LGUs crucial in ending insurgency in NegOr: Centcom chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 7, 2019): LGUs crucial in ending insurgency in NegOr: Centcom chief



INSURGENCY PROBLEM. Central Command Commander Lt. Gen. Noel Clement answers media queries on the insurgency problem in Negros Oriental, on the sidelines of the 450th founding anniversary of the Province of Cebu in Cebu City on Tuesday (Aug. 6, 2019). Clement said the role of the local government units (LGUs) in ending insurgency problem in Negros Oriental is crucial. (PNA photo by John Rey Saavedra)

CEBU CITY – The role of the local government units (LGUs) in Negros Oriental is crucial in the effort to end insurgency that resulted in a recent spate of killings in the province, a ranking military officer said on Tuesday.

Lt. Gen. Noel Clement, commander of the Central Command, said the insurgency issue can be addressed if all concerned government bodies and other sectors would join together in discussing the root causes.

“I think we have to address the problem holistically, ibig sabihin lahat ng stakeholders, lahat ng mga local government units natin (it means that all the stakeholders, all our local government units), we have to sit down at tingnan natin kung ano ba ang issues, ano ba ang problema bakit nagkaroon ng ganito (and let’s see together what are those issues, what are those problems why are we experiencing these),” Clement told reporters here on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the 450th founding anniversary of the province of Cebu.Clement said the solution to the problem on the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) that may come out in sitting down with the LGUs would be long-term.

“Hindi lang siya yung nahinto na yung patayan, tapos na ang problema (It’s not like that if the killings are stopped, the problems cease to exist),” Clement said.

He said it is important to get everybody involved to prevent the further escalation of violence in the province, which may require an extensive intervention of state troops.

Clement reiterated that the situation in the province is “manageable and can be contained by the available security forces” there.

Earlier, Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino said it is up to President Rodrigo Duterte to decide on declaring martial rule in Negros Oriental.

He, however, said local government units are critical in addressing insurgency through the whole-of-nation approach under Executive Order 70 creating the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

“The killings are very confined in a specific area along the vicinity of Guihulngan City which is the center actually of the Sparrow operations of the NPAs. That’s why the killings there are being undertaken in that area,” Clement said.

“We have been working together with the PNP (Philippine National Police) from the very start. All of the operations that we are conducting in the whole island of Negros and in the areas of Central Visayas are all joint operations between the AFP and PNP,” he added.

He said the police and the military have adopted common areas of responsibility and followed certain protocols on how to address common problems on criminality, drugs, and insurgency in the province of Negros Oriental.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077168

Maguindanao village chief escapes ambush, colleague hurt

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 7, 2019): Maguindanao village chief escapes ambush, colleague hurt



Google map of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

A village chief escaped unscathed, while his companion was wounded in an ambush perpetrated by still unidentified gunmen in Datu Saudi Ampatuan (DSA), Maguindanao Tuesday.

Police said Barangay Sambulawan chairman Abdulwariz Zailon and his companion, Bayan Salik, were on board a Toyota Revo vehicle (KCH 414) when waylaid along Barangay Dapiawan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, around 1 p.m.

“Zailon escaped the volley of gunfire but Salik was hit in the hand,” said Corporal Sam Lloyd Untong, DSA police investigator-on-case.

Responding cops brought the wounded Salik to the Maguindanao Provincial Hospital in Shariff Aguak town following the incident.

Police said both Salik and Zailon, who is also the president of the Association of Barangay Captains in Datu Salibo town, claimed to have no known enemies.

Untong said police are still in pursuit of the suspects in the interiors of DSA town as of posting time.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077169

275 soldiers undergo sniper training in Zambo Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 7, 2019): 275 soldiers undergo sniper training in Zambo Sur

 

SNIPER TRAINING: Some 275 soldiers of the Philippine Army's different division are undergoing a six-week sniper training at Camp Sang-an that houses the Army's 1st Infantry Division in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur. (Photo courtesy of Army's 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs Office)

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur -- A total of 275 soldiers from different Army divisions are undergoing snipers training at Camp Sang-an that houses the Army’s 1st Infantry Division headquarters in the neighboring town of Labangan, officials said Wednesday.

Capt. Clint Antipala, Army’s 1st Infantry Division information officer, said the Squad Snipers Training Class-3, which started Tuesday, is a six-week course designed to develop the soldiers’ fighting capability particularly in honing shooting ability.

Antipala said the training also aims to enhance the participant’s knowledge, skills, attitude and confidence in delivering shots using the standard issued assault rifle R4A3.

Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, encouraged the participants to take advantage of the training, learn and develop their skills in shooting and remember the core competency--warfighting.

“We aimed in making our Army equipped, modernized, highly disciplined and motivated that has established a respectable image and capable of addressing all internal and external security threats,” Ancan said.

“Bear in mind that many people sleep peacefully at night because there are men stand ready to protect them and that is our sworn oath,” Ancan added.

Ancan told the participants to be "technically and tactically proficient" and apply what they would learn in the training. "Hit the armed enemy who continues to sow terror to our communities,” he said.

The training is being conducted by the Mobile Training Team, Marksmanship Training School of the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077205

Open gov’t dialogue seeks to address Northern Mindanao issues

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8, 2019): Open gov’t dialogue seeks to address Northern Mindanao issues



DAGYAW 2019. Communications Secretary Martin M. Andanar delivers the keynote address for the Cagayan de Oro leg of Dagyaw 2019: Open Government and Participatory Governance Regional Townhall Meeting at the Barangay Nazareth Gymnasium on Thursday (August 8, 2019). He said the townhall confab is a platform where people can communicate properly with their local leaders and even with national officials. (PCOO photo)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar enjoined participants and stakeholders in Northern Mindanao to participate in nation-building during a town hall meeting here on Thursday.

The PCOO chief said the confab is an avenue for the national and local government, and its constituents, “to communicate, clarify, and converge” on inputs for further improvement of public programs and services.

“This time you have the national government really going in aggressively and assertively to bring the services of government to the people. That is Duterte legacy in action,” Andanar said in his speech.

“Our task here is to gather all of your stories and take them to desks where programs and decisions are made. It is here in the town halls where questions are to be answered,” he added.

Andanar likened the Dagyaw 2019 to the traditional bayanihan spirit of Filipinos.

“Like the traditional bayanihan of able-bodied persons carrying a nipa hut on their shoulders in unison to get from one place to another, everyone in the movement altogether are carrying their desires, their ideas, and their dreams towards a national action plan for the rest of this year and beyond,” he said.

Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary Marjorie Jalosjos reiterated President Rodrigo Duterte’s marching order of bringing the government closer to the people.

“The government wants to hear from you and we want to address all the issues and concerns in our locality in the best way that we can,” she said.

She encouraged participants to lobby their concerns to government officials in attendance, especially on focus areas in health, violent extremism and general development.

“Hangad din po namin na madama ninyo na ang gobyerno ay para sa ating lahat at para po sa nakararami (We hope you will feel that the government is for all of us and for the majority),” Jalosjos said.

During her speech, Jalosjos highlighted the efforts of the government to put an end to local insurgency through the operationalization of Executive Order 70 and the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

According to Jalosjos, NTF-ELCAC identified 27 conflict-affected barangays in Region 10 that the DILG and local government units (LGUs) to focus on for civilian peace-building efforts.

“We envision trickling our efforts down to the local level and in fact, the DILG has already facilitated...planning workshops on building sustainable peace which guided our functions, our prioritized projects, programs, and activities in line with the ending of the local communist armed conflict,” she said.

She noted that DILG Region 10 already issued a memorandum for the creation and operations of the regional unit of the NTF-ELCAC to ensure all efforts are aligned to the pursuit of ending local communist armed conflict.

“Some LGUs already complied with the directives. Went beyond the issuance of LGU resolutions supporting EO 70 to condemning atrocities of the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines–New People's Army) and urging the leadership of CPP-NDF (CPP-National Democratic Front) to direct NPA to stop attacking civilians and destroying civilian properties,” Jalosjos said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077340

Bulacan steps up efforts to counter Reds’ recruitment efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8, 2019): Bulacan steps up efforts to counter Reds’ recruitment efforts



MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan -- In support of the nation's continuing fight against the communist insurgency, police and local government officials in Bulacan are adopting a multi-stakeholder approach that targets vulnerable sectors of the community.

Having identified state colleges and universities as hotbeds for communist recruitment, the Bulacan Police Provincial Office and the provincial government of Bulacan gathered students, youth leaders, policemen and local government employees in a forum here to educate them on the methods used by the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) to bring new members to its fold.

“Ilagay ninyo sa inyong pag-iisip ang mga pangarap n’yo, na maayos ang inyong buhay, dahil iyon lang ang magiging ugat din ng pag-unlad ng buhay n’yo -- yung malayo kayo sa temptation na inaakit kayo ng kabila (Always think of your dreams, that your life will be better, because that will be the root of your progress -- to be spared of the temptation that the leftists are dangling in front of you),” Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process spokesperson Wilben Mayor told the student-participants during the event.
Mayor said students are among the Reds' primary targets of recruitment, especially the brilliant ones.

“You will be encouraged to join seemingly legitimate endeavors, but sooner or later, you will realize that those endeavors are supported by the CPP-NPA,” he said.



Meanwhile, Col. Chito G. Bersaluna, Bulacan Police Provincial Office director, called on partner agencies to step up their respective efforts to help address the decades-long communist insurgency.

“We need to create communities that are conflict-resilient, and we need the constant cooperation of local and national government agencies to attain peace,” Bersaluna said.

“Ang ‘whole-of-nation approach’ ay ipinatupad sa bisa ng Executive Order No. 70. Para sa mabisang pagpapatupad ng whole-of-nation approach, itinalaga ang mga kalihim ng gabinete bilang mga Cabinet Officers for Regional Development and Security, o CORDS. (The ‘whole-of-nation approach’ was implemented by virtue of Executive Order No. 70. For the effective implementation of the ‘whole-of-nation approach,’ Cabinet members were appointed as Cabinet Officers for Regional Development and Security, or CORDS),” Mayor added, speaking on behalf of Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr.

Galvez was appointed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as the CORDS for Region 3. Among his major responsibilities is to facilitate the immediate resolution of issues that trigger armed conflict in communities.

“If left unresolved, these concerns are easily exploited by the CPP-NPA-NDF, and used as ammunition in blaming the government for its supposed inaction,” Mayor said.

Also present during the event were Col. Rhoderick Armamento, Deputy Regional Director for Operations, PNP Region 3; Lt. Col. Felix Emeterio Valdez, commanding officer of the 48th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army; Gen. Abraham Casis (Ret.), CPP-NPA-NDF Panel Secretariat adviser; Atty. Cris Roque, representative of Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando and Col. Dominic Bedia, chief of Plans and Program Division and Col. Jerich Royales, chief of Information Operations Research Center from the PNP Directorate for Police Community Relations.

Persona non grata

The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) III recently declared the CPP-NPA as ‘persona non grata’ in Central Luzon.

“Ang persona non grata ay ginagawa po natin para ipaabot sa kanilang grupo (CPP-NPA) na ang kanilang mga ginagawa ay hindi katanggap-tanggap sa lahat ng tao sa rehiyon (Declaring the CPP-NPA as persona non grata is meant to inform them that their actions are unacceptable to all persons living in the region),” Galvez said during the meeting of RTF-ELCAC III in Pampanga last July.

Bulacan is a strategic area for the CPP-NPA because it is a transit point to Metro Manila, Mayor said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as 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/1077341

Army commander advises groups to avoid being 'red-tagged'

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8, 2019): Army commander advises groups to avoid being 'red-tagged'



Brig. Gen. Ignacio Madriaga, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental. (Photo by Juancho Gallarde)

The highest-ranking military officer in Negros Oriental on Wednesday advised civil society organizations (CSOs), whose advocacy involves visiting residents of hinterland areas to coordinate with the proper authorities for their safety and security.

Brig. Gen. Ignacio Madriaga, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, was reacting to statements from CSOs during a multi-sectoral dialogue sponsored by the Diocese of Dumaguete that they are usually tagged as left-leaning allegedly by the police and the military.

Although the statements were issued in general and not naming specific officer from the police or the military, Gen. Madriaga said he has never issued a statement on the so-called “red-tagging”.

Earlier, people from churches of different denominations, civil society organizations and even those from government agencies said they feared for their lives when going to the mountains due to the so-called "misbranding" or "red-tagging", which means being suspected as members of the communist group.

They said they have to visit hinterland barangays due to the nature of their job or as part of their ministry.

Madriaga said if these organizations want to help residents in far-flung areas, they should abide by Provincial Ordinance No. 5 and coordinate with the local government unit or the Army, especially in places where there are armed encounters between rebels and soldiers.

Earlier, Governor Roel Degamo said Provincial Ordinance No. 5 is still in effect and requires groups conducting medical missions, other outreach activities, and similarly-natured endeavors to obtain permission from authorities prior to entering villages, especially conflict areas.

“Red-tagging” has been a concern several years ago, as criticized and reported by groups that say they have been branded as left-leaning because of their “humanitarian” efforts.

Madriaga clarified that the Army is not branding them as leftists but some of them speak against the military or the police when they go to hinterland communities, which is why they are sometimes suspected as such.
He did not say, however, which groups he was referring to.

The Army commander said if CSOs want to help people in far-flung areas, they can always coordinate with them and can even be provided with security.

He believes that once agrarian reform problems are addressed, there will be no reason for the existence of the New People’s Army (NPA) anymore.

The primary function of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police is to drive away the armed group so that development could come in unhampered through certain approaches such as social, economic and cultural interventions.

Meanwhile, Madriaga said he has never issued any statement linking one of the shooting victims in the province to the NPA.

Madriaga was referring to lawyer Anthony Trinidad, a human rights lawyer, who was gunned down in Guihulngan City last month.

Trinidad’s family issued a public statement lamenting that many of his family members, including the slain lawyer, were “red-tagged”, although the statement did not mention anybody in particular. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077298

Magalong downplays possible terror attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8, 2019): Magalong downplays possible terror attack



MAGALONG AS RPOC HEAD. Members of the Cordillera Administrative Region’s highest policy-making bodies, the Regional Development Council and the Regional Peace and Order Council, meet to discuss development issues - as well as Cordillera’s peace and order situation in Thursday’s meeting at The Mansion. Baguio City mayor Benjamin Magalong (5th from left) has been appointed to head the RPOC. (PNA photo by Liza T. Agoot)

BAGUIO CITY--Mayor Benjamin Magalong downplayed on Thursday the possible terror attacks here, assuring that the region's security forces are on top of the situation.

Magalong, the incoming Regional Peace and Order Council chairman, said both the military and the police have put in place necessary measures to counter any terrorist threat.

“We conferred with the military and PNP commanders...and we discussed the threat and there is no doubt that the memo is authentic but still subject for validation," he said on the sidelines of the 3rd quarter meeting of the Regional Development Council- RPOC, referring to the "leaked" memorandum from an intelligence officer of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom).

Based on the supposed memo dated August 2, all military units are directed to heighten intelligence monitoring and issue a red alert status on August 11-12, as the alleged ISIS-led attack might be launched on business centers and churches in Laoag City, Vigan City, Manaog Pangasinan, and Tuguegarao City.

While Baguio and the Cordillera were not mentioned, Magalong stressed the need for residents of Baguio, being the seat of power in the region, to stay calm and continue with their daily lives.

He also called on the public to be vigilant and report the presence of suspicious individuals in their communities to the nearest police station or to the military.

"Measures are already being undertaken to make sure that we are hardening our targets, making it difficult for the terrorists to launch an attack or its plans,” Magalong added.

In a separate interview, NolCom Deputy Commander Brig. Gen. Arwel Oropesa the report should have been classified and only for the consumption of the military and police, which is subject for confirmation but urged the public to be cautious and report anything unusual and suspicious.

“The report should not cause alarm,” he said.

In terms of the peace and order situation in the Cordillera, Oroposa said the region’s situation is manageable, compared to other regions.

“What we just need in the Cordillera is to participate and cooperate in the maintenance of peace and order,” he said.

He also said the terror threat from the New People's Army is always there but the AFP is addressing the situation.

Meanwhile, Police Regional Office Cordillera Deputy Director for Operations Col. Madeline Bazar assured the public of the regional police's readiness to act against terror threats in Baguio City and the whole region.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077378

Mayor to former NPA rebels: Your decision will never be wasted

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8, 2019): Mayor to former NPA rebels: Your decision will never be wasted



GOOD DECISION. Mayor Maria Theresa Timbol of Asuncion, Davao del Norte delivers a speech during the turnover of the government’s assistance to former communist rebels at the 60th Infantry Battalion camp here on Tuesday (Aug. 6, 2019). Timbol said the decision of the former New People’s Army members will not be wasted as the government continues to provide basic services and to bring development even to the far-flung communities of the country. (OPAPP photo)

ASUNCION, Davao del Norte – Mayor Maria Theresa Timbol said the decision of former New People’s Army (NPA) members to return to the fold of the law will not be wasted as the government continues to bring development even to the far flung areas of the country.

“That’s why we still have to make more roads to open communities towards development and deliver basic services to people. Your decision to go back to the government will never be wasted,” Timbol said in her speech during the turnover of the government’s “immediate assistance packages” to the former rebels at the 60th Infantry Battalion camp here on Tuesday (Aug. 6, 2019).

Timbol said the government “should help our cultural communities, the tribes and the lumad (indigenous peoples).”

“All our efforts will not be wasted. Live a normal life with your family and defend and protect your community,” Timbol said.

She also warned the former rebels “not to be deceived easily by the communist-terrorist groups as they give false promises.”

Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib, for his part, said former rebels can now live productive life with their respective families.

“We cannot blame you for joining the NPAs. You have experienced the life ‘inside.’ And it was difficult,” Jubahib said.

“You don’t have to be a rebel to be given services from the government. We are here to help you become more productive and that you and your family prosper -- to live in a community where we respect each other and help protect the peace and order,” he added.

Whole-of-nation approach gaining ground

For more than a year, 26-year-old “Crisna” (not her real name) spent many sleepless nights roaming the highlands of Agusan on foot, making sure to stay away from the watchful eyes of the military regiment operating in the area.

She became a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in 2017, working both as a medic and masseur. Her husband passed away the same year.

Crisna was recruited by her cousin “Marben” (not his real name), a 15-year-old NPA cadre from Davao del Norte who assured her that she would be given a monthly allowance of PHP3,200. She readily accepted the offer, hoping to send money to her three children back home.

But after five months, her family stopped receiving the money she was sending them through another NPA member. This became a major cause of concern because her children depended solely on her, leading her to question her decision to join the rebel group.

“Human sa lima ka bulan, nangutana ko didto sa balay kung naa pa ginadawat. Ingon sila, wala na. (On my fifth month [with the organization], I asked my family if they were receiving the money I sent. They said not anymore),” shared Crisna who eventually decided to leave the communist organization after she found out about its real motives.

Marben, whose job was to cook for the rebels, realized that joining the rebels was a huge mistake when he learned that his family was going hungry after he left them.

“Ako ang naga andam og pagkaon sa ila pero ang akong pamilya walay ginakaon maski gamay (I was the one preparing their food but my own family didn’t have anything to eat),” he recalled.

He decided to turn his back on the rebel movement when he discovered that it was not the “real government” it professed to be.

“Nihawa ko sa NPA kay dili sila ang tinood na gobyerno. (I left the NPA because it is not the real government),” he said.

Crisna and Marben are among the 38 CPP-NPA members from Eastern Mindanao who turned themselves in to the 60th Infantry Battalion early this year.

They all received “immediate assistance packages” from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

The activity was spearheaded by the 10th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, provincial government of Davao del Norte, municipal government of Kapalong and the AFP’s Eastern Mindanao Command.

Bringing government closer to people

“Gusto namin na iparamdam sa inyo ang tunay na gobyerno. Nagtutulungan lahat ng ahensya ng pamahalaan para bigyan ng tuldok itongcommunist-rebel activities. (We want you to feel the presence of the real government. All of the agencies of government are working together to put an end to the activities of the communists),” Maj. Gen. Jose Faustino, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, told the former rebels during the turnover ceremony.

Brig. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr., deputy commander of the EastMinCom, said the assistance packages given to the former rebels is a manifestation of the government’s sincerity and commitment to help the former rebels rebuild their lives.

“Now that you are back in the hands of the government, as civilians, you will enjoy the services of government,” said Torres who represented Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. at the event.

“Your decision does not only help you but importantly your family and your respective community,” he added. “Start living the normal life again.”

Last year, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Executive Order 70, which institutionalized the whole-of-nation approach, wherein government agencies will work in a holistic and integrated manner to deliver much-needed services to remote and conflict-affected communities.

In particular, the approach will utilize localized peace engagements wherein LGUs and other stakeholders in the community will take the lead in finding solutions to resolve the decades-long communist insurgency in the country.

As an offshoot of the whole-of-Nation approach, the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) was created. It is a mechanism that aims to link regional and sub-regional levels of government to national agencies in order to harmonize peace, development, and security efforts.

As the designated CORDS for Central Luzon, Galvez's role is to oversee peace and development efforts being carried out in the region. Specifically, he convenes and presides over the Regional Task Force-ELCAC 3 composed of the Regional Peace and Order and Regional Development Councils.

“One of the key features of the EO 70 is what we call localized peace engagements,” Galvez explained during a recent CORDS meeting in Maguindanao.

“This means that local government units and members of the community will be the ones to provide recommendations on how to best address the rebellion in their communities,” he explained.

“If these community-driven peace dialogues move forward and bear positive results, members of the rebel group have the option to enter into local peace agreements with LGUs and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP),” Galvez said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077352

3 rebels, 1 soldier dead in southern Negros clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8, 2019): 3 rebels, 1 soldier dead in southern Negros clash



NPA BELONGINGS. In this file photo are the items recovered by Army's 62nd IB troops after an encounter with New People's Army rebels in Sitio Dawhan, Barangay Buenavista in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental last May 4, 2019. At least three suspected rebels and a soldier were killed in the latest clash in Barangay Buenavista in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Thursday afternoon (August 8, 2019). (Photo courtesy of 62nd IB)

At least three suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas and a soldier were killed while two other officers were wounded in a clash in Barangay Buenavista in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Thursday afternoon, a report from the Philippine Army said.

The fatality, who has a rank of private first class, has yet to be named by the Army since his family still needed to be informed.

The two injured, a sergeant and a corporal, are already in stable condition.

All three are troopers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB), led by commanding officer Lt. Col. Egberto Dacoscos.

The encounter in Sitio Boyuron, which started around 2 p.m. and lasted for about 30 minutes, resulted in the reported death of three rebels and wounding of several others.

Although the remains of the three NPA fighters have not been recovered, soldiers said they saw the rebels dragging bodies from the site of the clash, where bloodstains not those of the soldiers were seen.

The report from the Army said the soldiers recovered bullet shells and components of Anti-Personnel (AP) mine during the clearing operations.

On May 4, troops of 62IB also encountered rebels in Sitio Dawhan, Barangay Buenavista and found a 13-year-old boy left behind by his fellow NPA fighters.

The encounter took place while soldiers were conducting security operations ahead of the May 13 mid-term elections.

On April 9, seven soldiers were slightly wounded by AP mines during a clash with communist rebels which led to the dismantling of a rebel hideout in Sitio Asaran, also in Barangay Buenavista.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (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/1077387

Painful to see kids' future taken away by leftists, parents say

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 7, 2019): Painful to see kids' future taken away by leftists, parents say



MISSING MINORS. Parents become emotional as they tell the stories of their children, mostly senior high school and college students, who went missing and were believed recruited by leftist groups, during the Senate joint hearing presided by Senator Ronald Bato dela Rosa, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, and Senate Committee on National Defense and Security at the Senate in Pasay City on Wednesday (August 7, 2019). Photo shows Mrs. Relissa Lucena, who becomes emotional while talking about her missing daughter. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

Several parents of missing students who were allegedly recruited by leftist groups decried the progressive movements' actions before the Senate, saying it was not the future they want for their children. 

In a hearing conducted by the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs on Wednesday, Jovita Antonio said her 17-year old daughter grew up obedient and cheerful, but things changed since she joined a leftist organization.

“Wala na akong alam kung nasaan ang anak ko, isang taon na syang hindi umuuwi at hindi namin nakakausap (I have no idea where my child is, it’s been one year since she went home and a year since our last contact),” she said.

Mothers of five missing students recounted their ordeal when their children became estranged and lost contact with them.

Three of the missing were senior high school students of state-run Polytechnic University of the Philippines, while one was a student of Far Eastern University and another from the University of the East Manila.

All of them were allegedly recruited by alleged Communist-front organization Anakbayan.

Jovita’s husband, Junior, expressed in desperation, “maski text or isang chat wala na, buti pa ang nagda-dugs eh nakikita mo pa (There’s nothing, not even a text or chat, [I think] it’s worse than taking drugs, at least their parents get to see them)”.

Committee chair and former police chief, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa explained that it is “harder to rehabilitate” those indoctrinated by the communist ideology than illegal drug use.

“Pero ‘yung kumunismo, ang utak nyan kung walang proper intervention…hindi mawawala ‘yung kanyang pagka-radical na utak. So mas mabigat na kalaban talaga ‘yan…(But communism, if there is no proper intervention, it will be hard to get away from radicalism),” dela Rosa said.

Alarming, upsetting

Gemma Labsan, meanwhile, also broke down as she narrated how the behavior of her daughter changed after attending a training at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman.

“Na proud ako kasi UP yan eh, tapos ite-train daw sila ng journalism, editor-in-chief kasi sya sa publication nila nung high school. Pero pagkatapos nun hindi na sya nagpapahatid kahit umuulan, hindi raw uuwi kasi may training na naman sa Los Banos (I was proud because UP invited her for a journalism training. She’s editor-in-chief in their high school pub, [it’s her forte]. But after that she would refuse that I drive her to school even if it's raining. She would say no because they have another training in Los Banos),” she said.

She said during the first week of school, her daughter told her that she attended a protest rally on the day of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) with Anakbayan.

Another mother, Relissa Lucena, said her daughter has become stubborn after joining Anakbayan.

"Ang anak ko walang alam sa mundo, first time pa lang siyang lumayo sa bahay namin, hindi pa siya ganun ka exposed. Pero nung first semester nakita ko na ‘yung changes. Matigas na siya. Nag-open siya sa akin, Anakbayan na daw siya at lider na siya (My child doesn't know the world yet. It's her first time to be far from us, she's not that exposed. But I saw her change during her first semester at school. She became hard-headed. She said she's a member of Anakbayan and she's a leader),” Lucena said.

"Sinasabihan ko siya na huwag ka diyan. Against ako sa ginagawa nila pero hindi naman sa pinaglalaban nila (I told her not to get involved. I'm not against what they fight for, I'm against with how they do it)," she added.

She said when her daughter started getting home late or would not go home for days, she reported to school and police authorities and talked to her.

Her daughter said she is already a "full-time" member of Anakbayan.
"Sabi niya full-time na siya sa Anakbayan. Nung nalaman niyang nagsumbong ako, sabi niya kalaban na daw ako, huwag ko na daw isipin na may anak siya at ayaw na niyang mag-aral,” Lucena said.

Lucena said her daughter already left their home and her efforts to get her back were unsuccessful.

She said her daughter even called her an oppressor.

"Nakita ko siya may hawak na placard, ang dugyot niyang tingnan, naka-tsinelas lang. Yung anak ko halos ayaw kong padapuan ng langaw tapos ganun ang gagawin nila (I saw her holding a placard, she looked untidy, only wearing slippers)," she said.

She added that her daughter also became part of a group posting campaign materials for party-list and then-senatorial candidate Neri Colmenares during the May 2019 elections.

Dela Rosa, for his part, also expressed his dismay on state-owned universities and proposed a plan to put a corresponding sanction for allowing communism to corrupt the students' minds.

"The irony of it, these state-owned universities produce rebels. The government's resources are spent on producing radicals, communists," he said, as he called on schools to also check if teachers are responsible for the indoctrination of communist ideology.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077253

PUP to file case vs. teachers requiring students to join rallies

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8, 2019): PUP to file case vs. teachers requiring students to join rallies



Polytechnic University of the Philippines President Dr. Emanuel de Guzman (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

After hearing from parents of missing Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) students on Wednesday, PUP president Emanuel de Guzman assured that professors who require their students to attend protest activities will face charges.

“If proven, administrative cases will be filed against them. They will no longer be qualified to teach in PUP,” de Guzman said in an interview with Philippine News Agency (PNA) on the sidelines of Senate hearing on missing minors who have been allegedly recruited by organizations with links to the communist movement.

De Guzman expressed support to the government in stopping communist-front groups like Anakbayan and Kabataan in recruiting students into their organizations that cause students to abandon their studies and join the insurgents.

Mothers of five missing students who were senior high school students of PUP, Far Eastern University and the University of the East Manila told the Senate hearing that their children joined the League of Filipino Students, Anakbayan, and Kabataan party-list groups.

Of the five, only Gemma Labsan’s daughter has remained with her parents while the rest did not contact their families.

Labsan showed copies of photos where her child went with a teacher and other students during street rallies while President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22.

The Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs chairperson, Senator Ronald dela Rosa, said he got a text complaint that a professor of the University of the Philippines in Cebu wants his students to attend a protest against the government so they can pass his subject.

“Teachers leading their students astray, communists allowed to recruit inside the school grounds, we should not tolerate that,” the senator said.

De Guzman, meanwhile, apologized to the parents of the missing PUP students.

“Ako po ay nag-a-apologize sa kanila dahil ‘yung mga anak nila na nasa PUP ay na-recruit kahit na ito ay labag sa aming kalooban (I apologize to them because their children were recruited while in PUP despite that this is against our will). But we cannot commit that 100 percent, this would not happen. We are hoping this will not happen again,” he said, adding that the recruiters operate without their knowledge.

“Ang PUP, kahit noon pang panahon ng martial law ay lugar na ng mga aktibista, pero maliit na minorya lamang sila sa aming malaking populasyon. Unti-unti nang lumiliit ang bilang dahil naglagay na kami ng reporma (PUP, even during the martial law years, has been a place for activists but they are just a minority compared to the big population [of students]. Little by little their [activists] numbers are decreasing because of the reforms we put in place),” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077266

Army condemns attack on Ifugao farmer's group volunteer

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8, 2019): Army condemns attack on Ifugao farmer's group volunteer

The Philippine Army (PA) is strongly condemning the shooting and wounding of Brandon Lee, a paralegal volunteer of the Ifugao Peasant Movement (IPM), in front of his house in Lagawe town on Tuesday.

“We condemn this attack on Lee. We are now doing our part in investigating the matter in coordination with the local police. It is our main priority to find the perpetrators of the crime and bring them to justice,” said PA spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala in a statement Wednesday.

Lee is also a journalist who writes for the online news outfit, Northern Dispatch, and a human rights advocate.

In previous years, other members of the IPM were shot dead in Ifugao, such as William Bugatti in 2014 and Ricardo Mayumi in 2015.

Both incidents were blamed on the PA without concrete evidence.

“The Philippine Army is people-centered, thus we strictly adhere to the provisions of human rights. However, we invite those who are accusing the Army of committing these crimes to come forward and file the appropriate cases to the courts or to the Commission on Human Rights so there could be due process and proper investigation,” Zagala said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077290

St. Luke's, PH Army in medical partnership talks

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8, 2019): St. Luke's, PH Army in medical partnership talks 



Representatives from the St. Luke's Medical Center on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on Philippine Army (PA) chief, Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto, in line with efforts to provide world-class medical expertise for soldiers and their dependents.

The PA chief welcomed the initiative of the medical institution, through its president and chief executive officer, Arturo S. Dela Peña, which aims to extend affordable eye care and other medical services to the Army.

“A world-class Army deserves world-class health expertise,” the Saint Luke's official said.

Dela Peña also recognized the role of soldiers in providing security and the importance of good health in performing their duty.

He further recalled that during the Marawi siege, some soldiers relied on their services to treat severe injuries they suffered in the field.

“The partnership will complement the special medical needs of our soldiers. This also supports our advocacy to promote good health and fitness among our soldiers and families,” Alberto said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077283

Indonesia, PH armies to conduct more anti-terror trainings

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8, 2019): Indonesia, PH armies to conduct more anti-terror trainings 

Indonesian and Philippine Army (PA) units will conduct various training as part of the ongoing effort to defeat terrorism.

This came as the Commandant of the Indonesian Army Command and General Staff College (IACGSC), Major Gen. Kurnia Dewantara paid a courtesy call on PA Chief-of-Staff, Major Gen. Jesus B. Sarsagat, at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Wednesday.

The two senior leaders discussed the continuous cooperation of the two armies to combat terrorism through the conduct of various training exchanges here in the Philippines and Indonesia, said PA spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala in a statement.

Dewantara is in the country and is heading a 61-member delegation from the IACGSC for an Overseas Study Tour from August 5 to August 9.

The program aims to expose the students from the Indonesian Army to a holistic approach on international military affairs.

It also aims to further strengthen the current ties of the PA and the Indonesian Army when it comes to training exchanges.

“We agree that the cooperation between Indonesia and Philippines should be maintained because we face the same threat of terrorism. Through these training exchanges, we are able to learn from each other to develop the best approach to fight it and then solve the problem together,” Dewantara said.

“As we face terrorism, we also have to deal with new threats like in cyber security. The Philippine Army also sees the importance of strengthening our information sharing and exchanges of intelligence as a way to defeat terrorism,” Sarsagat said.

He added that PA troopers also learned a lot on Indonesian counter-terror efforts during their visit and study there.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077285

Schools urged to cooperate with gov't over Reds' recruitment

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8, 2019): Schools urged to cooperate with gov't over Reds' recruitment



Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa (center)

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Wednesday floated the idea of compelling state-run universities to fully cooperate with security forces to ensure there is no presence of radical groups that indoctrinate students into the communist ideology.

“They should, gobyerno naman gumagastos sa kanila (the government funds them). Government-owned schools ang mga ito (these are government schools) and yet they are producing people who are fighting against the government, napakalaking irony ito (this is a huge irony),” the senator said in a media interview after a Senate hearing where mothers of missing students who allegedly joined progressive groups Anakbayan and Kabataan narrated their stories.

The senator wants the University of the Philippines and Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ school administration to allow the army and police to enter the campus for educational forums.

“Ayaw nila papasukin ang police sa kanilang compound; whereby, allowing the communist to recruit students sa loob ng kanilang campus. Pinagbawalan ang government instrumentalities na makapagbigay ng education sa mga bata (They don't want the police to enter their compound; whereby, allowing communists to recruit students inside their campus. They prohibited government instrumentalities to give education to the students),” he said.

Dela Rosa spoke of an internal agreement between the police and school administration to locate missing students.

Recruitment

During the hearing, several parents who testified before the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, said their children, who were enrolled in PUP, Far Eastern University (FEU) and University of the East, left their homes and did not contact them after joining progressive youth organizations.

The parents said their children joined the League of Filipino Students, Anakbayan, and Kabataan party-list.

Among the minors, only the child of Gemma Labsan stayed with the family, while the rest refused to return home.

On August 1, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has filed kidnapping and other charges against the recruiters -- Anakbayan national chairman Vencer Crisostomo, and Anakbayan secretary-general Einstein Recedes -- in connection with a "missing" 17-year-old FEU Senior High School student.

Dela Rosa said the parents attended the Senate hearing on their own will and unfazed by threats that they will be labeled as "enemies" of the communist group if they speak up.

“Hindi na sila natatakot kasi itong mga parents na to, parang pinatay na rin sila kasi hindi na nila nakikita, nakakausap ang mga anak nila(These parents do not fear for their lives anymore, it’s as if they’re already dead because they no longer see or hear from their children),” he said.

‘More regular’ patrols

While police forces are already allowed to patrol regularly in the campus, PUP president Emanuel de Guzman said the PUP Board of Regents shall convene to authorize this proposal first to avoid “agitating the students”.

Dela Rosa, however, said there should be "more regular" police patrols regardless of the reaction of the students.

"I don't care kasi kung palagi na lang tayo takot na ma-agitate wala na mangyari sa gobyerno na ito (if we are always afraid to agitate them, nothing will happen with this government). We will wake up one day realizing that a big chunk of our population has already been lured into this deceit. The government should have the political will to do what supposed to be done to ensure na ang mga bata na ito ay makakapag-aral at makakapagtapos (that the students continue and finish their studies)," the former PNP chief added.

Data from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) showed that there was a total of 513 "neutralized child victims of CPP- NPA recruitment" from 1999 to 2019.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077313