EASTMINCOM: LOOK | Surrender remains to be the highest in terms of NPA neutralization

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (May 28, 2020):LOOK | Surrender remains to be the highest in terms of NPA neutralization

The Eastern Mindanao Command has neutralized a total of 85 New People's Army (NPA) regular members in May as it intensifies its Security Operations. Fifty of which were through surrender; 31 were killed during focus military operations, and four were captured.

In Northern Mindanao, 15 NPA were killed in the relentless Focus Military Operations of the Joint Task Force Diamond while 13 surrendered as a result of peace engagement initiated jointly by the LGUs and military units on the ground. In Caraga, 16 NPA were killed during combat operations, three were captured and eight surrendered.

In Davao Region, Joint Task Force Agila's unit in collaboration with different peace partners caused the surrender of 13 NPAs. On the otherhand, a regular NPA member was captured.

16 NPAs have also yielded to the government in Region 12 over the month.

National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict
10th Infantry Agila Division Philippine Army
4th Infantry "Diamond" Division, Philippine Army

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincom/photos/a.912869452106626/3095802590479957/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincom/

Youth, students fear worsening attacks as House panels approve anti-terror bill

From the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) online publication the Davao Today (Jun 1, 2020): Youth, students fear worsening attacks as House panels approve anti-terror bill (By KEN E. CAGULA)



Photo courtesy of Kabataan Partylist

“No one is exempted from the bill, but if you are a crony of (Rodrigo) Duterte, you are safe.”

This was the statement of Jayvie Cabajes, vice president for Mindanao of Kabataan Party-list (KP), following the approval of the Senate’s version of the Anti-Terror Bill on Friday, May 29, by the two panels at the Lower House.

Majority members of the Committee on Public Order and Safety and the Committee on National Defense and Security approved the bill with only two lawmakers voting against it, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate and Quezon City 6th District Rep. Cristopher Belmonte.

It “legalizes attack on the dissent of the people”, said KP in a statement, pointing out the bill’s overbroad definition of terrorism: “practices of activism, social media rants, and calls for societal change can be tagged as ‘terrorism’.”

Last February, the Senate approved the bill which seeks to repeal the Human Security Act of 2007. Only senators Risa Hontiveros and Francis Pangilinan opposed the said measure, citing possible abuse.

The proposed bill allows the warrantless arrest of suspected person and detention of up to 24 days while surveillance can be conducted by the police or the military for 60 to 90 days.

“The youth, more than ever, must protect our democracy that is easily robbed by the fascist and dictator regime. Let us unite for our rights,” Cabajes urged.

Students protest

The UP Mindanao University Student Council also denounced the lawmakers’ move in the middle of the health crisis brought by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“Nakakabahala lalo ito dahil sa gitna ng pandemya mas lumala ang crackdown sa mga aktibista, mas naging laganap ang red-tagging na pinapangunahan mismo ng National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict patunay na walang pahinga ang pamamasismo ng estado na mas lalong paliliyabin ng Anti-Terrorism Bill,” read its statement on its Facebook page.

The student council noted that silencing criticisms seems to be the government’s response to the public’s growing dismay on its actions to address the COVID-19 outbreak.

It can be recalled that when Martial Law in Mindanao was lifted, security forces pushed for the passage of the anti-terror bill – a move that was opposed by human rights groups for fear that violations of basic and constitutional rights would worsen.

READ: Martial Law Out, Anti-Terror Law In? Activists Fear Worse

The bill will be up for plenary debates and voting this week at the House of Representatives.

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/youth-students-fear-worsening-attacks-as-house-panels-approve-anti-terror-bill/

NPA leader in Negros Occidental surrenders

From the Panay News (Jun 1, 2020): NPA leader in Negros Occidental surrenders

Former NPA combatant Albert Yanong Alon (center) surrenders to the officials of the 15th Infantry Battalion in Cauayan, Negros Occidental on May 22. Alon is believed to be one of the leaders of the rebel group in the province. 15th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army via PNA

A New People’s Army (NPA) leader has voluntarily surrendered to Philippine Army troops in Cauayan, Negros Occidental, the 15th Infantry Battalion (15IB) reported. 

The 27-year-old Albert Yanong Alon alias “Butsoy” was a platoon leader of the North Negros Front and a squad leader of the SYP/SDG Platoon of the southwest Front operating in the area of Barangay Sangke in his hometown Hinobaan.

He yielded on May 22 as a result of the 15IB’s Community Support Program campaign and triad operations to further pressure the communist-terrorists and their supporters in this province to end the armed struggle.

According to the Army, Alon is the third high-ranking NPA official in this province who surrendered to 15IB this month.

Lieutenant Colonel Erwin Cariño, commanding officer of 15IB, welcomed the former Alon’s decision to choose the right path towards peace by returning to the fold of the law.

“After many years, he has realized that the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA only used him for their vested interests, and he had no respectable future if he decided to stay. But just like the previous surrenderers, it is not too late for him to live peacefully with his family,” he added.

According to the 15IB, Alon was recruited by the CPP-NPA when he was only 16.

He joined the armed group, believing that being part of it would resolve his social concerns, particularly land issues.

Alon’s experience as a seasoned combatant made him a platoon leader of an independent unit operating in northern and southern Negros Occidental in 2012.

“During my years in the struggle trying to destroy the government, I have not seen freedom, equality and peace. When our comrades die, their families do not receive any assistance and benefits from the organization,” he said.

Alon added that with the assistance of 15IB, he could start over with his family without fear.

He urged his former comrades still fighting in the mountains to give up the armed struggle.

Meanwhile, Hinoba-an Mayor Ernesto Estrao thanked the former rebel for deciding to surrender.

“I call on the other members of CPP-NPA to lay down your arms and live a peaceful life with your respective families. Your local government units, together with the 15IB, are willing to help those who will give up their armed activities,” he added.(With a report from PNA)

http://www.panaynews.net/npa-leader-in-negros-occidental-surrenders/

Evacuees in remote Iligan village get food packs

From MindaNews (Jun 1, 2020): Evacuees in remote Iligan village get food packs (By RICHEL V. UMEL)

ILIGAN CITY (MindaNews / 01 June) — At least 146 families displaced by the recent firefight between soldiers and the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in a remote village here have received food assistance from the government.

The city government and the Army’s 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion conducted a relief operation on Saturday in Sitio Karibaw, Barangay Mainit, where soldiers and the NPA rebels clashed on May 27 that injured a soldier and an undetermined number of guerillas.

Alfredo Mehino, Jr., Barangay Mainit chairperson, said that due to the bad road to Sitio Karibaw, which is about 44 kilometers southeast of Iligan City, the relief goods were distributed at Sitio Loklok of the same village.

Mayor Celso Regencia ordered the City Social Welfare and Development Office to extend food packs to the displaced villagers.

Also joining the relief operations were representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government and a team from the local police that helped provide security.

Martin Baklohan, a community leader in Sitio Karibaw, urged the government to improve the road condition, provide livelihood and address the medical needs of people as a way to bring peace and development to their far-flung area.

Mehino said that NPA rebels previously attacked the detachment of the Civilian Home Defense Force in the village in June 1984 and that a firefight also occurred between the communist rebels and the military in January 2017 in the area.

He urged residents to not panic following last week’s encounter between soldiers and the NPA rebels, saying that government forces have secured the borders.

Barangay Mainit has 687 households composed of at least 3,000 residents. (Richel V. Umel / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/06/evacuees-in-remote-iligan-village-get-food-packs/

Former rebels receive E-CLIP assistance, promise to be productive citizens

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 1, 2020): Former rebels receive E-CLIP assistance, promise to be productive citizens (By Gideon C. Corgue)

PAGADIAN CITY, 01 June (PIA)— A total of 845,000 pesos of financial aid was given to 13 rebel surrenderers for turning themselves in to the government with the promise to become lawful and productive citizens of the country.

At the culmination of 3-day values formation and psycho-social seminar, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) provided the former rebels (FRs) who surrendered to the 53rd Infantry (Matapat) Battalion, Philippine Army the P50,000 livelihood assistance and P15,000 immediate assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) during the turn-over ceremony held recently at the Executive Function Hall, Provincial Capitol Complex here.

DILG Provincial Director Mohammad Taha Arakama encouraged the FRs to properly use the financial assistance that they received from the government saying that the E-CLIP program is an opportunity for them to improve the quality of their lives, especially through livelihood financial assistance.

“Make your life always in the right path for you to become lawful and productive members in our society,” Arakama urged.

Arakama said the provincial government’s fight against insurgency is fruitful and it was evidently manifested by the resurgence of surrenderees every year at the 53rd IB.

He also said that the president has intensified the implementation of the E-CLIP to give the rebels the opportunity to have a new and better life and for them to become proactive citizens in the country.

“Kayo po ay tumatahak ngayon sa bagong landas at tinalikuran ninyo ang armadong pakikibaka, kaya ang gobyerno ay nagbibigay sa inyo ng package of assistance para mas mapabuti ang inyong buhay at upang masilayan ninyo ng bagong pag-asa,” Arakama announced.

(You are now taking the new path and you abandoned the armed struggle, thus the government provided you the package of assistance to make your life better and to lighten a new hope).



Meanwhile, 2nd District Board Member Jenifer Mariano lauded the FRs for returning to the mainstream of society.

“You have now realized how wonderful to be back and reunited with your family. You are enjoying the freedom which you did not experience while you were in your former organization,” Mariano said.

Mariano said the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) chaired by Governor Victor Yu is fully supporting the anti-insurgency campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“The provincial government will never forsake you. We continue to help you (the returnees) to ensure that you can better take care of yourselves and of your family’s welfare,” Mariano said.

She reminded that in an “armed struggle, we can never achieve a lasting peace.”

Meanwhile, LtCol. Jo-ar Herrera said the E-CLIP is fully operating to ensure that the FRs will have a holistic package of benefits that they can avail from the government.

“This is a “Whole-of-Nation Approach,” Herrera said adding that the FRs are given the opportunity to avail the different programs and services of various government agencies, live normal lives, and be productive citizens in their communities.

“Continue supporting the government and encourage your former comrades to join us in the pursuit of peace and development,” Herrera urged.

The FRs also received half-sack of rice each from Governor Yu, empty gallons, t-shirts and umbrella from the Department of Health, and vegetable seeds from the Department of Agriculture.(RVC/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1043406

DILG's Año vehemently condems recruitment of minors by communist groups

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 1, 2020): DILG's Año vehemently condems recruitment of minors by communist groups (By Jerome Carlo R. Paunan)



CALOOCAN CITY, June 1 (PIA) -- Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año over the weekend has vehemently condemned the alleged recruitment of minors by what he termed as "communist terrorist groups" (CTG) and said this act is a clear violation of international law.

As Año called on leftist groups to free Alice Jasper (AJ) Lucena and other recruited youth “from the virus of communist terrorism,” the official also urged the Filipino youth to "maintain distancing, physically and online, from the leftist groups, and sanitize themselves of their polluted beliefs."

At the same time, the official lauded the Lucena couple for filing the petition of two writs before the Supreme Court.

To recall, the Supreme Court (SC) En Banc earlier directed leftist leaders to respond to the Show Cause Order issued on May 19 against respondents Kabataan party-list Representative Sarah Elago, Anakbayan Spokesperson Alex Danday, Anakbayan recruiters and members Chary Delos Reyes, Bianca Gacos, and Jayroven Ballais Villafuerte, and lawyer Maria Kristina Conti.

The show cause order was issued after the May 8 filing of petitions for the issuance of the writ of Habeas Corpus and Amparo by Francis and Relissa Lucena, the parents of AJ, against the respondents.

AJ, now 18 years old, was a minor two years ago when she was recruited by leftist youth organizations and had been missing since July 2019. In August 2019, AJ spoke in a press conference held by leftist lawmakers in Congress saying she voluntarily joined the CTGs.

“These CTGs cannot justify their recruitment of minors and child warriors which is a clear violation of international law. They cannot wash their hands of the brainwashing activities they do to mislead the youth towards communist terrorism,” Año said.

“Kayong CTGs ang limang dekada nang peste sa lipunan. Mas matindi pa kayo sa COVID-19. Pinapatay niyo ang kinabukasan ng kabataan at dinudurog ninyo ang puso ng mga magulang na nawawalan ng mga anak,” he said.

“You infect and contaminate our youth with your pretentious and false notion of nationalism. Kaya kayo hindi nagtatagumpay ay dahil hindi totoong para sa bayan ang inyong adhikain. Stop spreading the virus of communist terrorism,” he added.

The DILG Secretary emphasized, “As the country eases to a new normal against the COVID-19 pandemic, I urge the youth to maintain distancing, physically and online, from these leftist groups. Sanitize yourself of their polluted beliefs."

He said that the DILG, a member of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), lauds the Lucena couple for filing the petitions before the Supreme Court.

“The DILG, together with the Philippine National Police (PNP), supports the Lucena couple in their unceasing efforts to get back their daughter from the custody of CTGs. As the law says, the family, being the foundation of the nation, is a basic social institution which public policy cherishes and protects. To the Lucena couple, we are behind you in our common fight against the recruitment of minors by the communist terrorist groups,” he said.

The lawyer of the Lucena couple contends that AJ’s life, liberty, and security were violated when she was a minor and is aggravated by the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic because she has no proper support, has become an out-of-school youth, and has no gainful employment.

The suit also sought a court order directing and ordering the immediate transfer of AJ to the care and custody of her parents in compliance with the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, compelling everyone to stay at home with their families.

Año assured them that the DILG will help in getting AJ back to her parents in compliance with the law and Constitution which states that the natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character shall receive the support of the government. The Constitution also mandates the State to promote and protect the youth’s physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. (PIA NCR) 

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1043474

3 NPAs yield, wish to reunite with families in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 1, 2020): 3 NPAs yield, wish to reunite with families in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)



NEW LIFE. Lt. Col. Warren Munda (left), commander of the Army's 75th Infantry Battalion, welcomes the three communist New People’s Army members who surrendered on May 31, 2020 at the 75IB headquarters in Barangay Maharlika, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. The surrenderers say they regret joining the communist rebel movement and now simply want a peaceful life with their families. (Photo courtesy of 75thIB)

Three communist New People's Army (NPA) combatants surrendered over the weekend in Surigao del Sur to the Army's 75th Infantry Battalion, saying they wanted to live peacefully with their families.

Lt. Col. Warren Munda, 75IB commander, said Monday (June 1) the three NPA rebels belonged to Guerrilla Front (GF) 14 of the NPA's North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

Munda identified the three rebels as alias “Juan”, “Mario”, and “Fidel” who handed over an M16A1 rifle with M203 grenade launcher, one .30-caliber M2 Carbine rifle, an M1 Garand rifle, and three shotguns upon their surrender at the 75Ib headquarters in Bislig City on Sunday (May 31).

Munda is thankful for the three former rebels for deciding to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law.

“The government and the Philippine Army will never be tired in assisting and supporting our surrenderers as they start to live anew with their families,” Munda said.

He also urged Surigao del Sur residents "to unite and defeat the NPA to end the insurgency problem that has been hampering the development initiatives of the government for the people" in the province.

In a statement provided by the military, NPA surrenderer Juan said he regretted abandoning his family when he joined the communist armed rebellion three years ago.

“The three years I spent with the NPA was useless. I abandoned my family for this useless cause. In the end, I got nothing from the NPA movement especially from their leaders,” Juan said.

Juan also thanked the government and the 75IB for “freeing them from imprisonment to the false ideals of the communist movement”.

“Now we can reunite with our families and communities. It’s been more than three years since the last time we saw them,” he added in the dialect.

Munda said the Army is now working to enroll the three former rebels to the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

“They will receive immediate cash and livelihood assistance as well as remuneration for the surrendered firearms,” the Army official said.

He also cited the continuing support of the local government units (LGUs) and government line agencies to end the local communist armed conflict in Surigao del Sur.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104521

2 suspected NPA rebels die in extortion try shootout

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 1, 2020): 2 suspected NPA rebels die in extortion try shootout (By Noel Punzalan)



Google map of Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat.

Police killed in a shootout two alleged communist guerillas who were engaged in extortion activities in Senator Ninoy Aquino (SNA) town, Sultan Kudarat, Sunday morning.

Lt. Col. Lino Capellan, the spokesperson of the Police Regional Office -12, identified one of two slain suspects as Raminie Romo Sambilad, 26, of Barangay Langgal in the same municipality.

The identity of the other suspect has yet to be determined, he added.

Prior to the operation, an owner of a banana plantation informed the police about an alleged demand letter of the NPA Front 73 for a PHP150,000 revolutionary tax, Capellan said.

Police intelligence operatives immediately validated the report and asked for the cooperation of the farm owner for the conduct of an entrapment operation, he said.

“The plantation owner called the mobile phone number indicated on the letter and acted as if she agrees to the demand of a certain alias Gorio who is an alleged sub-leader of the NPA group,” the police official said, adding the SNA police immediately hatched an entrapment operation plan for the agreed meeting place in Sitio Tower of the village.

Capellan said at 10:30 a.m., the two suspects arrived in the area on board a motorcycle.

A female police agent acting as the plantation owner gave the bag purportedly carrying the money to the suspects. However, after the transaction, the suspects sensed the presence of police officers surrounding them and immediately pulled out their firearms and opened fire, triggering a shootout, Capellan said.

“As a result, the two suspects suffered gunshot wounds and were brought to the hospital but both were declared dead on arrival,” Capellan said.

Seized from the suspects were a hand grenade; a .38-caliber revolver, a 9-mm pistol, suspected dried marijuana leaves wrapped in a small plastic, two mobile phones, a motorcycle, and the two bundles of bogus money for P150,000 with two original PHP1,000 bills on top.

All the recovered items were brought to the SNA police for proper documentation.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104530

Pregnant NPA rebel meets mom 2 years after leaving home

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 1, 2020): Pregnant NPA rebel meets mom 2 years after leaving home (By Alexander Lopez)



REUNITED WITH MA. Wena (right), the 18-year-old pregnant former member of the communist New People’s Army who surrendered to the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion on May 16, is finally reunited with her mother Dina (names concealed for security reasons) on Sunday (May 31, 2020) at the headquarters of 23IB in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. Dina also called on her husband and son, both NPA fighters, to surrender and return to the fold of the law. (PNA photo by Alexander Lopez)

A pregnant New People’s Army (NPA) rebel who surrendered in the Agusan del Norte town of Buenavista was finally reunited with her mother on Sunday (May 31) at the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion headquarters based in the said town.

Alias "Wena", 18, together with another pregnant NPA alias “Apay”, 38, were rescued by the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion after residents in Sitio Cabalalahan informed the Army of their presence in Barangay Guinabsan, Buenavista, on May 16.

The two were left behind by their companions at the house of an alleged rebel supporter following the military operations against the rebels after the May 10, 2020 firefight that killed 15 NPA combatants.

“I thank Dina (name concealed for security reasons) for paying a visit to her daughter who is already four months pregnant. During this time, her daughter, who is only 18, needs utmost care from a mother,” Lt. Col. Francisco Molina, the commander of 23rd IB, told Philippine News Agency on Monday (June 1).

Molina said the 23IB arranged the reunification of Wena and her mother "whom she did not see for nearly two years since she joined the NPA movement".

In an interview with her daughter on Sunday, Dina said she was grateful her daughter is still alive despite the dangers she faced while with the rebels.

Dina, 51 said Wena, the seventh among her nine children, was recruited by the NPA when she was 16 while studying in Buenavista National High School.

“She was a working student and already in Grade 9 when she ran away together with a friend who was an NPA member. I want her to finish her schooling but I failed. She was lured by her friend to join the NPA,” Dina said.

She said that aside from Wena, two other members of her family were taken by the NPA, to include her husband and a son.

“I have not seen my husband and my son for three years now. I heard words that they were among those killed during the encounter last May 10. I already lost contact with them,” Dina said.

NPA destroys families
Dina said she experienced hardships raising her family without her husband.

“We first stayed in Sitio Bulak, Olave, Agusan del Norte but life was very difficult there considering the distance from the town center. A relative helped me transfer to Sitio Dalao-an where my family is allowed to farm inside a 20-hectare land. Now I am growing corn, cassava, and vegetables to sustain our daily needs,” Dina said.

She added that of her nine children, only three are left in her care as the others had already settled with their families in other provinces.

“It is hard to stand as family head without the support of a husband. I cannot understand why the NPA has to take husbands and children, even minors, to join their fight against the government,” Dina said.

She said she has long been aware of the presence of the NPA in their area and was also convinced by the rebels to join them.

“What will happen to my remaining children if I join them? They will die of hunger. I was resolved then, deep in my heart, not to join the NPA,” Dina said, adding that she tried to stop her husband from joining the NPA but failed.

“He was mad at me as I was trying to stop him and my son. He was very angry with me. So I just stopped convincing them. And then one day they left us,” Dina said.

She said she was even more heartbroken upon learning that Wena also joined the communist rebels.

“How I wish I have a complete family. It’s only in a dream as the NPA movement took them away from me. Now I do not know if they are still alive,” Dina said.

A mother's appeal

If given a chance to face the NPA, Dina said her appeal to them would be to stop recruiting the youth and help communities in preserving families.

“When my family members left to join the NPA movement, all I did was cry. There was nothing I could do,” Dina said.

She said the NPA leadership regularly spreads false promises in their community, "spreading lies" about the support they supposedly give to the families of their combatants.

“What support? They are lying. For more than three years that my husband and son, and lately my daughter were with them, not a single centavo reached our home from them. I have to exert efforts to do farm work and paid daily to earn money. I need to plant crops hoping for some harvest to earn some income. That’s the truth,” Dina said.

STOP THE RECRUITMENT. Dina (her name is concealed for security reasons) appeals to the communist New People's Army to stop recruiting minors and young people as she criticizes the rebels for destroying her own family. Dina is reunited with her daughter, a pregnant former member of the NPA, on Sunday (May 31) at the headquarters of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. (PNA photo by Alexander Lopez)

She said if her husband or son would call her in the coming days, she will again convince them to go home and surrender.

Dina also asked the youth to “think first and consider your families and future” and not be easily persuaded by the NPA recruitment.

She also expressed gratitude to the 23IB for taking care of her pregnant daughter.

“After giving birth, I want her to continue her studies. She told me about the difficulties she experienced while inside the NPA movement. I hope she already learned lessons,” Dina said.

In an interview on Monday, Molina renewed his call for families whose sons and daughters are still inside the NPA movement to convince them to abandon the NPA and return to their homes.

“The government is always ready to accept you, so as your families and communities. While you have still time, decide now to go back to the fold of the law,” Molina said.

He also made it clear that the Army will sustain its military operations against NPA combatants in the area.

“We are committed to perform our mandate as soldiers. We will pursue you as we continue to secure our communities from your terroristic activities. Surrender now before it is too late,” Molina said.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104541

2 NPA rebels arrested in Zamboanga del Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 1, 2020): 2 NPA rebels arrested in Zamboanga del Norte (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



ARRESTED. Two suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels were arrested in a law enforcement operation Saturday (May 30, 2020) in Barangay Delucot, Godod municipality, Zamboanga del Norte. The two allegedly belong to the NPA's Front Committee Feliciano A. (Photo courtesy of Police Regional Office-9)

Authorities arrested two suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in an intelligence-driven law enforcement operation in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Norte, a top police official said Monday.

Brig. Gen. Froilan Quidilla, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, identified the arrested NPA rebels as Jovi Sangcom, 24, and Joel Sandao, 38.

Quidilla said the two NPA rebels were arrested through a search warrant around 1:30 a.m. Saturday in Barangay Delucot, Godod town, Zamboanga del Norte.

Sangcom and Sandao belong to the NPA’s Front Committee Feliciano "A" and involved in gun-running and extortion activities in the municipalities that fall under the third congressional district of Zamboanga del Norte, he said.

The two rebels yielded a magnum .22-caliber and .38-caliber revolvers with ammunition.

Quidilla said the suspects were turned over to the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for documentation and proper disposition.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104531

13 more NPA rebels yield in South Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 1, 2020): 13 more NPA rebels yield in South Cotabato (By Richelyn Gubalani)



Lt. Col. Lino Capellan, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office-12. (File photo courtesy of PRO-12)

Thirteen more New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered along with several high-powered firearms over the weekend to authorities in South Cotabato province, a police official said Monday.

Lt. Col. Lino Capellan, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-12, said the rebels decided to yield on Saturday in Tantangan town, South Cotabato, and take part in the government’s reintegration program.

Capellan said the returnees initially signified their intention to surrender during an outreach activity last Friday conducted by the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) in Sitio El Naf, Barangay Dumadalig, Tantangan town.

Before the activity ended, he said a man approached one of the facilitators and introduced himself as alias “Ka Jimbo,” who claimed to be a member of an NPA unit in the area.

“He and his comrades reportedly wanted to voluntarily surrender due to the hardships that they were experiencing in the mountainous,” Capellan said in a statement.

The police officials said the group was part of an NPA unit under the Guerilla Front 73 that operates in the boundaries of Koronadal City and the municipalities of Banga, Norala, and Tantangan.

Capellan said the rebels' movements have reportedly become limited in the past months due to the internal security operations conducted by the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (SCPPO) in the area, he said.

Capellan said the group was aware of the TF-ELCAC’s activities and wanted to avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

They surrendered two firearms with magazines, a homemade 12-gauge shotgun with one magazine, a .357 magnum handgun, a homemade single-shot 12-gauge pistol, a homemade long barrel M16 rifle with a long magazine, a hand grenade, and several subversive documents.

He said the former rebels were brought to the Tantangan municipal police station to undergo debriefing and documentation, and will eventually be enrolled into the ECLIP for them to avail of financial and livelihood assistance.

The outreach activity in Tantangan, which was dubbed “Adopt a Poor Family,” was spearheaded by various units under the PRO-12 and SCPPO.

It was supported by the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency-Region 12.

During the activity, at least 150 families received food packs and participated in awareness activities on the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, gender issues, disaster response and safety, anti-illegal drugs, anti-illegal gambling, environmental protection, and cybercrime concerns.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104568

First Infantry Division recruits 3 nurses

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 1, 2020): First Infantry Division recruits 3 nurses (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



MILITARY NURSES. Three nurses take oath Monday (June 1, 2020) as they enlist into the military service in line with the recruitment program of the Philippine Army. Officials say the new recruits will be deployed as front-liners for the government's coronavirus disease 2019 response. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army 1st Infantry Division)

Three newly recruited nurses took their oath in the Army on Monday to serve the country and expressed readiness to be front-liners in the government's coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response, a top military official said Monday.

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, the Army's 1st Infantry Division commander, said the three were enlisted in line with the Philippine Army's recruitment program and the need of registered nurses in the organization.

They took their oath in a ceremony in Camp Cesar Sang-an that houses the Army’s 1st Infantry Division in the town of Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

Ponio, who administered the oath, said the new recruits were enlisted into the regular force to beef up the workforce of Camp Sang-an Station Hospital amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ponio said the nurses, whose names were withheld, will be ranked Privates as required in the special enlistment program of the Philippine Army.

As part of the acceptance of the unit, Ponio, together with Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan Jr., Assistant Division commander; and Col. Pompeyo Jason Almagro, Division Chief of Staff; pinned the unit patch, Tabak, to the three recruits.

“You are called to serve, reinforce, and strengthen the organization in its fight against the invisible enemy. Likewise, our support to the LGUs (local government units) who continuously serve the people who were affected by the pandemic is sustained,” Ponio said.

“Serve with courage, loyalty, and professionalism. Fight as a team, and together we can beat Covid-19,” he added.

He said the three newly enlisted privates will undergo military training upon the start of regular quota for candidate soldiers.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104559

Duterte appoints new PCG commandant

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 1, 2020): Duterte appoints new PCG commandant (By Azer Parrocha)



Newly-appointed Philippine Coast Guard Commandant George Ursabia Jr.

President Rodrigo Duterte has named Vice Admiral George Ursabia Jr. as new commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

“The Palace confirms that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed today, June 1, 2020, the appointment of Mr. George Villareal Ursabia, Jr. as commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque confirmed in a statement.

Roque expressed confidence that Ursabia’s appointment as 29th commandant “will bring the PCG closer to its vision of being a world-class guardian of the sea.”

“We wish the new commandant good luck as he begins to lead the PCG in this challenging time,” Roque said.

Prior to his appointment, Ursabia was commander of the PCG-Marine Environmental Protection Command and the Task Group Laban Covid-19 Water Cluster.

Ursabia, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1987, was one of the three senior flag officers recommended by Transport Secretary Art Tugade to assume the PCG’s top post. The two others are Vice Admiral Leopoldo Laroya and Rear Admiral Jose William Isaga.

Ursabia will replace Admiral Joel Garcia who formally vacated his post on Monday after 35 years of service.

Duterte appointed Garcia at the helm of PCG in October 2019.

During his term, Garcia implemented the Safety, Security, and Environmental Numbering (SSEN) System — a database of 232,205 registered vessels in various port areas and waterways across the country that allows the PCG to prevent the use of watercraft in maritime infractions such as piracy, terrorism, kidnap-for-ransom, and smuggling.

It was also under his leadership when the National Coast Watch Center partnered with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Bureau of Customs to protect the Philippine coastlines against illegal drug smuggling, transportation and transshipment.

Under Garcia’s leadership, manpower reached 17,000 at the end of May 2020, contributing more than 50 percent or 9,500 personnel his tenure.

Garcia has also been on top of the isolation of returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) amid the prevailing coronavirus disease (Covid-19) health crisis.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104573

AFP ready for troop re-deployment amid easing of quarantine rules

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 1, 2020): AFP ready for troop re-deployment amid easing of quarantine rules (By Priam Nepomuceno)



AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo. (File photo)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is ready to re-deploy its personnel following the easing of quarantine restrictions in Metro Manila and some parts of the country which took effect on Monday.

"We are prepared to deploy our personnel in relation to the changes in the local quarantine status," said AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, in a message to reporters.

He added that these deployments will be done together with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and in coordination with the local government units.

"No changes yet, but we will make adjustments in the distribution of AFP personnel as may be necessary based on the developments starting today (Monday), Arevalo said.

Aside from Metro Manila, Davao City, the regions of Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon and the provinces of Albay and Pangasinan shifted to a general community quarantine (GCQ) to facilitate the gradual reopening of the economy, from the stringent two-month enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Meanwhile, Arevalo said they are ready to provide military vehicles to assist commuters affected by limited mass transport operations.

"The dispatch (of military vehicles), however, is based on the (advice) of MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority). They determine the location where there is a need to send our vehicles. This will also ensure that we do not add up to the traffic congestion in some areas," he added.

On Monday, the AFP has dispatched six vehicles in Batasan and Philcoa area in Quezon City and 11 vehicles in other areas determined by the MMDA.

"AFP chief, Gen. Filemon Santos Jr. commits to continue to provide commuter assistance in coordination with MMDA to alleviate the concerns of the riding public who might have encountered difficulties on the first day of GCQ in the NCR (National Capital Region). These are over and above the buses we have been providing for Health Workers since Day 1 of the lockdown to date," Arevalo said.

He added that 48 military vehicles are on standby and are ready for dispatch in areas to be determined by the MMDA.

GCQ start peaceful

Meanwhile, PNP chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa, said the first day of GCQ in Metro Manila and the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) in the rest of the country was generally peaceful and orderly.

This is based on field reports gathered by the PNP Command Center from police regional offices indicating generally peaceful peace and order situation nationwide.

Except for reports of stranded commuters due to inadequate public transportation, no other significant reports of major untoward incidents were recorded since the opening hours of June 1.

Gamboa has assured the high state of readiness of the PNP to extend maximum assistance to provide safety and security to all workers who will report back to work in the succeeding days. He also reminded the public that checkpoints, curfew, travel restrictions, strict enforcement of physical distancing, and minimum health standards will remain enforced in all areas under GCQ and MGCQ.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104592

Duterte certifies anti-terror bill as urgent

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 1, 2020): Duterte certifies anti-terror bill as urgent (By Azer Parrocha)



President Rodrigo R. Duterte (File photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte has certified as urgent a bill that will give the country’s anti-terrorism law more teeth.

Duterte, in a letter to House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday, certified House Bill 6875, as urgent to allow the lower house to expedite the legislative process.

He called for the immediate passage of the bill “to address the urgent need to strengthen the law on anti-terrorism in order to adequately and effectively contain the menace of terrorist acts for the preservation of national security and the promotion of general welfare.”

In a virtual presser on Monday, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana urged Congress to pass the bill before it goes on a recess this week.

"It is certified urgent bill para matapos ito bago mag-recess iyong Congress ngayong June 5 (so that it could be finished before the Congress goes on a recess this June 5)," Lorenzana said

Lorenzana also defended the bill from critics claiming it was an attack on freedom of speech or an avenue for red-tagging.

“Wala namang basehan iyong kanilang mga opposition dahil binasa ko iyong panukalang batas — nandito sa akin ngayon — iyon namang karapatan ng mga tao ay may sapat na provisions (Those who oppose the bill have no basis, the rights of the people are ensured under its provisions),” he said.

He also assured that law enforcement officials who abuse their powers would be penalized.

“Iyong mga law enforcement agencies ay may sapat ding kaparusahan sa mga nag-aabuso. So dapat walang ipangamba ang ating mga kababayan (Law enforcement agencies will also be punished if they commit abuses. So our citizens should not be worried),” he said.

In February, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1038 or proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 on third and final reading.

Two committees at the House of Representatives approved their version of the measure, which is similar to the Senate version on Friday (May 29).

Under the bill, persons who voluntarily and knowingly join any organization, association, or group of persons knowing that such is a terrorist organization, shall suffer imprisonment of 12 years.

Suspected persons can be detained for 14 days without a warrant of arrest with an allowable 10-day extension.

A 60-day surveillance on suspected terrorists can also be conducted by the police or the military, with an allowable 30-day extension.

The use of videoconferencing for the accused and witnesses will also be allowed under the measure.

To allay concerns of abuse, the Commission on Human Rights will be notified in case of detention of a suspected terrorist.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104615