From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 17): Cash aid for soldiers slated this Thursday
CEBU City Hall is finalizing preparations for the allocation of P10 million in aid to the families of over 100 soldiers who died or were injured during the Maute siege in Marawi City on Thursday this week.
The Cebu City Council approved the P10 million aid to be sourced from Cebu City’s share of funds from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor).
Based on the council resolution, the financial assistance will be given to the family members of 157 soldiers who died and three soldiers that were injured during the Marawi City siege by the Maute terror group.
Mayor Osmeña already wrote a letter to Pagcor chairperson Andrea Domingo requesting the use of the city’s share from Pagcor for the assistance to the soldiers who fought in Marawi which started last May 23.
Under the approved guidelines on the use of the Pagcor funds, it can be used for “projects which involve the extension of emergency assistance to victims or natural disasters and other calamities and terrorism.”
The specific amount to be received by each family will still have to be finalized by the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO).
The turnover of cash aid will be done at the Plaza Independencia on Dec. 21.
http://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/157789/cash-aid-soldiers-slated-thursday
Sunday, December 17, 2017
NPA rebels attack soldiers in rescue mission
From Malaya Business Insight (Dec 18): NPA rebels attack soldiers in rescue mission
COMMUNIST New People’s Army rebels on Saturday waylaid government forces on their way to Northern Samar to help in efforts to rescue victims of floods caused by storm “Urduja.”
Two of the soldiers were wounded in the attack and are now recuperating at a hospital, said 2Lt. Michele Estares, civil military operations officer of the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion based in Catarman, Northern Samar.
Estares said 20th IB forces were sent to Barangay Hinagonoyan in Catubig town to help in the ongoing humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations, particularly in the rescue of residents affected by flooding.
He said the soldiers, who were on foot, were waylaid by about 50 NPA rebels at around 3:20 p.m., triggering a firefight that lasted for an hour and 25 minutes.
Wounded were Cpl. Yzarel Laure and Pfc. Ronald Gomez who were taken to the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital while the withdrawing rebels incurred an undetermined number of casualties.
“The troops were sent there to conduct rescue operation. They were walking in a muddy area when they were attacked by the rebels who are apparently aware of the troop movement,” Estares said.
Col. Edgard Arevalo, chief of the AFP public affairs office, said the attack “only manifested the true color of these communist terrorists” and “validated the aptness of government’s decision to terminate the peace negotiations and to discontinue the traditional Christmas truce.”
NPA rebels have stepped up attacks against government targets since President Duterte issued a proclamation on November 23, officially terminating peace negotiations with the communist movement.
On December 5, the President again issued another proclamation, this time classifying the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the NPA, as terrorist organizations.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/npa-rebels-attack-soldiers-rescue-mission
COMMUNIST New People’s Army rebels on Saturday waylaid government forces on their way to Northern Samar to help in efforts to rescue victims of floods caused by storm “Urduja.”
Two of the soldiers were wounded in the attack and are now recuperating at a hospital, said 2Lt. Michele Estares, civil military operations officer of the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion based in Catarman, Northern Samar.
Estares said 20th IB forces were sent to Barangay Hinagonoyan in Catubig town to help in the ongoing humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations, particularly in the rescue of residents affected by flooding.
He said the soldiers, who were on foot, were waylaid by about 50 NPA rebels at around 3:20 p.m., triggering a firefight that lasted for an hour and 25 minutes.
Wounded were Cpl. Yzarel Laure and Pfc. Ronald Gomez who were taken to the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital while the withdrawing rebels incurred an undetermined number of casualties.
“The troops were sent there to conduct rescue operation. They were walking in a muddy area when they were attacked by the rebels who are apparently aware of the troop movement,” Estares said.
Col. Edgard Arevalo, chief of the AFP public affairs office, said the attack “only manifested the true color of these communist terrorists” and “validated the aptness of government’s decision to terminate the peace negotiations and to discontinue the traditional Christmas truce.”
NPA rebels have stepped up attacks against government targets since President Duterte issued a proclamation on November 23, officially terminating peace negotiations with the communist movement.
On December 5, the President again issued another proclamation, this time classifying the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the NPA, as terrorist organizations.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/npa-rebels-attack-soldiers-rescue-mission
300 Indigeneous People complete Basic Military Training
From Philippine Update (Dec 18): 300 Indigeneous People complete Basic Military Training
300 Candidate Soldiers (CS) – Indigeneous People (IP) are now members of 4 Sundalo ng Mamamayan, ARmado laban sa Terorismo at kriminalidad (SMART) Companies after completing the 8-week Basic Military Training on December 17.
The graduation ceremony was held at Sgt Demerin Grandstand, Headquarters 10th Infantry Division (10ID), Barangay Tuboran, Mawab, Compostela Valley Province.
10ID photo
The 10ID said in a statement that “IP in the ancestral domain areas are very prone to agitation, and recruitment because of their innocence about true picture of NPA real intentions. As such, there is a need to educate and inform the IP communities about the propaganda, deception and the motives of the Communists in their Ancestral Domain.”
SMART Companies will be assigned in the areas near their localities, 10ID said.
“These IP companies will be augmented by officers and enlisted personnel preferably IP or at least from the same province who know the customs and tradition in the area. For purposes of distinction, the companies will be called SMART companies. It means that an IP SMART Company is capable of multi-role such as doing civil-military work while very much ready to use force when necessary,” said 10ID commander Major General Noel S. Clement.
https://www.update.ph/2017/12/300-indigeneous-people-complete-basic-military-training/23483
300 Candidate Soldiers (CS) – Indigeneous People (IP) are now members of 4 Sundalo ng Mamamayan, ARmado laban sa Terorismo at kriminalidad (SMART) Companies after completing the 8-week Basic Military Training on December 17.
The graduation ceremony was held at Sgt Demerin Grandstand, Headquarters 10th Infantry Division (10ID), Barangay Tuboran, Mawab, Compostela Valley Province.
10ID photo
The 10ID said in a statement that “IP in the ancestral domain areas are very prone to agitation, and recruitment because of their innocence about true picture of NPA real intentions. As such, there is a need to educate and inform the IP communities about the propaganda, deception and the motives of the Communists in their Ancestral Domain.”
SMART Companies will be assigned in the areas near their localities, 10ID said.
“These IP companies will be augmented by officers and enlisted personnel preferably IP or at least from the same province who know the customs and tradition in the area. For purposes of distinction, the companies will be called SMART companies. It means that an IP SMART Company is capable of multi-role such as doing civil-military work while very much ready to use force when necessary,” said 10ID commander Major General Noel S. Clement.
https://www.update.ph/2017/12/300-indigeneous-people-complete-basic-military-training/23483
Cops step up intelligence work vs. NPA
From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 18): Cops step up intelligence work vs. NPA
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office is further intensifying its “ intelligence“ efforts, a week before the 49th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on Dec. 26.
This was after the Philippine National Police ordered mobilization of its tactical and maneuver units for coordinated offensives against the New People's Army, in tandem with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
But in Negros Occidental, the police is still on “defensive mode”, although they are also exerting their best effort in intelligence gathering, to pre-empt whatever possible atrocities may be conducted by the NPA, Senior Supt. Rodolfo Castil, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, said.
The PNP said in statement that it shifted recently to the offensive stance against the New People's Army, tagged by the government as a terrorist organization after peace talks with the communist group collapsed.
Castil admitted that they are still engaging in self-criticism on mistakes they had committed. In previous months. The NPA staged two separate ambushes on policemen responding to reported crime incidents in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, and Cauayan, Negros Occidental, killing six policemen and causing injuries to six others, including two foreigners and a civilian.
All information they receive is now being thoroughly validated, before they take action, Castil said.
The PNP in Negros Island have been placed on full alert against possible offensives by the NPA, in line with the 49th founding anniversary on Dec. 26.
Two weeks ago, two large training camps of the NPA were discovered and seized by Army soldiers in Himamaylan City's remote barangays, that also caused minor injuries to two soldiers after series of armed skirmishes.
Castil said all the police stations in Negros Occidental may be targets of the NPA and stress the need for target hardening of all police installations and other vital installations, in coordination with the AFP.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/December/18/topstory3.htm
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office is further intensifying its “ intelligence“ efforts, a week before the 49th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on Dec. 26.
This was after the Philippine National Police ordered mobilization of its tactical and maneuver units for coordinated offensives against the New People's Army, in tandem with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
But in Negros Occidental, the police is still on “defensive mode”, although they are also exerting their best effort in intelligence gathering, to pre-empt whatever possible atrocities may be conducted by the NPA, Senior Supt. Rodolfo Castil, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, said.
The PNP said in statement that it shifted recently to the offensive stance against the New People's Army, tagged by the government as a terrorist organization after peace talks with the communist group collapsed.
Castil admitted that they are still engaging in self-criticism on mistakes they had committed. In previous months. The NPA staged two separate ambushes on policemen responding to reported crime incidents in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, and Cauayan, Negros Occidental, killing six policemen and causing injuries to six others, including two foreigners and a civilian.
All information they receive is now being thoroughly validated, before they take action, Castil said.
The PNP in Negros Island have been placed on full alert against possible offensives by the NPA, in line with the 49th founding anniversary on Dec. 26.
Two weeks ago, two large training camps of the NPA were discovered and seized by Army soldiers in Himamaylan City's remote barangays, that also caused minor injuries to two soldiers after series of armed skirmishes.
Castil said all the police stations in Negros Occidental may be targets of the NPA and stress the need for target hardening of all police installations and other vital installations, in coordination with the AFP.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/December/18/topstory3.htm
Army camps in ComVal, DavOr cited as ‘gulayan’ achievers
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18): Army camps in ComVal, DavOr cited as ‘gulayan’ achievers
Three military camps in the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental joined this year's awardees of Gulayan Achievers by the Department of Agriculture-High Value Crops Development Program (DA-HVCDP).
This year's big winners in Gulayan sa Kampo (GSK) are the 71st Infantry (Kaibigan) Battalion in Mawab, Compostela Valley, 25th Infantry (Fireball) Battalion in Monkayo, also in Compostela Valley, and the 28th Infantry (Kamagong) Battalion in Mati City, Davao Oriental.
They were among the 2017-2018 Gulayan Achievers of DA.
DA 11 Director Ricardo Oñate Jr. lauded the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for their commitment to support DA's advocacy to provide available and affordable food.
"Malaking tulong ang ini-extend ng ating military men dahil nagle-lecture na din sila sa ating farmers on vegetable farming at the same time sa pagma-mapping natin sa agricultural lands sa Region 11," Oñate said.
HVCDP coordinator Melani Provido also thanked the participating schools for their continued support to the Gulayan sa Paaralan Program (GPP).
"Our teachers became the second parent of our child and their influence plays a big role in molding their development. The time the teachers integrate the GPP program in their school, the students can now understand that they too can produce quality and nutritious foods," Provido said.
On the other hand, the Best School Garden implementers for 2017-2018 in the elementary container garden category are: San Roque Elementary School in Davao City -- first place; Mawab Central Elementary School in Mawab, Compostela Valley Province -- second place; and, Don Ricardo Briz Central Elementary School in Tagum City, Davao del Norte -- third place.
For elementary field garden category, the winners are New Bantayan Elementary School in Asuncion, Davao del Norte -- first place; Cadalian Elementary School in Davao City -- second place; and the New Albay Elementary School in Maragusan, Compostela Valley province -- third place.
For high school container garden category, the winners are Andili National High School in Compostela Valley province -- first place; Dujali National High School in B.E. Dujali, Davao del Norte -- second place; and, Puntalinao National High School in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental -- third place.
The winners for the high school field garden category are Manat National High School in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley province -- first place; Manuel B. Guiñez National High School in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental -- second place; and, Sacub National High School in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur -- third place.
DA is also thankful for the strong support of the Department of Education (DepEd) to the GPP program.
"With our partnership, we can attain the government's thrust to provide affordable and available food for everybody," Provido said.
First-time winner Ellen Estacaan, GPP coordinator of San Roque Central Elementary School, said the school is rejoicing for winning the first place in the container garden category.
“We’ve been participating for four years and we won third place in 2015-2016 and we’re so happy that we have grabbed the first place for regional level for 2017-2018,” Estacaan said.
Filipinas Samblingo, San Roque District supervisor, lauded the efforts of DA in helping the DepEd to combat malnutrition among schoolchildren.
She said GPP helped a lot in the feeding program of nine schools under the San Roque District.
“The program helped improve the nutritional status of our school as the prevalence rate of malnourished schoolchildren decreased,” Samblingo added.
The GPP program and GSK continue to expand vegetable garden projects in schools and military camps to address malnutrition so as to help school children to get better nutrition as well as the neighboring communities.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1019117
Three military camps in the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental joined this year's awardees of Gulayan Achievers by the Department of Agriculture-High Value Crops Development Program (DA-HVCDP).
This year's big winners in Gulayan sa Kampo (GSK) are the 71st Infantry (Kaibigan) Battalion in Mawab, Compostela Valley, 25th Infantry (Fireball) Battalion in Monkayo, also in Compostela Valley, and the 28th Infantry (Kamagong) Battalion in Mati City, Davao Oriental.
They were among the 2017-2018 Gulayan Achievers of DA.
DA 11 Director Ricardo Oñate Jr. lauded the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for their commitment to support DA's advocacy to provide available and affordable food.
"Malaking tulong ang ini-extend ng ating military men dahil nagle-lecture na din sila sa ating farmers on vegetable farming at the same time sa pagma-mapping natin sa agricultural lands sa Region 11," Oñate said.
HVCDP coordinator Melani Provido also thanked the participating schools for their continued support to the Gulayan sa Paaralan Program (GPP).
"Our teachers became the second parent of our child and their influence plays a big role in molding their development. The time the teachers integrate the GPP program in their school, the students can now understand that they too can produce quality and nutritious foods," Provido said.
On the other hand, the Best School Garden implementers for 2017-2018 in the elementary container garden category are: San Roque Elementary School in Davao City -- first place; Mawab Central Elementary School in Mawab, Compostela Valley Province -- second place; and, Don Ricardo Briz Central Elementary School in Tagum City, Davao del Norte -- third place.
For elementary field garden category, the winners are New Bantayan Elementary School in Asuncion, Davao del Norte -- first place; Cadalian Elementary School in Davao City -- second place; and the New Albay Elementary School in Maragusan, Compostela Valley province -- third place.
For high school container garden category, the winners are Andili National High School in Compostela Valley province -- first place; Dujali National High School in B.E. Dujali, Davao del Norte -- second place; and, Puntalinao National High School in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental -- third place.
The winners for the high school field garden category are Manat National High School in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley province -- first place; Manuel B. Guiñez National High School in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental -- second place; and, Sacub National High School in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur -- third place.
DA is also thankful for the strong support of the Department of Education (DepEd) to the GPP program.
"With our partnership, we can attain the government's thrust to provide affordable and available food for everybody," Provido said.
First-time winner Ellen Estacaan, GPP coordinator of San Roque Central Elementary School, said the school is rejoicing for winning the first place in the container garden category.
“We’ve been participating for four years and we won third place in 2015-2016 and we’re so happy that we have grabbed the first place for regional level for 2017-2018,” Estacaan said.
Filipinas Samblingo, San Roque District supervisor, lauded the efforts of DA in helping the DepEd to combat malnutrition among schoolchildren.
She said GPP helped a lot in the feeding program of nine schools under the San Roque District.
“The program helped improve the nutritional status of our school as the prevalence rate of malnourished schoolchildren decreased,” Samblingo added.
The GPP program and GSK continue to expand vegetable garden projects in schools and military camps to address malnutrition so as to help school children to get better nutrition as well as the neighboring communities.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1019117
AFP beefs up security in Palawan ahead of CPP anniversary
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18): AFP beefs up security in Palawan ahead of CPP anniversary
The Armed Forces of the Philippines here has reinforced its security preparedness and readiness ahead of the December 26 anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
“It’s standard operating procedure, but in southern Palawan, we will be focusing on the municipality of Brooke’s Point. Right now, this town seems to be where the NPA (New People’s Army) rebels are seeking shelter from their supporters in the communities,” said Lt. Col. Danilo Facundo, commanding officer of the Marine Battalion Landing Team and head of the Joint Task Group South, on Monday morning.
The NPA is the armed wing of the CPP.
From the town of Bataraza, where run-ins with the NPAs happened since last March, the insurgents are now hiding in the precipitous areas of Brooke’s Point, Facundo told the Philippine News Agency.
“There will be a meeting with Mayor Mary Jean Feliciano and the members of the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) for us to update them on the lingering presence of the NPA in Brooke’s Point,” he added.
Facundo stressed that if left unresolved, the insurgency problem in the municipality can "turn really serious to slow down its development."
Brooke's Point is a developing first-class municipality located 219.5 kilometers via the Puerto Princesa South Road.
Lt. Col. Bill Pasia, commanding officer of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 12, also expressed preparedness and readiness against the NPAs in northern Palawan.
“Our security alertness against the NPA is always heightened, especially because their anniversary is approaching,” Pasia said.
Both ranking officials of the Marines in Palawan said joint military forces are always on alert even before the government tagged the NPA as a terrorist organization following the collapse of the peace talks.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1019155
The Armed Forces of the Philippines here has reinforced its security preparedness and readiness ahead of the December 26 anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
“It’s standard operating procedure, but in southern Palawan, we will be focusing on the municipality of Brooke’s Point. Right now, this town seems to be where the NPA (New People’s Army) rebels are seeking shelter from their supporters in the communities,” said Lt. Col. Danilo Facundo, commanding officer of the Marine Battalion Landing Team and head of the Joint Task Group South, on Monday morning.
The NPA is the armed wing of the CPP.
From the town of Bataraza, where run-ins with the NPAs happened since last March, the insurgents are now hiding in the precipitous areas of Brooke’s Point, Facundo told the Philippine News Agency.
“There will be a meeting with Mayor Mary Jean Feliciano and the members of the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) for us to update them on the lingering presence of the NPA in Brooke’s Point,” he added.
Facundo stressed that if left unresolved, the insurgency problem in the municipality can "turn really serious to slow down its development."
Brooke's Point is a developing first-class municipality located 219.5 kilometers via the Puerto Princesa South Road.
Lt. Col. Bill Pasia, commanding officer of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 12, also expressed preparedness and readiness against the NPAs in northern Palawan.
“Our security alertness against the NPA is always heightened, especially because their anniversary is approaching,” Pasia said.
Both ranking officials of the Marines in Palawan said joint military forces are always on alert even before the government tagged the NPA as a terrorist organization following the collapse of the peace talks.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1019155
NPA ambush on relief troops validates Yuletide truce halt
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18): NPA ambush on relief troops validates Yuletide truce halt
The unprovoked New People's Army (NPA) attack on troops conducting relief operations in 'Urduja'-battered Northern Samar is the reason why the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is not keen on having a Yuletide truce with the communist terrorists.
The assault only firms up the government's decision to discontinue peace negotiations with the NPAs, AFP acting spokesperson, Col. Edgard Arevalo said late Sunday.
"We condemn this attack. It only manifested the true color of these communist terrorists. This only validated the aptness of government's decision to terminate the peace negotiations and to discontinue the traditional Christmas truce," he added.
Arevalo said the rebel attack on soldiers on their way to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations is an affront, not to the military, but to the Filipinos’ sense of love and compassion to their countrymen affected by 'Urduja'.
Last Dec. 16, soldiers from the 20th Infantry Battalion, a field unit of the 8th Infantry Division, was headed for Barangay Hinagonoyan, Catubig, Northern Samar for relief missions when fired upon by some 50 communist terrorists at around 3:20 p.m.
The firefight lasted for an hour which resulted in the wounding of two government troops namely, Cpl. Yzazel M. Laure and Pfc. Ronald. L Gomez.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1019147
The unprovoked New People's Army (NPA) attack on troops conducting relief operations in 'Urduja'-battered Northern Samar is the reason why the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is not keen on having a Yuletide truce with the communist terrorists.
The assault only firms up the government's decision to discontinue peace negotiations with the NPAs, AFP acting spokesperson, Col. Edgard Arevalo said late Sunday.
"We condemn this attack. It only manifested the true color of these communist terrorists. This only validated the aptness of government's decision to terminate the peace negotiations and to discontinue the traditional Christmas truce," he added.
Arevalo said the rebel attack on soldiers on their way to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations is an affront, not to the military, but to the Filipinos’ sense of love and compassion to their countrymen affected by 'Urduja'.
Last Dec. 16, soldiers from the 20th Infantry Battalion, a field unit of the 8th Infantry Division, was headed for Barangay Hinagonoyan, Catubig, Northern Samar for relief missions when fired upon by some 50 communist terrorists at around 3:20 p.m.
The firefight lasted for an hour which resulted in the wounding of two government troops namely, Cpl. Yzazel M. Laure and Pfc. Ronald. L Gomez.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1019147
PCSO, AFP ink MOA on aid for wounded troops
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18): PCSO, AFP ink MOA on aid for wounded troops
In line with efforts to treat and rehabilitate soldiers wounded in the battlefield, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) regarding the provision of financial assistance to selected military treatment facilities Monday.
The MOA was signed by PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan and AFP Vice Chief-of-Staff Lt. Gen. Salvador Mison in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Balutan, a retired Marine major general, said the money would be used to acquire modern medical equipment for use of AFP hospitals near the frontlines in Mindanao.
"So inuuna natin yun dahil yung immediate medical care ng ating mga kasundaluhan, lalong-lalo na yung nakikipaglaban dun sa Mindanao area na nahihirapan sila kasi nga kulang yung mga facilities and equipment ng ating Armed Forces dun sa mga lugar na yun," he added.
Once these equipment are acquired and installed, these hospitals will be able to stabilize critically wounded troops and improve their survival before flying them to Manila for additional treatment.
"Bago (ipadala) dito sa Manila for a higher medical care, eh ini-stable muna dun. Ang maganda nga sana kung ang hospital natin dun ay equipped na kaagad, state-of-the-art na gagamutin, dun na magpagaling at makabalik kaagad dun sa frontline ulit, yung mga kasundaluhan natin," the PCSO chief added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1019156
In line with efforts to treat and rehabilitate soldiers wounded in the battlefield, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) regarding the provision of financial assistance to selected military treatment facilities Monday.
The MOA was signed by PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan and AFP Vice Chief-of-Staff Lt. Gen. Salvador Mison in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Balutan, a retired Marine major general, said the money would be used to acquire modern medical equipment for use of AFP hospitals near the frontlines in Mindanao.
"So inuuna natin yun dahil yung immediate medical care ng ating mga kasundaluhan, lalong-lalo na yung nakikipaglaban dun sa Mindanao area na nahihirapan sila kasi nga kulang yung mga facilities and equipment ng ating Armed Forces dun sa mga lugar na yun," he added.
Once these equipment are acquired and installed, these hospitals will be able to stabilize critically wounded troops and improve their survival before flying them to Manila for additional treatment.
"Bago (ipadala) dito sa Manila for a higher medical care, eh ini-stable muna dun. Ang maganda nga sana kung ang hospital natin dun ay equipped na kaagad, state-of-the-art na gagamutin, dun na magpagaling at makabalik kaagad dun sa frontline ulit, yung mga kasundaluhan natin," the PCSO chief added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1019156
Military anticipating stepped-up NPA attacks
From Philippine Star (Dec 17): Military anticipating stepped-up NPA attacks
Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson said orders were given to the troops to protect civilians and put premium on human rights so as not to give the rebels an excuse to attack or recruit. AFP, File
Amid the reported plans of communist rebels to launch attacks on its anniversary on Dec. 26, the military directed all troops to intensify operations to protect civilians and communities.
Amid the reported plans of communist rebels to launch attacks on its anniversary on Dec. 26, the military directed all troops to intensify operations to protect civilians and communities.
Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson said orders were given to the troops to protect civilians and put premium on human rights so as not to give the rebels an excuse to attack or recruit.
“While our troops on the ground are intensifying focused military operations, they are directed to remain faithful and committed in the performance of their mandate to ensure peace and security in the communities, protect human rights and follow the rule of law,” Tiongson said.
Tiongson made the statement following reports that the communist New People’s Army (NPA) is gearing up to attack government forces to highlight the scheduled plenum in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur in celebration of the 49th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Dec. 26.
“While our troops on the ground are intensifying focused military operations, they are directed to remain faithful and committed in the performance of their mandate to ensure peace and security in the communities, protect human rights and follow the rule of law,” Tiongson said.
Tiongson made the statement following reports that the communist New People’s Army (NPA) is gearing up to attack government forces to highlight the scheduled plenum in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur in celebration of the 49th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Dec. 26.
Reports said the attacks will take place where the NPA has established strong presence in Eastern and Northern Mindanao, as well as provinces in Eastern and Western Visayas, Southern Tagalog, Bicol region, Central and Northern Luzon, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Cagayan Valley.
The military leadership has vowed to uphold human rights with the extension of martial law in Mindanao for another year.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero said the one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao would specifically deal with the threats of Islamic State (IS) remnants and the communist NPA in the region.
The military used the strong presence of communist rebels in Mindanao as one of the arguments for recommending the extension of martial law for one year.
The AFP has activated two new military groups, the 88th and 89th Infantry Battalions. They will be deployed to the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) to support the 15th IB and the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion, both veterans of the fighting in Marawi City.
Eastmincom covers Southern Mindanao, Northern and Eastern Mindanao as well as part of Central Mindanao, the areas where the NPA mostly operate.
At least 50 percent of the total strength of the NPA in the country is reportedly operating in Eastmincom’s area of operations.
The military leadership has vowed to uphold human rights with the extension of martial law in Mindanao for another year.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero said the one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao would specifically deal with the threats of Islamic State (IS) remnants and the communist NPA in the region.
The military used the strong presence of communist rebels in Mindanao as one of the arguments for recommending the extension of martial law for one year.
The AFP has activated two new military groups, the 88th and 89th Infantry Battalions. They will be deployed to the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) to support the 15th IB and the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion, both veterans of the fighting in Marawi City.
Eastmincom covers Southern Mindanao, Northern and Eastern Mindanao as well as part of Central Mindanao, the areas where the NPA mostly operate.
At least 50 percent of the total strength of the NPA in the country is reportedly operating in Eastmincom’s area of operations.
Eastmincom said there are about 1,900 NPA rebels in its area.
Local military officials also warned of possible NPA attacks on its anniversary on Dec. 26.
Col. Andres Centino, commander of the Army’s 401st Brigade in Agusan del Sur, said they have received directives from the Department of National Defense (DND) to sustain the military offensives against the NPA since there will be no traditional truce with the rebels during the holidays.
Centino said the directive was to prevent the NPA from gathering forces for their plenum in the area.
Centino was referring to the annual gathering of the NPA in the hinterlands of Agusan del Sur during their anniversary to show off their firepower before civilian supporters and local officials.
Col. Andres Centino, commander of the Army’s 401st Brigade in Agusan del Sur, said they have received directives from the Department of National Defense (DND) to sustain the military offensives against the NPA since there will be no traditional truce with the rebels during the holidays.
Centino said the directive was to prevent the NPA from gathering forces for their plenum in the area.
Centino was referring to the annual gathering of the NPA in the hinterlands of Agusan del Sur during their anniversary to show off their firepower before civilian supporters and local officials.
MNLF-Misuari: Photos: Iranun Sub-State
Posted to the Facebook page of Ustadz Murshi Ibrahim, Secretary General of the Moro National Liberation Front-Misuari (Dec 15): Photos: Iranun Sub-State
In this picture are : Cmdr. Sultan Nurkan, Ustadz Hasan Arsad, SG Ustadz Murshi D. Ibrahim; Brothers and Sisters Highlanders. Taken during Grand Rally held at the Crocodile Park, Davao City, November 30, 2017.
Iranun Sub State is one of the 7 - Sub States as proposed and espoused by the MNLF Founding Chairman, Prof/Dr. Nur P. Misuari.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=572895376394818&set=pcb.572895519728137&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=572895506394805&set=pcb.572895519728137&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/ustadzmurshi.ibrahim.3?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE&fref=nf
In this picture are : Cmdr. Sultan Nurkan, Ustadz Hasan Arsad, SG Ustadz Murshi D. Ibrahim; Brothers and Sisters Highlanders. Taken during Grand Rally held at the Crocodile Park, Davao City, November 30, 2017.
Iranun Sub State is one of the 7 - Sub States as proposed and espoused by the MNLF Founding Chairman, Prof/Dr. Nur P. Misuari.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=572895376394818&set=pcb.572895519728137&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=572895506394805&set=pcb.572895519728137&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/ustadzmurshi.ibrahim.3?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE&fref=nf
MILF: Editorial - ‘MILF communities’ in Region 9
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Dec 16): Editorial - ‘MILF communities’ in Region 9
Contrary to the claim contained in Resolution No. 06-2017 passed by the Regional Peace and Order Council IX, MILF (and MNLF) communities/areas abound in this region. This has been a fact since the MILF came into being in 1977 --- and they keep on growing and maturing as time passes by. They are home-grown, and they are there, as Moros, forever. That is their birthright to live and die here.
Region IX is composed of five cities such as Dapitan, Dipolog, Isabela, Pagadian, and Zamboanga located in the three provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay. All in all, it has 67 municipalities.
The government and MILF defined MILF areas/communities as referring to the places in Mindanao identified by their peace panels where the MILF elements are situated, irrespective of whether they are combatants or ordinary members. While they are mainly located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), but there are sizeable numbers outside of it including faraway Palawan.
It is not good to deny the existence of these MILF communities/areas in this region; the facts on the ground, on the contrary, are overwhelming and they cannot be suppressed. It is like beating the surface of water which splashes back right into the face of the beater or person.
But their presence here including Zamboanga City, aside from reality, is a big plus factor for the promotion of peace in Mindanao. MILF political and military officers are fully cooperating in the furtherance of the peace process and the observance of the ceasefire between MILF and government forces. At present, the government and MILF are not only in partnership in the peace process and maintenance of the ceasefire but also in many activities such as in anti-kidnapping, anti-criminal gangsterism, anti-drug trafficking, and lately in anti-terrorism.
To take note, the inclusion of terrorists, both local and foreigner, in their latest agreement was made possible after lengthy deliberation. It passed through the proverbial eye of the needle test which provided that only individuals and not organizations can be classified and to be “mutually identified” as such by the parties.
Terrorism is a vague term that is prone to many interpretations, and at times to abuses, hence the caveat. This is provided in the Revised Implementing Guidelines on the Joint Communique’ of May 6, 2002 signed by government and MILF on December 17, 2017.
However, if the purpose of the Resolution No. 06-2017 passed by the Regional Peace and Order Council IX, in declaring that there is no presence of MILF, and MNLF communities/areas in Region IX is probably to register the region’s leaders’ abhorrence to be part of the future Bangsamoro political entity, then there is little sense to it. The Moros are already minoritized in this region due to massive migrations of people from Luzon and the Visayas at the turn of last century. There is virtually no chance of this region becoming part of this entity. More importantly, the MILF prefers a small and compact territory where the populations are overwhelmingly Moros, because that is precisely the purpose for the grant of autonomy. It is for them and not for other people. (We don’t know for the MNLF; they have their own agreement with the government, which President Rodrigo Roa Duterte repeatedly said he is committed to implement. We respect their standpoint and their agreement with government).
All premises considered, we appeal to leaders of this region the likes of Mayor Maria Isabelle G. Climaco, Congressman Celso Lobregat, and Governor Antonio Ceriles to support the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) which is now under deliberation in Congress. This proposed law is key to peace and development in Mindanao and an effective antidote to rising violent extremism plaguing the region. It is time to close all the vestiges of the Moro-Spanish War that ended 119 years ago. We have tested the devastating effects of enmity and violence and nobody won. Already, we have now come to terms with reality that enemies before should and must embrace and cooperate with one another. This is good for all of us, in fact, the only good way forward.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1122/---milf-communities----in-region-9
Contrary to the claim contained in Resolution No. 06-2017 passed by the Regional Peace and Order Council IX, MILF (and MNLF) communities/areas abound in this region. This has been a fact since the MILF came into being in 1977 --- and they keep on growing and maturing as time passes by. They are home-grown, and they are there, as Moros, forever. That is their birthright to live and die here.
Region IX is composed of five cities such as Dapitan, Dipolog, Isabela, Pagadian, and Zamboanga located in the three provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay. All in all, it has 67 municipalities.
The government and MILF defined MILF areas/communities as referring to the places in Mindanao identified by their peace panels where the MILF elements are situated, irrespective of whether they are combatants or ordinary members. While they are mainly located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), but there are sizeable numbers outside of it including faraway Palawan.
It is not good to deny the existence of these MILF communities/areas in this region; the facts on the ground, on the contrary, are overwhelming and they cannot be suppressed. It is like beating the surface of water which splashes back right into the face of the beater or person.
But their presence here including Zamboanga City, aside from reality, is a big plus factor for the promotion of peace in Mindanao. MILF political and military officers are fully cooperating in the furtherance of the peace process and the observance of the ceasefire between MILF and government forces. At present, the government and MILF are not only in partnership in the peace process and maintenance of the ceasefire but also in many activities such as in anti-kidnapping, anti-criminal gangsterism, anti-drug trafficking, and lately in anti-terrorism.
To take note, the inclusion of terrorists, both local and foreigner, in their latest agreement was made possible after lengthy deliberation. It passed through the proverbial eye of the needle test which provided that only individuals and not organizations can be classified and to be “mutually identified” as such by the parties.
Terrorism is a vague term that is prone to many interpretations, and at times to abuses, hence the caveat. This is provided in the Revised Implementing Guidelines on the Joint Communique’ of May 6, 2002 signed by government and MILF on December 17, 2017.
However, if the purpose of the Resolution No. 06-2017 passed by the Regional Peace and Order Council IX, in declaring that there is no presence of MILF, and MNLF communities/areas in Region IX is probably to register the region’s leaders’ abhorrence to be part of the future Bangsamoro political entity, then there is little sense to it. The Moros are already minoritized in this region due to massive migrations of people from Luzon and the Visayas at the turn of last century. There is virtually no chance of this region becoming part of this entity. More importantly, the MILF prefers a small and compact territory where the populations are overwhelmingly Moros, because that is precisely the purpose for the grant of autonomy. It is for them and not for other people. (We don’t know for the MNLF; they have their own agreement with the government, which President Rodrigo Roa Duterte repeatedly said he is committed to implement. We respect their standpoint and their agreement with government).
All premises considered, we appeal to leaders of this region the likes of Mayor Maria Isabelle G. Climaco, Congressman Celso Lobregat, and Governor Antonio Ceriles to support the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) which is now under deliberation in Congress. This proposed law is key to peace and development in Mindanao and an effective antidote to rising violent extremism plaguing the region. It is time to close all the vestiges of the Moro-Spanish War that ended 119 years ago. We have tested the devastating effects of enmity and violence and nobody won. Already, we have now come to terms with reality that enemies before should and must embrace and cooperate with one another. This is good for all of us, in fact, the only good way forward.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1122/---milf-communities----in-region-9
MILF: RHRC documents hundreds of human rights violations in Marawi
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Dec 16): RHRC documents hundreds of human rights violations in Marawi
Thousands of narratives detailing hundreds of alleged human rights violations in Marawi City have been documented in the aftermath of the months-long siege by the Regional Human Rights Commission in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Philstar said in its online report today.
Abdulnasser Badrudin, Chairman of the Regional Human Rights Commission (RHRC) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), said they have launched an extensive investigation to verify supposed violations of human rights of the people of Marawi.
Badrudin said they have documented stories of over 14,000 internally displaced people, many of whom have complained over the loss of their homes and livelihood because of the armed conflict.
“Most of the issues focus on the loss of homes and other personal items, including identification cards (that make it difficult for them to move),” Badrudin said in a phone interview by Philstar.
“We are also investigating cases of looting,” he said, referring to reports that some people have taken advantage of the conflict to steal from the residents.
Badrudin said they are sorting through the narratives to determine how best to address the complaints of residents.
He noted that there also complaints against the security forces, mostly on alleged illegal arrests and supposed violation of the people’s right to movement as a result of lack of identification documents, the Philstar article also said.
And while they have yet to gain access to the main battleground area, Badrudin said the situation in the city has started to normalize as residents have begun returning to areas declared as safe zones.
For its part, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) issued a statement calling on the government to address allegations of human rights violations and investigate claims against the military and other actors, said the report by Philstar.
It noted that the military has been accused of looting, unlawful or arbitrary arrests, presence in camps, profiling and military harassment.
The CHR also noted incidents of enforced disappearances, torture and extrajudicial killings.
“We also urge the government to hold to account both state and non-state actors responsible for the atrocities committed against the local residents,” it said.
The CHR said it is committed to extend all possible assistance to rebuild the communities and ensure that the people’s rights to access to education, shelter, food, water and proper sanitation, among others are fulfilled by the government.
Former CHR chair Loretta Ann Rosales said the government should focus on helping the people of Marawi instead of using the crisis to extend the declaration of martial law.
“The results of martial rule have taken their toll on the most basic and fundamental rights of the people of Marawi to live a free, prosperous and democratic life,” she said in a statement, as quoted by Philstar.
Also in today’s online report by Philstar, AFP chief Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero gave the assurance to allay fears that the military’s intensified campaign against terrorist groups across the country would result human rights abuse.
Gen. Guerrero, whose stint as AFP Chief of Staff has been extended by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte said the military’s Human Rights Office will actively monitor the activities of AFP troops, and violators will be held accountable.
He gave assurance that human rights complaints would be entertained and acted upon. (Source: Philstar)
Thousands of narratives detailing hundreds of alleged human rights violations in Marawi City have been documented in the aftermath of the months-long siege by the Regional Human Rights Commission in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Philstar said in its online report today.
Abdulnasser Badrudin, Chairman of the Regional Human Rights Commission (RHRC) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), said they have launched an extensive investigation to verify supposed violations of human rights of the people of Marawi.
Badrudin said they have documented stories of over 14,000 internally displaced people, many of whom have complained over the loss of their homes and livelihood because of the armed conflict.
“Most of the issues focus on the loss of homes and other personal items, including identification cards (that make it difficult for them to move),” Badrudin said in a phone interview by Philstar.
“We are also investigating cases of looting,” he said, referring to reports that some people have taken advantage of the conflict to steal from the residents.
Badrudin said they are sorting through the narratives to determine how best to address the complaints of residents.
He noted that there also complaints against the security forces, mostly on alleged illegal arrests and supposed violation of the people’s right to movement as a result of lack of identification documents, the Philstar article also said.
And while they have yet to gain access to the main battleground area, Badrudin said the situation in the city has started to normalize as residents have begun returning to areas declared as safe zones.
For its part, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) issued a statement calling on the government to address allegations of human rights violations and investigate claims against the military and other actors, said the report by Philstar.
It noted that the military has been accused of looting, unlawful or arbitrary arrests, presence in camps, profiling and military harassment.
The CHR also noted incidents of enforced disappearances, torture and extrajudicial killings.
“We also urge the government to hold to account both state and non-state actors responsible for the atrocities committed against the local residents,” it said.
The CHR said it is committed to extend all possible assistance to rebuild the communities and ensure that the people’s rights to access to education, shelter, food, water and proper sanitation, among others are fulfilled by the government.
Former CHR chair Loretta Ann Rosales said the government should focus on helping the people of Marawi instead of using the crisis to extend the declaration of martial law.
“The results of martial rule have taken their toll on the most basic and fundamental rights of the people of Marawi to live a free, prosperous and democratic life,” she said in a statement, as quoted by Philstar.
Also in today’s online report by Philstar, AFP chief Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero gave the assurance to allay fears that the military’s intensified campaign against terrorist groups across the country would result human rights abuse.
Gen. Guerrero, whose stint as AFP Chief of Staff has been extended by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte said the military’s Human Rights Office will actively monitor the activities of AFP troops, and violators will be held accountable.
He gave assurance that human rights complaints would be entertained and acted upon. (Source: Philstar)
MILF: BDA receives Top Performing Award
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Dec 14): BDA receives Top Performing Award
The Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) was awarded the ‘Regional Sandugo Top Performing Non-LGU Award’ for its outstanding, and sustained support to the National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP) for the year 2016.
The plaque as top performing award was given to BDA during the Unified Awarding for SOCCSARGEN’s Best in Health 2016 conducted by the Department of Health – Region XII (DOH-RXII) at Greenleaf Hotel, General Santos City on December 6, 2017.
In recognition of the efforts of individuals, groups, and organizations in the continuous journey of BDA in almost a decade of organizing people to advocate Muslim Blood Donation (MBD), and in conducting mass bloodletting activity, Badrudin Sendad of BDA-Central Mindanao (CenMin) said, “This award is given solely to BDA, but the eternal rewards in this world till the day hereafter will go surely to the following: pool of volunteers of Muslim Blood Donation (MBD) for their continuing volunteerism; donors for their unwavering blood donation; supporters for their sincere, and support of any kind, and means; and partners for their continued steadfastness to work with, and help BDA.”
“In spite of almost a decade of BDA untiring efforts to let people become aware of MBD; to share their life by donating blood; and, to save life, it would not be successful and its achievements are nothing if not with the pool of volunteers, donors, partners and supporters who continuously sustain their unified, and strong commitment for these great acts of generosity such as blood donation, and all other related activities,” added Sendad.
This is why Nazneen Biruar-Piang, R.N., MBD Coordinator, while thanking the DOH-RXII for giving the award, she also expressed her gratitude to the volunteers, donors, partners, and supporters of MBD.
“With their unified and strong commitment for MBD, the BDA not only strengthens its development intervention for the Bangsamoro, and other stakeholders but also won the recognition of the Philippine Red Cross, and the DOH through the NVBSP,” said Biruar-Piang.
“The recognition is manifested by the awards given to the BDA since 2009,” added Biruar-Piang.
The following are the awards received by BDA:
1. Certificate of Recognition as Sandugo Kabalikat in grateful recognition of their support and cooperation given to the NVBSP that resulted to immeasurable success in making safe blood available. Awarded by DOH – RXII last October 30, 2009 at Lady M. Catering House, Kidapawan City.
2. Sandugo Kabalikat Award for being the 10th Highest Mobile Blood Donation in 2011 that collected 270 Blood Units. Awarded by DOH – RXII last November 18, 2011 at EMR Kidapawan City.
3. Sandugo Kabalikat Award for being the 3rd Highest Mobile Blood Donation in 2011 that collected 550 Blood Units. Awarded by DOH – RXII last November 13, 2012 at Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC), Cotabato City
4. Certificate of Recognition in recognition of its successful mobile blood donation for the year 2012 which enabled the chapter to effectively deliver its various service programs thereby contributing significantly to its progress for the purpose of saving lives and promotion of the ideals of the Philippine Red Cross for the Cause of Humanity. Awarded by Philippine Red Cross – Cotabato Chapter last December 16, 2012 at Marqueza Hotel, Cotabato City.
5. Sandugo Kabalikat Award for collecting 1,777 Blood Units. Awarded by DOH – RXII last December 3, 2013 at JC Leisure and Business Place, Kidapawan City.
6. Plaque of Recognition in grateful recognition for their support and cooperation given to the NVBSP. Awarded by DOH – RXII during the Sandugo Awarding Ceremony last December 5, 2014 at EMR Complex, Koronadal City.
7. Sandugo Kabalikat Award for being the Regional Top 3 best performing NGO. Awarded by DOH – RXII during the Sandugo Awarding Ceremony last December 5, 2014 at EMR Complex, Koronadal City.
8. Plaque of Recognition for astounding support to the NVBSP for the year 2015. Awarded by DOH – RXII last November 17, 2016 at Family Country Hotel and Convention, General Santos City.
9. Regional Sandugo Top Performing Non-LGU Award for its outstanding and sustained support to the NVBSP for the year 2016. Awarded by DOH – RXII last December 6, 2017 at Greenleaf Hotel, General Santos City.
Shiekh Abdulrasheed B. Ambil, BDA-CenMin Regional Manager, and a Gold Medal Awardee as regular blood donor, congratulated the MBD Team, and expressed his thanks, and gratitude to all volunteers, donors, partners and supporters for their continuing efforts in sustaining BDA years of journey by helping others to save life through blood donation.
Ambil also recognized, and expressed his thanks, and gratitude to Dr. Rizaldy Piang, BDA Vice-Chairman, also Gold Medal Awardee for his utmost sincerity, and continued all-out support in the pursuit of MBD”.
Dr. Piang is the main proponent of MBD along with committed BDA volunteers during his stint as Regional Manager of BDA-CenMin.
He was also the first to donate blood during the 1st MBD in 2008 for the others to observe, and learn the process of bloodletting.
BDA-CenMin is the only proponent region of MBD, and Youth Development Program (YDP). BDA-CenMin covers the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato, some parts of Bukidnon and other areas of Sultan Kudarat.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1121/bda-receives-top-performing-award
The Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) was awarded the ‘Regional Sandugo Top Performing Non-LGU Award’ for its outstanding, and sustained support to the National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP) for the year 2016.
The plaque as top performing award was given to BDA during the Unified Awarding for SOCCSARGEN’s Best in Health 2016 conducted by the Department of Health – Region XII (DOH-RXII) at Greenleaf Hotel, General Santos City on December 6, 2017.
In recognition of the efforts of individuals, groups, and organizations in the continuous journey of BDA in almost a decade of organizing people to advocate Muslim Blood Donation (MBD), and in conducting mass bloodletting activity, Badrudin Sendad of BDA-Central Mindanao (CenMin) said, “This award is given solely to BDA, but the eternal rewards in this world till the day hereafter will go surely to the following: pool of volunteers of Muslim Blood Donation (MBD) for their continuing volunteerism; donors for their unwavering blood donation; supporters for their sincere, and support of any kind, and means; and partners for their continued steadfastness to work with, and help BDA.”
“In spite of almost a decade of BDA untiring efforts to let people become aware of MBD; to share their life by donating blood; and, to save life, it would not be successful and its achievements are nothing if not with the pool of volunteers, donors, partners and supporters who continuously sustain their unified, and strong commitment for these great acts of generosity such as blood donation, and all other related activities,” added Sendad.
This is why Nazneen Biruar-Piang, R.N., MBD Coordinator, while thanking the DOH-RXII for giving the award, she also expressed her gratitude to the volunteers, donors, partners, and supporters of MBD.
“With their unified and strong commitment for MBD, the BDA not only strengthens its development intervention for the Bangsamoro, and other stakeholders but also won the recognition of the Philippine Red Cross, and the DOH through the NVBSP,” said Biruar-Piang.
“The recognition is manifested by the awards given to the BDA since 2009,” added Biruar-Piang.
The following are the awards received by BDA:
1. Certificate of Recognition as Sandugo Kabalikat in grateful recognition of their support and cooperation given to the NVBSP that resulted to immeasurable success in making safe blood available. Awarded by DOH – RXII last October 30, 2009 at Lady M. Catering House, Kidapawan City.
2. Sandugo Kabalikat Award for being the 10th Highest Mobile Blood Donation in 2011 that collected 270 Blood Units. Awarded by DOH – RXII last November 18, 2011 at EMR Kidapawan City.
3. Sandugo Kabalikat Award for being the 3rd Highest Mobile Blood Donation in 2011 that collected 550 Blood Units. Awarded by DOH – RXII last November 13, 2012 at Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC), Cotabato City
4. Certificate of Recognition in recognition of its successful mobile blood donation for the year 2012 which enabled the chapter to effectively deliver its various service programs thereby contributing significantly to its progress for the purpose of saving lives and promotion of the ideals of the Philippine Red Cross for the Cause of Humanity. Awarded by Philippine Red Cross – Cotabato Chapter last December 16, 2012 at Marqueza Hotel, Cotabato City.
5. Sandugo Kabalikat Award for collecting 1,777 Blood Units. Awarded by DOH – RXII last December 3, 2013 at JC Leisure and Business Place, Kidapawan City.
6. Plaque of Recognition in grateful recognition for their support and cooperation given to the NVBSP. Awarded by DOH – RXII during the Sandugo Awarding Ceremony last December 5, 2014 at EMR Complex, Koronadal City.
7. Sandugo Kabalikat Award for being the Regional Top 3 best performing NGO. Awarded by DOH – RXII during the Sandugo Awarding Ceremony last December 5, 2014 at EMR Complex, Koronadal City.
8. Plaque of Recognition for astounding support to the NVBSP for the year 2015. Awarded by DOH – RXII last November 17, 2016 at Family Country Hotel and Convention, General Santos City.
9. Regional Sandugo Top Performing Non-LGU Award for its outstanding and sustained support to the NVBSP for the year 2016. Awarded by DOH – RXII last December 6, 2017 at Greenleaf Hotel, General Santos City.
Shiekh Abdulrasheed B. Ambil, BDA-CenMin Regional Manager, and a Gold Medal Awardee as regular blood donor, congratulated the MBD Team, and expressed his thanks, and gratitude to all volunteers, donors, partners and supporters for their continuing efforts in sustaining BDA years of journey by helping others to save life through blood donation.
Ambil also recognized, and expressed his thanks, and gratitude to Dr. Rizaldy Piang, BDA Vice-Chairman, also Gold Medal Awardee for his utmost sincerity, and continued all-out support in the pursuit of MBD”.
Dr. Piang is the main proponent of MBD along with committed BDA volunteers during his stint as Regional Manager of BDA-CenMin.
He was also the first to donate blood during the 1st MBD in 2008 for the others to observe, and learn the process of bloodletting.
BDA-CenMin is the only proponent region of MBD, and Youth Development Program (YDP). BDA-CenMin covers the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato, some parts of Bukidnon and other areas of Sultan Kudarat.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1121/bda-receives-top-performing-award
NDF/NDF-Mindanao: Martial Law Extension in Mindanao - A Defacto Nationwide Declaration Further Lays the Ground for Duterte's Dictatorship
NDF-Mindanao propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Dec 16): Martial Law Extension in Mindanao - A Defacto Nationwide Declaration Further Lays the Ground for Duterte's Dictatorship
Press statement
15 December 2017
The NDFP-Mindanao vehemently denounces the one-year extension of martial law and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao, which is a step further in laying the ground for Duterte’s fascist dictatorial rule. And since the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA), which are nationwide revolutionary organizations, are included as “bases” for the extension, martial law is thus imposed, de facto, on a nationwide scale, whose implementation, by way of the bloody all-out war and Oplan Kapayapaan, goes beyond Mindanao towards both the Visayas and Luzon.
With the backing of his supermajority cohort in congress, Duterte secured for himself and the AFP/PNP absolute control over the economic, political and even the cultural life of the people in the island. Duterte’s AFP and PNP, through their brutal operations, can control the economic activities (such as farming) of the masses, especially those which they suspect to be in support of the revolutionary movement. They can impose upon local government units to redirect their resources to buttress its unjust war and attacks against the people. The AFP/PNP even threatened to deprive media people of their right to cover activities of the CPP and the NPA such as their anniversary celebration, an act which disregards the media’s independence and the freedom of the press.
This is the latest in a series of draconian measures imposed by the US-Duterte regime that aims to deliberately kill any semblance of democracy left in the nation. With the extension, the Filipino people are forced to swallow Duterte’s tyranny. Part of its deceitful strategy is to focus on Mindanao first and perfidiously work its way up to encompass the Visayas and Luzon, so that, in dividing the nation, Duterte will avoid facing the impact of a nationwide uprising against his fascist rule. A one-year extension will also serve to “test the waters” and feel the people’s pulse, but will not limit it to further extensions beyond 2018. Duterte’s minions in congress enabled him to further consolidate his tyranny even in shameless and blatant violation of their own Constitution, which they, in all hypocrisy, swore to uphold and defend.
With the extension, the people of Mindanao can only expect the escalation of Duterte’s and the AFP’s brutal, anti-people all-out war against the revolutionary movement and the peasant and Lumad masses. The extended and more inclusive martial law will further give license to the AFP to employ indiscriminate airstrikes using jet fighters, attack helicopters and armed drones, shelling with newly-bought 155mm howitzer cannons, and direct brutal attacks by regular AFP troops and their paramilitary goons – all aimed against civilian communities in the countryside, towns and cities. These atrocities will lead to the evacuation and displacement of innocent civilians in their hundreds of thousands.
Recently, Duterte once again alluded to an attack by so-called “ISIS-inspired terrorists” sometime in the next few weeks somewhere in Mindanao, possibly in North or South Cotabato or even in Cotabato City. With an extended martial law in place, we can expect Duterte’s AFP to rain down its destructive force once more against another city or town, similar to what it did to Marawi City. With this, the Duterte regime’s war against the Bangsamoro will doubtlessly intensify, stifling further the Moro people’s struggle for their genuine right to self-determination.
The AFP/PNP claim that cities are more “peaceful” under martial law, but this is a big lie. This is just another devious tactic to deny support from people in the urban centers to the masses who are victims of militarization in the countryside. The truth is, under military rule, Mindanao will lay witness to an unprecedented rise in the body count of extrajudicial killing victims in urban centers, either through the bloody Oplan Tokhang, which has been recently taken over by the PNP, or through the political assassination of leaders and members of legitimate progressive organizations, whom Duterte threatened to crackdown.
However, despite all of Duterte’s Hitler-like fear-mongering and shock-and-awe tactics, the revolutionary movement, led by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), is unperturbed and determined to fight. Revolutionaries as well as the struggling masses would rather face death fighting rather than bow down to Duterte’s fascist dictatorship.
As soon as Duterte exposed himself as a blood-thirsty fascist who desire nothing but his rise as a dictator, he has already signed his own death certificate by way of his regime’s downfall. But Duterte’s ouster will only take place under the resolute unity of the people. Thus, now more than ever, it is the moral responsibility of all exploited and oppressed classes and sectors in society, including the middle classes as well as the patriotic and enlightened gentry, in Mindanao and the rest of the country to unite in a broad anti-fascist united front to oust the US-Duterte regime. The NDFP-Mindanao also calls upon the people of Luzon and the Visayas to march hand in hand with the people of Mindanao and fight against Duterte’s fascism and eventually boot him out and bury him and his tyranny in the dustbin of history.#
KA JOAQUIN JACINTO
Spokesperson
NDFP-MINDANAO
https://www.ndfp.org/martial-law-extension-in-mindanao-a-de-facto-nationwide-declaration-further-lays-the-ground-for-dutertes-dictatorship/
Press statement
15 December 2017
The NDFP-Mindanao vehemently denounces the one-year extension of martial law and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao, which is a step further in laying the ground for Duterte’s fascist dictatorial rule. And since the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA), which are nationwide revolutionary organizations, are included as “bases” for the extension, martial law is thus imposed, de facto, on a nationwide scale, whose implementation, by way of the bloody all-out war and Oplan Kapayapaan, goes beyond Mindanao towards both the Visayas and Luzon.
With the backing of his supermajority cohort in congress, Duterte secured for himself and the AFP/PNP absolute control over the economic, political and even the cultural life of the people in the island. Duterte’s AFP and PNP, through their brutal operations, can control the economic activities (such as farming) of the masses, especially those which they suspect to be in support of the revolutionary movement. They can impose upon local government units to redirect their resources to buttress its unjust war and attacks against the people. The AFP/PNP even threatened to deprive media people of their right to cover activities of the CPP and the NPA such as their anniversary celebration, an act which disregards the media’s independence and the freedom of the press.
This is the latest in a series of draconian measures imposed by the US-Duterte regime that aims to deliberately kill any semblance of democracy left in the nation. With the extension, the Filipino people are forced to swallow Duterte’s tyranny. Part of its deceitful strategy is to focus on Mindanao first and perfidiously work its way up to encompass the Visayas and Luzon, so that, in dividing the nation, Duterte will avoid facing the impact of a nationwide uprising against his fascist rule. A one-year extension will also serve to “test the waters” and feel the people’s pulse, but will not limit it to further extensions beyond 2018. Duterte’s minions in congress enabled him to further consolidate his tyranny even in shameless and blatant violation of their own Constitution, which they, in all hypocrisy, swore to uphold and defend.
With the extension, the people of Mindanao can only expect the escalation of Duterte’s and the AFP’s brutal, anti-people all-out war against the revolutionary movement and the peasant and Lumad masses. The extended and more inclusive martial law will further give license to the AFP to employ indiscriminate airstrikes using jet fighters, attack helicopters and armed drones, shelling with newly-bought 155mm howitzer cannons, and direct brutal attacks by regular AFP troops and their paramilitary goons – all aimed against civilian communities in the countryside, towns and cities. These atrocities will lead to the evacuation and displacement of innocent civilians in their hundreds of thousands.
Recently, Duterte once again alluded to an attack by so-called “ISIS-inspired terrorists” sometime in the next few weeks somewhere in Mindanao, possibly in North or South Cotabato or even in Cotabato City. With an extended martial law in place, we can expect Duterte’s AFP to rain down its destructive force once more against another city or town, similar to what it did to Marawi City. With this, the Duterte regime’s war against the Bangsamoro will doubtlessly intensify, stifling further the Moro people’s struggle for their genuine right to self-determination.
The AFP/PNP claim that cities are more “peaceful” under martial law, but this is a big lie. This is just another devious tactic to deny support from people in the urban centers to the masses who are victims of militarization in the countryside. The truth is, under military rule, Mindanao will lay witness to an unprecedented rise in the body count of extrajudicial killing victims in urban centers, either through the bloody Oplan Tokhang, which has been recently taken over by the PNP, or through the political assassination of leaders and members of legitimate progressive organizations, whom Duterte threatened to crackdown.
However, despite all of Duterte’s Hitler-like fear-mongering and shock-and-awe tactics, the revolutionary movement, led by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), is unperturbed and determined to fight. Revolutionaries as well as the struggling masses would rather face death fighting rather than bow down to Duterte’s fascist dictatorship.
As soon as Duterte exposed himself as a blood-thirsty fascist who desire nothing but his rise as a dictator, he has already signed his own death certificate by way of his regime’s downfall. But Duterte’s ouster will only take place under the resolute unity of the people. Thus, now more than ever, it is the moral responsibility of all exploited and oppressed classes and sectors in society, including the middle classes as well as the patriotic and enlightened gentry, in Mindanao and the rest of the country to unite in a broad anti-fascist united front to oust the US-Duterte regime. The NDFP-Mindanao also calls upon the people of Luzon and the Visayas to march hand in hand with the people of Mindanao and fight against Duterte’s fascism and eventually boot him out and bury him and his tyranny in the dustbin of history.#
KA JOAQUIN JACINTO
Spokesperson
NDFP-MINDANAO
https://www.ndfp.org/martial-law-extension-in-mindanao-a-de-facto-nationwide-declaration-further-lays-the-ground-for-dutertes-dictatorship/
Duterte accuses NPA of committing sexual abuses
From GMA News (Dec 17): Duterte accuses NPA of committing sexual abuses
President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday accused the New People's Army of committing sexual abuses.
"I do not want to talk to the communists anymore. I have been receiving reports, kayong mga komunista... roaming around everywhere and some of you, I have reports from anywhere, you are into molesting or sexually abusing 'yung mga tao sa bukid. Hinihipo ninyo 'yung mga babae at 'yung iba ninanakaw n'yo ang asawa," Duterte said during the 7th Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,Transgender (LGBT) gathering in Davao City.
"Is that the kind of revolution we have been fighting for 50 years? If you want another 50 years, so be it," Duterte said. "'Di ko talaga... kalokohan na ganon," he added.
Duterte has formally tagged the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the NPA, as terror groups after he terminated peace negotiations with the communist group.
Children-buying in Mindanao
In his speech, the President also condemned the supposed kidnapping activities in the Mindanao region, noting that he will treat kidnappers as drug lords.
"There are some tribes in Mindanao, maybe in Visayas and Luzon who's practice of buying children... Huminto kayo diyan or else I will treat you just like a drug lord. Slavery must stop. I cannot imagine a human being growing up in a family na di niya alam na di talaga siya ron, madami sa Davao ang kinikidnap. I will take a strong stance against this. I will not tolerate it," Duterte said.
"'Wag kayo pumasok diyan. Just imagine, magkidnap ka ng isang bata, ipabili mo doon sa ibang lugar and this woman will grow up believing talagang slave siya," he added.
Duterte assured the public that every individual will be "protected" during his term.
"You have my guarantee that everybody, at least during my term, will be protected and nurtured as human being, there will be no oppression and we will recognize your importance in the society," he said.
Last week, Congress granted Duterte's request to further extend the implementation of martial law in Mindanao until Dec. 31, 2018.
Duterte declared a 60-day martial law in Mindanao following the attack of the Maute group in Marawi City on May 23.
The declaration was supposed to lapse last July, but Congress granted his initial request to extend the Mindanao martial law until Dec. 31, 2017.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/636859/duterte-accuses-npa-of-committing-sexual-abuses/story/?just_in
President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday accused the New People's Army of committing sexual abuses.
"I do not want to talk to the communists anymore. I have been receiving reports, kayong mga komunista... roaming around everywhere and some of you, I have reports from anywhere, you are into molesting or sexually abusing 'yung mga tao sa bukid. Hinihipo ninyo 'yung mga babae at 'yung iba ninanakaw n'yo ang asawa," Duterte said during the 7th Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,Transgender (LGBT) gathering in Davao City.
"Is that the kind of revolution we have been fighting for 50 years? If you want another 50 years, so be it," Duterte said. "'Di ko talaga... kalokohan na ganon," he added.
Duterte has formally tagged the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the NPA, as terror groups after he terminated peace negotiations with the communist group.
Children-buying in Mindanao
In his speech, the President also condemned the supposed kidnapping activities in the Mindanao region, noting that he will treat kidnappers as drug lords.
"There are some tribes in Mindanao, maybe in Visayas and Luzon who's practice of buying children... Huminto kayo diyan or else I will treat you just like a drug lord. Slavery must stop. I cannot imagine a human being growing up in a family na di niya alam na di talaga siya ron, madami sa Davao ang kinikidnap. I will take a strong stance against this. I will not tolerate it," Duterte said.
"'Wag kayo pumasok diyan. Just imagine, magkidnap ka ng isang bata, ipabili mo doon sa ibang lugar and this woman will grow up believing talagang slave siya," he added.
Duterte assured the public that every individual will be "protected" during his term.
"You have my guarantee that everybody, at least during my term, will be protected and nurtured as human being, there will be no oppression and we will recognize your importance in the society," he said.
Last week, Congress granted Duterte's request to further extend the implementation of martial law in Mindanao until Dec. 31, 2018.
Duterte declared a 60-day martial law in Mindanao following the attack of the Maute group in Marawi City on May 23.
The declaration was supposed to lapse last July, but Congress granted his initial request to extend the Mindanao martial law until Dec. 31, 2017.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/636859/duterte-accuses-npa-of-committing-sexual-abuses/story/?just_in
Terrorists use social media, cash to recruit civilians near Marawi
From the Business World (Dec 16): Terrorists use social media, cash to recruit civilians near Marawi
59 alleged members of the Maute group at the Department of Justice in this photo taken Aug. 13. -- PHILIPPINE STAR_MIGUEL DE GUZMAN
TERRORIST groups are using social media and financial incentives to recruit civilians in areas near Marawi even after the government has liberated the city, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Friday.
Prospective recruits include relatives of the terrorists themselves and members of the youth, who are located in municipalities in the immediate vicinity of Marawi, AFP Public Affairs Chief Edgard A. Arevalo said in Filipino. Marawi city was overrun by the terrorist Maute group in May but was later retaken by government forces.
“Young people are especially vulnerable because they are impressionable,” Mr. Arevalo said during the Bangon Marawi briefing in Malacañang.
To counter these moves, the military has held dialogues with the youth, including a youth leaders’ summit and an education tour of Muslim youth in Kuala Lumpur, he said.
“These activities are meant to help young people realize what extremism is and how recruitment is being done by these extremists,” the spokesperson said in Filipino. He also assured that the terrorist group will not cause any trouble again nor will it be able to expand its membership.
EASED CASH TRANSFER RULES FOR MARAWI’S POOR
In a related development, poor families in Marawi will continue to receive cash until 2018 even if they are unable to comply with the special program’s requirements, the government said on Friday.
“Conditionalities [of the cash transfer program] have already been waived for the rest of 2018,” Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) officer-in-charge Undersecretary Emmanuel A. Leyco said during the Bangon Marawi briefing. “We have some 12,000 households who are members of our [program] and therefore, we’d like to make sure that the funds are delivered to them.”
As a result, program beneficiaries in Marawi will receive cash transfers “even if they are not attending schools or not going to health clinics, or not even attending the family development sessions.”
In November, the agency has suspended the requirements of the program — also known as the “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program” — for Marawi families until March 2018.
Families not covered by the program will be offered livelihood programs, Mr. Leyco said.
“DSWD will focus on…recovery and re-establishing the human infrastructure that was very much affected during the conflict in Marawi City,” he added.
http://bworldonline.com/terrorists-use-social-media-cash-recruit-civilians-near-marawi/
59 alleged members of the Maute group at the Department of Justice in this photo taken Aug. 13. -- PHILIPPINE STAR_MIGUEL DE GUZMAN
TERRORIST groups are using social media and financial incentives to recruit civilians in areas near Marawi even after the government has liberated the city, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Friday.
Prospective recruits include relatives of the terrorists themselves and members of the youth, who are located in municipalities in the immediate vicinity of Marawi, AFP Public Affairs Chief Edgard A. Arevalo said in Filipino. Marawi city was overrun by the terrorist Maute group in May but was later retaken by government forces.
“Young people are especially vulnerable because they are impressionable,” Mr. Arevalo said during the Bangon Marawi briefing in Malacañang.
To counter these moves, the military has held dialogues with the youth, including a youth leaders’ summit and an education tour of Muslim youth in Kuala Lumpur, he said.
“These activities are meant to help young people realize what extremism is and how recruitment is being done by these extremists,” the spokesperson said in Filipino. He also assured that the terrorist group will not cause any trouble again nor will it be able to expand its membership.
EASED CASH TRANSFER RULES FOR MARAWI’S POOR
In a related development, poor families in Marawi will continue to receive cash until 2018 even if they are unable to comply with the special program’s requirements, the government said on Friday.
“Conditionalities [of the cash transfer program] have already been waived for the rest of 2018,” Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) officer-in-charge Undersecretary Emmanuel A. Leyco said during the Bangon Marawi briefing. “We have some 12,000 households who are members of our [program] and therefore, we’d like to make sure that the funds are delivered to them.”
As a result, program beneficiaries in Marawi will receive cash transfers “even if they are not attending schools or not going to health clinics, or not even attending the family development sessions.”
In November, the agency has suspended the requirements of the program — also known as the “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program” — for Marawi families until March 2018.
Families not covered by the program will be offered livelihood programs, Mr. Leyco said.
“DSWD will focus on…recovery and re-establishing the human infrastructure that was very much affected during the conflict in Marawi City,” he added.
http://bworldonline.com/terrorists-use-social-media-cash-recruit-civilians-near-marawi/
Navy Seabees helping in Marawi rebuilding
From Update Philippines (Dec 17): Navy Seabees helping in Marawi rebuilding
Troops from the Philippine Navy’s Naval Construction Brigade or “Seabees” have joined the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in war-torn Marawi City, this is according to Navy spokesperson Captain Lued Lincuna on Saturday.
He said least 50 Seabees specializing in heavy equipment were deployed to Marawi as early as September 9.
“They were equipped with seven assorted heavy equipment to participate in the rehab of Marawi and presently conducting clearing and cleaning operations and repair of essential buildings and [infrastructures],” Lincuna said December 16.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero earlier said military engineering units are at the forefront of the clearing operation in Marawi City.
“Right now, we have also our engineers here in the area composed [of] Army, Air Force and Navy engineers [who] are also undertaking debris clearing in the most affected areas, Guerrero added.
Since clearing operations began last October 23, Guerrero said engineering units have recovered 77 assorted firearms, believed to be owned by members of the Maute terrorist group.
Eleven cadavers were also found, which are presently undergoing DNA testing and swabbing for identification purposes.
Aside from debris clearing, the AFP is also tasked to maintain security in Marawi and clear the area of cadavers and unexploded ordnance left by ISIS-inspired groups.
https://www.update.ph/2017/12/navy-seabees-helping-in-marawi-rebuilding/23462
Troops from the Philippine Navy’s Naval Construction Brigade or “Seabees” have joined the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in war-torn Marawi City, this is according to Navy spokesperson Captain Lued Lincuna on Saturday.
He said least 50 Seabees specializing in heavy equipment were deployed to Marawi as early as September 9.
“They were equipped with seven assorted heavy equipment to participate in the rehab of Marawi and presently conducting clearing and cleaning operations and repair of essential buildings and [infrastructures],” Lincuna said December 16.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero earlier said military engineering units are at the forefront of the clearing operation in Marawi City.
“Right now, we have also our engineers here in the area composed [of] Army, Air Force and Navy engineers [who] are also undertaking debris clearing in the most affected areas, Guerrero added.
Since clearing operations began last October 23, Guerrero said engineering units have recovered 77 assorted firearms, believed to be owned by members of the Maute terrorist group.
Eleven cadavers were also found, which are presently undergoing DNA testing and swabbing for identification purposes.
Aside from debris clearing, the AFP is also tasked to maintain security in Marawi and clear the area of cadavers and unexploded ordnance left by ISIS-inspired groups.
https://www.update.ph/2017/12/navy-seabees-helping-in-marawi-rebuilding/23462
PH gov't stands by decision not to declare holiday ceasefire with NPA
From Rappler (Dec 17): PH gov't stands by decision not to declare holiday ceasefire with NPA
'Declaring a SOMO now is not to the nation's best interest as it would only expose our defenders to enemy attacks and embolden them to commit more atrocities,' says Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque
Malacañang on Sunday, December 17, said the Philippine government's decision not to declare a suspension of military operations (SOMO) with communist rebels during the Christmas season stays.
"Our defenders would not stand down as there has been call on the other side to launch offensives against state forces," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement on Sunday.
Earlier this month, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he will not recommend a declaration of SOMO this year.
He said they "can always break" the military tradition of declaring a SOMO during holidays – a move also reciprocated by the New People's Army (NPA).
On Sunday, Roque said the Philippine government has "lost scores of our brave defenders" in the past, when the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) conducted "treacherous" attacks despite a unilateral ceasefire.
"Declaring a SOMO now is not to the nation's best interest as it would only expose our defenders to enemy attacks and embolden them to commit more atrocities, especially during their anniversary," he added.
But Roque said they do not "discount possibilities" that circumstances may arise for the government to "reconsider" its present position.
President Rodrigo Duterte signed a proclamation declaring the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization last December 5 – the same day Lorenzana announced the decision not to declare a holiday ceasefire with the communist rebels.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/191603-malacanang-decision-no-holiday-ceasefire-npa-stays
'Declaring a SOMO now is not to the nation's best interest as it would only expose our defenders to enemy attacks and embolden them to commit more atrocities,' says Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque
COMMUNIST INSURGENCY. File photo from the CPP's 48th anniversary celebration in December 2016. File photo by Manman Dejeto/Rappler
Malacañang on Sunday, December 17, said the Philippine government's decision not to declare a suspension of military operations (SOMO) with communist rebels during the Christmas season stays.
"Our defenders would not stand down as there has been call on the other side to launch offensives against state forces," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement on Sunday.
Earlier this month, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he will not recommend a declaration of SOMO this year.
He said they "can always break" the military tradition of declaring a SOMO during holidays – a move also reciprocated by the New People's Army (NPA).
On Sunday, Roque said the Philippine government has "lost scores of our brave defenders" in the past, when the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) conducted "treacherous" attacks despite a unilateral ceasefire.
"Declaring a SOMO now is not to the nation's best interest as it would only expose our defenders to enemy attacks and embolden them to commit more atrocities, especially during their anniversary," he added.
But Roque said they do not "discount possibilities" that circumstances may arise for the government to "reconsider" its present position.
President Rodrigo Duterte signed a proclamation declaring the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization last December 5 – the same day Lorenzana announced the decision not to declare a holiday ceasefire with the communist rebels.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/191603-malacanang-decision-no-holiday-ceasefire-npa-stays
PH military shifts focus to communist rebels amid ISIS threat
From Rappler (Dec 16): PH military shifts focus to communist rebels amid ISIS threat
'The people can expect intensified focused military operations to be conducted nationwide, especially in Mindanao,' says Armed Forces chief General Rey Guerrero
Armed Forces chief General Rey Leonardo Guerrero said the military has started moving troops who fought terrorists in Marawi in western Mindanao to the eastern part of the island to fight another front: the stubborn communist insurgency. (READ: Duterte's martial law also targets NPA)
"With the marching orders of the President and with the declaration of the NPAs as terrorists, for sure we will be giving more importance and more focus on our operations against the CPP-NPA especially now that we have observed an upsurge in the atrocities," Guerrero said in a press briefing on Friday, December 15.
Guerrero said the residents should expect patrols, checkpoints, and military visibility in populated centers. (READ: Congress extends martial law in Mindanao)
The extension of martial law in Mindanao primarily cited the need to crush the threat of another "rebellion" coming from the "remnants" of armed groups linked with international terrorist network Islamic State (ISIS). But military statements and movements lately have concentrated on the communist rebels, the secondary target of the martial law extension.
President Rodrigo Duterte signed the proclamation officially tagging the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) as a terrorist organization on December 5, after he announced the termination of peace talks with communist rebels.
The miilitary operations against the NPA will be nationwide. The communist rebels also have considerable presence in parts of Luzon and the Visayas.
"The people can expect intensifed focused military operations to be conducted nationwide, especially in Mindanao," Guerrero said.
Guerrero is the new implementor of martial law in Mindanao after replacing retired AFP chief General Eduardo Año in October. Prior to the top military post, he was the commanding general of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), which has responsibility over areas where communist rebels are concentrated.
He was supposed to retire this month but his term was extended until April 2018.
Guerrero said the military will continue to hunt down the "remnants" of the terrorist groups in western Mindanao but the military has to catch up on its campaign plan against the communist rebels, which he said was affected when troops were concentrated in Marawi to fight the war there.
He said less skirmishes are now expected in Marawi but the military will continue to monitor other areas like Sulu and Basilan.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/191417-philippine-military-communist-insurgency
'The people can expect intensified focused military operations to be conducted nationwide, especially in Mindanao,' says Armed Forces chief General Rey Guerrero
Armed Forces chief General Rey Leonardo Guerrero said the military has started moving troops who fought terrorists in Marawi in western Mindanao to the eastern part of the island to fight another front: the stubborn communist insurgency. (READ: Duterte's martial law also targets NPA)
"With the marching orders of the President and with the declaration of the NPAs as terrorists, for sure we will be giving more importance and more focus on our operations against the CPP-NPA especially now that we have observed an upsurge in the atrocities," Guerrero said in a press briefing on Friday, December 15.
Guerrero said the residents should expect patrols, checkpoints, and military visibility in populated centers. (READ: Congress extends martial law in Mindanao)
The extension of martial law in Mindanao primarily cited the need to crush the threat of another "rebellion" coming from the "remnants" of armed groups linked with international terrorist network Islamic State (ISIS). But military statements and movements lately have concentrated on the communist rebels, the secondary target of the martial law extension.
President Rodrigo Duterte signed the proclamation officially tagging the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) as a terrorist organization on December 5, after he announced the termination of peace talks with communist rebels.
The miilitary operations against the NPA will be nationwide. The communist rebels also have considerable presence in parts of Luzon and the Visayas.
"The people can expect intensifed focused military operations to be conducted nationwide, especially in Mindanao," Guerrero said.
Guerrero is the new implementor of martial law in Mindanao after replacing retired AFP chief General Eduardo Año in October. Prior to the top military post, he was the commanding general of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), which has responsibility over areas where communist rebels are concentrated.
He was supposed to retire this month but his term was extended until April 2018.
Guerrero said the military will continue to hunt down the "remnants" of the terrorist groups in western Mindanao but the military has to catch up on its campaign plan against the communist rebels, which he said was affected when troops were concentrated in Marawi to fight the war there.
He said less skirmishes are now expected in Marawi but the military will continue to monitor other areas like Sulu and Basilan.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/191417-philippine-military-communist-insurgency
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