2 soldiers hurt as MILF group occupies Basilan village

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 2, 2021): 2 soldiers hurt as MILF group occupies Basilan village (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Two soldiers were wounded in a brief firefight with a group of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members in Basilan on Monday after the group allegedly occupied a village in a potential violation of the peace process.

Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, the Army's 101st Infantry Brigade commander, said the firefight ensued in Barangay Sukaten, Sumisip town after some 20 MILF members fired on the soldiers responding to complaints that the rebels were illegally occupying the village.

Gobway said MILF members arrived in the village on Feb. 26 and installed signage declaring it as an "MILF area," prompting village and municipal officials to issue separate resolutions opposing the group's presence in the barangay.

The presence of the armed MILF members, he said, triggered the evacuation of several families over safety concerns.

Gobway said troops were deployed in the area to compel the MILF members to withdraw.

“What happened was, when the troops moved in, the MILF fired, and two of our soldiers were wounded,” Gobway said, adding that after Monday's clash, the group even grew from 20 to 50 members.

“This is a violation of the normalization process, which prohibits them from expanding their area of temporary stay. They are also prohibited from carrying firearms outside of their area of temporary stay,” the Army official pointed out.

Gobway said a dialogue was held with Hadji Samad, the head of the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostility (CCCH) in Basilan, to address the problem.

Gobway said he has already sought clearance from higher headquarters to expel the group from the area, describing the situation in Sumisip as "tense".

The MILF and the government signed a peace agreement in 2014 after 17 years of negotiations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1132272

2 former Reds surrender in Aurora

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 2, 2021): 2 former Reds surrender in Aurora (By Jason De Asis)

SURRENDERED. One of the two former NPA members who yielded to the military in Maria Aurora town, Aurora province on Monday (March 1, 2021), turns over his gun to the military. Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of the Philippine Army's 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, said the surrenderers are former CTG couriers/contacts of the New People’s Army’s Komiteng Larangang Guerrilla Sierra Madre. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 91IB)

BALER, Aurora – Two former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to authorities in Maria Aurora town, this province on Monday.

In an interview on Tuesday, Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of the Philippine Army's 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, identified the surrenderers as alias Okoy and alias Alex, former CTG couriers/contacts of the NPA’s Komiteng Larangang Guerrilla Sierra Madre (KLG-SM).

He said both, who are residents of Barangay Diaat, Maria Aurora, turned over their homemade handguns -- a.38 caliber with four rounds of ammunition and a .22mm caliber with four rounds of ammunition.

Rubio said the surrendered firearms are now in the custody of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) team of Charlie Company for safekeeping and proper disposition.

“The surrender of two loose firearms to our RCSP team from the former CTG couriers under KLG-SM indicates the effective implementation of the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF ELCAC),” he said.

Rubio thanked the local government unit (LGU) for providing timely and accurate information leading to the surrender of the two former CTG couriers.

He said the surrender is a result of the strengthened collaboration among the LGUs, security forces, and the stakeholders in the province.

“It is high time to surrender and take advantage of the E-CLIP (Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program) and other benefits offered by both national and local government agencies,” he added.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1132239

Village chief supporting NPA, armed group arrested

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 2, 2021): Village chief supporting NPA, armed group arrested (By Perla Lena)

SEIZED. Authorities recovered a grenade, handgun, and ammunition from Joewinny Giganto, chief of Barangay Calang in Dueñas, Iloilo on Tuesday (March 2, 2021). Giganto was identified as the leader of a new armed group. (PNA photo courtesy of CIDG 6)

A village chairperson who was identified as a supporter of the New People's Army (NPA) was arrested for illegal possession of firearms and explosives in Dueñas, Iloilo on Tuesday.

The house of Barangay Calang chair Joewinny Giganto was searched by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Western Visayas (CIDG 6), Regional Mobile Force Battalion, and Dueñas Municipal Police Station in the presence of barangay council officers at around 5:30 a.m. by virtue of a search warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 69’s Judge Domingo L. Casiple, Jr.

Confiscated from his possession were one unit of fragmentation hand grenade, one .45-caliber pistol, a magazine, and seven pieces of live ammunition, CIDG 6 special operations group chief, Major Jess Baylon, said in a phone interview.

“The subject is under the custody of the CIDG and he is due for inquest proceedings,” he said.

The Police Regional Office-6, in a statement, said Giganto was identified as an NPA supporter and leader of a new armed group involved in the “proliferation of loose firearms and gun-running activities in the province of Iloilo and nearby provinces”.

Associate Provincial Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, chair of legal cooperation cluster of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF ELCAC) confirmed that the suspect is the brother of Ismael “Ka Bob” Giganto, a leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) faction that led an ambush in Barangay Daan Sur, Tapaz, Iloilo on February 2003.

“Your efforts and your dedication to your duties have contributed to the maintenance of peace and order in Iloilo and the Island of Panay. Continue to discharge your duties faithfully, keeping in mind the safety and well-being of the people you have sworn to protect and to serve. The RTF6-ELCAC is one with you in your pursuit of peace and order,” Gonzales said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1132256

Suspected NPA rebel nabbed in NegOcc

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 3, 2021): Suspected NPA rebel nabbed in NegOcc (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

ARRESTED. Warren Lozano, 26, a suspected member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army, was arrested in joint police and military operation in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Monday (March 1, 2021). The suspect yielded a .45 caliber pistol with a magazine loaded with six live cartridges and a black sock containing two cartridges for an M203 grenade launcher, the police said. (Photo courtesy of Himamaylan City Police Station)

A suspected member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) was arrested in joint police and military operation in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Monday afternoon.

A police report on Tuesday identified the suspect as Warren Lozano, 26, a resident of the southern Negros city’s Sitio Cantupa in Barangay Caradioan.

Lozano, alleged to be a part of NPA hit squad Special Partisan Unit or SPARU, belongs to the Sentro De Grabidad 3, Regional Strike Force of Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros-Cebu-Bohol-Siquijor.

Around 4:55 p.m., Lozano was cornered by personnel of Himamaylan City Police Station and 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) of the Philippine Army in the neighboring Sitio Ubay.

Lt. Col. Angelo de Guzman, 94IB commander, said Lozano is an active member of the NPA although they have yet to confirm his links with the SPARU.

The suspect was found in possession of a caliber .45 caliber Colt pistol loaded with six live cartridges and a black sock containing two cartridges for an M203 grenade launcher.

The police report said Lozano “failed to present legal documents for the lawful possession of firearm and explosives” and was detained in the station’s custodial facility.

In a radio interview, Maj. Romeo Vargas, acting police chief of Himamaylan, said Lozano denied being a member of the CPP-NPA and claimed that the firearms and explosives recovered from his possession were planted.

The suspect will be charged with violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and Republic Act 9516 or illegal possession and manufacture of explosives.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1132344

Tawi-Tawi barangay officials yield loose firearms

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 3, 2021): Tawi-Tawi barangay officials yield loose firearms (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

LOOSE FIREARMS. The seven loose firearms surrendered by officials of Barangay Mandulan in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi to the Marine Battalion Landing Team 12 on Monday (March 1, 2021). MBLT-12 commander, Lt. Col. Henry Espinosa, said the barangay officials yielded their unlicensed firearms for fear of being penalized for their unlawful acquisition and possession of firearms. (Photo courtesy of Westmincom Public Information Office)

The campaign of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) against the proliferation of loose firearms continues to make headway as seven more unlicensed guns were surrendered in Tawi-Tawi, military officials announced Wednesday.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., Westmincom chief, said the seven loose firearms were voluntarily surrendered by officials of Barangay Mandulan, Bongao to the Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) 12 on Monday.

Vinluan lauded the troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Tawi-Tawi for their resolve that led to numerous accomplishments in the campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms in the province.

“The continued conduct of security forums and dialogues by our marine troops to the residents of Tawi-Tawi bore substantial gains in our efforts to address one of the root causes of lawlessness here in the region,” he said.

Lt. Col. Henry Espinosa, MBLT-12 commander, said the firearms surrendered to them include two M1 Garand rifles, one .357 caliber magnum revolver, one .45 caliber pistol with one magazine of live ammunition, one .38 caliber revolver, one Carbine rifle with a magazine, and one M-79 grenade launcher.

The barangay officials personally surrendered their unlicensed firearms for fear of being penalized for their unlawful acquisition and possession of firearms, Espinosa said.

The barangay officials informed him that being a government official way back when the security situation in Tawi-Tawi was unstable, having a firearm was a must because they had to protect themselves.

Since January, loose firearms from Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga Peninsula, the Lanao provinces, and central Mindanao have been turned over to the different units.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1132369

Gov't seeks 'true justice' for slain village chief in Capiz

 From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 3, 2021): Gov't seeks 'true justice' for slain village chief in Capiz (By Perla Lena)

DEATH OF AN ALLY. The national and regional task force ELCAC on Wednesday (March 3, 2021) said the government has lost a strong ally in its fight against insurgency with the death of village chief Julie Catamin of Barangay Roosevelt, Tapaz, Capiz. Catamin was shot dead while on his way home to Tapaz on Feb. 28. (Photo from NTF ELCAC virtual presscon)

Government agencies against insurgency are asking for justice to be served in the death of village chief Julie Catamin of Barangay Roosevelt, Tapaz, Capiz.

“He was our ally in the pursuit of justice and peace, especially diyan po sa lugar niya (there in her area),” Director of Integrated Communications Operations Center, Strategic Communications Cluster of National Task Force Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Joel Sy Egco said in a virtual press conference calling for "true justice" on the death of the barangay captain on Wednesday.

The undersecretary took part in the conference in his capacity as director of the new NTF -ELCAC cluster.

Egco said it was very clear the camp of the communist terrorist group (CTG) was lying and just using the death of Catamin to advance their propaganda, adding that it was not even remote that the rebels were behind in the fatal shooting based on their long history of sowing fear.

The CTG has claimed that the death of the village chief was government-initiated.

Catamin, 45 years old, was killed by riding-in-tandem suspects while on his way home to Tapaz on Feb. 28.

“I hope all of us are enlightened as to what really happened, what really transpired. I am one with everybody here in seeking true and genuine justice for Barangay Captain Julie Catamin,” Egco said.

The conference was also joined by NTF-ELCAC spokesperson Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy, Regional Task Force ELCAC spokesperson Associate Provincial Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, Tapaz Mayor Roberto Palomar, Philippine Army 301st Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Marion Sison, Police Regional Office-Western Visayas director Brig. Gen. Rolando Miranda, Director Agosto Maglunsod of the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples, and Ka Eric (a former rebel), among others.

Badoy remembered Catamin as a passionate leader to his constituents when she met with the barangay captains of Tapaz.

“What we are being asked to do is to be brave, the way Julie was brave and to serve each other the way Julie served her constituents. This is the way we honor the memory of Julie. It truly is an honor to have met him and have known him,” she said.

She added that the case of Catamin is not just a local issue as terrorism is of international concern.

“And we are dealing with terrorists. Ang pagpaslang kay Julie Catamin ay hindi maliit na bagay (The killing of Julie Catamin is not a small matter),” Badoy said.

She said the communist terrorists would like to threaten the locals but the people of Tapaz were lucky because of their brave mayor.

“We want all of this to come out in the open and to make sure that the people of Tapaz and the local chiefs know na hindi sila nag-iisa (they are not alone). Kasama nila ang national task force headed by the President and lahat kami dito ay invested para makita na ang hustisya ay ma-serve sa pagkamatay ni Catamin (The national task force headed by the President and all of us here are invested to seek justice for Catamin's death),” she said.

Miranda said Catamin was a “material point person” in the Akap-Kapatid program for New People's Army surrenderers and their former supporters by organizing participants in Capiz.

Akap-Kapatid is a psycho-social intervention program piloted in Western Visayas by the RTF ELCAC which was last held on Feb. 21.

To hasten the investigation of the case, Miranda said that a special task group would be activated to determine the motive and go after the perpetrators.

Among the angles to be looked into is Catamin’s affiliation with the Philippine Army and PNP for the Akap-Kapatid, he said.

To be included in the investigation will be the group of Karapatan that was quick to provide facts about the case and make accusations against the police and military right after the shooting.

Gonzales reiterated the call of the regional task force for justice for Catamin as he denounced the CTG for his death.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), which has 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/1132477

Troops urged to muster strong support for Covid-19 vax program

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 2, 2021): Troops urged to muster strong support for Covid-19 vax program (By Priam Nepomuceno)

VACCINE FOR TROOPS. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (2nd from right) and AFP chief, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, witness the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination program for troops at the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Tuesday (March 2, 2021). Around 100,000 of the 600,000 doses of Sinovac's CoronaVac jabs are allotted to personnel of the DND, the AFP's mother agency. (Photo courtesy of DND)

The country's military chief on Tuesday urged troops to show their "strong resolve of support" to the government's ongoing vaccination program against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) disease.

“As the Chief-of-Staff of the AFP, and in full confidence of our government’s pursuit of promoting the interests of our people; I urge our troops to wholeheartedly support our government’s vaccination program. Let us collectively show our strong resolve of support and trust to this very decisive initiative,” said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, during the symbolic vaccination of Sinovac Biotech CoronaVac vaccines to medical frontliners assigned at the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Tuesday.

Aside from Sobejana, also present in the event held at the Tejeros Hall, Commissioned Officers Club, was Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Health Undersecretary Myrna C. Cabotaje along with other senior defense officials.

“We in the AFP significantly figure in today’s symbolic vaccination program. We stand alongside our colleagues from the national agencies and local government units in a show of might and resolve in support of the National Vaccine Deployment Program,” he added.

Meanwhile, Col. Maria Sheila Jardiolin, a doctor and the commanding officer of Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo Station Hospital, headed the health services personnel in the facility’s vaccination rollout.

The priority of the vaccination remains to be the medical health workers who perform anti-Covid-19 operations.

Dubbed as “BIDA BAKUNATION” the program seeks to bring immense benefits that the people need in order to restore normalcy in the country. It puts across the important message of protecting and preserving Filipino lives amid the pandemic.

The vaccination program also reassures the effectiveness of the vaccine, which is fully backed by expert and professional advice from esteemed health practitioners of the country.

Sobejana also extended the AFP's gratitude to the national government and the persevering team that tirelessly worked hard to bring these much-needed vaccines.

He said the rollout is the start of many more positive actions from the administration to deliver to the Filipino people.

“With the ongoing vaccine distribution and the attendant inoculation of our front-liners, the days ahead certainly look positive. These coming days bode well for all of us for we will certainly rise above the challenge,” Sobejana said.

Meanwhile, AFP spokesperson, Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, in a message to reporters, identified three of the medical officers who were vaccinated in the ceremonial inoculation.

They are Lt. Col. Jacquelyn Cloma, MC (Medical Corps); Maj. Francis Andrade, MAC (Medical Administrative Corps (MAC) and Maj. Richard Delgado, NC (Nurse Corps).

At the Manila Naval Hospital, Arevalo said its commander, Col. Puralyn Epres, led the vaccination of medical workers of the Philippine Navy and Philippine Marines.

"At the Army General Hospital in Fort Bonifacio, Lt. Col. Teresita R Merioles, MC leads the (medical workers) of the Philippine Army," he added.

At the Philippine Air Force General Hospital, Maj. Irene M. Abutas, MC led the medical workers of the PAF.

"The target today is to vaccinate at least 30 MHWs in each of the hospitals in the four camps named," Arevalo said.

At the Philippine Army headquarters, its chief Lt. Gen. Jose C. Faustino Jr. received the first dose of CoronaVac vaccines.

Faustino, along with vice commander Maj. Gen. Robert C. Dauz, chief of staff, Maj. Gen. Rowen S. Tolentino, and Army General Hospital Executive Officer, Lt. Col. Teresita Merioles got vaccinated in the presence of Department of Health's (DOH) Disease Prevention and Control Bureau Director Dr. Aleli Amie Grace Sudincal, Department of the Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary Marcelo Morales, and National Task Force against Covid-19 deputy chief implementer, Secretary Vince Dizon.

The vaccine will be distributed to 5,000 personnel in the next 15 days and planning for the nationwide vaccination rollout to all units in 18 Army hospitals is ongoing.

"Remember that being inoculated is our duty to the country and to the Filipino people whom we have sworn to serve and protect," Faustino told the troops. "And to our countrymen, please know that the relentless trust and confidence you accord the Army drive us more to continue our efforts to effectively perform our mandate to serve the people and secure the land."

At the Manila Naval Hospital, Col. Pura Lyn Epres spearheaded the administration of the initial vaccine dosage to 30 Navy hospital and health service front-liners headed by the first vaccinee, acting Chief Surgeon Navy, Col. Reynaldo Capuz who was inoculated by DOH regional director, Dr. Corazon Flores.

These individuals who carry out anti-Covid-19 operations were prioritized to receive the limited first batch of available vaccines but the command endeavors to inoculate all its personnel upon the availability of more dosages.

Navy chief, Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said Tuesday's inoculation was “truly monumental for the Philippine Navy because it marks the beginning of the implementation of the government’s national vaccination program in the PN, which is expected to be in full swing in the coming weeks.”

“The Philippine Navy is one with the national government and the DOH in protecting and saving Filipino people’s health and lives. We also need this vaccine for us to be able to do our job and we will have them very soon…Little by little, step by step, we can and we will overcome this COVID-19 pandemic together,” Bacordo said.

Around 100,000 of the 600,000 doses of the Sinovac vaccine donated by the Chinese Ministry of Defense were allotted to the Department of National Defense (DND).

The DND will initially inoculate almost 15,000 individuals using close to 30,000 doses while the remaining 70,000 doses will be given to the AFP.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1132277

Australian reintegration program for ex-ASG members eyed in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 2, 2021): Australian reintegration program for ex-ASG members eyed in Sulu (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

REINTEGRATION PROGRAM. Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven J Robinson AO and Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, talk to former Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members during a historic trip to Sulu in the last week of February. The Australian government is looking to fund an aid program in Sulu to help former ASG members rejoin society. (Photo courtesy of Australian Embassy in Manila via Western Mindanao Command)

The Australian government is looking to fund an aid program in Sulu to assist former Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members who left the organization to rejoin society.

The proposal was made during Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson's historic trip to Sulu last week as part of Canberra's support to the peace process in the region.

In an interview detailing the trip, Robinson on March 1 said Australia wants to replicate a program it implemented for Basilan's former ASG members who surrendered but need help in rejoining society.

"And so we were looking at whether we could do that in Sulu, and I'm hopeful that we'll be able to do precisely that, replicate our program that we've run in Basilan," he said.

One of this initiative's goals is to allow former rebels to "find new ways of thinking about their future" by giving them occupational experience, either as fishermen or as farmers.

The reintegration program also includes educating the surrenderers on the benefits of coming into the fold and building a society that contributes positively to the Philippines.

Aside from this, Canberra is also looking to support Sulu toward its economic recovery, as well as in areas of health, education, and conflict resolution.

"We're looking at how we'll have a practical impact in the South and of course the programs that we've run in Mindanao now go to health and education, and education is really vital because I think we all will accept that, you know, if you get the education right, it changes the lives of the people. And so we're looking at how we can assist the Department of Education in the rollout of its programs," he said.

The envoy's diplomatic delegation was one of the largest to ever visit the Sulu. During the trip, Robinson told Governor Abdusakur Tan that Australia would encourage more international support to bring peace and stability to the province.

Robinson was accompanied by Western Mindanao Commander, Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan. At Camp Bautista, Joint Task Force Sulu commander Brigadier General William Gonzales also briefed the envoy on the island’s improving security situation and recent successes against the ASG.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1132319

Decommissioning of legacy ships vital to Navy modernization

 From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 2, 2021): Decommissioning of legacy ships vital to Navy modernization (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office

The decommissioning of the Philippine Navy’s (PN) remaining legacy vessels is an important part of the service's transition into a more modern force, its chief said on Tuesday.

“Indeed, the decommissioning of PS-31, PS-70, PC-118, and PC-114 is a symbolism that there is a new horizon in sight. We are geared towards becoming a stronger and more capable Philippine Navy. With our newest acquisitions, we are more confident that we can better perform our mandate and provide better protection of our maritime domains,” Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said in a statement.

Those decommissioned in a ceremony held on Monday were the BRP Quezon (PS-70), a former Auk-class minesweeper of the US Navy constructed during World War II and transferred to the PN in 1967; the BRP Pangasinan (PS-70), a former US Navy patrol craft escort built in 1943 and turned over to the country in 1948; and the Tomas Batilo-class fast patrol craft, BRP Salvador Abcede (PC-114), and the BRP Emilio Liwanag (PC-118), which were acquired from South Korea in 1996.

“The accomplishments of these PN vessels won’t be possible without their courageous crew. We are preparing and transitioning from a legacy navy into a modern navy, and part of this is making sure that we allocate our valuable resources and manpower to our new platforms," Bacordo said in his speech delivered by PN vice commander Rear Admiral Adeluis Bordado during the ceremony at Captain Salvo Pier, Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City.

The Navy implemented the gradual decommissioning of its legacy assets in line with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana's guidance to decommission all of its vintage assets to pave the way for the incoming platforms pursuant to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.

This is in support of the PN’s capability development program aimed towards the acquisition of modern platforms with state-of-the-art equipment and combat management systems.

Bacordo earlier told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that these ships need to be decommissioned as they are now too old and costly to maintain and operate.

He added that the PN is phasing out these ships so that the Navy could "devote more resources to our newly-acquired ships."

"Notwithstanding, we have a sufficient number of ships to continue performing our mandate to protect our people, secure our sovereignty and the integrity of our national territory," Bacordo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1132305

6 of 19 rescued IP kids in Cebu to remain in DSWD custody: PNP

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 2, 2021): 6 of 19 rescued IP kids in Cebu to remain in DSWD custody: PNP (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

PNP chief, Gen. Debold Sinas. (File photo)

Custody of six of the 19 indigenous peoples (IP) children rescued at a retreat house in Cebu City last month will remain with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas said Tuesday.

In a statement, Sinas said the DSWD Regional Office 7 reiterated that until the appropriate psycho-social interventions are completed, social welfare officers will continue to take custody of the six children.

He added that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for Central Visayas also ensured custody of one of the six children, a 17-year old Subanon girl who was allegedly a regular New People's Army (NPA) member when rescued by police and DSWD from the University of San Carlos Balamban Campus Retreat House last February 15.

Citing reports from Police Regional Office 7 director, Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo, Sinas said both parents of the Subanon girl are reportedly members of the communist terrorist group in Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur.

Sinas said PRO-7 is also validating reports that the 17-year old Subanon girl is herself a regular communist party member based on information from a former cadre.

The DSWD-Region 7 has maintained custody of the child and cited DSWD Standard Operating Procedures that before the turn-over of custody of children under their care, a “proper evaluation and assessment with the child must be undertaken, including the capacity of the parent, and not any other person, to take custody of the child”.

Of the 19 rescued children, 13 Ata Manobo minors have since returned to their hometown in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

Of the six children who remain under the custody of DSWD in Cebu City while awaiting their release to their respective parents -- four are from Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, one from Columbio, Sultan Kudarat; and one is from Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur.

Montejo said one of the seven respondents in the kidnapping and human trafficking charges filed by the police has signified intention to turn state witness.

Sinas said the suspect has sought the help of police authorities to find an independent lawyer who will represent her after she executed a written declaration to terminate the services of lawyers King Perez and Neil Relampagos of the National Union of People's Lawyers in Cebu as her counsel.

She separately signed a Legal Engagement Service for lawyer Joey Borinaga to represent her during the preliminary investigation.

Other respondents in the case for violation of Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code (Kidnapping with Serious Illegal Detention), Violation of Sec. 10, RA 7610 and violation of Section 4i, 4j, 4k and Section 9 of RA 9208 as amended by RA 10364 (Trafficking in Persons Act) were filed before the Provincial Prosecutors Office of Davao del Norte are: Benito Bay-ao, Segundo Melong, Esmelito Paumba Torebawan, Chad Ramirez Booc, Jomar Malique Binag, and Moddie Langayed Mansumuy-at.

Meanwhile, DSWD and PNP-WCPC personnel are assisting five IP parents from Lebak, Sultan Kudarat in completing documentation to take custody of their rescued children.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1132287

Anti-terror law essential to nat'l security: group

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 2, 2021): Anti-terror law essential to nat'l security: group (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

SUPPORT ANTI-TERROR LAW. Members of the Liga Independencia Pilipinas, League of Parents of the Philippines, Movement of Women for Change and Reform, Youth Power Against Destabilization, Duterte Youth Party List, and Citizens Crime Watch stage demonstrations outside the Supreme Court on Tuesday (March 2, 2021). The high tribunal ended the fourth day of oral arguments against the law and will resume next Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of Liga Independencia Pilipinas)

The Anti-Terror Act (ATA) is essential to upholding "national security and the global fight against violence" perpetrated by rebels and other armed groups, a leader of a multi-sectoral organization said on Tuesday.

Jose Antonio Goitia, secretary-general of the Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), maintained that the ATA will help “liberate the people from the threats of violent extremism and radicalism”.

"To preserve our national principles, we must not give in to the egotistical, self-serving, and heedless intentions of a few. We must have faith in our government to take up the cudgels of defending our country," Goitia said during a picket rally staged by various groups outside the Supreme Court, in support of the resumption of the oral arguments on the ATA of 2020.

Aside from LIPI, also present were members of the League of Parents of the Philippines or Liga ng mga Magulang, Yakap ng mga Magulang, Movement of Women for Change and Reform, Youth Power Against Destabilization, Duterte Youth Party List, and Citizens Crime Watch.

Goitia said Filipinos deserve to gain freedom against tyranny, oppression, violence, killings of innocents, and the long-standing armed insurgency brought by communist groups, Islamic extremists, and other rebel organizations in the country.

"To preserve our national principles, we must not give in to the egotistical, self-serving, and heedless intentions of a few. We must have faith in our government to take up the cudgels of defending our country," he said.

He said the government must adopt measures that could prevent terrorists to freely operate, particularly in the far-flung areas, and to stop the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. including indigenous peoples, women, and children.

The ATA, Goitia emphasized, could also protect Filipinos against some politicians and other personalities in the government sector covertly supporting terrorists such as the New People's Army.

"The Philippines cannot idly stand by and let a few political hacks, whose intentions do not reflect the sentiment of the nation, destroy the work of our government to protect lives, rid our country of extremist elements as well as participate in the global stage in the fight against terror," he added.

Goitia also cited "internal and external threats" that became visible as the country continues to grapple with the health crisis.

"Insurgents, criminal groups, and terrorists will take advantage of our vulnerabilities to consolidate or increase their power base and launch deadly attacks," he added. " Again, this starts with the law and cooperation with other countries. It is needed now."

The 37 anti-ATA petitions submitted to the high court were baseless, Goitia insisted.

"We will not deal on the merits of the case as we already know that the petitioners’ arguments are weak and have no basis," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1132339

Kalinaw News: Troops clash with communist terrorists, 1 NPA dead

From Kalinaw News (Mar 3, 2021): Troops clash with communist terrorists, 1 NPA dead



Mati City – Patrolling troops of 67th Infantry Battalion clashed this morning with NPA in the village of Maymayan, Sta Maria, Trento, Agusan resulting to 1 dead NPA terrorist and the recovery of 1 M16 rifle.

“The NPAs are in the act of extorting money and food from the villagers when chanced upon by our community support team who are implementing barangay development initiatives, Lieutenant Colonel Louie Dema-ala, Battalion Commander of 67IB narrated. “I thank the villagers for reporting the presence of extorting NPA. Please support instead our efforts to unify for peace and to end NPA terrorist atrocities, ” he added.

“We welcome with open arms our lost NPA brothers who surrender. You have a sincere government here willing to extend assistance in the form of livelihood, skills training, education and even housing to former rebels, ” Governor Santiago Cane Jr of Agusan del Sur underscored.

Community Support Teams of the Philippine Army work hand in hand with local government units, police, non-government organizations and other peace partners under the ambit EO # 70 to end local communist armed conflict.



[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/troops-clash-with-communist-terrorists-1-npa-dead/

Kalinaw News: 10 Ranking CNTs Fall, More than 600 Renounce their Support, Allegiance to CPP-NPA-NDF

From Kalinaw News (Mar 3, 2021): 10 Ranking CNTs Fall, More than 600 Renounce their Support, Allegiance to CPP-NPA-NDF



NSFA Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) sustains its crackdown on communist terrorism with the arrest and surrender of 10 high-ranking Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) while more than 600 members and underground mass supporters had also renounced their links with the CNTs in January and February alone.

Five CNT leaders identified as Marie Vic Diamante Sustetuido alias Celin/Bebeng, Deputy Secretary of Guerrilla Front Committee (GFC) Malayag, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), Isias Bigol Geñorga alias Ising, Executive Committee (Execom) member and Secretary of the Regional Urban Committee, Gina Tutor alias Cora, Execom member and Secretary General of Gabriela Agusan del Norte, Vilma Dalangin Yecyec alias Mader, Secretary of the Regional Organization Department, and Rogelio Balansag De Asis alias Dhudz, Regional Chairman of Pambanang Lakas ng mamalakaya sa Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) were apprehended while five more others identified as Bartolome Abela Tausa alias Raymond, Commanding Officer of the Pulang Bagani Command, Rekem Domingo alias Renjan, Vice Commanding Officer 2 of the Front Guerrilla Unit (FGU), and Ruben Sinao Su-oy Jr. alias Jordan/Niko, the Commanding Officer of Basil Platoon, Guerrilla Front 3 and also an Execom member, Jimwel Ascares Salazar alias Zian, Commanding Officer of Sub-Regional Sentro-De-Gravidad (SRSDG) Westland, and Kurt Russel Sosa alias Ugnay surrendered to the authorities on separate occasions in the past two months.

More than 600 CNTs and their supporters were also neutralized and had dissociated from the CPP-NPA-NDF from January 1 until February 28. Out of the neutralized CNTs, 13 were killed in encounters, 16 were captured, and 77 yielded to the troops while more than 500 mass supporters also seized their support for the CNTs.

Sixty-five firearms were also recovered while 25 hideouts were discovered by the troops in the same period.

Acting EastMinCom Commander BGen. Leopoldo Imbang, Jr. attributed these accomplishments to the increasing participation of the Local Government Units and the local populace in countering insurgency.

“Local officials are now more receptive to the needs of their communities, leading the latter to become more participative to government-led initiatives in tackling the armed struggle,” BGen. Imbang said, stressing that this development has a positive impact on the military’s counterinsurgency measures.

BGen. Imbang also expressed his gratitude to the different government agencies and stakeholders who never fail to support EastMinCom’s initiatives and programs for peace, security, and development.

“With the sustainment of the collaborations among different government agencies, we are expecting to see a rising number of CNTs surrendering to the government in the coming months,” BGen Imbang said.

CNTs who choose to surrender to the authorities are also given the assurance of a good life through the Enhanced Local Comprehensive Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government where they can receive remuneration and livelihood assistance.

EastMinCom is also enhancing its information campaign to ensure that CNTs who are lurking even in the most secluded area can hear of the benefits available for them once they decide to live a normal life under the rule of law.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/10-ranking-cnts-fall-more-than-600-renounce-their-support-allegiance-to-cpp-npa-ndf/

Kalinaw News: CNT remnants surrender, yield firearms to 23IB in Agusan del Norte

From Kalinaw News (Mar 2, 2021): CNT remnants surrender, yield firearms to 23IB in Agusan del Norte



BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – Remnants of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorist (CNT) voluntarily surrendered to the troops of the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion on Sunday, February 28, 2021.

Four (4) NPA regular members of Guerilla Front (GF) F4A and Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad SAGAY, Sub-Regional Committee 3, both of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) who are all tucked-in with HQF NEO, NCMRC together with three (3) Milisya ng Bayan (MB) members voluntarily surrendered to LTC JULIUS CESAR C PAULO GSC (INF) PA, Commanding Officer, 23IB at the unit’s headquarters in Jamboree Site, Purok 6, Brgy Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

They also surrendered six (6) firearms, one (1) hand grenade and two (2) blasting caps.

The NPA regulars and MB members who surrendered were identified as @LONGLONG, 20 years old, Team Leader ofABE, SQD 1, SDG CAOCAO, GF4A and a former member of SRSDG SAGAY, SRC3, NCMRC; @MINE, 18 years old, member of Team BAKING, SQD 2, SDG CAOCAO, GF4A and a former member of SRSDG SAGAY, SRC3, NCMRC bringing along with him one (1) Cal .45 pistol; @JACK/@BRENDO, 32 years old, a member of SQD 2, SDG CAOCAO, GF4A, NCMRC; @ROVERT/ @ROGUE 26 years old, single, a Member TM BAKING, SQD 1, SDG CAOCAO, GF4A, NCMRC bringing along with him one (1) Cal .45 pistol and one (1) Cal .357 revolver; @WILLY, 38 years old, a Milisya ng Bayan from Sitio Salvacion, Barangay Manila de Bugabos, Butuan City under SDG CAOCAO, GF4A, NCMRC bringing along with him one (1) M16A1 rifle, one (1) magazine, ten (10) live ammunition; @JONIE 26 years old, also a Milisya ng Bayan of Sitio Salvacion, Barangay Manila de Bugabos, Butuan City under SDG CAOCAO, GF4A, NCMRC bringing along with him one (1) Cal .45 pistol and five (5) live ammunition; and, @DALAS, 18 years old Milisya ng Bayan of KM 12 from Sitio Hinandayan, Barangay Camagong, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte under the SYP KINGDOM, GF4A, NCMRC bringing along with him one (1) Cal .22 revolver, one (1) hand grenade, and two (2) blasting caps.

The above-mentioned regular members of the remnants of GF-4A came from the group of 3rd Platoon, HQF NEO under @PAG-ASA and @TAZAR in Pantaron Range in Barangay Sinakungan, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. Upon their surrender, they revealed that there was infighting among the group because of the unfair treatment since @TAZAR was prioritizing his members more than the members of the remnants of GF-4A.

Alias Dalas, one of the surrenderees testified that he and his comrades decided to surrender to the 23IB due to the relentless operations at Pantaron Range and the misunderstanding and infighting among the group members.

“Naka desisyon gyod me nga mo balik na sa sabakan sa balaod tungod kay dili patas ang pag trato sa among kadagkuan sa amo nga mga myembro ug dili name maka sabot sa pagdala sa amo labi na usab kay ga away-away na usab me sa sulod sa kalihukan ug basin mag unay pame kadugayan. Gawas pa niana, gikapoy na me kay dili lalim ang among sitwasyon sa sulod, grabe ang kagutom kay mag lisod nami ug pangita ug kakuhaan ug pagkaon labi na kay ang kasundaluhan kanunay gapahigayon ug combat operation sa Pantaron Range. Wala nami tarongkaon, tulog ug pahuway ug grabe na kakapoy. Wala na me makasiguro sa among seguridad sa sulod sa kalihukan ug protektahan ba me sa among kauban sa gagukod sa amo nga kasundaluhan. Dugay na usab meng wala na usab me maka bisita sa among pamilya. Nakita usab namo nga walay mahatag nga kaayuhan ang komonistang grupo sa ilang mga myembro ug wala nay rason nga magpabilin pa meng mag serbisyo sa ila,” Dalas said.

Lt. Col. Paulo welcomed the surrender and cited their decision to listen to the call of the government to renew their lives by going back to their families and communities.

“I am glad that these CNT remnants and MBs already realized that they were just being manipulated by the senseless CNT group. In reality, the security of CNT members is always at risk and uncertain given that their leaders cannot defend them especially during armed encounters with government troopers,” Paulo said.

He emphasized that the CNT leaders do not have sympathies with their members while infightings and factions are happening among their ranks.

“The CNT leaders don’t have sympathy for their members even from the start. Now that the group is having a faction inside, much more they cannot give security and assurance to their members. They cannot be trusted and they only keep on feeding their members with false promises just to let them stay inside the armed movement. They are only good to their members if they can get something from them, but when they are already useless, they will be dumped.,” Paulo said.

Paulo also assured them of support from the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and the support of the different line agencies and the local government units (LGUs).

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/cnt-remnants-surrender-yield-firearms-to-23ib-in-agusan-del-norte/

Kalinaw News: 3ID Commander Slams CPP-NPA Terrorist for Killing Tapaz Village Chairman

From Kalinaw News (Mar 2, 2021): 3ID Commander Slams CPP-NPA Terrorist for Killing Tapaz Village Chairman



CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan Capiz –MGen Eric Vinoya, the Commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division condemns to the strongest possible terms the death of the Village Chairman in Tapaz, Capiz perpetrated by the CPP-NPA Terrorist.

Honorable Julie Catamin, the Village Chairman of Roosevelt, Tapaz was shot to death by the communist-terrorists on Sunday morning, February 28, 2021.

“We are one with the people of Tapaz in condemning the cruelty of the CPP-NPA Terrorist against the active public servant and peace advocate in the town. His death is a strong evidence of the CPP-NPA’s blatant violation of human rights. Mercilessly killing an unarmed public servant is one of their violent ways. A desperate move that only the cold-blooded communist-terrorist groups can execute especially when they are losing the people’s trust and confidence,” MGen Vinoya stressed.

MGen Vinoya also slammed the communist-terrorists and their allied groups for quickly pointing their guilty fingers to the government forces as perpetrators.

“We are not new to this tricky tactic of the Communist-Terrorists. Blaming the government forces is their usual ploy every time a crime is committed by their members. They cannot fool the people of Tapaz through their fabricated stories for they are the ones who have solid motive to kill the pro-government village chairman,” MGen Vinoya further stressed.

Under the leadership of Catamin, the residents of Barangay Roosevelt took a bold step against the CPP-NPA Terrorist by declaring them as persona-non-grata last September 15, 2020. He has been very supportive of the programs under the Executive Order No 70 of the Government in Ending the Local Communist Armed Conflict. He has supported the Community Support Program of the Army in Panay and has been instrumental in the success of the said program in his barangay.

“Catamin’s reputable deeds that have greatly contributed to the success of the government’s peace campaign will help us bring these communist-terrorists to justice. He may be gone, but his passing will not stop the people of Tapaz and your Army in pursuing the genuine peace by putting the senseless and destructive insurgency to its end,” MGen Vinoya added.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/3id-commander-slams-cpp-npa-terrorist-for-killing-tapaz-village-chairman/