Kalinaw News: NPA threatens MSWDO worker for release of NPA cadaver to Karapatan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 25, 2019): NPA threatens MSWDO worker for release of NPA cadaver to Karapatan



An MSWDO worker of Mansalay Town in Oriental Mindoro was threatened by an NPA member to force the release of their dead comrades to Karapatan. This was revealed by MSWDO Mrs Baby Zacarias and was placed on blotter in the local police station.

The three cadavers were killed in an encounter in Brgy Panaytayan, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro together with the recovery of at least four high powered firearms and other war paraphernalia. The bodies were airlifted by the military to Mansalay and was turned over to a local funeral shop for safekeeping. Authorities then brought in Former Rebels to identify the bodies with three positively identifying one as certain Bonifacio Egramo @Eboy, the Front Secretary of SRMA 4E based in Palawan.

Karapatan – Southern Tagalog arrived at Mansalay on June 17 demanding the release of the bodies to them. This was however denied as pertinent law requires that the bodies can only be turned over to relatives. In a press statement of Karapatan however, they claimed that they were being harassed and that the bodies were being held hostage by government forces. This failed attempt of Karapatan to claim the body was followed by the ‘visit’ of an NPA member to one of the workers of MSWDO. To date, Karapatan has presented a supposed relative of @Eboy. The ‘relative’ however identified Egramo with a different name. When asked to issue a sworn affidavit for his claim of the body, the relative refused. Karapatan has since then conducted a rally in Mansalay demanding the release with Bayan Muna and Anakbayan joining in to express support.

BGen Marceliano V Teofilo, Commander of 203rd Infantry Brigade who has jurisdiction of Mindoro, has assured that the cadavers will be treated with dignity and vowed to abide by existing laws on the matter. He added that if the Army (and the PNP) really wanted to deprive the rights of the families of killed NPAs, they would have just left the bodies in the encounter site.

“The Philippine Air Force took the risk of flying to the unforgiving terrain to airlift the three cadavers and delivered them to the funeral home in Mansalay town so they can be properly identified by their families and be given a decent burial,” BGen Teofilo said in a statement.

“The issue is not about humanitarian values as Bayan Muna claims but the proper identification of the cadavers so it can be turned-over to the rightful claimants,” he added.

Government forces has called on Karapatan and their affiliate groups to instead probe the NPA murders of Mangyan tribal leader Jose Barrera, Kennedy Dam-in and Junjun Ysog in San Jose ; burning of civilian properties in Sta Clara, Naujan on February 25, 2019 and another burning in a construction company working on a road project also in Naujan last June 17, 2019.

203rd Infantry Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division Philippine Army
MAJ RODERICK G DEPOLONIA (INF) PA
CMO Officer
Bansud Oriental Mindoro
09178407053

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/npa-threatens-mswdo-worker-for-release-of-npa-cadaver-to-karapatan/

WESTMINCOM: Sultanate of Maguindanao, AFP ink peace & dev’t pact

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Jun 25, 2019): Sultanate of Maguindanao, AFP ink peace & dev’t pact



A federation of the sultanates in Maguindanao has recently inked a peace and development covenant with the Office of the Civil Relations Service Armed Forces of the Philippines during a forum held at Al-Masher Hotel and Restaurant in Maguindanao, Cotabato City on June 22, 2019.

Present, during the royal forum, were 70 leaders and members of the World Federation of Traditional Kings Sultanate of Mandanaue Darus-salam; Major General Bienvenido R. Datuin, Jr. AFP, commander of Civil Relations Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines (CRSAFP); Mrs. Marissa G. Datuin, president of the AFP Officers’ Ladies Club, and Colonel Jose Victor L. Vargas, Jr., group commander of 4th Civil Relations Group based in Zamboanga City.


As the highlight of the day-long forum, entitled “Sultanate Advocacy Forum on Federalism, Anti-Drugs and on Preventing Violent Extremism”, leaders of the federation of the sultanate, together with MGen Datuin, Mrs. Datuin, and Col Vargas, symbolically signed the so-called “peace and development” covenant.




The peace and development covenant read: “We hereby declare our commitment for peace and development to our Mindanaoans. We commit to treat all lives with the loving-kindness and compassion. We respect the diversity of ways people pursue their individual ideals. We reject the distortions of religious, nationals and radical prejudices, which are used to violate golden rule to treat others as we wish to be treated.”

“We challenge the misuse of beliefs, rights, rituals, practices, philosophies, and traditions used to degrade anyone or which lead to violence. We affirm the necessity of bringing loving-kindness and compassion into action. We call upon all people of goodwill to join this pledge. We pledge that in all we intend, think, and do, we shall strive to bring loving-kindness and compassion into action and into the lives of all we meet,” the covenant read.



MGen Datuin underscored that the presence of the military in the forum and the signing of the covenant being organized by the Sultanate of Maguindanao is their way of showing that the government forces is supporting such move to advance the peace and development in the region.

“The AFP supports the advocacy of the sultanate in their efforts to scrap the illegal drugs and violent extremism,” he said.

He also said that they are glad to see that the Sultanate, as a traditional leader “being involved in the peace process, is involved in “Rido” (clans feud) settlement in the area. Aside from that, they have actively displayed their support in the efforts of the government in countering violent extremism in the island province of Mindanao. For many years now, the hinterland of Maguindanao has become a lair of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, a splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The former is known for their terroristic acts, such as attacking military installations, staging ambushes, planting explosives in public places, and conducting extortions.




Source: Press release from 4th Civil Relations Group, Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

http://www.westmincom.com/sultanate-of-maguindanao-afp-ink-peace-devt-pact/

EASTMINCOM: Communist Surrender en masse

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Website (Jun 25, 2019): Communist Surrender en masse

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Twelve members of the NPA, two Militia ng Bayan and nine Sangay ng Partido sa Localidad (SPL) in Eastern Mindanao, surrendered to authorities, while 94 of their mass supporters dissociated from the CNTG's Underground Mass Organizations (UGMO) the past week.

On June 20, 2019, seven SPL and 26 UGMO members, voluntarily surrendered to the 1st Special Forces Battalion at Sitio Kubayan, Brgy. Kibenton, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

On the same date, a certain alias Aljun, a Team Leader of NPA in Brgy Sagundanon, Kitaotao, Bukidnon surrendered to 8th IB at South Poblacion, Maramag, Bukidnon.

On June 19, 2019, three members of the CNTG who were being monitored in Bukidnon surrendered to the 8th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Kalabugao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon, bringing along with them four International Humanitarian Law (IHL) banned landmine and a Garand rifle.

The three, who were motivated by the government's programs facilitated by the Community Support Program (CSP) of 4th Infantry Division to surrender, were alias Alimokon, a medic; Lakap, a member of the Militia ng Bayan; and Jake, an element of a squad of CNTG in the area.

Another, two UGMO members left the underground organization when they sought the help of the elements of 65IB on June 19, 2019, at Sitio Canaan, Brgy. Dansolihon, Cagayan de Oro City. The two turned-in one M635 rifle and one Uzi sub-machine gun.

In a separate instance, on June 19, 2019, two SPL, two MB members, and 17 UGMO members voluntarily surrendered to 88IB CSP Team at Brgy Lumbayao Valencia City, Bukidnon.

In Monkayo, Compostela Valley, alias Puks, a member of the CNTG in the area turned himself into the 25IB in the evening of June 19, 2019. He brought with him one Cal .45 pistol and two 25-kg IHL banned landmine.

Previously, another three NPA Leaders yielded to the elements of 30IB in Cuyago, Jabonga, Agusan Del Norte on June 18, 2019. They were identified as alias Yam, a Political Instructor; alias Ronie, a Vice Commander of a Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) Platoon of the NPA group in the area; and alias Apol, a Vice Squad Leader of the same group.

After their surrender, they led the recovery of one M4 rifle; one AR 15 rifle; one AK47 rifle; and two IHL banned landmine stashed in the area.

In Malabog, Paquibato District, Davao City, a Secretary of the Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) surrendered to 16IB, bringing along nine IHL banned landmine. Accordingly, he yielded because he observed that the government are attending to the issues that they were raising before.

Another nine members of the UGMO in Manipongol, Maco, Compostela Valley also dissociated from the CNTG when they reported to Headquarters 71IB at Purok 8, Brgy. Nueva Visayas, Mawab, CVP morning of June 18, 2019.

Two NPA members, likewise, surrendered to Major Franco Boral of the 1st Special Forces Battalion in La Fortuna, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon on June 17, 2019. Accordingly, the two, identified as alias Salazar, a Supply Officer of the NPA group being monitored in the area, and alias Alon, a member of the SYP of the same group, yielded after observing the opening of the TESDA Skills Training which intended for the members of the community in the said barangay.

In a separate instance in the morning of June 17, 2019, another four NPA members escaped from their group in Lingig, Surigao Del Sur and yielded to the elements of 67th Infantry Battalion at Poblacion, Monkayo, Compostela Valley. They were identified as alias Karen, an armed element; alias Jasmin, a medic; alias Charlie, a medic; and alias Prex, a Team Leader of the NPA group being monitored in Monkayo-Lingig-Boston tri-boundary.

Meanwhile, another thirty-eight (38) UGMO members voluntarily dissociated with the CNTG after they appeared before the Community Support Team of 30th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Can-aga, Malimono, Surigao Del Norte on June 17, 2019.

These surrenderees are now undergoing debriefing and will be subjected to needs assessment survey for their possible assistance and enrollment to the Enhance Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of Local Government Units concerned.

Lt. Gen. Felimon T. Santos, the exodus of surrender to the strong partnership between the military and the different agencies and Local Government Units in Eastern Mindanao.

"The aggressive security operations and the strong resolve of the government to address insurgency by employing holistic approach encouraged the members of the CPP-NPA Terrorist Group (CNTG) to get back to the folds of the law". Lt. Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., Commander Eastern Mindanao Command said.

Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP

https://www.eastmincomafp.com.ph/2019/06/communist-surrender-en-masse_23.html

Army foils landmine use

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 25, 2019): Army foils landmine use

The attempt of the New People’s Army to use landmines against government forces and civilians participating in the medical mission sponsored by the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas in Manjuyod, Negros Oriental, may have been foiled by patrolling state security forces, Brig. Gen. Ignacio Madriaga, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday.

Five improvised landmines were among the war materials recovered by the combined troopers of the 94th Infantry Battalion and Regional Mobile Force Battalion, after an encounter Saturday night with about 20 New People’s Army rebels in Brgy. Bantulinao, Manjuyod.

Madriaga said they received persistent reports from civilians who had been warned by the NPA to stay away from the government-sponsored medical mission.

The encounter also resulted in the death of an Army soldier, a suspected member of the NPA, while two other soldiers were also slightly injured.

Lt. Col. Randy Pagunuran, 94IB commander, said they were able to prevent the terroristic activity of the NPA due to the vigilance of community in the area.

The provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHIHL), in which the government and the National Democratic Front are signatories, state the right not to be subjected to indiscriminate bombings, shelling, strafing, and the use of landmines.”

It clearly shows that these NPA terrorists are no longer ‘fighting for the rights of the people’, rather they are only fighting for the mere survival of their ‘twisted and irrelevant ideology’, Pagunuran added.

Two months ago, Army soldiers also recovered three improvised anti-personnel mines, after an encounter with NPA rebels in Brgy. Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, while pursuing suspects responsible for the death of town Councilor Jolomar Hilario.

Pagunuran strongly condemned the continued use of land mines by the NPA, who, he said, are desperate to hamper government efforts in delivering basic services.

They (NPA) will do anything at all costs, no matter who will suffer, even putting the lives of innocent people at risk in an attempt to win against government forces, he added.*

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/June/25/topstory8.htm

Former NPA leader caught

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 25, 2019): Former NPA leader caught

The long arm of the law finally caught up with Virgilio Paragan, a former leader of the New People’s Army in southern Negros, who was arrested by the police and military Sunday in Brgy. Santo Angel, Dumalag, Capiz.

Paragan, 54, who claims to be Baltazar Saldo, has four pending arrest warrants for murder and attempted murder charges, issued by Kabankalan Regional Trial Court Judge Henry Arles, Guihulngan RTC Judges Mario Trinidad and Rosendo Bandal, Capt. Cenon Pancito, spokesman of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said yesterday.

Pancito said Paragan resisted arrest, and maintained that it was a case of mistaken identity. But, based on accounts of witnesses, Paragan and Saldo is the same person.

The elusive former NPA leader, who is linked to numerous killings, including the ambush of an Army 1Lt. Jason Regner and two other Army soldiers in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, in 2003, among other crimes, was arrested by operatives of the Regional Intelligence Division of the Police Regional Office 6 and 61st Infantry Battalion troopers.

Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said last night that Paragan who used to be the commanding officer of the Roger Mahinay Command, South West Front of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros, has a bounty of P1,050,000 for his arrest.

P Brig. Gen. Johun Bulalacao, outgoing Western Visayas regional police director, who presented Paragan in a press briefing yesterday at Camp Martin Delgado in Iloilo City, described the captured former NPA leader as “ dangerous”, as he faces a string of murder and attempted murder cases.

Bulalacao added that Paragan has been hiding for more than 10 years in Capiz where he worked as a driver and personal assistant to a businessman.

While he might have “lain low” in NPA activities, Pancito raised the possibility that Paragan kept in contact with the CPP-NPA.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/June/25/topstory3.htm

Religious order slams charges against its members

From the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) online publication the Davao Today (Jun 23, 2019): Religious order slams charges against its members

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — A religious order has denounced the complaints filed against some of its members in Mindanao by state forces calling these charges as “baseless” and “malicious.”

In a statement dated June 20 but was furnished to the media Friday, the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) said the charges are “clear example of judicial harassment against Church workers in an attempt to stop their efforts in helping the rural poor.”

Facing cases are Sr. Emma Teresita Cupin, the sub-regional coordinator of the RMP in Northern Mindanao, and two lay workers, who were included in a subpoena for various rights defenders and advocates for their alleged involvement in an attack staged by the New People’s Army (NPA) on a military detachment in Bayugan, Agusan del Sur on December 19, 2018.

“Our members were accused of participating in said action which led to the capture of 2 military men and 14 CAFGUs by said armed group,” said RMP national coordinator Elenita Belardo in a statement.

CAFGUs are the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit, the auxiliary arm of the Philippine Army.

RMP said implicating its members in these incidents are absurd as their whereabouts during the period were well-documented.

“It is also worth noting that Sr. Emma is 63 years old, while of the lay workers, Ritchel Hilogon, is five months pregnant at the time. Are we supposed to believe that they were involved in attacking a military camp? Or that they ‘visited’ the rebels’ camp in the mountains where the CAFGU members were held as Prisoners of War?” RMP said.

Belardo said “this step by the government and the military is very dangerous. It unmasks the real essence of Martial Law: helping the poor means you put your life and liberty at risk.”

The group said it is dismaying to know that those who follow the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church in having preferential treatment for the poor are the ones who are being targeted by the enemies of peace and justice.

“But no matter the threats and dangers, RMP will not waver in our stand with our members and the rural poor,” Belardo said.

She added, “We will exhaust legal means to prove the innocence of our members against these ridiculous charges. We will take all measures to protect our members and partners from those who wish us harm.”

“As RMP approaches its Golden Jubilee, we will continue to stand for truth, justice, and peace. Together with the rural poor and the support of the religious and lay rights advocates, we shall overcome these threats,” Belardo said.

http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/religious-order-slams-charges-against-its-members/

Ranking NPA leader, pal killed in ComVal

From the Mindanao Times (Jun 25, 2019): Ranking NPA leader, pal killed in ComVal

A high ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) wanted for numerous crimes and his companion were killed Sunday morning after allegedly attacking a police-military team at their safehouse in Laak, Compostela Valley.

Capt. Jerry Lamosao, the spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division, identified the fatalities as Jay Mendoza, alias Pogs, and Bryan Ondoy.

A member of the Executive Committee of the Sub Regional Committee 2 (SRC2) of the NPA’s Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), Mendoza was the head of its Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) and the deputy secretary of the SRC2’s Guerilla Front 2, Lamosao said.

Lamosao said Mendoza was responsible for the death of several military and police officers, including two army officers, 16 soldiers, and even former comrades who left the underground movement from 2006 until 2018.

Mendoza, the officer added, was involved in the 2016 attack of the town police office and the subsequent abduction of its police chief in Gov. Generoso, Davao Oriental; the 2014 attack of the Dasia Security Agency office in Tagum City, Davao del Norte; the 2012 burning of mining equipment, vehicles, and office of APEX mining in Maco, Compostela Valley, and numerous extortion activities in the region.

Ondoy, on the other had, was among the drug personalities under the police watchlist in Laak.

1Lt. Amadeuz VJ Celestial, the Civil-Military Operations officer of 60th Infantry Battalion, said members of Laak town police station, with the assistant of the military, conducted an operation after learning that Mendoza was sighted at Barangay Bagong Silang in Laak.

The operatives were armed with four warrants of arrest against Mendoza when they went to the area around 6 a.m. Sunday.

Mendoza, according to the military, was facing charges of murder, double murder with double frustrated murder, robbery in band, and serious illegal detention, among others, before various courts in the region.

While approaching the site, the operatives claimed a volley of fire greeted them.

This prompted them to return fire, resulting to the death of the two men.

Authorities recovered two caliber .45 pistols, one Uzi sub-machine gun with magazine and live ammunition, one fragmentation grenade, one blasting cap, one meter detonating cord, and one mobile phone in the possession of the suspects.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/06/25/ranking-npa-leader-pal-killed-in-comval/

6 alleged supporters of NPA arrested by soldiers

From the Mindanao Times (Jun 25, 2019): 6 alleged supporters of NPA arrested by soldiers

Six civilians were caught by the 36th Infantry Battalion after they were allegedly carrying food and supplies for the communist rebels.

The military identified them as Lisa Bacor Clorina, 39; Isagani De Castro Nazareno, 36; Gino De Castro Nazareno, 42; Cyrel Nazareno, 30; Juan de Castro Nazareno, 28; Cherry Mae Maquiling, 31; all residents of Barangay Gamuton, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur.

The arrests were made following the encounter between New People’s Army rebels and soldiers in Vic Bibian, Barangay Mampi, Lanuza at 11:20 a.m. on Saturday.

1Lt. Jonald Romorosa, the Civil-Military Operations officer of the 36th IB, said the soldiers were responding to reports from residents about the presence of armed men in the area. They were believed to belong to the Guerrilla Front 30, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee under Joel Mahinay alias Nico.

Romorosa said the firefight lasted about 10 minutes before the rebels scampered to different directions.

The military confiscated four boxes of corned beef, one box bihon, one gallon cooking oil, one gallon soy sauce, one gallon vinegar, four trays of fresh eggs, one pack biscuits, 24 pieces of noodles, 36 pieces of sardines, five pads of notebooks and pencils, and two motorcycles.

Based on Article 4, Part 4 of the International Humanitarian Law, “civilian population and civilians shall be treated such and shall be distinguished from combatants and together with their property, and not be the object of attack.”

Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad, the commanding officer of the 36th IB, in his statement, said, “It is also disheartening that CPP-NPA terrorists threaten the civilians and use them as their courier for their futile cause.”

He said “this is another violation of the International Humanitarian Law and a complete disrespect to the rule of law. Civilians must be spared and must not be utilized in any armed conflict.”

The six civilians were turned over to the Lanuza Municipal Police Station.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/06/25/6-alleged-supporters-of-npa-arrested-by-soldiers/

“Institutionalization of barter trade” is an investment for peace and development in BARMM – Duterte

From MindaNews (Jun 24, 2019): “Institutionalization of barter trade” is an investment for peace and development in BARMM – Duterte

President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday said the institutionalization of the barter trade system between the Philippines and Malaysia is an “investment for peace and for inclusive, equitable, sustainable development” especially in the newly-established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“I earnestly ask His Excellency the Prime Minister of Malaysia for our two countries to fast track negotiations on the barter trade system as this promises livelihood and income to small communities along border areas,” Duterte said during the 13th Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Phlippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit at the 34th ASEAN Summit.

“The institutionalization of the barter trade is an investment for peace and for inclusive, equitable, sustainable development, especially in the newly established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” Duterte said, adding it will “help address endemic poverty and avoid triggers of instability and insecurity in these porous areas of the Bangsamoro region.”

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte poses for posterity with leaders from the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines – East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) during the 13th BIMP-EAGA Summit at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand on June 23, 2019. Simeon Celi, Jr. /PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Duterte in October last year signed Executive Order 64 “reviving barter trade in Mindanao, promoting its growth and development, and constituting the Mindanao Barter Council for the purpose.”

The EO states that barter prots shall be established in the ports of Siasi and Jolo in Sulu and Bongao in Tawi-tawi and the creation of other barter ports will be recommended by the MBC and approved by the President.

The EO noted that under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement and the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement, an effective preferential tariff scheme is instituted whereby member-states shall eliminate import duties on several products traded within the region except for rice, corn and sugar, by 2010 for the ASEAN’s Brunei Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, and by 2015, with flexibility until 2018, for Cambodia, Laos. Myanmar and Vietnam.

The EO also cited Article V, Section 2(e) of Republic Act 11054, the Organic Law for the BARMM, which provides that the Bangsamoro Government “shall exercise its authority over barter trade and countertrade, without prejudice to the general supervision of the President.”

The 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the interim government of the BARMM until June 30, 2022, was inaugurated on March 29, 2019 after residents in the proposed core territory in Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao ratified RA 11054.

BARMM comprises these five provinces and the cities of Lamitan in Basilan, Marawi in Lanao del Sur, and Cotabato City, the present seat of the BARMM.

BIMP-EAGA @ 25

Comprising Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, the BIMP-EAGA is a sub-regional economic cooperation established in 1994 to spur economic development in the lagging sub-economies. According to the Mindanao Development Authority, BIMP-EAGA covers the underdeveloped and geographically remote areas in the four-member countries: the entire sultanate of Brunei Darussalam; East Indonesia (nine provinces in Kalimantan, Sulawesi, the island chain of Maluku, and Papua); East Malaysia (the federal states of Sabah and Sarawak, and the federal territory of Labuan); and Mindanao which has 27 provinces and 33 cities, and the province of Palawan.

The sub-regional economic cooperation’s aim was to narrow the development gaps among its member states, focusing on four strategic pillars: enhanced connectivity; food basket strategy; tourism development; and environment.

Calling the BIMP-EAGA Summit a “reunion of old friends,” Duterte said that coming from Mindanao, “I am encouraged by the achievements we have made to accelerate economic growth in our sub-region” in the last 25 years.

The BIMP-EAGA was established in 1994 under the Ramos administration. Mahathir was also the Prime Minister of Malaysia then while Hassanal Bolkiah was also the Sultan of Brunei then.

The BIMP-EAGA Inaugural Senior Officials’ Meeting and Ministers’ Meeting was in fact, held in Davao City, Philippines on March 24 to 26 in 1994, when Duterte was on his second term as mayor of Davao City, with Mahathir in attendance.

“We must continue to take charge of the future direction of our cooperation so that the next 25 years will be even more beneficial to our peoples,” the President said.

To make BIMP-EAGA more responsive and resilient to our dynamic regional and global environment, Duterte said they should “build a fully-functioning secretariat,” adding practical steps should be undertaken towards the establishment of the BIMP-EAGA (Facilitation) Centre.

He also urged Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia to hasten the adoption of a common set of standards on the operation of the non-convention ships.

BARMM’s “vast economic potential”

In his visit to the Philippines in March this year, Mahathir noted the “vast economic potential” of the BARMM, vowed to boost economic ties with the Philippines and assured President Duterte that Malaysia will “continue to be of help in the development of Mindanao.”

Malaysia has been the third party facilitator in the peace process between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) since 2001. It hosted and facilitated the talks in Kuala Lumpur that eventually led to the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) in 2012 and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on March 27, 2014.

The CAB provides that at the end of the transition period, the government and MILF Peace Negotiating Panels, together with the Malaysian Facilitator and the Third Party Monitoring Team, shall convene a meeting to “review, assess or evaluate the implementation of all agreements and the progress of the transition and an ‘Exit Document’ officially terminating the peace negotiation may be crafted and signed by both Parties if and only when all agreements have been fully implemented.”

Mahathir congratulated Duterte on the ratification of the Bangsamoro law and the appointment of the BTA members.

During his visit, Mahathir in an interview with Cathy Yang of ANC’s Market Edge on March 7, said they will continue to support the Bangsamoro peace process. “We are close by, we are neighbors. Whatever happens in Southern Philippines (Mindanao) affects Malaysia so we want Southern Philippines to be stable, peaceful, and we can then find opportunities here as much as we can help in contributing towards development, maybe through foreign direct investments as happened in Malaysia.”

“Peace will always bring about opportunities. A country at war, a country that is unstable will never grow, will never develop, will always remain backward, so we welcome peace wherever it happens and we think that in the case of Mindanao, when we say peace, it is now able to make use of opportunities to grow best in that part of the Philippines and then I think when the economy is doing well, the tendency towards violence will be much reduced,” he said.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/06/institutionalization-of-barter-trade-is-an-investment-for-peace-and-development-for-in-barmm-duterte1/

TESDA chief and wife of Sayyaf leader arrested

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 25, 2019): TESDA chief and wife of Sayyaf leader arrested

Policemen, backed by soldiers, arrested the alleged wife of a pro-ISIS sub-leader in an operation at dawn Tuesday in the southern Philippine province of Basilan, police said.

Police said Nuida Hataman, who is also the provincial director of Technical Education Skills and Development Authority, was in niqab when taken out of a house in Isabela City.

Hataman’s husband Radzmir Janatul is being hunted down by security forces for being a member of the Abu Sayyaf.

Janatul, one of the lieutenants of a notorious Abu Sayyaf leader Puruji Indama, was not at home when policemen searched the house, but security forces allegedly recovered rifle grenades and a blasting cap, including components for improvised explosives.

The woman was brought to Zamboanga City and is being interrogated at the regional headquarters of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Philippine National Police.

No other details were made available by the police or military on Hataman’s interrogation. The woman did not give any statement to journalists. (The Zamboanga Post)

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/tesda-chief-and-wife-of-sayyaf-leader-arrested/

Albayalde names new EPD chief, 2 others

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 25, 2019): Albayalde names new EPD chief, 2 others

Philippine National Police Chief, Police General Oscar David Albayalde (FILE PHOTO)
Philippine National Police Chief, Police General Oscar David Albayalde has approved the designation of the new District Director of Eastern Police District and two other key positions in Police Regional Office 11 and Directorate for Research and Development.

In a special order signed by the Director for Personnel and Records Management, Police Major General Lyndon Cubos, Albayalde designated Police Brigadier General Nolasco K Bathan as District Director of EPD effective today, June 25.

Bathan was the former Deputy Regional Director for Administration, PRO11 and now replaced by Police Colonel Domingo S Cabillan who was previously assigned at the PNP Finance Service.

Albayalde also approved the new designation of Police Colonel Florendo C Quibuyen from the National Capital Region Police Office as Executive Officer of the Directorate for Research and Development upon the recommendation of the PNP Senior Officers Placement and Promotion Board (SOPPB)

Albayalde said that the latest round of reorganization of senior officers occupying key positions in national and regional police offices were prompted by the the administrative relief of former EPD Director and recent retirement of some senior PNP officials. (PIA InfoComm/PNP PIO)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1023698

Army troopers lead security awareness symposium in Surigao Norte town

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 25, 2019): Army troopers lead security awareness symposium in Surigao Norte town

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The Community Support Program Team of the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) of the Philippine Army together with the Barangay Officials recently conducted the National Security Awareness Symposium to the residents of Barangay Cantapoy, Municipality of Malimono, this province.

Experts from the government troops who served as speakers during the activity explained and discussed the subject matters that include the local history of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), NPA's barangay and university infiltration tactics, NPA's illegal recruitment of minors, and NPA's human rights violations.

One of the highlights during the said symposium was the testimony shared by alias Mark who recently surrendered to the government troops.

Mark said the NPA’s scheme is extorting, recruiting and threatening the populace to join their cause and they could only survive with the help of their mass base.

The symposium was actively participated by more than 300 residents composed of senior citizens, out of school youth, farmers, women, fisherfolks, teachers and high school students. (30IB, Phil. Army/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1023649

More Region 8 LGUs tag CPP-NPA ‘persona non-grata’

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 25, 2019): More Region 8 LGUs tag CPP-NPA ‘persona non-grata’

UNWELCOME. The municipal council of Lope de Vega, Northern Samar declares the New People's Army (NPA) 'persona non-grata' in a meeting on April 16, 2019. At least 13 local government units, including villages, have officially rejected the NPA for disturbing development efforts in their communities. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army 43rd Infantry Battalion)

At least 13 local government units, including villages, have declared the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, New People’s Army (NPA), “persona non-grata” for derailing development efforts in their communities.

In a report released Tuesday by the Army's 8th Infantry Division, the communist terrorist group has been denounced by local government officials through resolutions approved in the past six months.

In Northern Samar, these towns are San Antonio, San Vicente, and Lope de Vega. Curry village in Lope de Vega and Roxas village in Las Navas town also issued the same declaration.

Leyte province has the most towns that declared the insurgents “persona non-grata”. These are Baybay City, Burauen, Leyte, Inopacan, Hilongos, and Mahaplag.

Other areas that rejected the communist rebels are Maasin City in Southern Leyte and Matuguinao in Samar.

For the Burauen local government, “the presence of insurgents has immobilized business activities, discouraged potential investors, and the civilian population is prone to unconventional threats.”

The town, through a resolution signed March 19, 2019, has expressed its support for the national government’s goal to completely eradicate insurgency. Some upland villages in Burauen are still under threats from the rebel groups.

Lt. Col. Raymund Picut, commander of the Army's 43rd Infantry Battalion based in Lope de Vega, Northern Samar, said in a statement the operational approach implemented by AFP troops in the ground is effective, hence, encouraging communities to fully support the military’s anti-insurgency initiatives.

“The security services delivered by the Army in Northern Samar have been felt by the people and the communities, which resulted in the declaration of NPA as 'persona non-grata',” Picut said.

The CPP-NPA, which hve been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, 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/1073273

TESDA official nabbed in Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 25, 2019): TESDA official nabbed in Basilan



Muida Hataman, TESDA director for Basilan province, was arrested for possession of bomb-making materials on Tuesday in Isabela City, Basilan. (Mugshot photo release by CIDG-Manila)

Police arrested a government official and seized bomb-making materials in a law enforcement operation in Basilan province Tuesday.

Maj. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, identified the arrested official as Muida Hataman, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provincial director of Basilan.

Galvez said Hataman was arrested after a court-ordered search around 4:10 a.m. Tuesday in Barangay San Rafael, Isabela City, which resulted in the confiscation of an electric blasting cap other bomb-making materials, a caliber 40-millimeter ammunition; wire, a millimeter mortar cartridge, and other pieces of evidence.

Galvez declined to comment on Hataman’s possible link with lawless elements in Basilan and elsewhere.

A radio report in Basilan province said the suspect is one of the wives of Radzmir Janatul, who is allegedly a sub-leader of Abu Sayyaf Group leader Furuji Indama.

Galvez said Hataman was placed under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073259

Army execs call on LGUs to denounce CPP-NPA atrocities

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 25, 2019): Army execs call on LGUs to denounce CPP-NPA atrocities

Officials of the Philippine Army have called on other local government units (LGUs) in Negros Island to condemn the crimes and other violence perpetrated by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

They issued the call after the City Council of San Carlos in Negros Occidental recently passed a resolution, the first among the LGUs in the province, denouncing the atrocities of communist terrorist groups in the different areas of the country, and not allowing their presence in the northern Negros city.

Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Army's 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia town, said Tuesday LGUs should denounce the atrocities of the CPP-NPA, as well as their extortion acts and being a terrorist organization.

“Those acts have caused violence and suffering to the people,” he added.

Maj. Gen. Dinoh Dolina, commander of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division stationed in Jamindan, Capiz, lauded the San Carlos City Council for approving Resolution No. 19-139 during its May 30 regular session.

Aside from denouncing the atrocities of CPP-NPA, the City Council also stated they want to maintain the situation in their city where there are no reports of such acts of the communist-terrorist group.

Right action

“The people of San Carlos City made the right and appropriate action against the communist-terrorist group responsible for destroying not only peace and development but also thousands of innocent lives in the country,” Dolina added.

Lt. Col. Emelito Thaddeus Logan, commander of the Army's 79th Infantry Battalion, whose areas of responsibility include northern Negros, said he highly appreciates the bold initiative of San Carlos City to issue such condemnation and to prohibit the presence of communist-terrorists in their community.

“San Carlos City has given their trust and support to the military and police in securing peace in their area," Logan said.

"The support from the people and the stakeholders resulted in a successful neutralization of the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front influence in some of its barangays since March this year through our Community Support Program (CSP),” he said.

Logan added the citation in the resolution that there were no reported atrocities of CPP-NPA in the city is also a result of their CSP implementation.

The 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/1073258