PH Coast Guard's mission becoming more 'intense' than ever: PBBM

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 26, 2023): PH Coast Guard's mission becoming more 'intense' than ever: PBBM (By Azer Parrocha)

OATH-TAKING. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the oath-taking of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel at Malacañan Palace on Thursday (Jan. 26, 2023). In his speech, Marcos renewed his call to PGC to continue protecting the country’s maritime territory, citing how recent events have made their mission “more intense” compared to the past years. (Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications Office)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday renewed his call to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel to continue protecting the country’s maritime territory, citing how recent events in the South China Sea (SCS) have made their mission “more intense” compared to the past years.

In his remarks during the oath-taking of PCG personnel at Malacañan Palace, Marcos recognized the PCG’s primary role in search and rescue and patrolling the boundaries, but noted that “many duties that once belonged to the Philippine Navy have been transferred to the PCG.”

“The reason for this is very simple. We do that so that we will not raise tensions by putting units and assets of the Philippine military into the area. At because sinasabi natin (we are saying) these are not military vessels, they are Coast Guard,” he said.

“…As many of the incidents have started to show over the past few years, that mission has become more, shall we say, intense. Now you are expected to defend not only the coastline, but to defend our nationals," he added.

Marcos described PCG personnel as “frontliners” ready to confront threats coming through the country's coastlines.

“That is why we must guard ourselves; we must be ready and aware and industrious in the work that we do to make sure that we do not have any untoward incidents, that we do not have any mistakes, we do not have any misunderstandings that might cause the problem to escalate out of our control,” he said.

He, likewise, vowed continued support for the PCG’s modernization program, including upgrading the PCG’s capabilities, facilities and equipment.

“I’m confident that all of our officers know this mission, that all our officers know how to fulfill that mission. And that is why we continue to support you in every way that we can so our citizens feel safe," he said.

“This is something that is critical to the safety of the citizens of the Philippines. It is critical in the defense of the Republic. It is critical to the defense of our territory,” he added.

The PCG, an attached agency of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), is mandated and responsible to perform maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, maritime safety, marine environmental protection and maritime security.

In 1967, the Republic Act 5173 or the Philippine Coast Guard Law was enacted by Congress, enabling the creation of the PCG as one of the major units of the navy. However, its military character prevented PCG from receiving capability upgrades from other foreign countries.

After the PCG’s functions were reorganized to be civilian in nature, it was transferred to the Department of Transportation Communications (DOTC) in 1998.

The Philippines, China and several other littoral states have overlapping claims in the SCS.

In a 2016 arbitral ruling, the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled that Beijing's nine-dash line, a demarcation that covers almost 80 percent of the South China Sea, is illegal. China repeatedly ignored the PCA ruling.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193701

PH Army chief of staff gets second star

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 27, 2023): PH Army chief of staff gets second star (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Philippine Army (PA) Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Potenciano C. Camba (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

MANILA – Philippine Army (PA) Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Potenciano C. Camba has received his second star rank.

PA commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. presided over the donning of ranks rites at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio on Thursday.

"Maj. Gen. Potenciano C. Camba assumed as the Army chief of staff on Jan. 13, 2023, succeeding Maj. Gen. Jose Eriel M. Niembra who served as acting chief of staff on top of his primary duty as Army inspector general," PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement Friday.

Before being appointed as PA chief of staff, Camba commanded the 1002nd Brigade, 10th Infantry Division, as well as other units, such as the office of the assistant chief of staff for personnel, and the 2nd and 3rd Special Forces Battalion, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne).

He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1991.

Also on Thursday, Col. Peter B. Burgonio was installed as the PA Intelligence Regiment acting commander.

Burgonio replaced Brig. Gen. Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr., who was named as commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade of the PA's 1st Infantry Division.

He has been serving as the regiment's deputy commander since 2017.

"He was also assigned as the battalion commander of the 14th Infantry Battalion and assistant chief of staff for intelligence of the 8th Infantry Division; chief of the counter-intelligence branch of the office of the assistant chief of staff for intelligence, PA; and chief of the anti-terrorism branch for the office of the deputy chief of staff for intelligence, Armed Forces of the Philippines," Trinidad said.

Burgonio is a member of the PMA Class of 1993.

On the other hand, Barroquillo is from PMA Class of 1992 and has served at the helm of the regiment for five years and two months.

"During his (Barroquillo) stint, he constantly supervised the implementation of intelligence projects, which resulted in the neutralization of communist terrorist groups, including high-ranking personalities, and the recovery of high-powered firearms. He also held leadership positions in various units, such as the Officer Candidate School, Armed Forces of the Philippines; Office of the Commanding General, Philippine Army, 1st Infantry Battalion, and Intelligence Service Group, Philippine Army," Trinidad added.

Brawner congratulated Barroquillo and Burgonio on their new assignments, expressing confidence that they would continue their units' exemplary performance under their leadership.

Meanwhile, Col. Benjamin Hao assumed as the new commander of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment (CMOR), replacing Col. Marces Gayat.

Before his new post, Hao served as commander of Task Force Ugnay and assistant division commander for reservist and retiree affairs under the 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division.

He also served as chief of staff of the Training and Doctrine Command; chief of the Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs; and commanding officer of the 7th Infantry Battalion under the 6th Infantry Division.

Hao is a member of PMA Class of 1993 and holds a master's degree in Communication Development from the University of the Philippines Open University.

Meanwhile, Gayat also belongs to PMA Class of 1993 and holds a master's degree in Public Management from the Development Academy of the Philippines.

He also headed other units as commandant of the training staff of the Reservist Officers Training Corps (ROTC) under the National Capital Region Regional Community Defense Group and served as assistant chief of staff for personnel and commanding officer of the 5th and 35th Infantry Battalions under the 1st Infantry Division.

Bangsamoro exec enters Navy reserve force

As this developed, Philippine Navy (PN) chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. administered the donning of ranks to the newly inducted Navy reserve officer at the PN headquarters on Thursday.

The rank of commander was conferred to engineer Mohajirin Ali, the director general of the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

He is a licensed mining engineer, and earned his master’s degree in National Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines.

“May you inspire other Filipinos, compassionate and dedicated to serving the country in many ways. We look forward to working and collaborating with you on future engagements. We are grateful that you accepted this additional role and chose to become a navy reserve officer," Adaci said.

Navy reservists play an important role as force multipliers in medical and civic action programs, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193715

AFP names new internal auditor

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 27, 2023): AFP names new internal auditor (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Brig. Gen. Joel Alejandro Nacnac (left) (Photo courtesy of AFP)

MANILA – Brig. Gen. Joel Alejandro Nacnac assumed on Friday his new post as The Internal Auditor (TIA) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In a statement, AFP public affairs office chief, Col. Jorry Baclor, said Nacnac was installed in short rites presided over by vice chief of staff, Air Force Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura, at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Nacnac previously served as head of the AFP Center for Law of Armed Conflict.

He also served as the Army Provost Marshal, chief of morale, welfare, and development division of the office of the AFP deputy chief-of-staff for personnel; and commander of the 19th Infantry Battalion.

He replaced Marine Col. Rodyer dela Peña who led the Office of The Internal Auditor in an acting capacity.

Also on Friday, Air Force Maj. Gen. Fernyl Buca officially relinquished his duties and responsibilities as AFP deputy chief-of-staff for logistics after being appointed Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) head last Jan. 25.

Heading Buca's turnover ceremony was the deputy chief-of-staff AFP, Vice Admiral Rommel Anthony SD Reyes.

Buca replaced Lt. Gen. Ernesto C. Torres.

He is the first Air Force general to be appointed as NOLCOM chief. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1990.

Col. Leo Edward Y. Caranto, the current assistant AFP deputy chief-of-staff for logistics, took over in an acting capacity.

He is a member of the PMA Class of 1992 and holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration for Executives from Southwestern University.

Among the positions he previously held were Army chief ordnance and chemical services; deputy of the Army’s office of the assistant chief-of-staff for logistics; and director of Research and Development Center, Army Support Command.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193760

DND fine-tuning implementation plan for ROTC

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 28, 2023): DND fine-tuning implementation plan for ROTC (By Priam Nepomuceno)

(File photo)

MANILA – The Department of National Defense (DND) has assured it is ready to implement the mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program, in coordination with partner agencies.

In a statement on Saturday, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. expressed his appreciation to legislators, led by Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who are pushing for the law.

“We commit to take an active part in the legislative process through our full cooperation and inputs, whenever and wherever they are needed," Galvez said.

He said the DND and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), along with the Commission on Higher Education and supporting agencies, have already proposed a concept on how the ROTC program would run.

"We can implement it using a phased approach wherein we will have pilot and simulation runs in selected universities, while preparing our personnel, logistical and budgetary requirements for its full implementation," Galvez said.

In a nutshell, the implementation will consist of preparation; curriculum development; selection and training of implementers; personnel, logistics and budget planning; selection of pilot volunteer schools based on results of evaluation of their facilities and capacities; pilot programs and simulation in volunteer schools; expansion to regions; progressive implementation; evaluation and further fine-tuning; and full implementation in all schools.

The projected timeline from the enactment of the law to initial implementation will be two to three years while full implementation can be done in five years.

The DND and AFP intend to harness the expertise of the Regional Community Defense Groups of the Philippine Army, Air Reserve Centers of the Philippine Air Force and Naval Reserve Centers of the Philippine Navy in managing the ROTC program.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. himself favors the return of the mandatory ROTC to help bolster the country’s capability in dealing with disasters.

He said while Filipinos are always ready to help in times of disasters, those who respond must be properly trained and equipped with knowledge and skills in disaster response.

During Wednesday's hearing, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian assured the military and DND of budgetary and logistical support while Dela Rosa and Senator Francis Tolentino said reservists can be tapped as ROTC instructors.

In December last year, the House of Representatives approved a measure that would establish a two-year mandatory National Citizens Service Training program and an optional four-year ROTC program.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193820

Celebrity reservists eyed as ROTC trainers

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 29, 2023): Celebrity reservists eyed as ROTC trainers (By Leonel Abasola)

STAR FACTOR. Actor Matteo Guidicelli of the Philippine Army Reserve Command joins the Presidential Security Group’s VIP Protection Course at Malacaňang Park, Manila last year. Senator Ronald Dela Rosa said once the mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Course program is signed into law, celebrities like Guidicelli may be asked to serve as trainers. (Courtesy of PSG)

MANILA – Celebrity reservists can serve as instructors of the Reserve Officers' Training Course (ROTC) to augment the lack of personnel.

Their presence will also inspire students who will take up the proposed mandatory ROTC, according to Senator Ronald Dela Rosa.

In a radio interview over the weekend, he said actors such as 2nd Lt. Matteo Guidicelli can undergo an Instructors Development Course (IDC).

Guidicelli is an Army reservist who trained with the Scout Rangers and the Presidential Security Group.

Beauty pageant titlists Winwyn Marquez and Beatrice Luigi Gomez also underwent basic military training and received recognitions for exemplary performances.

“Pwedeng i-tap ang mga reservist. Maaari din bigyan ng allowance ‘yung mga celebrity katulad ni Lt. Guidicelli. Sapat na ‘yun. Mag-train pa sila sa IDC (We can tap the reservists. We can give them allowances, celebrities like Lt. Guidicelli. They’re enough. They can undergo IDC),” Dela Rosa said, in reaction to the Department of National Defense’s (DND) fears that it may not have enough personnel for the estimated 2,400 schools nationwide that will need at least four instructors each.

Allaying fears of abuses such as hazing, Dela Rosa assured there are enough safeguards in his Senate Bill No. 1349, or the Reserve Officers Training Corps for Tertiary Education Act of 2022, and the five other ROTC measures by his colleagues.

There will be a committee in every school composed of representatives of the DND, school administrations and Commission on Higher Education that will handle complaints.

The mandatory ROTC training, Dela Rosa said, is not confined to guns and combat familiarization alone as the students will also be taught environmental care, disaster response and moral values.

He is optimistic that the measure will pass the Senate, noting that it is a priority measure of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The House of Representatives approved in December last year the measure that would establish a two-year mandatory National Citizens Service Training program and an optional four-year ROTC program.

In a statement on Saturday, DND Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said they “commit to take an active part in the legislative process through our full cooperation and inputs, whenever and wherever they are needed.”

“It is the duty of every citizen to protect this country. If needed, the state can order them to defend. This is included in our constitution,” Dela Rosa said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193843

Ex-NPA couple gets P100-K cash aid in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 26, 2023): Ex-NPA couple gets P100-K cash aid in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

CASH AID. Agusan del Norte Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante (center) hands over the PHP100,000 cash aid on Wednesday (Jan. 25, 2023) to couple Maximo Vibas Sr. and Jennifer Gabo, former New People’s Army rebels who surrendered to the Army's 29th Infantry Battalion on Jan. 1, 2023. The former rebels will use the cash aid for their daily needs as they wait for their livelihood assistance from the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. (Photo courtesy of 29IB)

BUTUAN CITY – A New People’s Army (NPA) couple who surrendered to troopers of the Army’s 29th Infantry Battalion (IB) on New Year's Day has received a PHP100,000 cash aid from the Agusan del Norte provincial government, a military official said Thursday.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Cresencio Gargar, 29IB commander, said former NPA rebels Maximo Vibas Sr. and Jennifer Gabo accepted the cash from Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante on Wednesday.

Before his surrender, Vibas served as the squad leader of the NPA Sentro de Grabidad 16, Guerilla Front 16, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

The couple also led the 29IB troopers in the retrieval of seven high-powered firearms a day after they turned themselves in.

“The couple will utilize the cash aid as they wait for the livelihood assistance they will receive under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program,” Gargar said.

The 29IB, he added, also helped Gabo reunite with her son in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte, whom she did not see for more than four years.

“Gabo was reunited with her son last Jan. 16, in time for the child’s sixth birthday,” Gargar said.

Amante asked the couple not to be deceived again by the propaganda of the NPA movement.

“We feel sorry for your comrades who died believing in the wrong ideology and for those who still sacrifice there in the mountains while your (leaders) are the ones getting rich,” she was quoted as saying.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193644

Village chief, 4 others killed in Zambo Norte ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 26, 2023): Village chief, 4 others killed in Zambo Norte ambush (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

AMBUSH. A bystander looks at the bullet-riddled vehicle of Ali Manangca, who was killed along with four others in an ambush Thursday (Jan. 26, 2023) in Barangay Piña, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte. Manangca is the village chief of Balubuan, Sirawai. (Photo courtesy of Ely Dumaboc)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A village chief and four others were killed and two more were injured in an ambush in Zamboanga del Norte, the police reported Thursday.

An initial report of Sirawai Municipal Police Station said the village chairperson, Ali Manangca, along with four others were killed in an ambush around 3 p.m. Thursday in Barangay Piña.

Manangca is the village chief of Barangay Balubuan, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

The other victims were not immediately identified.

A team of Sirawai policemen led by Executive Master Sgt. Rymerjun Pernito, who rushed to the ambush site, brought the victims to the hospital for treatment.

Initial investigation showed that Manangca and his companions were aboard a Toyota Hilux when waylaid by unidentified gunmen.

Police said investigation is ongoing to establish the identities of the suspects.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193694

Persons of interest’ tagged in village councilor’s slay try

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 26, 2023): ‘Persons of interest’ tagged in village councilor’s slay try (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

Negros Oriental acting provincial police director Col. Reynaldo Lizardo. (PNA file photo)

DUMAGUETE CITY – Police investigators have identified “persons of interest” in the shooting and wounding of a barangay kagawad (councilor) and his companion in Minaba, Bayawan City, Negros Oriental.

Initial investigation showed that around 7:10 p.m. Wednesday, armed men shot Artemio Estrebella, 60, Barangay Minaba councilor, and his 45-year-old companion Ricky Canillo.

They were having dinner when the attack happened, said Lt. Col. Rex Moslares, chief of the Bayawan police. The victims sustained gunshot wounds.

Moslares said they are looking into a possible link of “persons of interest” in the attack as well as the motive for the shooting, including a possible grudge or business-related.

Recovered from the scene were two fired cartridges of caliber .9mm, Moslares said.

This is the second barangay councilor in Negros Oriental to be shot this month.

The first was in Vallehermoso town, which the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army claimed responsibility for, accusing the victim of being an alleged informant of the military and the police.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193696

Manhunt on vs. gunmen in murder of village chair in S. Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 27, 2023): Manhunt on vs. gunmen in murder of village chair in S. Kudarat (By Edwin Fernandez)

Google map of Lebak municipality, Sultan Kudarat.

TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat – Authorities have launched a manhunt against motorcycle-riding gunmen who shot dead a village chairperson in Lebak town Thursday evening.

Lt. Col. Julius Malcontento, Lebak police station chief, said Friday soldiers are helping the local police in pursuing the attackers of Rogelio Talagtag, 53, chairperson of Barangay Basak.

Talagtag was standing in front of his family-owned variety store in Barangay Basak when two men aboard a motorbike arrived at about 6 p.m. and shot him.

“One of them alighted and fired at the unsuspecting village official in the head and body, killing him instantly,” Malcontento said, citing police investigation.

The perpetrators sped off in an unknown direction after the incident, he added.

Responding police officers found eight empty shells and a slug for a .45-caliber pistol at the crime scene.

Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, Police Regional Office 12 (Soccsksargen) director, has ordered the Lebak police to intensify the manhunt against the perpetrators and ensure that they are held accountable for the crime.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193720

DAR identifies housing site for former rebels in NegOr town

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 27, 2023): DAR identifies housing site for former rebels in NegOr town (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

OCULAR INSPECTION. Members of the provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Negros Oriental province inspect the proposed site in Basay town for a housing project for former rebels, on Thursday (Jan. 26, 2023). The project has a PHP20 million budget for this year with an initial 30 units to be built. (Photo by Judy Flores Partlow)

DUMAGUETE CITY – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has identified government land in Basay town, Negros Oriental province as the proposed site for a socialized housing project for former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

The 23-hectare property is situated at Sitio Cotcot, Barangay Bongalonan in Basay, the farthest municipality in south Negros Oriental.

Manuel Galon Jr., Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARPO) 1, told the Philippine News Agency on Friday that the proposed project site is up for distribution, based on Executive Order No. 75.

“EO 75 mandates that the DAR and other government agencies will identify government lands that are no longer in use for their original purpose which can be distributed to qualified beneficiaries,” Galon said.

On Thursday, members of the Negros Oriental Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) and Kawayan Collective, a private business firm that has partnered with the government, held an ocular inspection of the site.

Kawayan Collective was tasked to build the housing units using the cement-bamboo-frame technology, said Aidalyn Arabe, housing coordinator for the firm.

“The technology is disaster-resilient, specifically designed against typhoons and earthquakes,” she said.

Board Member Jessica Jane Villanueva, who heads the Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee on peace and order, said the housing project, which is expected to be completed in three years, has a PHP60 million funding allocation.

For this year, an initial PHP20-million budget will be allotted to cover the construction of at least 30 housing units, Villanueva said.

About 50 former rebels who surrendered during the past years have been identified to qualify for the housing project.

The board member is hopeful that once all papers and other documentary requirements have been completed, the provincial government can start the construction.

Galon said beneficiaries will be issued individual titles of ownership for the house and lot under this social integration program.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193751

Manhunt on in Zambo Norte ambush that killed 5

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 27, 2023): Manhunt on in Zambo Norte ambush that killed 5 (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

MANHUNT. Authorities launch a manhunt against the 10 gunmen behind the ambush-slay of a village chief and four others in Sirawai town, Zamboanga del Norte province, on Thursday afternoon (Jan. 26, 2023). Col. Glenn Dulawan, Zamboanga del Norte police director, on Friday (Jan. 27) bared the motive of the incident is 'rido' or blood feud over a parcel of land. (Photo courtesy of Ely Dumaboc)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities have launched a manhunt against 10 gunmen responsible in the ambush-slay on Thursday afternoon of a village chairperson and four others in Sirawai town, Zamboanga del Norte province.

Col. Glenn Dulawan, Zamboanga del Norte police director, said Friday that a team of police officers and soldiers are pursuing the suspects in the mountainous area of Barangay Piña, Sirawai.

“The suspects are highly mobile. The troops are hot on their trail,” Dulawan said in an interview.

Dulawan withheld the identities of the suspects, except to say six of the 10 were identified by one of the two ambush survivors.

Allie Manangca, the village chief of Barangay Balubuan, Sirawai, along with four others were killed while two others survived in an ambush around 3 p.m. Thursday in Barangay Piña.

The other fatalities are identified as Ani Manangca, Alfahad Manangca, Jaji Manangca, and Shilben Basa.

Wounded were Alwaf Manangca and Norman Tulino. One of the two survivors are in stable condition while the other had undergone surgery, according to Dulawan.

Dulawan said the slain village chief and the alleged mastermind of the ambush are cousins who are locked in a “rido” or blood feud since 2016.

“Actually, their mothers are sisters,” he said, adding that the conflict between the two cousins stemmed from a quarrel over ownership of a parcel of land.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193767

TF Octopus activated vs. crime, insurgency in Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 27, 2023): TF Octopus activated vs. crime, insurgency in Negros (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

TASK FORCE OCTOPUS. Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo (right) and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Negros Oriental chief, Dr. Jess Cañete, commander of the newly-created Task Force Octopus, discuss salient issues in this Jan. 3, 2023 photo. The inter-agency task force aims to address criminality, peace, and security matters at a higher level. (Photo courtesy of the Capitol Public Information Office)

DUMAGUETE CITY – Former Negros Oriental provincial chief of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Dr. Jess Cañete, on Friday expressed optimism that the newly created Task Force Octopus would intensify collaboration among government agencies and organizations to fight crimes and insurgency.

“Just like an octopus has eight tentacles, this task force also has the same number of key priority areas that we will tackle as a whole, without compromising the individual mandates of each agency or organization,” Cañete said in mixed English and Cebuano.

On Tuesday, Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo created the task force, tapping Canete to head the body which will compose of eight units – intelligence, anti-illegal drugs, criminality, anti-insurgency, anti-illegal gambling, terrorism, disaster response and anti-cybercrime.

While the task force is already operational, Degamo said he would issue an Executive Order next week to formalize the creation of the task force. He also said that he is still awaiting the approval of the Sangguniang Panlalalawigan for the TF Octopus’ budget.

Cañete, meanwhile, said that he has already crafted a plan to be presented to the governor and the TF Octopus members.

“While I am proposing a unified and cohesive direction for the group, I need the input and cooperation of everybody so that we will be going in one direction,” he said.

The creation of the TF Octopus is patterned after a similar body at the regional level in Central Visayas against illegal drugs and security, the One Cebu Inter-Agency Interdiction Task Force.

Cañete said he is also scheduled to meet with the Cebu task force to discuss salient features that could be replicated here.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193768

Army division in C. Mindanao has new commander

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 27, 2023): Army division in C. Mindanao has new commander (By Edwin Fernandez)

CHANGE OF COMMAND. Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner (center) leads the change of command of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division from Maj. Gen. Roy Galido (right) to Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera (left) at Camp Siongco in Maguindanao del Norte on Friday (Jan. 27, 2023). Rillera vows to continue the peace projects initiated at the 6ID by Galido, who moved up as the new commander of the AFP’s Western Mindanao Command. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte – Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera assumed Friday as the new head of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID), replacing Maj. Gen. Roy Galido.

Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner officiated the turnover ceremonies and change of command held at the 6ID parade grounds on Friday morning.

In turning over the reign of 6ID, Galido – now the commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Mindanao Command – expressed confidence that the unit will be in “good hands” under Rillera.

Rillera vowed to sustain 6ID's peacebuilding projects, describing his new area of assignment as challenging due to the presence of local terrorist groups linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

The 6ID covers the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, South Cotabato, parts of Sarangani, North Cotabato, and Lanao del Sur; and the cities of Cotabato, Tacurong, Koronadal and General Santos.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193802

3 NPA rebels fall in separate Caraga police ops

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 27, 2023): 3 NPA rebels fall in separate Caraga police ops (By Alexander Lopez)

WANTED NPA REBEL. The Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office reports Friday (Jan. 27, 2023) the arrest of Amit Hurod, a New People's Army fighter involved in an attack that killed four government troopers in 2021 in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte. Two other NPA insurgents were also arrested on Thursday in separate police operations conducted in Surigao del Sur and Butuan City. (Photo courtesy of ADNPPO)

BUTUAN CITY – Three New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were arrested in separate police operations conducted in Agusan del Norte, Butuan City and Surigao del Sur on Thursday.

The arrested NPA insurgents are all wanted for murder charges with arrest warrants issued by the local courts, police said.

In a statement Friday, Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office (ADNPPO) chief Col. Filemon Pacios said Amit Hurod, 28, was arrested by the personnel of Jabonga Municipal Police Station on Thursday in Barangay Bangonay, Jabonga.

Hurod, an insurgent belonging to the NPA's Guerrilla Front 16B, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), is wanted for murder, according to the arrest warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 34 in Cabadbaran City in February last year.

“Hurod is listed as the top one most wanted person in the regional level,” Pacio said, adding that the suspect was among the 30 NPA guerrillas who attacked government troops in Barangay Maraiging, Jabonga in 2021.

The attack killed four government troopers, wounded another two, and slightly injured a civilian in the area.

During his arrest, Hurod was also served with two other arrest warrants issued by the same court in Cabadbaran City for a separate case of murder and robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons.

Meanwhile, the Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) also reported the arrest of Richard M. Flores, in Barangay Pianing on Thursday.

In a report Friday, the BCPO said that Flores, who is wanted for murder, is an NPA rebel listed as a "top priority target" in the city.

Moreover, the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) also reported the arrest on Thursday of Beverly Llanos Vocales in Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel town.

Vocales, an NPA rebel belonging to the Weakened Guerrilla Front 19, Sub-Regional Committee Southland, NEMRC, has an arrest warrant for murder.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193779

PH, US to start preparation for civil nuclear deal negotiations

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24, 2023): PH, US to start preparation for civil nuclear deal negotiations (By Kris Crismundo)

MANILA – The Philippines and the United States will begin the preparation to push for civil nuclear cooperation, an offshoot of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s visit to the US in September 2022.

US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said in an event of Makati Business Club (MBC) Tuesday that the two governments will kick off the first official consultations to prepare for 123 Agreement negotiations “in the coming weeks.”

“Completing a 123 Agreement will allow for greater civil nuclear cooperation –including the export of nuclear technology,” Carlson said.

As of 2022, the US government has 23 civil nuclear agreements including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Vietnam and Taiwan as well as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom).

The 123 Agreements establish a legal framework that only allows the transfer of US-origin special nuclear material as well as the export of nuclear fuel, reactors and equipment for peaceful use.

The civil nuclear cooperation also allows US partners to access sustainable and responsible nuclear programs of the US government.

“This will be the first step in bringing nuclear power online to help address the Philippines’ energy needs,” Carlson added.

In November 2022, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) director Carlo Arcilla said in an interview that the US is a critical partner for the country amid US’ advanced technologies and experience in nuclear energy.

The Marcos administration has built on the executive order issued by former President Rodrigo Duterte that recognizes nuclear power as a reliable, cost-competitive and environment-friendly source of energy, and that nuclear power should be included in the country’s energy mix.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193468