DND seeks additional P28 billion budget to fund unpaid military pensions

From Rappler (Sep 1, 2021): DND seeks additional P28 billion budget to fund unpaid military pensions (By JAIRO BOLLEDO)

The P28 billion is on top of the DND’s P297 billion proposed budget for 2022

The Department of National Defense (DND) asked for an additional P28 billion budget to fund its unpaid military pensions from 2000 to 2019.

During the hearing of the House committee on appropriations on Wednesday, September 1, for the DND’s proposed budget, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said a total of P28,820,467,000 was needed to fund the pensions left unpaid for almost two decades.

Under the DND’s proposed budget, P20,361,052,000 will fund the remaining pension differentials for 2018, while P4,734,089,000 will be used to pay pension arrearages and differentials from 2000 to 2013.

An amount of P2,853,011,000 will go to the lump sum differential of military pensions for 2018 to 2019. Meanwhile, P606,501,000 will be used to finance the unfunded prior year and posthumous claims of military personnel. Another P265,814,000 is also needed for the prior year claims item.

This P28 billion is different from the DND’s proposed P75 billion budget for the Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel’s pension under the department’s total proposed budget of P297 billion.

Why this matters

As the country battles the pandemic with over two million confirmed COVID-19 cases and more than 33,000 deaths, the Duterte government has been hard up in cash to finance the unpaid pensions of the military personnel.

In June, the country’s economic managers urged Congress to pass reforms in the pension of the military and uniformed personnel (MUP). According to the managers, Congress must pass a more sustainable version of the MUP pension reform bill to avoid fiscal fallout in the coming years.

Under the P405.6-billion Bayanihan 3 bill, which seeks to provide financial assistance to the Filipinos mired in the persistent the pandemic, lawmakers had allotted P50 billion to pay the unpaid pensions of military and other uniformed personnel.

According to Marikina 2nd District Representative Stella Quimbo, one of the co-authors of the bill, the bill only seeks to restore the budget allotted for the pension that was cut during the 2020 budget deliberations. The Bayanihan 3 bill has already hurdled the House, but the Senate version has yet to be passed.

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Without reforms, over P800-B needed annually to fund pension of soldiers, cops for 20 years

With the present scheme where the military and police don’t pay for their pension, the Government Service Insurance System warned that the Philippines would need to allocate P848.39 billion every year for the next 20 years to pay the pension of these MUPs.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/department-national-defense-seeks-additional-budget-fund-unpaid-military-pensions-2022

WATCH: PH, US Coast Guard hold joint maritime exercise in Zambales

From Rappler (Sep 1, 2021): WATCH: PH, US Coast Guard hold joint maritime exercise in Zambales (By JAIRO BOLLEDO)

The exercise is both beneficial for the country’s ties with the US as well as the PCG’s capabilities in responding to local threats, says Philippine Coast Guard chief George Ursabia Jr

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the United States Coast Guard held a joint maritime exercise in waters near Subic, Zambales on Tuesday, August 31.

PCG ships under the Task Force Pagsasanay unit, namely BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407), BRP Capones (MRRV-4404), and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel BRP Lapu-Lapu (MMOV-5001), represented the Philippines.

Meanwhile, the US Coast Guard sent Cutter Munro (WMSL 755) and an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Scan Eagle. The joint exercise focused on vessel communication, multi-vessel maneuvering, and emergency response operations.

According to PCG commandant Admiral George Ursabia Jr., the joint exercise is both beneficial for the country’s ties with the US, as well as for the PCG’s capabilities in responding to local threats.

"The success of the joint maritime exercise between the PCG and USCG will not only strengthen international partnerships for immediate response to calamities and disasters but will also ensure that our personnel could effectively perform their mandated functions in countering terrorism and other acts of lawlessness in our country’s waters,” Ursabia said.

Although the Philippines has yet to launch joint maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea with foreign allies, its maritime exercise with long-time allies like the US continues especially after the recalling of the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement. In August, the PCG, along with other maritime agencies, trained under the US Coast Guard.

Filipino maritime agencies patrolling West Philippine Sea train under US Coast Guard

The continuous enhancement of the PCG’s maritime capabilities is essential to the country’s maritime security because the PCG leads the maritime patrols in Philippine waters at the height of Chinese threats.

The PCG regularly confronts Chinese vessels. In July, a PCG ship challenged and warded off a Chinese Navy ship in Marie Louise Bank near El Nido, Palawan in the West Philippine Sea.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/video-philippines-united-states-coast-guard-joint-maritime-exercise-zambales

Gunmen attack army post in Lamitan City, 1 killed

From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 1, 2021): Gunmen attack army post in Lamitan City, 1 killed

Three gunmen exploded an improvised bomb and shot two soldiers manning an army outpost, killing one of them in a daring broad daylight attack in Lamitan City in the southern Philippine province of Basilan, officials announced Wednesday.

Photos released by the Western Mindanao Command show the army outpost attacked by three gunmen in Lamitan City on Wednesday, August 30, 2021. The assault left two casualties.

The assault also wounded the other soldier and was airlifted to hospital in Zamboanga City, according to Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, chief of the Western Mindanao Command.

The attack occurred at around 8.50 a.m. on Tuesday, but the military only reported this before midnight the same day for a still unknown reason.

Ponio said the casualties are members of the 68th Infantry Battalion, adding the attackers also carted away the soldiers’ automatic rifle and escaped on a motorcycle. “Based on the initial investigation, three unidentified suspects on board a black Honda XRM were seen in the area when the explosion transpired,” he said.

Ponio, who condemned the attack, ordered troops to track down the gunmen. “Troops continue to exhaust all efforts to assist the police in the conduct of investigation and pursuit operations. We will continue to intensify our efforts to identify and neutralize the perpetrators and prevent the recurrence of similar incidents,” he said.

No individual or groups claimed responsibility for the attack, but the pro-ISIS group Abu Sayyaf is operating in Basilan, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region. The terrorist group is largely blamed by the military for the spate of attacks in the province and other areas in the South.

In May, soldiers killed three Abu Sayyaf gunmen in a firefight in Basilan’s Sumisip town, about 65 kms from Lamitan City.

And last month, the SITE Intelligence Group reported that an Abu Sayyaf-linked account has called for new fighters and provided guidelines for aspiring jihadists and promoting the pursuit of “martyrdom.”

A screenshot of the account also shows this warning “As long as we are alive, kuffar is our enemy.” Kuffar or Kafir is an Arabic term which refers to a person who disbelieves in God or denies the authority of God. It is often translated as infidel, unbeliever, nonbeliever or pagan.

The report, released August 12, is only accessible to subscribers of the SITE Intelligence Group, an American non-governmental organization that tracks online activity of white supremacist and jihadist organizations. It was previously known as the Search for International Terrorist Entities Institute.

Filipino authorities could not confirm the report, but the SITE Intelligence Group has previously reported ISIS attacks in the Philippines and among them were the twin suicide bombings of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Sulu province in January 2019 that killed and wounded dozens of soldiers and civilians. And the suicide attack of a Moroccan ISIS soldier Abu Katheer al Maghribi in Lamitan City in July 2018 that killed at least a dozen soldiers manning a roadblock. (Mindanao Examiner)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2021/09/gunmen-attack-army-post-in-lamitan-city.html

6 FRs receive cash aid from AgSur LGU

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 31, 2021): 6 FRs receive cash aid from AgSur LGU (By 2Lt Jerica Alyanna Franz Dacanay)

SAN LUIS, Agusan del Sur – Six former rebels (FRs) of San Luis, Agusan del Sur received cash assistance amounting to P25,000.00 from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Luis on August 23, 2021.

Municipal Mayor Phoebe Corvera released the cash assistance as part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits, which is a government program that aims to help the rebel members of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and Militia ng Bayan to restore their allegiance to the Philippine government.

Alias ‘Trexie’ is a regular member of the NPA and a platoon medic for one year; alias ‘Simply’, ‘Shark’ and ‘Jemuel’ are also active members of the NPA for two years. They all belong to the dismantled Guerilla Front (GF) 88; while alias ‘Lance’ and alias ‘Criss’, both members of Compaq, all of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), who had finally realized their futile struggle and made up their minds to surrender last October 23, 2020, all are hoping to have a renewed life together with their families.

Alias ‘Trexie’ expressed her gratitude to the government for the humane treatment they received which they didn't actually expect. “Wala namo damha nga bisan sa among pagka rebelde tabangan kami sa gobyerno. Gikapoy na mi sa bukid, walay pulos ang among mga pakigbisog. Gilimbongan lang kami sa among komander. Nag surrender mi tungod kay ang saad sa NPA nga maayong kinabuhi nahulog ra sa pag-antos ug kahadlok. Nagpasalamat kami sa gobyerno sa pagdawat pag-usab ug pagtabang kanamo (We were not expecting that despite being an NPA members, the government would still accept us and provide us the necessary assistance. We got tired fighting for a senseless cause. Our commander betrayed and exploited us. We finally decided to surrender because we have been suffering for years),” she said.

Through this government program, the local government agencies are working hand in hand in serving various initiatives to help sustain the needs of the former rebels for them to be reintegrated back to the community, be with their families, and start over with their new lives, especially in this pandemic crisis.

Lt.Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, Commanding Officer of 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion, encouraged all other rebels in the province of AgSur to surrender. "I am greatly encouraging those who are still in the ranks of CPP-NPA movement to peacefully lay down their arms and stop this useless armed struggle, return to the mainstream society and contribute as good citizens for the prosperity of the community as well as the whole province of Agusan del Sur," he said.

“We sympathized with those NPA members who have realized the deception in their organization, that is why our door is open to those who are willing to go back to the fold of the law. We are offering them a way out. But if they continue to resist, then, they will cause their own senseless miseries. Surrender now, your family is waiting for you," added Goce. (2Lt Jerica Alyanna Franz Dacanay, CMO officer, 26IB, PA/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/press-releases/2021/08/31/6-frs-receive-cash-aid-from-agsur-lgu

NPA rebels flee during clash with military

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 1, 2021): NPA rebels flee during clash with military (By PA 2ID DPAO)

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal --1st Infantry Battalion under the 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, and Platun Laguna-Quezon, Main Regional Guerilla Unit of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee of the Communist NPA rebels clashed in the morning of August 29, 2021, in Barangay Llavac in Real, Quezon brought about by the tip from a concerned civilian.

The military received information from a walk-in informant regarding the presence of the rebels threatening and collecting food by force from the residents of the said barangay. With the information at hand, the troops of 1st IB planned and immediately launched operations to stop the rebels from the fuss and fear they are causing the populace. With the perfect execution of their plan, the government forces were able to catch up with the rebels, and a firefight ensued between the two opposing forces in Sitio Lalawinan of the said barangay, where the rebels fled in different directions after 10 minutes of the clash.

In a clash with NPA rebels Aug 29 in Real, Quezon, the military recovered war materials that include one M16 rifle, one 9mm pistol, and one Anti-Personnel landmine. (Photo: PA 2ID DPAO)

Photo: PA 2ID DPAO

The fleeing rebels suffered significant casualties in their rank and evidenced by bloodstains in their occupied position to include war materials recovered by the military. The materials recovered include one M16 rifle, one 9mm pistol, and one Anti-Personnel landmine.

Major General Rowen S Tolentino the commander of the 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army expressed his gratitude to the informant and urged the other residents to cooperate in the same manner to hasten the defeat of the communist rebels. "Sa taong nagbigay po ng impormasiyon, nagpapasalamat po ako sa inyo ng lubos. Sa iba po nating mga kababayan, humihingi po kami sa inyo ng tulong para tuluyan na nating masugpo ang mga teroristang NPA. Ang laban pong ito'y hindi lamang ng inyong kasundaluhan kundi laban po ng buong sambayanang Pilipino".

The fight against the communist insurgents is now nearing its end. The people are now starting to give information and cooperating with the government forces. The NPA's movement is now being limited and constricted. It is now only a matter of time before their eventual defeat and collapse.

https://pia.gov.ph/press-releases/2021/08/31/npa-rebels-flee-during-clash-with-military

Communist's front organizations peddle fake news, alarms general public

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 1, 2021): Communist's front organizations peddle fake news, alarms general public (By PA 2ID DPAO)

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – KABATAAN PARTYLIST, and KARAPATAN-Timog Katagalugan both posted fake news on their social media accounts regarding an arrest made on eight indigenous people farmers from Barangay Puray and the presence of 30 soldiers and policemen in 1K2, Kasiglahan Village, Barangay San Jose both of Rodriguez, Rizal, on August 15, 2021.

According to the post, the eight IP farmers were arrested after having been attacked by more or less 30 armed men of the Police Regional Office 4A. Whilst KARAPATAN-Timog Katagalugan further averred that at around 2:45 PM of the same day, around 30 combined soldiers and policemen were seen at 1K2, Kasiglahan Village, Rodriguez, Rizal.

But when proper coordination was made with Police Regional Office 4A, Rizal Provincial Police Office, and 80th Infantry Battalion the police and military units that have area jurisdiction over Rodriguez, Rizal, it was found out that no military or police operation was conducted on the said places, date and time.

To provide the general public with accurate information, coordination and verification were also made with the barangay officials of Barangay Puray and Barangay San Jose to establish the truth if there was any on the post of the two organizations. The two local government units issued certifications concerning the matter.

The certification made by Barangay Puray stated that the reports made by KABATAAN PARTYLIST and KARAPATAN-Timog Katagalugan about the arrest of IP farmers were false and that no such incident has transpired in their barangay, while Barangay San Jose's certification stated that there was no truth in the presence of 30 armed soldiers and policemen at 1K2, Kasiglahan Village, Barangay San Jose of Rodriguez as claimed by Karapatan-Timog Katagalugan.]

The official statement from the local government units of the two barangays proved that the news alerts made were fake and has maliciously alarmed the general public. Seemingly, the posts of the said organizations were designed to malign the Duterte administration and the government forces.

Major General Rowen S Tolentino, the commander of the 2nd Infantry Division called on the people saying; "Let us not be fooled by these people and organizations under the CPP/NPA/NDF. They will only mislead and agitate us for the wrong reasons. Instead let us work with, and support our government for a better Philippines".

For more than five decades now, the CPP/NPA/NDF and their front organizations have continuously been sowing lies and fear to the hearts and minds of our countrymen. What happened now is but just another testament to their deceitful schemes.

https://pia.gov.ph/press-releases/2021/09/01/communists-front-organizations-peddle-fake-news-alarms-general-public

NPA mass base supporters surrender

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 1, 2021): NPA mass base supporters surrender (By PA 2ID DPAO)

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal --About 46 New People's Army mass base supporters surrendered on the afternoon of August 26, 2021, through the joint localized peace engagement efforts of 80th Infantry Battalion, Task Force Ugnay, and the local government unit of Barangay Lumutan, General Nakar, Quezon.

The 46 NPA supporters accompanied by Honorable Meguiling V. Dela Cruz, a Kagawad of the aforementioned barangay, went to the headquarters of the 80th Infantry Battalion, in Barangay Pinugay, Baras, Rizal, at around 3:00 p.m., of the said date to withdraw their support from the communist terrorist group and clear their names.

According to Honorable Urlando Surbano, the Barangay Chairman and concurrent Chairperson of the Barangay Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict of Barangay Lumutan, the 46 personalities were part of a large CPP/NPA mass base supporter that went to their barangay, and provided testimonies on their involvement with the armed group, particularly with Komite Larangang Gerilya NARCISO, Sub-Regional Military Area 4A of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee.

In photo, the 46 NPA mass base supporters undergo psycho-social rehabilitation, profiling, and validation, as well as deradicalization process facilitated by the 80th IB. (Photo: PA 2ID PDAO)

Upon their surrender, 80th IB facilitated the psycho-social rehabilitation, profiling, and validation, as well as the deradicalization process of the surrenderees. Coordination’s was also made with the local chapter of the National Commission on Indigenous People, the regional down to the barangay level Task Force ELCAC, and other government agencies for the processing of the 46 personalities.

Major General Rowen S Tolentino commander of the 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army lauded the barangay officials; and welcomed the 46 personalities saying. "To the barangay officials of Barangay Lumutan, please accept my gratitude as I congratulate all of you for a job well done. While to our 46 brethren, we welcome you back again to our Filipino family. What you've done is a big step towards the attainment of peace. I thank you for trusting our government and your Philippine Army".

The recent developments in the communities were brought about by the efforts of the ELCAC task forces, from the regional down to the barangay level that became institutionalized through Executive Order number 70. It can be recalled that no less than His Excellency President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed the said executive order on December 4, 2018, aimed at ending the communist insurgency in the country.

https://pia.gov.ph/press-releases/2021/09/01/npa-mass-base-supporters-surrender

Mataas na kalibre ng baril, granada at bala ng mortar ng CTG, boluntaryong isinuko sa magkahiwalay na operasyon sa San Mariano, Isabela

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 1, 2021): Mataas na kalibre ng baril, granada at bala ng mortar ng CTG, boluntaryong isinuko sa magkahiwalay na operasyon sa San Mariano, Isabela (By 98th Infantry Battalion)



CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela - - Sa magkahiwalay na operasyon ng mga kasundaluhan ng 98th Infantry (MASINAG) Battalion sa Barangay Disulap, San Mariano, Isabela ay matagumpay na narekober ang limang pirasong granada at isang bala ng 60mm mortar.

Boluntaryong sumuko rin ang isang miyembro ng Yunit Milisyang Bayan kasabay nito ang pagturo ng kinaroroonan ng nakatagong mataas na kalibre ng baril isang M653 Rifle nito lamang ika-30 ng Agusto taong kasalukuyan sa Sitio Diwagden, Barangay Disulap, sa parehong bayan na nasa kustodiya ni Alyas Roderick, 65 taong gulang, na ilang taon na ring naging tagasuporta ng mga Komunistang Teroristang Grupo sa nasabing bayan.

Ayon kay Alyas Roderick, ang nasabing mga granada at bala ay pinatago umano ng mga Komunistang Teroristang Grupo taong 2019 upang gamitin laban sa mga kasundaluhan na papasok sa kanilang lugar at gawing primary compenent para sa pag gawa ng Improvised Explosive Device o IED kapag papasok ang mga tropa ng militar o kapulisan.

Ngunit dahil sa takot at pangamba, naisipan niyang isuko na lamang ito sa mga kasundaluhan at tuluyan ng magbalik-loob sa pamahalaan dahil wala namang naidudulot na maganda ang pagsuporta nito sa kabilang grupo.

“Bilang isang mamamayan, gampanin ko ang pangalagaan ang kapakanan ng aking mga ka-barangay, kaya’t ito na ang pinakamagandang magagawa ko, ang tumalikod at itigil na ang pagsuporta sa armadong grupo at tuluyan nang magbalik-loob sa pamahalaan” aniya.

Sa kabilang dako naman, sa pamamagitan ng puspusan at patuloy na pagpapatupad ng EO #70 o End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) ng mga kasundaluhan ng 98th Infantry (Masinag) Battalion, 95th Infantry (Salaknib) Battalion, 52nd MICO, kasama ang PNP San Mariano ay nagresulta sa matagumpay na pagtalikod at boluntaryong pagbabalik - loob ng isang armadong miyembro ng Yunit Milisya na si Alyas FED, 26 taong gulang sa Sitio Nursery, Barangay Disulap, San Mariano Isabela noong ika-31 ng Agosto taong kasalukuyan sa pamunuan ng 98th Infantry (MASINAG) Battalion.

Dahil sa salaysay at impormasyon na ibinigay ni Alyas FED kasama ang dating kasamahan na sumuko na si @JIM, sa araw ding iyon ay natuntun ng mga kasundaluhan ng 98th IB ang kinaroroonan at pinagbaunan ng isang mataas na kalibre ng baril (M653 Rifle) na may serial number na 167837.

Ayon sa dating taga suporta at sa sumukong miyembro ng Yunit Milisya ng Komunistang Teroristang Grupo ay lubos ang kanilang pagsisisi sa kanilang ginawang pagsuporta at pag-anib sapagkat wala itong naidudulot na maganda lalo na sa kanilang pamumuhay bagkos nagdulot lamang ito ng matinding bagabag at suliranin sa kanila, kaya nagpasya silang magbalik loob sa pamahalaan dahil gusto na nilang mamuhay ng tahimik at payapa kapiling ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay.

Samantala, ikinagalak at pinuri naman ni Lieutenant Colonel Abraham M Gallangi JR INF (GSC) PA, commanding officer ng 98th IB ang naging desisyon ng dating tagasuporta at dating miyembro ng Yunit Milisya ng Teroristang Grupo sa kanilang pakikipagtulungan at tuluyang pag-iwan at pagtalikod sa armadong pakikibaka.

“Ang pagbabalik-loob ng mga nasabing miyembro sa ating pamahalaan ay isang malaking indikasyon na namulat na ang mga kababayan natin sa mga kasinungalingan, panloloko at maling ideolohiya ng mga Komunistang Teroristang Grupo at patunay na humihina na ang kanilang pwersa dahil sa sunud-sunod na pagbabalik-loob ng mga miyembro nito”.

Maliban dito, patuloy ang panawagan ng 98IB sa pamumuno ni Lieutenant Colonel Gallangi Jr sa mga natitirang kasapi ng komunistang grupo na magbalik-loob na at huwag nang hayaang mawasak o masira ng maling ideolohiya ang kanilang buhay,

“Kami ay patuloy na nanawagan sa mga natitira pang kasapi ng makakaliwang grupo na huwag matakot na bumaba at yakapin ang tunay na kapayapaan sa pamamagitan ng programa ng pamahalaan na Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program o E-CLIP, laging bukas ang himpilan ng 98th IB upang kayo ay tulungang magbagong buhay kasama ang inyong mga mahal sa buhay," sinabi pa ni Lt. Col Gallangi Jr. (Ulat mula sa 98th Infantry Battalion)

https://pia.gov.ph/press-releases/2021/09/01/mataas-na-kalibre-ng-baril-granada-at-bala-ng-mortar-ng-ctg-boluntaryong-isinuko-sa-magkahiwalay-na-operasyon-sa-san-mariano-isabela

N. Samar residents slam NPA over brutal slay of militiamen

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 1, 2021): N. Samar residents slam NPA over brutal slay of militiamen (By Sarwell Meniano)

NPA DENOUNCED. Some of the 300 residents of San Isidro, Northern Samar who joined the funeral procession for the two militiamen brutally killed by rebels in this Aug. 31, 2021 photo. The funeral turned out to be a protest denouncing the communist terrorist group. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

At least 300 residents of San Isidro, Northern Samar joined a protest on Tuesday during the funeral of two militiamen who were killed by the New People's Army (NPA) on Aug. 21.

During the funeral of the two members of the Civilian Armed Force Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary (CAA), mourners carry placards condemning the atrocities of the NPA.

The remains of the two militiamen were laid to rest at the San Isidro public cemetery.

“These voices against the communist NPA terrorists are the true sentiments that the people of San Isidro, Northern Samar have long endured. Let’s hear the people speak out what’s in their hearts and minds freely,” said Lt. Col. Manuel Degay, Jr., commander of the Army’s 43rd Infantry Battalion, in a statement issued Tuesday night.

The placards' messages called for the NPA to leave their town, justice for the murdered CAAs, end to terrorism, and stop to the terror group’s deceptive recruitment.

On Aug. 21, NPA terrorists flagged down and brutally shot unarmed militiamen Lito Dauba and Arcito Reyes at Happy Valley village, San Isidro, Northern Samar.

The two were on their way to join a Community Support Program (CSP) activity conducting development social works for the villagers. CSP is the Philippine Army's people-centered program to bring peace and development in conflict-affected barangays.

The Army described the killing as “mercilessly executed by fully-armed terrorists who shot them at close range using high-powered firearms”.

The Northern Samar provincial government and the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELAC) have condemned the brutal killing.

San Isidro town has been the place of recent clashes between the military and rebels in Northern Samar as the government intensifies its effort to dismantle the communist terrorist group.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1152201

1 of 2 soldiers hurt in Basilan explosion dies

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 1, 2021): 1 of 2 soldiers hurt in Basilan explosion dies (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

One of the two soldiers injured in an checkpoint explosion in Lamitan, Basilan died while in transit to a military hospital in this city, a top military official said Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, 101st Infantry Brigade commander, said Cpl. Cyrus Bunda was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician at Camp Navarro General Hospital (CNGH) of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

Gobway said Bunda and his companion Private Arny Vember Basco, both assigned with the 68th Infantry Battalion, were airlifted around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday from a hospital in Lamitan City, Basilan to CNGH for treatment.

Basco was later transferred from CNGH to the government-run Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) for further medical treatment.

Bunda and Basco were injured when an improvised bomb exploded around 8:50 a.m. Tuesday while they were on checkpoint duty in Barangay Campo Uno, Lamitan City.

Three unidentified persons aboard a motorcycle appeared and one of them repeatedly shot Basco with a caliber .45 pistol and carted away the R4A3 rifle with M-203 attached of Bunda, who fell unconscious due to the explosion.

The suspects sped towards Barangay Cabobo, Lamitan City.

Troops are assisting the police in the investigation and pursuit operations.

“We will continue to intensify our efforts to identify and neutralize the perpetrators and prevent the recurrence of similar incidents,” said Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, acting Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1152255

Over 131K AFP personnel get first Covid-19 jabs

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 31, 2021): Over 131K AFP personnel get first Covid-19 jabs (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Around 131,036 personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have been provided with the first dose of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines as of August 30.

AFP public affairs office chief Navy Capt. Jonathan Zata on Tuesday said some 55,527 were already finished with their second dose of the vaccine.

Vaccines utilized by the AFP in its inoculation program are Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, Pfizer, Janssen, and Moderna.

"A total of 16,526 (Covid-19) cases were recorded in the AFP of which 1,327 are active," he noted.

As of August 30, Zata said the AFP has posted 14,657 recoveries and 31 fatalities.

Also, there are 487 suspected and 201 probable cases still quarantined at different AFP military treatment and emergency quarantine facilities and at home.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1152120

PCG acquires new equipment for ZamBaSulTa region

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 1, 2021): PCG acquires new equipment for ZamBaSulTa region (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

Maritime law enforcement and security in the Sulu and the Celebes Sea has been given a boost after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officially handed over new equipment to the PCG districts watching over the region.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the PCG said a total of 40 quick response (QR) code scanners and seven rugged laptops were handed over in a ceremony witnessed by the PCG leadership and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The PCG said one thermal camera will also arrive in October for ZamBaSulTa region composed of Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces.

“The Coast Guard District South Western Mindanao and Coast Guard District Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will utilize the donated equipment as the Districts responsible for safeguarding the ZamBaSulTa region,” the PCG said.

The donated equipment, it said, will “significantly improve” the implementation of the Safety, Security, and Environmental Numbering (SSEN) by providing special identification to each boat, increasing resistance to duplication or tampering, easily detecting illegal boats, and automating the process of accessing boat information.

The ceremony was led by PCG Commandant Admiral George Ursabia Jr. through a virtual handover ceremony entitled “Virtual Handover Ceremony of Security Enhancement Equipment.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1152164

BRP Gregorio Del Pilar repairs completed this Sept: PH Navy

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 1, 2021): BRP Gregorio Del Pilar repairs completed this Sept: PH Navy (By Priam Nepomuceno)

BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy)

Repairs on the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, which was damaged after a grounding incident in 2018, are expected to be completed this month, a Philippine Navy (PN) official said Tuesday night.

"The drydocking and other related repairs of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PS-15) are expected to be completed later in the month of September," PN spokesperson, Commander Benjo Negranza, said in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) when asked for updates on the ship.

One of the ship's two variable pitch propellers was damaged, along with its propeller hub, after its grounding off Hasa-Hasa Shoal in August 2018.

"It will be undocked upon completion of the installation of underwater machinery, which is now ongoing. All other outstanding repairs will be done when PS-15 is back on the water," Negranza added.

The PN earlier said difficulties in procuring parts and the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic have moved the completion of the repairs of the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar to the later part of 2021.

As this developed, the BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), the sister ship of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), is now mission-ready after its maintenance and repair period.

"After more than a year of taking a break from operational demands in order to pay attention to its maintenance and repair requirements, BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17) is finally back and out at sea again," a post on the ship's Facebook page said Tuesday night.

In the same post, it was learned the BRP Andres Bonifacio completed its drydocking and other related repairs (DDORR) in Subic, Zambales on July 31 and the maintenance availability program from August 1 to 16.

"Relatedly, PS-17 successfully conducted its sea trial and 30-hour endurance run activities, which paved the way to upgrade its operational status to 'mission-ready' on 25 August 2021. The deliberate implementation of PS17's DDORR program is vital to ensure the highest level of equipment reliability in order to sustain maximum operational readiness, safety, and ship survivability," it added.

The BRP Andres Bonifacio received minor capability upgrades, such as the replenishment-at-sea capability, and the installation of a Mark 38 25-mm. gun system, new gun mounts, and additional tertiary guns.

These upgrades are in line with the Philippine Fleet's to improve the ship's readiness and capabilities.

"In no time, the ship will be once again patrolling our territorial waters, EEZ (exclusive economic zone), and other maritime areas of interest in support to the missions and objectives of the Offshore Combat Force, Philippine Fleet, Naval Operating Forces, and the PN in general," it added.

The BRP Andres Bonifacio arrived in the Philippines on Dec. 9, 2016.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1152203

House panel OKs bill on free legal aid to soldiers, cops

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 1, 2021): House panel OKs bill on free legal aid to soldiers, cops (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)

PNA file photo

A measure that would provide free legal assistance to policemen and soldiers, which is a priority legislation of President Rodrigo Duterte in his final State of the Nation Address, hurdled committee level at the House of Representatives.

In a virtual meeting on Wednesday, the House Committee on Justice, Committee on National Defense and Security, and Committee on Public Order and Safety jointly approved the substitute bill providing free legal assistance to any officer or enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on any charge arising from incidents related to the performance of their official duty.

Iloilo Rep. Raul Tupas, chair of the House Committee on National Defense and Security, said the country’s men in uniform “sacrifice their lives to keep the peace and improve our way of life”, stressing that they should be assisted from the unnecessary laws, damage or injury arising from the lawful exercise of their functions.

Masbate Rep. Narciso Bravo Jr., chair of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, said free legal assistance is a just and reasonable benefit when measured against the "daily risks to life and limb" being faced by men in uniform just to keep the country safe.

The bill states that the State would provide free legal assistance to officers and enlisted personnel of the above mentioned services in all stages of criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings arising from service-related incidents.

It refers to service-related incident as “any act or omission of officers or enlisted personnel of the AFP, PNP, BJMP, BFP and PCG that is the consequence of the discharge of official functions or the performance of duties, or that is relevant to the office or to the discharge of official functions.”

Retired officers or personnel would also be given free legal assistance for cases or charges involving service-related incidents committed by them while still in active duty.

Duterte, in his last State of the Nation Address on July 26, asked Congress to pass a Unified System for Separation, Retirement, and Pension of Military and Uniformed Personnel to maintain government fiscal flexibility and provide adequate benefits and “remuneration to our men and women in uniform, and a law providing free legal assistance to AFP and PNP officers and Enlisted Personnel to help defend them from charges arising from incidents related to the performance of official duty.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1152278

CA confirms promotion of 40 AFP senior officers

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 1, 2021): CA confirms promotion of 40 AFP senior officers (By Priam Nepomuceno)

CONFIRMED. Forty officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) take their oath before the Commission on Appointments in a confirmation hearing at the Senate on Wednesday (Sept. 1, 2021). The AFP said the promotion of senior officers signifies the advancement of military officers in their career as soldiers and implies the crucial responsibilities that they have to carry in support of the AFP’s mission of protecting the people and securing the state. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)

The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday approved the promotion of 40 generals, senior officers, and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In a statement, AFP public affairs office chief, Navy Capt. Jonathan Zata said the CA confirmed the ad interim appointments of Army Brig. Gen. Jose Augusto V. Villareal, Brig. Gen. George L. Banzon, Brig. Gen. Danilo D. Benavides, Brig. Gen. Steve D. Crespillo, and Navy Commodore Mac Raul B. Racacho.

It also added the CA also gave its consent to the nomination of Air Force Col. Jeffrey M. Vilela to the next higher rank of Brigadier General.

Also confirmed were the ad interim appointments 18 Army Colonels; two Navy Captains; eight Air Force Colonels; one from the Medical Corps; one from the Corps of Professors; one from the Chaplain Service; one from Medical and Administrative Corps; and two from the Veterinary Corps.

• Col. L Rodel Tan, PA

• Col. Jorry L. Baclor, PA

• Col. George M. Bergonia, PA

• Col. Jones Brisal P. Otida, PA

• Col. Lawrence A. Aninag, PA

• Col. Dexter A. Macasaet, PA

• Col. Yasser R. Bara, PA

• Col. Jason V. Jumawan, PA

• Col. Anthony O. Samonte, PA

• Col. Domingo G. Dulay Jr., PA

• Col. Joel Benedict G. Batara, PA

• Col. Jose Mari F. Torrenueva II, PA

• Col. James C. Sababan, PA

• Col. Arlene A. Epe, PA

• Col. Joel N Sobrera, PA

• Col. Leonardo A. Soratos, PA

• Col. Saudi E. Nur, PA

• Col. Bernard T. Ragus PA

• Capt. Santiago P. Pacis Jr., PN

• Capt. Oliver P. Fernandez, PN

• Col. Rolando Conrad B. Peña, PAF

• Col. Nolan Anacleto G. Tumesa, PAF

• Col. Alan Dolorito Macatingrao, PAF

• Col. Rex D Templonuevo, PAF

• Col Benedict A. Bodegon, PAF

• Col. Lino D. Inahid, PAF

• Col. Ric Michael G. Baring, PAF

• Col. Joseph C. Revilla PAF

• Col. Nealon Eugene P. Batalla, MC

• Col. Aristotle D. Maglasang, PROF

• Col. Daneck E. Dang-Awan, CHS

• Col. Jason A. Aguila, MAC

• Col. Villiam A. Averion, VC

• Col. Peter Tom T. Alangui, VC

"Promotions of generals and senior officers in the AFP signify not only the advancement of military officers in their career as soldiers; it also implies the bigger and more crucial responsibilities that they have to carry in support of the military’s mission of protecting the people and the state," Zata said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1152289