WESTMINCOM: ELCAC StratCom cluster 9 discusses feats, plans for 2020

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Feb 6, 2020): ELCAC StratCom cluster 9 discusses feats, plans for 2020

Members of the Strategic Communications cluster under the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict crafted Thursday afternoon plans to bolster the campaign and sustain the gains against insurgency in Region IX.

The StratCom cluster convened at Cityinn Hotel in Zamboanga City to deliberate on the programs, activities, and plans presented by involved agencies and delineate the respective roles of the various sectors in the current counterinsurgency thrust in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Col. Clarence Abellera, assistant chief of unified command staff for plans of Western Mindanao Command, joined representatives of the different agencies and the security, labor, academe, and private sectors.

The StratCom members likewise presented their unit’s accomplishments and designated their officers.

The Philippine Information Agency IX spearheaded the StratCom cluster meeting attended by officials and personnel of Task Force Zamboanga, Commission on Human Rights, Department of Agriculture, National Commission on Indigenous People, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Justice, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, National Housing Authority, Office of the Civil Defense, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process, and local government units of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Peninsula.

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1st Infantry TABAK Division, Philippine Army 6th Infantry Division - Kampilan 601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade 602nd "Liberator" Brigade 603 Persuader Brigade 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade 1st Mechanized Lakan Battalion Seventh Infantry Tapat Battalion Fourth Mechanized Infantry Battalion SecondMechanized MakasagBattalion Seventy-Seven Infantry Battalion 33rd Infantry Makabayan Battalion Ge Seven 6IB Redskin 62nd Infantry Unifier Batallion Six Cmo Battalion Bigkislahi Cmo 40 Infantry "Magiting" Battalion Conquer Infantry Battalion Unang Marinong Brigada Striking Battalion 90th Infantry Bigkis Lahi Battalion 57th Infantry Masikap Battalion Sixfab Battalion 34th Reliable Battalion Onlyourbest MbltFive Seven Field Artillery Battalion Breathe Heart Ruel Casanes Ar-ar Galvez Oscar Charlie Westmincom Afman Rosales Jr. Fhour IV Ciargi Eyten Aybee Jointask Forcesulu Jtf Basilan Joint Task Force Sulu Joint Task Force Zamboanga Joint Task Force Zamboanga Virtual Center Jtf Basilan Jtf Tawi Tawi Indomalphi Tow Westmin Pio Tow Westmin Cmo Matatag Battalion La Independencia Filipinas

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WESTMINCOM: Demoralized NPA members surrender in Sultan Kudarat

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Feb 8, 2020): Demoralized NPA members surrender in Sultan Kudarat

Military troops presented 16 former communist rebels to local officials in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat on February 6.

Soldiers of the 603rd Infantry Brigade turned over said surrendered rebels at the Municipal Hall in Poblacion, Palimbang on Thursday morning.

The former rebels surrendered to Lt. Col. Roberto Go, Jr., 37th Infantry Battalion commanding officer, in Baranayan, Palimbang on January 31.

They also yielded one M14 rifle, one Cal .30 M1 Garand rifle, two Cal .45 pistols, one Smg 9mm, and one Cal. 38 revolver.

“We surrendered due to anxiety and uncertainty of the safety of our family.”

“We are also demoralized by the relentless pursuit operations conducted by government forces,” said a.k.a Kunga.

The surrendered rebels are currently at Sultan Kudarat Province Halfway House for E-CLIP processing.

Col. Jovencio Gonzales, 603rd Bde’s deputy commander, joined Palimbang Mayor Joenime Kapina, Vice Mayor Amil Pangansayan, and representatives of Palimbang Municipal Police Station, Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative, and Municipal Fire Marshal during the turnover.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said ground forces sustain their counterinsurgency campaign through combat operations and cooperation with local officials.

“While operational gains are maintained through the intensive campaign, our forces synergize with local officials in facilitating the capitulation and reintegration of former rebels in Mindanao,” added Lt. Gen. Sobejana.

#Demoralized
#StopTerrorism
#YesforPEACE
#AFPyoucanTRUST

6th Infantry Division - Kampilan 601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade 602nd "Liberator" Brigade 603 Persuader Brigade 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade 1st Mechanized Lakan Battalion Seventh Infantry Tapat Battalion 40 Infantry "Magiting" Battalion Onlyourbest MbltFive Sixfab Battalion Seven Field Artillery Battalion 33rd Infantry Makabayan Battalion 57th Infantry Masikap Battalion SecondMechanized MakasagBattalion Six Cmo Battalion Bigkislahi Cmo 90th Infantry Bigkis Lahi Battalion 34th Reliable Battalion Ge Seven Seventy-Seven Infantry Battalion Conquer Infantry Battalion 1st Infantry TABAK Division, Philippine Army Team Tabak Fourth Mechanized Infantry Battalion 6IB Redskin Jointask Forcesulu Unang Marinong Brigada Striking Battalion Jtf Tawi Tawi Indomalphi Jtf Basilan Eyten Aybee Joint Task Force Zamboanga Joint Task Force Zamboanga Virtual Center Matatag Battalion Naval Forces Western Mindanao Civil Military Operations Unit Western Mindanao- Phil Navy Tow Westmin Pio Tow Westmin Cmo Oscar Charlie WestmincomFhour IV Ciargi 62nd Infantry Unifier Batallion Arvin John Gullos Encinas Breathe Heart Ruel CasanesAr-ar Galvez Afman Rosales Jr. Aben M Sidlak

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WESTMINCOM: Malaysian general pays exit call to WestMinCom chief

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Feb 8, 2020): Malaysian general pays exit call to WestMinCom chief

Major General Dato’ Hadji Ya’cob Bin Haji Samiran, head of the International Monitoring Team-14, paid an exit call to Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, on Friday, February 7, 2020.

Brig. Gen. Francisco Ariel Felicidario III, WestMinCom’s deputy commander for administration, led the company-sized honor tendered by military personnel in Camp Navarro.

#counterinsurgency
#afpyoucantrust
#teamwmc
#teamkapayapaan
#yourprotector
#yourpartner
#yourfriend

6th Infantry Division - Kampilan 601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade 602nd "Liberator" Brigade 603 Persuader Brigade 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade 1st Mechanized Lakan Battalion Seventh Infantry Tapat Battalion 40 Infantry "Magiting" Battalion Onlyourbest MbltFive Sixfab Battalion Seven Field Artillery Battalion 33rd Infantry Makabayan Battalion 57th Infantry Masikap Battalion SecondMechanized MakasagBattalion Six Cmo Battalion Bigkislahi Cmo 90th Infantry Bigkis Lahi Battalion 34th Reliable Battalion Ge Seven Seventy-Seven Infantry Battalion Conquer Infantry Battalion 1st Infantry TABAK Division, Philippine Army Team Tabak Fourth Mechanized Infantry Battalion 6IB Redskin Jointask Forcesulu Joint Task Force Sulu Unang Marinong Brigada Striking Battalion Jtf Tawi Tawi Indomalphi Jtf Basilan Jtf Basilan Eyten Aybee Joint Task Force Zamboanga Joint Task Force Zamboanga Virtual Center Matatag Battalion Naval Forces Western Mindanao Civil Military Operations Unit Western Mindanao- Phil Navy Tow Westmin Pio Tow Westmin Cmo Oscar Charlie Westmincom Fhour IV Ciargi 62nd Infantry Unifier Batallion Arvin John Gullos Encinas Breathe Heart Ruel Casanes Ar-ar Galvez Afman Rosales Jr. Sancus Princy Necessitas La Independencia Filipinas

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MILF-CC: UNYPAD joins Explosive Ordnance Risk Education Campaign in Central Mindanao

Posted to the Committee on Information, Moro Islamic Liberation Front Central Committee (MILF-CC) Website (Feb 8, 2020): UNYPAD joins Explosive Ordnance Risk Education Campaign in Central Mindanao

COTABATO CITY, BARMM – The United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD) provincial chapter Maguindanao Cluster-3 joined in a series of Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) campaign, and Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) disposal activity in Central Mindanao.

"On the very start of year 2020, our team started deploying personnel for EORE sessions in Central Mindanao," Moctar Edzla, Non-technical Survey Officer of the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD), disclosed during a campaign held on January 29, 2020 in a Maguindanao Village.

Edzla, Founding Chair of Maguindanao Youth for Chance (MYC) in Datu Paglas, a local partner of UNYPAD was trained by FSD in 2018 as competent EORE provider. He was later hired as full-time FSD staff for his dedication and sincerity in doing a great job.

Rafsanjani Pendatun Ali, Municipal Mayor of the General Salipada K. Pendatun (GSKP) gave his approval on the re-survey activities, and EORE sessions knowing that some villagers were badly affected by armed conflict.

"These series of EORE sessions in the town’s different villages are needed to finally clear all UXOs in villages affected by armed-conflicts," Mayor Pendatun Ali said.

Howkin Dakman, the Maguindanao Cluster-3 Provincial Vice Chairman for Internal Affairs, said that they are thankful for the leadership of UNYPAD for allowing them to be part of selected individuals trained by the International Non-Government Organization, the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD), on mine action activities that would detect the extent of problems caused by Unexploded Ordnances left by both parties during the armed encounters in Bangsamoro dominated territories.

Members of UNYPAD also facilitated the disposal of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) for the town’s affected villagers of this town by requesting the help of 40th Infantry Brigade of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The UNYPAD chapters in Maguindanao has divided into three (3) clusters. Cluster 1 comprising mostly the so-called “Iranon” area inhabited by Iranon tribe, the cluster-2 is mostly located in the war-torn communities in Maguindanao District 1 like the SPMS box or adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Mamasapano, and Shariff Saydona, while the cluster-3 is the Maguindanao District 2 where GSKP is among of the conflict-affected areas in the province of Maguindanao.

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1996/unypad-joins-explosive-ordnance-risk-education-campaign-in-central-mindanao

Kalinaw News: Cagayan de Oro City launches task force to end local communist armed conflict

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 8, 2020): Cagayan de Oro City launches task force to end local communist armed conflict (By 4th Infantry Battalion)



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The Local Government Unit of Cagayan de Oro City had successfully launched the Cagayan de Oro City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (CDOCTF-ELCAC) dubbed as “Kalinaw ug Kalambuan Atong Kaakuhan” at Covered Court Barangay Tignapoloan, in this city, yesterday morning, February 7, 2020.

Hon. Oscar Moreno, city mayor led the launching which was graced and witnessed by dignitaries from the National Government Agencies headed by Secretary Jose Ruperto Martin M Andanar of PCOO and the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security 10, USec Reynaldo B Mapagu of Civil, Veterans and Retiree Affairs, Chairperson of Taskforce Balik-Loob, USec Rufino S Lopez Jr, deputy director general and chief of staff of National Security Counci and USec Bernardo C Florece Jr, of Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Also present were the AFP officers headed by LtGen Jose C Faustino Jr, Commander, Eastern Mindanao Command, MGen Franco Nemesio M Gacal, Commander 4ID, and BGen Edgardo Y De Leon, Commander of 403rd Brigade. Likewise, also present are the regional directors from region 10, chief executives and members of Local Government Unit, Local Government Agencies, Police Provincial Office 10, Indigenous People and media practitioners.

The activity was highlighted by the inauguration of newly-paved and opened roads, groundbreaking of the Oro Kalandang (Kalinaw) Center, a half-way house for the former rebels, awarding of cash for the firearms remuneration of the former rebels and turn-over of one-unit tractor to the 65IB intended for the Community Support Program.

Moreover, the different local government agencies and the 4ID had also brought various services to the people of barangay Tignapoloan and its neighboring barangays which included medical and dental services, distribution of livelihood starter kits, sleeping kits, food packs, water jugs, free legal advices, registration of voters, free haircut and massage, vaccination and livestock and seedlings dispersal.

On his message, Secretary Andanar acknowledged the effort of the LGUs, LGAs and security sector in Cagayan de Oro City, He further said that, “Let us continue to work together to fulfill our shared agenda of inclusive and sustainable peace and development in Northern Mindanao.

Mayor Moreno also expressed his profound gratitude to the government agencies and the military units in Region 10 for their great contributions to peace and development. “I am thankful to all the agencies who have brought the needed services to our constituents. “We had removed the obstacles to growth and prosperity and also removed insurgency”, Moreno ended.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]
https://www.kalinawnews.com/cagayan-de-oro-city-launches-task-force-to-end-local-communist-armed-conflict/

Kalinaw News: Mayor okays measure against armed conflict

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 8, 2020): Mayor okays measure against armed conflict (By Northern Luzon Command)



7 February 2020 – Mayor Benjamin Magalong has signed a resolution passed by the city council adopting the articles of declaration against armed conflict.

The declaration seeks to support the vision of a lasting peace, people’s participation in governance through peaceful means, and the respect of all kinds of political ideologies within the democratic framework.

The declaration states: Baguio City enjoys the blessings of democracy, its citizens have the right to a peaceful community, thus, it will protect its citizens against the evils of armed conflict by reason of ideologies; The Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army, and the National Democratic Front, its officers and members for as long as they support and advocate armed struggle to overthrow the existing government are declared Persona Non Grata; and the City likewise declares Persona Non Grata to all armed groups that are engaged in terrorist activities.

Resolution No. 42, series of 2020, says the Philippines is yet to end the longest armed struggle waged by the CPP, its armed group, the NPA, and its political arm, the NDF, whose objective is to overthrow the existing government system by force.

It disclosed that Pres. Rodrigo Duterte has issued Executive Order No. 70, series of 2018, which has institutionalized the whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, creating a national task force to end local communist armed conflict, and directing the adoption of a national peace framework.

Department of Interior and Local Government Sec. Eduardo Ano has asked local officials around the country to declare the CPP and the NPA as Persona Non Grata (unwelcome or unacceptable) to show their support for the government’s fight to end the communist conflict that has been waged for 50 years.

Sec. Ano called upon the help of local government units, the public, and all other stakeholders to declare communist rebels unwelcome in their localities to ensure that no support would reach the group.

He said that there must be a wholistic approach not only to bring the communist rebels to the fold of the law but to protect the citizens from the evils of armed conflict by joining them or as support base of the armed struggle.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]
https://www.kalinawnews.com/mayor-okays-measure-against-armed-conflict/

Kalinaw News: A total of 17 surrender after the encounter in Sarangani Province

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 8, 2020): A total of 17 surrender after the encounter in Sarangani Province (By 73rd Infantry Battalion)

SARANGANI PROVINCE – Four communist terrorists voluntarily surrendered to Alpha Company, 73IB under 1st Lt. Fausto at Sitio Luot, Barangay Poblacion, Malapatan, Sarangani Province.

They were identified as Ramsy Domacio @Bornick, Rosalie Dubo @ ing-ing, Dot C Simbanan @Longhair, and Jolito Simbanan @ Jolly Members of Platoon Central, WGF TALA, FSMR.

The surrenderees admitted that they were deceived by the Communist terrorist Group Organizers using false malicious government issues, organizing and mobilizing them to go against the Philippine Government. They were infiltrated by the communist terrorists with a promise that, by jumping in, they will play a big role in achieving peace and development in the nation. However, their lives turned out chaotic and realized the senseless advocacy of the group as the communist terrorist organizers sow nothing but terror and conflict in the community.

However, the 73rd Infantry Battalion headed by Lt. Col. Ronaldo G. Valdez the Battalion Commander and Alpha Company Commander, 1st Lt. Fausto, continue to gain ground as intensified military operations and Community Support Program (CSP) resulted to 17 communist terrorists rejoined mainstream society

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]
https://www.kalinawnews.com/a-total-of-17-surrender-after-the-encounter-in-sarangani-province/

Bomb-making components seized from BIFF members in NoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 9, 2020): Bomb-making components seized from BIFF members in NoCot (By Edwin Fernandez)



RELENTLESS MANHUNT. Government forces used coconut trees as cover during a clash with members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in an open field at a remote village of Pikit, North Cotabato that left several radicals injured on Saturday (Feb. 8, 2020). Soldiers also recovered bomb-making components, personal belongings and mobile phones (inset) from the fleeing terrorists. (Photo courtesy of 7IB)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Government forces in North Cotabato on Saturday clashed with Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Pikit, North Cotabato that resulted in an undetermined number of terrorists wounded and recovery of bomb-making components.

Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, said elements of 7th Infantry Battalion (7IB) were conducting operations in pursuit of BIFF bomb-makers known as Daurin Manampan and his brother Katato in Sitio Blah, Barangay Manaulanan, Pikit, at about 6 a.m. when a brief firefight erupted.

“The gunmen scampered to different directions, leaving behind personal belongings, bullets, mobile phones, and bomb-making components,” Capulong, quoting a report from Lt. Col. Neil Roldan, chief of the 7IB, said.

He added the government side had sustained zero casualties.

“Locals reported seeing a number of wounded BIFF being carried away by comrades,” Capulong said.

Capulong vowed to continue relentless manhunt operations against lawless elements and terrorists to ensure the safety of residents in its area of operation.

He also lauded the participation of the local Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) group in the operation against the BIFF.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093338

Suspected high-ranking CPP-NPA execs nabbed in Bohol

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 9, 2020): Suspected high-ranking CPP-NPA execs nabbed in Bohol (By John Rey Saavedra)



ARRESTED. Rey Camacho, 51, and his wife, Carmelita, 48, pose for mug shot at the Bohol Provincial Police Office after their arrest in Tulang, Getafe on Saturday (Feb. 8, 2020). The Camacho couple who allegedly holds key positions in the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest for murder issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Bohol. (Contributed photo)

Authorities arrested on Saturday a couple suspected as high ranking officials of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) were arrested in a joint military and police operation in Getafe, Bohol.

Lt. Col. Allan Tabudlo, commander of the 47th Infantry (Katapatan) Battalion based in Tubigon, Bohol, said in a statement that the couple, Rey Camacho, 51, and his wife, Carmelita, 48, were arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for murder issued by the Regional Trial Court of Bohol.

Tabudlo said Rey, who carries four aliases -- Jeboy, Teddy, Chad and Val -- works as finance staff of the CPP-NPA, while Carmelita, alias Maureen or Inday, works as head of the National Commission Special Operations Group (NCSOG).
According to him, the joint forces cornered the couple at a communist terrorist group (CTG) lair in Tulang village of Getafe when authorities served the warrant at 5:30 a.m. on Feb. 8.

Camacho was the former secretary of the Komiteng Rehiyon Central Visayas–Regional Operational Command, then later installed as its commander, before he became the Regional Finance Tax Implementing Group head for Negros, Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor. At the moment of his arrest, he was identified as the National Finance Commission (NFC) staff of the CPP-NPA.

His wife Carmelita became NFC staff before she joined the special operations group in charge of the three regions of the Visayas.

Through a search warrant served simultaneously with the arrest warrant, authorities recovered two laptop computers, three handguns (two .38 calibers and one .45 caliber) and ammunition, two hand grenades, one hard case of various explosives, detonating cords and blasting caps, 15 cellular phones, several flash drives, subversive propaganda documents, sacks of butane and other camping paraphernalia, the military statement said.

Tabudlo claimed that the arrest of Camacho couple was a result of the merging efforts of the security forces and the locals who reported the latter's whereabouts in Bohol.

“We are materializing the mandate of this whole-of-nation approach to eradicate these insurgents and likewise, we are urging the public to continue your support in sustaining peace and order in the province. Together, we will accomplish our mission in ending this local communist armed conflict in Bohol," he said.

The police will return the warrants to the RTC of Bohol so the judge could issue court order for the detention of the Camacho couple while the case of murder is being heard.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093345

CDO launches task force to end communist armed conflict

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 9, 2020): CDO launches task force to end communist armed conflict



ENDING INSURGENCY. Sec. Martin Andanar (center left), head of the Presidential Communications Operations Office, joins Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno (center right), during the inauguration of the Cagayan de Oro City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (CDOCTF-ELCAC) Friday (Feb. 7, 2020). The activity also highlights the inauguration of newly-paved and opened roads, groundbreaking of the Oro Kalandang (Kalinaw) Center, a half-way house for the former rebels, awarding of cash for the firearms remuneration of the former rebels and turnover of one tractor to the 65th Infantry Battalion intended for the Community Support Program. (Photo courtesy of 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The local government unit here successfully launched the Cagayan de Oro City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (CDOCTF-ELCAC) dubbed as “Kalinaw ug Kalambuan Atong Kaakuhan (Peace and Development, our Responsibility)” in Barangay Tignapoloan, in this city, on Friday.

City mayor Oscar Moreno led the launching which was graced and witnessed by dignitaries from the national government agencies headed by Secretary Jose Ruperto Martin Andanar, head of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), and head of the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security in Region 10 (CORDS-10), along with other government agencies and civil sector partners.

The activity was highlighted by the inauguration of newly-paved and opened roads, groundbreaking of the Oro Kalandang (Kalinaw) Center, a half-way house for the former rebels, awarding of cash for the firearms remuneration of the former rebels and turnover of a one-unit tractor to the 65th Infantry Battalion intended for the Community Support Program.

The different local government agencies and the 4th Infantry Division had also brought various services to the people of Barangay Tignapoloan and its neighboring barangays which included medical and dental services, distribution of livelihood starter kits, sleeping kits, food packs, water jugs, free legal advices, registration of voters, free haircut and massage, vaccination and livestock and seedlings dispersal.

Andanar acknowledged the effort of the LGUs and the security sector in this city.

“Let us continue to work together to fulfill our shared agenda of inclusive and sustainable peace and development in Northern Mindanao," he said.

Moreno also expressed his profound gratitude to the government agencies and the military units in Region 10 for their great contributions to peace and development.

“I am thankful to all the agencies who have brought the needed services to our constituents. “We had removed the obstacles to growth and prosperity and also removed insurgency”, Moreno said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093361

PRRD set to issue formal order for VFA termination

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 9, 2020): PRRD set to issue formal order for VFA termination (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

President Rodrigo Duterte will most likely make an official directive on Monday about the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the United States (US), Malacañang said on Sunday.

The President would send a formal written order to Executive Secretary (ES) Salvador Medialdea, directing the latter to instruct Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. to send a formal notice to the US about the Philippines’ decision to abrogate the VFA, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.

“Kailangan mo syempre, meron executive document or whether in writing yung instruction sa isang opisyal mo. Hindi naman pwedeng verbal verbal lang (Of course, you need an executive document or a written order to relay your instruction to your official. Verbal order cannot be accepted),” he said in an interview with dzIQ.

“Hintayin natin dumating ang Monday bukas pagdating ni Presidente. Siyempre, kailangan mo nang may magta-type nun. May magdadala sa opisina ni ES (Let’s wait Monday when the President returns in Manila. Of course, someone is needed to type the written order and transmit it to the office of ES),” Panelo added.

His statement came after his recent announcement has sown confusion over the President’s latest directive.

Panelo first announced on Friday that Duterte, through Medialdea, has directed Locsin to transmit Manila’s formal notification to Washington about the revocation of the VFA, which was signed by the two countries on Feb. 10, 1998.

However, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Saturday downplayed Panelo’s announcement as “fake news.”

The Palace official maintained that the President is already determined to scrap the VFA.

He added that Duterte changing his mind about the termination of VFA lies in the “realm of speculation.”

“Ilang beses ko bang sasabihin sa inyo na desidido siya (How many times do I have to tell you that he is already decided)?” Panelo said.

The VFA gives US troops the privilege to be exempted from passport and visa regulations, and use their permits and licenses in the Philippines.

Under the VFA, the US also keeps its jurisdiction over American military personnel who committed crimes in the Philippines, unless the offenses are punishable in the host country.

Duterte was forced to rescind the VFA, after the US cancelled the visa of his staunch ally, former Philippine National Police chief and now Senator Ronald dela Rosa.

The VFA will be deemed terminated 180 days after the Philippines sends a formal notice to the US.

No phone call with Trump yet

Panelo also announced on Friday that the President is set to have a phone call with US President Donald Trump “anytime soon.”

In his latest remarks, the Palace official said Duterte has yet to talk with Trump.

He also clarified that the impending phone conversation between the two leaders was not initiated by Duterte.

“’Yung pag-uusap nila, ano lang ‘yun, expected pero walang klaro kung mag-uusap sila o hindi. Parang nagparinig lang siguro na gustong kausapin siya. Wala pa (Their phone conversation is expected but it is not clear whether it will push through or not. There was an indication that Trump wants to talk to Duterte. But it has yet to happen),” Panelo said.

“Definitely hindi si Presidente ang nag-initiate nun. Hindi ko alam kung si President Trump. Pwedeng ‘yung mga top alter egos niya. Tandaan mo yung magre-react ang kabila kasi tayo ang maga-abrogate eh (Definitely, it’s not the President who initiated it. I don’t know if it’s President Trump or his top alter egos. Remember, they’re reacting because we’re abrogating VFA),” he added.

Senate review ‘not useless’

Despite the President’s decision to terminate the 22-year-old VFA, the Senate insisted to proceed with the review of the agreement.

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, chair of the Senate foreign relations panel, on Saturday said majority of senators sought the review of the VFA.

Panelo said there was nothing wrong with the Senate’s move.

“They’re not prohibited from reviewing any treaty or executive agreement para makapagbigay sila ng rekomendasyon (so they can give a recommendation) as a body,” he said.

He said the senators’ review was “not useless,” since their possible findings could prove that the President made the right decision.

If the findings say otherwise, the Chief Executive will not hesitate to conduct a study, Panelo said.

“The President will also study kung tama yung kanilang punto de vista (if they personal judgment is right),” Panelo, also Chief Presidential Legal Adviser, said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093351