DWDD: ARMY ENGINEERS | 552ECB Assist during onslaught of TY Urduja

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Dec 23): ARMY ENGINEERS | 552ECB Assist during onslaught of TY Urduja

MEDELLIN, Cebu (DWDD) – Our way of serving the people, securing the land. the Army Engineers…

Typhoon Urduja made its landfall and devastated some of the trees that caused unease to the populace of Medellin.

The Philippine Army is always the first responders in any calamity that arises within the community with this the Disaster Relief Office TEAM of this unit conducted clearing of debris made by typhon URDUJA at Poblacion Medellin Cebu in coordination with Municipal Risk Reduction Management Office in Medellin Cebu.

The team together with Medellin MDRRMO Conducted Rapid Damage Assessment and Need Analysis (RDANA) and clearing of debris in the municipality. 552ECB/MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/12/23/army-engineers-552ecb-assist-during-onslaught-of-ty-urduja/

PNP: 81 reds surrender, 91 firearms recovered

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 23): PNP: 81 reds surrender, 91 firearms recovered

The combined focused military operations and community support program of the Army's 1002nd Infantry Brigade headed by Negrense Col. Roberto Ancan in southern Mindanao, led to the surrender of 81 communist rebels and the recovery of 96 high-powered firearms this year.

Ancan supervises four Army infantry battalions in southern Mindanao, including the 15th Infantry Battalion, that was supposed to be redeployed back to Negros, after the Marawi siege, 27th, 39th and 73rd IBs.

Because of their intensified security operations, Ancan, who used to serve as chief of staff of 3rd Infantry Division in Jamindan, Capiz, said the NPA rebels are now on the run, and have become more vulnerable to armed engagements.

Exhausted and pressured, many of the NPA rebels also opted to surrender, bringing with them their firearms, he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte, who visited the 1002nd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Malungon, Saranggani, commended the 10th Infantry Division, which supervises the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, for a job well done in southern Mindanao.

Ancan said that surrendered communist rebels will also avail of financial and livelihood assistance from the government, through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program, in exchange for the firearms they will surrender.

Ancan said he was told by Maj. Gen. Jon Aying, 3rd Infantry Division commander, to take care of the 15IB.

The 15IB , 11th and 82nd Infantry Battalions deployed in Mindanao are under the administrative control of the 3ID headed by Maj. Gen. Aying.  
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/December/23/topstory7.htm

Legarda seeks justice for 8 Lumad killed in South Cotabato

From Rappler (Dec 23): Legarda seeks justice for 8 Lumad killed in South Cotabato

Senator Loren Legarda calls for an investigation into Lumad deaths in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, allegedly at the hands of the military

CHAMPION OF IPS. Senator Loren Legarda wants justice for slain Lumad tribe members in South Cotabato. File photo 

An outraged Senator Loren Legarda is seeking justice for the deaths of 8 Lumad tribe members in South Cotabato.

She is calling for an investigation into the deaths of tribal chieftain Datu Victor Danyan and 7 others last December 3 allegedly at the hands of the military in Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu in South Cotabato.

Legarda is a champion of indigenous peoples and a military reservist about to be promoted to the rank of colonel.
"I seek justice for the death of these Lumad who were just doing their harvest for the day when they were killed. This is an atrocious act that must be dealt with using the full force of the law. I urge authorities to investigate this incident and bring the perpetrators to justice," the senator said.

According to the military, it was a legitimate encounter with communist rebels. But Legarda said witnesses claimed it was a "massacre" and that Danyan was not a member of the New People's Army (NPA).

Legarda also said there are reports it was a dispute about ancestral land.

"The families of the victims and the Lumad community demand justice for the death of their kin and the disruption of peace in the entire community. I call on the government to urgently implement measures that would protect our indigenous peoples and put an end to these unwarranted killings," she said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/192077-senate-legarda-justice-lumad-deaths-south-cotabato

Red fighter, 15, surrenders

From the Mindanao Times (Dec 22): Red fighter, 15, surrenders

A 15-YEAR-OLD minor who was allegedly recruited by the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the troops of 71st Infantry Battalion based in Purok 8, Barangay Nueva Visayas, Mawab on Sunday, Dec. 17.

Capt. Jayrald Ternio, the civil-military operations (CMO) officer of 71st IB, identified him only as alias Dags, resident of New Corella, Davao del Norte.

 

Ternio said Dags was one of the youngest recruited by the NPA’s Guerilla Front 33 under alias Hyker operating in the municipalities of Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley.

Dags revealed to soldiers that he was part of the guerrilla attacks on Cafgu members last June.

“Dags decided to surrender as he wants to finish his studies and learn that they were just being deceived inside the movement,” he said.

In his statement, Lt. Col. Esteveyn Ducusin, the commander of 71st Infantry Battalion, said that children are supposed to be enrolled in schools to become part of the future generation of the country.

“We should help each other including the local government units to stop the deception of the NPA that was already branded by our President as a terrorist (group),” he said.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/red-fighter-15-surrenders/

NPA surrenderers to receive ‘windfall’ plus jobs

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 22): NPA surrenderers to receive ‘windfall’ plus jobs

A P15,000 cash assistance, a P50,000 initial capital for livelihood, housing, and jobs were offered by President Rodrigo Duterte for the New People’s Army (NPA) members who returned to the folds of the law from January to December, this year.

They will also get remuneration for their surrendered firearms amounting from P12,000 to P210,000 depending on the type of firearms.

About 200 former rebels were presented to President Duterte on Thursday evening at the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) in Panacan, Davao City where they were encouraged to engage in agriculture for income.

The President urged them not to fight the government again. At the same time assured protection for those who want to surrender.

This year, around 700 former communist rebels and supporters from different areas in Agusan, Bukidnon, Surigao, Davao, Cotabato and Sarangani under the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) abandoned the communist struggle. They also brought with them their firearms.

Maj. Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of EastMinCom, said the former NPA rebels are now recipients of the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) which offers financial and livelihood assistance.

According to Balagtey, the surrender of the NPA members also resulted in the recovery of 265 firearms.

During the “Paghiusa Para sa Kalinaw ", President Duterte also offered them jobs and a chance to become soldiers if they want.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1019668

NPA frees 2 abducted cops in Surigao Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 22): NPA frees 2 abducted cops in Surigao Norte

The New People’s Army (NPA) released on Wednesday the two policemen they abducted in Surigao del Norte over a month ago.

NPA guerillas freed Police Officers 2 Alfredo Degamon Jr. and John Paul Doverte after 36 days in captivity.

They were received by Surigao del Norte Vice Governor Carlos Egay and Surigao City Vice Mayor Alfonso Casura in Brgy. Mahanob, Gigaquit town, Surigao del Norte.

Degamon and Doverte were then brought to the Philippine National Police’s regional headquarters in Butuan City, where they were met by Police Chief Supt. Noli A. Romana, PNP-Caraga regional director, and BGen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, commander of the Army’s 402nd Brigade.

NPA guerillas posing as law enforcement agents snatched the two police officers from a police box in a busy intersection in Placer town, Surigao del Norte, on November 13.

Speaking to the media, Degamon said he was set to marry his girlfriend in January. He said their wedding may be postponed as he is about to undergo a long period of medication, debriefing and re-training.

Meanwhile, Doverte said his wife was four-months pregnant at the time of the abduction, and that he was overjoyed to gain his freedom before the birth of their new baby .

Superintendent Romana lauded the combined efforts of the government’s security forces, local government units, the crisis management committee of the Surigao del Norte, and the third party facilitators who negotiated the policemen’s release.

The PNP-Caraga chief also reiterated his condemnation of the NPA for the abduction incident, and reminded policemen throughout the region to be more vigilant.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1019570

Ilocos Norte remains insurgency-free

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 22): Ilocos Norte remains insurgency-free

Residents of Ilocos Norte continue to enjoy generally peaceful communities with no monitored atrocity by communist rebels in the province so far.

Lt. Col. Eugenio Julio Osias, commanding officer of the Philippine Army's 81st Infantry Battalion, reported this on Friday during the joint Peace and Order Council and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council Meeting held at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall, this city.

Though there had been threats in Ilocos Norte’s neighboring provinces such as in Ilocos Sur and Abra, Osias said there had been no armed recruitment in the province.

Osias warned that with President Rodrigo Duterte’s earlier declaration of war against the New People's Army (NPA), any one who assists its members in any way shall be charged for cuddling terrorists.

Nonetheless, Vice Governor Eugenio Angelo Marcos Barba, who presided the meeting, urged concerned local authorities and residents here not to be complacent and to report any suspicious activity happening in their respective area of jurisdiction.

Earlier this year, the Philippine Army reported that at least 26 rebels with NPA-issued firearms surrendered to the local authorities in Region 1.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1019694

Army on 'active defense' for NPA anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 22): Army on 'active defense' for NPA anniversary



The Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) will remain on full alert status despite the suspension of offensive military operations.

“We are on what we call on active defense, we see to it we continue with our heightened security operations,” said 3ID commanding officer Major General Jon Aying in an interview Friday afternoon.

The move is in preparation for the 49th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on December 26.

“We do not intend to attack any threat forces that are far away from becoming imminent or clear and present danger to people, to facilitate and to vital installations and also to government forces,” he said.

“We do not intend to attack. But in case that we sense that there are movements of state enemy formations then we will not hesitate to attack for purposes of active defense wherein we still have to stick in our dictum that the best defense is still offense,” Aying added.

In a recent interview with Chief Superintendent Cesar Hawthorne Binag, regional director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), he also assured they were prepared to secure the public for the incoming founding anniversary of the communist group.

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered a unilateral suspension of combat operations against the communist rebels from December 24 to January 2, 2018.

The declaration of ceasefire came a month after cancelling peace talks with the CPP and its armed terrorist organization, the New People’s Army.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1019697

Preparations underway for new battalion in Panay

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 23): Preparations underway for new battalion in Panay

Preparations are underway for the creation of a new Army battalion to be based in Panay Island.
Maj. Gen. Jon Aying, commanding officer of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said they are in the process of selecting non-commissioned officers, who would form the backbone of the planned battalion.

Officers to be selected will include sergeant major, sergeants, battalion staff down to platoon sergeants, squad leaders and fire team leaders.

“We are already trying to form this people. After the graduation of our candidate soldiers -- we now have 300 -- we will distribute them,” he said.

“That will be the flesh of the battalion and then we will get additional. We will align the soldiers in other battalions in order that the new battalion would not be occupied by new candidate soldiers. There will be balance in our various battalions and more or less they will have the same capabilities to perform both internal and external tasks to secure both internalities and externalities of our defense,” he added.

Undersecretary Eduardo Año of the Department of the Interior and Local Government previously announced the plan to activate a new battalion in Panay in 2018 to go after the New People’s Army.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1019737

PRRD leads commissioning of 2 ships to fight illegal fishing

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 22): PRRD leads commissioning of 2 ships to fight illegal fishing

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, December 21, led the commissioning of government ships BRP Lapu-Lapu and BRP Francisco Dagohoy, which are expected to help strengthen the state’s ability to combat illegal fishing and immediately respond to disasters.

“Our activities today are proof of the government’s resolve to empower and protect our country’s farmers and fisherfolk,” the President said in his speech during the commissioning held at the Sasa Wharf here in Davao City.

“The commissioning of the BRP Lapu-Lapu and BRP Francisco Dagohoy will strengthen the government’s programs against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing,” he said.

The two steel-hulled offshore vessels will be deployed in various parts of the country to intensify fisheries law enforcement operations, he added.

President Duterte said the ships are significant because it will be used to transport food to places anywhere in the Philippines during hunger or famine and can also be used for search and rescue during disasters and calamities.

Being a window to the Pacific, the country’s coastal waters facing the Pacific Ocean are very vulnerable to devastations by typhoons. Typhoon “Urduja” recently wrought havoc to Eastern Visayas, particularly damaging vital infrastructures in the province of Biliran.

“I just came from Biliran the other day and not so much about the devastation sa infrastructure including the casualties,” President Duterte said. “They are still in the search and rescue.”

During the same event, the President also led the launching of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Rice-Corn Blend Program, which he said, could help supplement the income of the country’s corn farmers and promote a healthy lifestyle among Filipinos.

Like rice, corn is also a major staple in the Philippines. The crop can be grown everywhere and is also very easy to propagate.

The Chief Executive said the program also has health benefits, noting that the rice-corn blend has been shown to lessen the risk of diabetes, delay hunger pangs and promote weight loss.

“This will help greatly in reducing hunger and poverty as well as create a healthier and more robust citizenry,” he noted.

Duterte said his administration envisions a country with a secure food supply that is affordable for every Filipino.

He however said this can only be accomplished if every Filipino farmer and fisherman is empowered and protected through effective and efficient programs and initiatives.

“Through these two programs, we hope to improve their livelihood opportunities and alleviate their condition,” he stressed.

Filipino farmers and fishermen supply the public with food despite great risks such as weather changes, price fluctuations and financial resource shortages, according to the President.

This is the reason why the government has made it a priority to help the country’s farmers and fisherfolk, he added.

“Let these small but meaningful gestures express our deepest appreciation and gratitude to those who feed us and contribute to the development of our economy and country,” he said.

At the same time, President Duterte acknowledged the bad state of the Philippine agriculture sector branding it as the “weakest link” in the country’s economic cycle.

Duterte however stressed that there have been efforts to boost the agriculture sector, adding that whenever he travels abroad, he promotes the southern part of Mindanao, which he said is ideal for agriculture because the climate is good and is not frequented by typhoons.

“The only way to help the farmers and agriculture sector is really to bring the industry to the mountains. That is why marami tayong niyayaya at maraming pumapasok,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1019611

Palace hopes communist rebels would honor ceasefire deal

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 23): Palace hopes communist rebels would honor ceasefire deal

Malacañang on Friday welcomed the New People's Army's (NPA) declaration of a unilateral ceasefire with the government this Yuletide season.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the government expects the communist rebels to comply with its own ceasefire declaration.

“We expect that the CPP-NPA would honor their word and comply with the unilateral ceasefire, so that our people could truly experience a peaceful Christmas celebration,” Roque said.

NPA spokesperson Jorge Madlos said the ceasefire was declared on orders of the Communist Party of the Philippines' (CPP) central committee and its armed wing's operational command.

Meanwhile, Roque assured that government troops will not let their guard down despite the holiday truce in place.

"Rest assured that the government will remain vigilant in ensuring the safety of our countrymen. May we all stand together in fulfilling our shared desire of achieving lasting peace throughout the nation," said Roque.

Madlos said that the communist rebels' unilateral declaration of a ceasefire would be in effect from 6 p.m. on Dec. 23 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 26; and 6 p.m. on Dec. 30 to 6 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2018.

The Palace spokesperson, meanwhile, said President Rodrigo Duterte decided that the government's ceasefire would be from Dec. 23, 6.pm. until Dec. 26, 11:59 p.m. and from Dec. 30, 6 p.m. to January 2, 2018, 11:59 p.m.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1019735

Spares needed for MG-520 instrument systems

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 23): Spares needed for MG-520 instrument systems

The Philippine Air Force (PAF), through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), is allocating PHP7.9 million for the procurement of spares needed for the maintenance of the instrument system of McDonnell Douglas MG-520 "Defender" attack helicopters.

In a bid bulletin posted at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System, pre-bid conference is slated at 1 p.m. on Dec. 27 at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

Submission and opening of bids is at 9 a.m. on Jan. 9. at the same venue.

"All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference/s, Evaluation of Bids, Post-Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of RA (Republic Act) 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations," PAF BAC chair Brig. Gen. Erickson R. Gloria said in the same bulletin.

The PAF affair with the MG-520 started in the early 1990s when 25 units of these aircraft were delivered to the country.

They have been used with great effect against New People's Army (NPA) rebels and lawless elements like the Abu Sayyaf Group for the past few years.

The MG-520 is derived from the MG-500 light utility helicopter. It can be armed with .50-caliber heavy machines and air-to-ground rockets.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1019733

BRP Tarlac to carry relief supplies to Tacloban

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 22): BRP Tarlac to carry relief supplies to Tacloban

The Philippine Navy (PN)'s largest ship, the landing platform BRP Tarlac (LD-601), is now getting ready to transport medicines and other relief supplies for "Urduja"-battered Tacloban City.

"The PN's newest landing dock and largest vessel, BRP Tarlac (LD-601), is getting ready to depart here (Pier 13, Manila South Harbor) once the loading of tons of relief items intended for our countrymen in Visayas Region particularly Tacloban City that have been devastated by 'Urduja' is complete and the sea condition has improved for the vessel's safe navigation," Navy Spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna in a message Friday.

Lincuna said personnel from different PN units together with the crew of BRP Tarlac are now completing the hauling and loading of more or less 220 tons of assorted relief items such as food and non-food items like hygiene kits, medical kits, mosquito nets, plastic mats, and solar lamps consolidated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

BRP Tarlac is among the most recent acquisitions of the PN which allows the command to efficiently fulfill its duties in the area of humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

The ship has an overall length of 120 meters,breadth of 21 meters, draft of five meters and can carry a payload of 2,800 tons.

It has a cruising speed of 13 knots and maximum speed of 16 knots and a minimum operating range of 7,500 nautical miles.

BRP Tarlac can also carry 500 troops, two rigid-hull inflatable boats, two landing craft units and three helicopters. "It is a manifestation of the PN being always ready and committed in providing prompt assistance to our disaster-stricken countrymen in order to alleviate them from their current ordeals," Lincuna said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1019616

Families of soldiers slain in Marawi get support from DTI

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 22): Families of soldiers slain in Marawi get support from DTI

Apart from helping affected internally displaced persons due to the Marawi crisis, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has also reached out to families of soldiers killed in action in Marawi City to start livelihood activities.
About 29 families of soldiers killed during clashes between government troops and a terrorist group in Marawi received livelihood support.

In a statement Friday, DTI said it provided the families of soldiers killed in action in Marawi livelihood starter kits, gift items, and gift certificates, among others for them to start some entrepreneurial activity.

DTI added that the agency also offered a financing program to these families if they wish to further expand their livelihood activities.

DTI said the agency also stands ready to assist in mentoring the families for them to grow their business.

“DTI acknowledges the ultimate sacrifice made by our soldiers who fought and died during the Marawi siege,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

“In the spirit of the season and as a show of continued support from the Duterte administration, we decided to forego the usual department-wide Christmas party and use the funds instead to help the families of the slain soldiers,” Lopez added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1019647

Marawi troops get 500 sacks of rice

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 22): Marawi troops get 500 sacks of rice

Showing appreciation to troops who helped in the liberation of Marawi City from the clutches of the Maute terrorist group, the Lim Seh Leng Foundation, through SL Agritech Corporation, donated 500 sacks of rice to soldiers stationed in the war-torn city Friday.

The turnover ceremony took place at the Armed of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters Conference Room in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

SL Agritech Group chair Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong handed the rice to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and AFP chief-of-staff Rey Leonardo Guerrero.

"The sacks of rice containing 25 kilos each are intended for soldiers assigned in Marawi City. The rice donation is in support and recognition of the services of soldiers who are fighting violent extremists and terrorists," AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Emmanuel Garcia said.

He added that the distribution will be facilitated by the AFP Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel through the Western Mindanao Command.

The donated rice is of the Jasmine variety called "Dona Maria" with market value of about P95 per kilo.

"We are grateful for the act of kindness by our citizens who continue to appreciate the sacrifices of our soldiers especially those in Marawi," Guerrero added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1019663