advocating for federalism, the MLF – which signed a peace deal with Manila in September 1996 - supports positive and systemic changes, for progress is at the core of any developed civilization.

“It is imperative that we adhere to the principles of unity, solidarity, peace, and democratic exercise in reflecting the true wishes of the people of this sovereign nation. We have just suffered a pandemic of unknown magnitude, and our people have not yet recovered and are still struggling to cope emotionally, physically, and economically. Any disruption to the normalcy of their daily lives will cause unfortunate circumstances to those who are most vulnerable,” he said.

Misuari also praised Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr for their policies and reforms that benefited the people. He said under Duterte’s administration, “we experienced six years of relative stability and peace, despite the many challenges that rocked the nation: the COVID-19 pandemic, Marawi siege, and keeping external and internal threats at bay. We are grateful for the steady hand that helped us through hard times, and clear decisiveness on policies that directed us throughout “Tatay Digong’s” term,” he said.

Misuari said Duterte planted the seed of federalism “in our hearts and minds, and as we continue to aspire for greater freedoms and better governance, we keep our hopes high that this would still be reviewed and promoted in the months or years to come. With the passage of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao during his term, he left a lasting legacy that the next generation of Filipinos will remember,” he said.

As for Marcos, Misuari said the President has shown his commitment to the Filipino people and has worked hard to keep the peace especially in the Bangsamoro region.

Marcos transformed his campaign that centered on unity and solidarity into policies that paved the way to a smooth transition of powers and functions that worked favorably towards an expanded scope of good governance and renewed hope in the people of the Bangsamoro region, according to Misuari.

“We believe that our President has the political will to push for reforms that would usher in a new era of positive change and progress that the nation has yet to experience. We believe that the President has the dedication to bring about necessary economic, foreign and domestic policies that would strategically place the Philippines at an advantage the world over. And we believe that our nation is on the right course towards a unified, stronger, and more stable period of growth and emerging power,” he said. (Mindanao Examiner)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2024/02/mnlf-revives-federalism-anew.html

CPP/NDF-Southern Tagalog: Hustisya para sa mag-asawang Regala! Panagutin ang AFP at US-Marcos II sa kanilang killing spree!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Feb 13, 2024): Hustisya para sa mag-asawang Regala! Panagutin ang AFP at US-Marcos II sa kanilang killing spree! (Justice for the Regala couple! Hold the AFP and US-Marcos II accountable for their killing spree!)
 


Patnubay de Guia
Spokesperson
NDF-Southern Tagalog
National Democratic Front of the Philippines

February 13, 2024

Mariing kinukundena ng NDFP-ST ang karumal-dumal na pamamaslang ng 2nd Infantry Battalion Philippine Army (IBPA) kina Pedro Regala, 78, at Florencia Regala, 67, sa Barangay Toboran, Cawayan, Masbate noong Pebrero 5. Sila ay dinukot mula sa kanilang tahanan, dinala sa lilblib na lugar, at pagkatapos paulit-ulit na pagbabarilin ay tinamnan ng armas para palabasing NPA.

Mga halimaw at uhaw sa dugo ang 2nd IBPA sa pagpaslang sa mga Regala. Sina Lolo Pedro at Lola Florencia ay wala nang kakayahang ipagtanggol ang kanilang sarili. Bukod sa pasakit na dulot sa mga kapamilya ng mag-asawang Regala, salot sa lipunan ang mga militar na naiulat na lulong sa droga nang ginawa ang krimen.

Tahasang nilabag ng 2nd IBPA ang International Humanitarian Law (IHL) at ang prinsipyo nitong pag-iiba sa pagitan ng mga sibilyan at kombatant. Dapat kilalanin ang mag-asawang Regala bilang sibilyan sa ilalim ng IHL at hindi gawing target-militar. Walang kredibilidad ang rehimen na pumosturang makatao sa harap ng patong-patong na kaso ng pagpatay sa mga sibilyan at panawagang hustisya ng kanilang pamilya.

Hindi na bago sa rekord ng AFP at rehimeng US-Marcos II ang magsagawa ng `killing spree’ sa hanay ng karaniwang mamamayan. Noong Hulyo 26, 2022, pinaslang ng 59th IBPA ang magsasakang may kapansanan sa pag-iisip na si Maximino Digno, 52, sa Barangay Cahil, Calaca City, Batangas. Matapos gawin ang krimen, pinalabas din siyang NPA. Ganito rin ang modus sa mga sibilyang sina Pretty Sheine Anacta, 19, at Rose Jane Agda, 30, nang paslangin ng parehong yunit militar sa Barangay Malalay, Balayan, Batangas noong Disyembre 17, 2023. Pagkatapos paslangin ay tinamnan ng baril ang kanilang labi. Si Rose Jane ay pinangalanang `Ka Binhi’ sa pahayag ng 2nd Infantry Division kahit na kinilala siya ng mga kaanak. Hindi pa nangimi, pinagsamantalahan pa ang nasawing si Rose Jane. Hindi rin makakalimutan ng mamamayan ang pagmasaker ng 94th IBPA sa pamilya Fausto ng Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental noong Hunyo 14, 2023. Pinatay rito ang mag-asawang Roly at Emilda, at dalawang anak na sina Ravin at Ben na mga menor-de-edad. Sila’y pamilyang magsasaka na nakikibaka para sa karapatan sa lupa.

Maruming taktika ng kontra-rebolusyonaryong gera ng reaksyunaryong estado ang pagpatay sa mga sibilyan at pagbabansag sa kanila bilang mga NPA upang pagtakpan ang kanilang krimen. Hinalaw nila ang iskemang ito sa Counter-insurgency Guide ng imperyalismong US. Walang pinipiling biktima ang mga berdugo, bata man o matanda, may kapansanan, at walang kapasidad lumaban sa pagkahayok na madurog ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Desperasyon ito ng estado upang palabasin na nagtatagumpay ang kanilang kampanyang paglipol sa armadong rebolusyonaryong paglaban na pinangungunahan ng CPP-NPA. Niloloko lamang nila ang kanilang sarili at ginagatungan ang poot ng mamamayan sa bulok na estado dahil sa kanilang mga atrosidad.

Karapat-dapat kamuhian ng sambayanang Pilipino ang pasista-teroristang rehimeng US-Marcos II. Libu-libong mamamayan ang mag-aalsa at sasanib sa rebolusyon upang singilin ang mapang-aping estado. Sa pagtatagumpay lamang ng digmang bayan ganap nating makakamit ang tunay na katarungan para sa mga biktima ng karahasan at krimen ng estado laban sa mamamayan.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/hustisya-para-sa-mag-asawang-regala-panagutin-ang-afp-at-us-marcos-ii-sa-kanilang-killing-spree/

PBBM thanks US for extending aid to Mindanao calamity victims

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14, 2024): PBBM thanks US for extending aid to Mindanao calamity victims (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)



COURTESY CALL. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets with United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Tuesday (Feb. 13, 2024). During the meeting, Marcos expressed his gratitude to the US government for extending aid to Mindanao calamity victims. (Photo courtesy of the Presidential Communications Office)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has thanked the United States (US) government for extending emergency assistance to communities affected by flooding and landslides in Mindanao, Malacañang said Wednesday.

In a statement, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil said Marcos relayed his expression of gratitude when US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson paid him a visit at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Tuesday.

“Carlson told President Marcos that Washington is pleased to bring two C-130s from Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), although it is not the cheapest or the easiest way to deliver foreign assistance,” Garafil said.

During her courtesy call on Marcos at Malacañan, Carlson said the US government has also extended USD1.25 million in emergency support, in addition to the aid delivered by two US C-130s.

Marcos cited the importance of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites for disaster relief and response and encouraged Carlson to make full use of those facilities.

“There’s so much that can be done more efficiently through the mechanism that exists... but sometimes you just need an extra push and it is also a good demonstration of how good the alliance can deliver," Carlson told Marcos, as quoted by the PCO.

Carlson assured Marcos that teams from INDOPACOM, US Agency for International Development, and Joint US Military Assistance Group are ready to provide assistance to the Philippines, if need be.

She also lauded the Department of Social Welfare and Development in coordinating the relief supplies for typhoon and landslide victims in Mindanao.

Marcos earlier ordered the release of around PHP265 million to augment the relief assistance for the calamity victims in the region.

The financial assistance was on top of the emergency fund transfer provided by the government to the affected families in the region.

Marcos also visited Davao City on Feb. 7 in the wake of flooding and landslides triggered by the shear line and the trough of low pressure area.

Deepening alliance

Marcos and Carlson also discussed the issues concerning the West Philippine Sea (WPS), based on a statement posted on state-run Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM).

Carlson commended the Philippines’ firm stance on upholding its sovereign rights in the WPS.

Marcos, on the other hand, stressed the importance of open communication and the need to develop and strengthen collaboration in other areas to ease tensions over territorial disputes.

“Meeting for the first time this year, the Ambassador also discusse[d] with the President other areas of cooperation and collaboration that would further deepen the Philippine-US alliance,” the statement read.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218818

NTF-ELCAC invites CHR to be apprised of its accomplishments

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14, 2024): NTF-ELCAC invites CHR to be apprised of its accomplishments (By Priam Nepomuceno)



MANILA – The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said it is "laser-focused" on its mandate to end more than 50 years of existence of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), which has been terrorizing communities.

In a statement on Tuesday night, NTF-ELCAC executive director, Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. also expressed a desire to apprise the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) of its five-year accomplishments.

This is in response to the CHR's call for the NTF-ELCAC to review and assess its mandate.

The NTF-ELCAC chief also extended an invitation to the CHR to come and participate in the presentation of their evaluation process, transparency, and openness to scrutiny.


Torres said they are most willing to provide all the information that the CHR would want to know regarding the task force’s implementation of its mandated tasks.

Torres earlier said the NTF-ELCAC conducted a nationwide assessment and evaluation process of its mandated tasks with all its clusters and regional-provincial-city/municipal task forces.

He said part of this process is an evolution occurring for the task force, for example, in the context of “halfway houses” to “peace centers”, which are facilities aimed at supporting former rebels through their de-radicalization process, skills, and livelihood training, and to prepare them for their eventual reintegration back to mainstream society.

In addition, peace centers shall also serve as facilities for processing would-be beneficiaries of the amnesty program of the government.

This implies a shift towards a broader and more inclusive approach to promoting peace and development in all the affected but already cleared or liberated from the claws of communist insurgency, he added.

Torres also highlighted the task force’s successes in dismantling 78 active guerilla fronts over a relatively short period of time, reducing their strength to just a fraction of their previous number.

He said they are confident that the remaining 11 weakened NPA guerilla fronts will be dismantled this year and only then the Task Force will transition into a National Task Force for Unity, Peace, and Development (NTF-UPD).

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218821

Japan, IOM launch $2.58-M project to rehab Mindanao ‘peace stations’

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14, 2024): Japan, IOM launch $2.58-M project to rehab Mindanao ‘peace stations’ (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)



PEACE MISSION. International Organization for Migration (IOM) Philippines Chief of Mission Tristan Burnett (2nd from left) and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko shake hands during the launch of the project “Enhancing and Sustaining Peace and Security Mechanisms in Mindanao" at the Dusit Thani, Makati City on Wednesday (Feb. 14, 2024). The Japanese government allotted USD2.58 million (PHP141.9 million) for the project that will rehabilitate four peace and security stations in Mindanao as a way to sustain the peace efforts in the region. (PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler)

MANILA – The Japanese government is funding a USD2.58 million (PHP141.9 million) project that will rehabilitate four peace and security stations in Mindanao as a way to sustain the peace efforts in the region.

The UN Migration will implement the program for 12 months starting February 2024, which will also cover the capacity building for about 720 Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) members from the 24 JPST stations across Mindanao.

The project, called “Enhancing and Sustaining Peace and Security Mechanisms in Mindanao,” will likewise benefit 80 JPST members from four community-based organizations, who will receive livelihood training and kits.

The JPSTs have been operating since 2019 to provide security during the decommissioning of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

These teams, based across 24 stations in Mindanao, are composed of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces.

As the transition period has been prolonged and some of the stations were damaged by past natural disasters, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa said Japan decided to step in.

"Through this project, we fervently hope a strengthened JPST will be able to perform their duties with more ease and confidence, especially with the approach of the 2025 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election," he said during the launch in Makati on Wednesday.

"Please rest assured, the government of Japan will continue its support with the goal of attaining lasting peace and development in the region.

This is the second time Japan supported the JPST, recognizing the need to provide them every possible support as front-liners who enforce the peace-building initiatives in the region.

International Organization for Migration (IOM) Philippines Chief of Mission Tristan Burnett said the program targets to enhance the beneficiaries' social and economic capacities while reinforcing their ability to address both conflicts and disasters.

"This new project with the government of Japan is implemented as part of a broader program to prevent, manage, and resolve conflict as a driver of displacement and an obstacle to return and reintegration," she said.

"IOM remains committed to supporting the full implementation of the peace agreement to the best of our abilities, and in our common goal of achieving sustainable peace and development in the Bangsamoro."

IOM Philippines will implement the program together with the international non-governmental organization Nonviolent Peaceforce.

Among those present during the launch were Deputy Presidential Peace Adviser Senior Undersecretary Isidro Purisima and Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Joint Peace and Security Committee Chairperson Abunawas Maslamama.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218891

E. Visayas body joins call to reject NTF-ELCAC abolition (

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14, 2024): E. Visayas body joins call to reject NTF-ELCAC abolition (By Sarwell Meniano)



UN Special Rapporteur (UNSR) on Freedom of Expression Irene Khan (PNA file photo)

TACLOBAN CITY – The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) should continue to exist as it has been instrumental in wiping out insurgency in Eastern Visayas, the Regional Peace and Order Council said Wednesday.

“It is not wise to abolish the NTF-ELCAC,” as recently recommended by United Nations Special Rapporteur (UNSR) on Freedom of Expression Irene Khan, RPOC chair and Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez said.

“Maybe we can modify it instead of abolishing the task force. We should involve more agencies and even the Office of the Ombudsman since they provide guiding principles for good governance,” Romualdez told reporters.

Good governance, he said, would not give the New People’s Army (NPA) and its allies reason to criticize the government.

The official credited the NTF-ELCAC for the significant weakening of the NPA in the region last year.

At least 1,065 active members and loyal supporters of the NPA in the region were killed, captured, arrested, or surrendered in 2023, according to the Philippine Army.

Among them were 14 NPA leaders in the region who were killed or surrendered to authorities last year.


Of the total neutralized regular NPA members last year, 28 were killed in combat operations, 13 were captured, and 164 surrendered to authorities.

Romualdez said task force ELCAC in villages has provided information to the military that is crucial in its operations. Authorities also helped convince rebels to surrender.

Other surrenderers included 228 members of the Militia ng Bayan (MB), 163 from the Batakang Organisasyon sa Partido (BOP), 270 members of an underground mass organization (UGMO), and 199 mass supporters.

The whole-of-nation approach, linking arms between basic service providers from the central government, community participation groups from the local governments, and the security sector from the military and the police, gets the credit for the weakening NPA in Eastern Visayas.

In support of the fight against the NPA, several local government units have formed their task force ELCAC, operationalizing Executive Order 70 issued in 2018.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218834

Wescom sends ship, troops on humanitarian mission to Davao

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14, 2024): Wescom sends ship, troops on humanitarian mission to Davao (By Izza Reynoso)



HUMANITARIAN MISSION. The crew of BRP Davao del Sur loads about 40,000 boxes of food at the Port of Manila for delivery to flash flood-stricken families in Davao del Oro. As of Wednesday (Feb. 14, 2024), the ship is already en route to the calamity area, according to the spokesperson for the Western Command. (Photo courtesy of Wescom Public Information Office)

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan – The Western Command (Wescom) has dispatched a ship loaded with personnel and relief goods to provide humanitarian assistance to families displaced by a series of flash floods in Davao de Oro.

Capt. Ariel Joseph Coloma, spokesperson for Wescom, told reporters that the BRP Davao Del Sur (LD602) initially sailed to Manila to pick up about 40,000 boxes of food from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) head office before journeying south to the calamity area.

"They sailed to Manila yesterday to load the food packs from DSWD, which they will transport to Davao. What we know is that by this time, they're already on their way to Davao," he said.

Also aboard the Navy’s more than 400-foot-long vessel were troops belonging to the Marine Battalion Landing Team 9 (MBLT9), tasked with supporting the humanitarian mission on the ground.

The military spokesman noted that upon completing their mission of mercy, the BRP Davao del Sur and the marines aboard it will quickly resume their duties bolstering external defense operations, particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

"They will help (affected families in Davao) for around two days before they go back to Palawan to resume their task," Coloma added.

He said the deployment of BRP Davao del Sur and MBLT-9 troops underscores Wescom's commitment to aiding relief operations, complementing the efforts of other government agencies, such as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Philippine Coast Guard.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218871

‘Stable internal peace, security’ declaration to boost dev’t in Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14, 2024): ‘Stable internal peace, security’ declaration to boost dev’t in Negros (By Nanette Guadalquiver)



Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division. (Photo courtesy of 3ID, Philippine Army)

BACOLOD CITY – The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) is pushing for the declaration of a state of stable internal peace and security (SIPS) in the local government units (LGUs) in Negros after dismantling all the communist guerrilla fronts in the island.

Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of 3ID, said having the SIPS status in a locality would attract investments, generate jobs, and bring more opportunities to its people.

“The conditions have been met in Negros Island and the SIPS can now be formally declared by our concerned local chief executives,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines, public affairs chief of 3ID, said there was a directive for line battalions to coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the LGUs to declare SIPS status in their respective cities and municipalities.

“This will also serve as supporting events to declare SIPS in both provinces of Negros,” he said in an interview.

At the LGU level, the peace and order council recommends the declaration of SIPS for adoption by the city or municipal council.

The mayor, PNP, and the Philippine Army have to pass a joint resolution formally declaring the SIPS in the locality, Javines said.

Six battalions, including the 79th, 62nd, 94th, 15th, 11th, and 47th Infantry Battalions (IB), under the supervision of the 302nd and 303rd Infantry Brigades, are based in Negros Island.

The 94IB dismantled the Central Negros 2 of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) late last year, after the dismantling of the South East Front, Northern Negros Front, and Central Negros 1.

The 3ID also recommended the formal declaration of the South West Front as being dismantled.


Javines, however, said the focused military operations against rebel remnants in Negros Island continue to prevent the CPP-NPA from recovering their lost territories and recruiting new members.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218855