NPA platoon leader killed in clash with 65th IB troops

From the Mindanao Times (Nov 14): NPA platoon leader killed in clash with 65th IB troops

A High-Ranking leader of the New People’s Army died in an encounter with the 65th Infantry Battalion (IB) in a forested area near Sitio Narvasa, Barangay Pinilayan, Tagoloan II, Lanao del Sur on Sunday around 9:40 a.m.

 

1Lt. Tere Ingente, the spokesperson of 4th Infantry Division, said the encounter took place in the boundary of Bukidnon and Lanao de Sur.

 

The troops conducting focused military operations in the area when attacked by more or less 70 members of the Guerrilla Front Committee 68.

 

The firefight, which lasted about 20 minutes, resulted in the death of alias Alan, commanding officer of the Platoon 2.

 

Further, government troops seized one M16 rifle, an AK-47 rifle, six AK-47 magazines with live ammunition, 14 backpacks, 27 sacks of rice, medical supplies, and subversive documents at the encounter site.

 

Brig. Gen. Eric Vinoya, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, lauded the troops for the accomplishment. He also extended his sympathies to the family and relatives of the NPA leader who died.

 

"This could not have happened if he was not fed with lies and deceit that forced him to take up arms against the government by the leaders of this terrorist organization,” he added.

 

On the other hand, Ingente said a soldier was hit with a bullet on his hand but he's now in stable condition.

 

“The troops that were engaged with the NPA terrorists are battle-tested from Western Mindanao," Maj. Gen. Ronald Villanueva, the commander of 4th Infantry Division, said.

 

"Definitely, our troops will not stop until communities in our area will be freed from NPA terrorists’ harassment and intimidation," he added.

 

The division commander said the 4th Infantry Division will help surrenderees enroll in the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program to help them reintegrate back into mainstream society.

 

For now, the government troops of the 65th IB are still in pursuit operation against the Communist rebels.

 

https://www.facebook.com/notes/mindanao-times/npa-platoon-leader-killed-in-clash-with-65th-ib-troops/2117420468279101/

Boost forces vs. terror

From the Mindanao Times (Nov 15): Boost forces vs. terror

AFP, PNP renew partnership to maintain peace and order

The military and the police reinforced their partnership to counter insurgency and terrorism in the region with the signing of the Joint Implementation Plan (Implan) on Wednesday.

 

Chief Supt. Marcelo Morales, the police regional director, said the Implan, which took effect yesterday, aims to prevent attacks in the region by establishing a peaceful environment conducive to development.

 

Morales said the coordination and joint operations are needed to ensure effective implementation of the Armed Forces of the Philippine-Philippine National Police (AFP-PNP) partnership in the conduct of the Internal Security Operations (ISO) with the help of a Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (JPSCC).

 

"I know that this will be a concrete proof for the successful conduct of an integrated approach for any peace and security concerns," Morales said.

 

He said they will be “working hand in hand with the local government units in the preservation of peace and order and in addressing peace and security concerns” in the region.

 

"This will allow them to live in a secured environment conducive to development," he added.

 

Chief Insp. Jason Baria, the regional police spokesperson, added that the joint signing is to counter any potential terrorist act, such as bombings and attacks, in the region.

 

Morales and Maj. Gen. Noel Clement, the commander of the Philippine Army’s 10th ID, signed the Implan on Wednesday.

 

With the specter of terrorism felt in Mindanao, Implan provides and prescribes mission, concepts, tasks, and other responsibilities of the Police Regional Office (PRO) and the 10th ID to address any terroristic attack in the region.

 

It also aims to set the actions and concepts of operations using the 5Ps: Predict, Prepare, Prevent, Perform, and Post Action.

 

On the other hand, the guidelines in the conduct of Joint ISO against the New People's Army (NPA) were also discussed and presented as well as the tasks of the PNP to counter terrorism.

 

It is meant to set the actions and roles of the AFP and PNP, in accordance with the guidelines of implementation set on the varying stages of insurgency from its active stage to a state of internal peace and stability.

 

Under the joint letter directive, the PNP’s QUAD (Operation, Intelligence, Police Community Relations and Investigations) Operations is also mandated to give support to AFP Triad (Combat Operations, Intelligence and Civil Military Operations) in discharging its duties to the public against insurgency.

 

On Tuesday, AFP Chief of Staff Carlito Galvez told reporters that they aim to eradicate the New People's Army in 2019.

 

“We are confident by 2019 we will be finishing the CPP-NPA,” Galvez told reporters during a visit to the Eastern Mindanao Command.

 

https://www.facebook.com/notes/mindanao-times/boost-forces-vs-terror/2118702634817551/

Navy exercises to end Nov. 16

From the Mindanao Times (Nov 15): Navy exercises to end Nov. 16

The Philippine Navy, through the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM), in coordination with Naval Reserve Center- Eastern Mindanao (NRC-EM), conducted “Exercise Pagsasama 2018” participated by the Philippine Navy reservists in Davao Region Cagayan, Socsksargen and Caraga.

Ensign Aileen Jansor, the spokesperson of NFEM, said the activity kicked off with an opening ceremony held at SAFI compound in Barangay Tambler led by Commodore Ramil Roberto B Enriquez, NEFM commander.

"This training is conducted in order to enhance the readiness and inter-operability between the PN regular and the PN Reserve Force to respond to the call of service in times of national emergency situations and disasters," she said.

All throughout the exercise, the Philippine Navy will be integrating our reservists with the regular troops in the conduct of naval operations, specifically maritime security operations, naval gunfire support operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and civic action program activities.

The activity will also cover a capability demo among Philippine Navy air and floating assets, Philippine Navy Affiliated Reserve Units vessels, Philippine Marines, and Naval Special Operations in Malapatan, Sarangani today.

This will be followed by the conduct of civic action program activities in Barangay Tuyan, Malapatan, Sarangani, in cooperation with the local government unit of Sarangani, non-government organizations, and other partner stakeholders to include medical and dental mission, feeding program, circumcision, and free haircut services.

The Exercise Pagsasama 2018 “remains a practical way to address shared maritime security priorities, enhance our capabilities and improve inter-operability between our Philippine Navy Reserve and Philippine Navy Regular Force,” she said.

The exercise will end tomorrow in a closing ceremony on board the Philippine Navy vessel, BRP TARLAC (LD-601) to be presided by Vice Admiral Robert A Empedrad, flag officer In command of the Philippine Navy.

 

https://www.facebook.com/notes/mindanao-times/navy-exercises-to-end-nov-16/2118714331483048/

Return of Balangiga Bells: 'Time of solemn remembrance'

From Rappler (Nov 15): Return of Balangiga Bells: 'Time of solemn remembrance'



US Defense Secretary James Mattis formally announces that the US is returning the historic Balangiga Bells to the Philippines

BALANGIGA BELLS. The United States is soon returning the historic Balangiga Bells to the Philippines. Photo by Gunther Sales/Philippine embassy in Washington DC

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines hailed the United States for announcing the return of the historic Balangiga Bells, as Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez stood side by side with US Defense Secretary James Mattis in a Wyoming ceremony.

Mattis formally announced that the US would return the Balangiga Bells to the Philippines in a ceremony on Wednesday, November 14 (Wyoming time), at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming. The Philippines said Filipinos "appreciate this gesture."

"Today is a time of solemn remembrance as we pay tribute to all those who gave up their lives during the Filipino-American War," said the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in a statement Thursday morning, November 15.

"We also honor the shared sacrifice of Filipinos and Americans who fought shoulder to shoulder during the Second World War," the DFA added.



BACK SOON. The Balangiga Bells have been displayed in Wyoming after American troops brought these as spoils of war. Photo by Gunther Sales/Philippine embassy in Washington DC

The Balangiga Bells were used in 1901 to signal a historic siege where Filipinos outsmarted and killed 48 out of 74 US troops – the US military's worst single defeat in the Philippines.

In retaliation, American forces killed 2,500 to 10,000 Filipinos (estimates differ depending on the source), as General Jacob H. Smith reportedly vowed to turn Balangiga into a "howling wilderness." This is now known as the Balangiga Massacre.

Eventually, Americans brought home the Balangiga Bells as spoils of war.

'Peace carved out of war'
In his speech on Wednesday, Mattis said the return of the Balangiga Bells is about "a peace carved out of war." He said, "It reminds us too that all wars end."

"We return the bells with consideration of our present, but also with the utmost respect of our past – one of shared sacrifice as coequal brothers in arms," Mattis said.

"For we in the US military did not forget those who stood by our side when the chips were down. We do not forget the Filipino soldiers and people, the Philippine scouts, who fought with us, bled with us, and died with us in the dark days of World War II in Bataan, on the rock we call Corregidor, on islands and in landings from Leyte to Luzon," Mattis said.

At the same time, he said, "We recognize 117 years of enduring friendship between our people and comradeship in some of the toughest fighting in our nation's history."



FILIPINO ENVOY. Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez (3rd from left) poses with retired American captains and an honorary consul before the historic Balangiga Bells. Photo by Gunther Sales/Philippine embassy in Washington DC

The Balangiga Massacre was a dark time in history that angers President Rodrigo Duterte, who often brings it up in his anti-US tirades.

Duterte, who has said he will pivot away from Washington, earlier demanded that the US should return the Balangiga Bells to the Philippines. Using the bells as a bargaining chip, Duterte even said on August 23, "Kung hindi nila isauli 'yang Balangiga Bells, wala tayong pag-usapan (If they don't return the Balangiga Bells, there's nothing we can talk about)."

Previous efforts by Filipino leaders to do the same did not succeed. In 1994, then Philippine president Fidel V Ramos requested then US president Bill Clinton to return the Balangiga Bells, but the US did not heed Ramos' plea.

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/216729-dfa-statement-return-of-balangiga-bells-philippines-time-solemn-remembrance

Balangiga Bells to make Korea stopover before arriving in PH

From Rappler (Nov 15): Balangiga Bells to make Korea stopover before arriving in PH

The return of the Balangiga Bells 'brings to a close a part of our history, the Filipino-American War in the 1990s,' says Philippine Ambassador Babe Romualdez

BALANGIGA BELLS. Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel 'Babe' Romualdez (right) is shown one of the 3 bells of Balangiga being kept in Wyoming. Photo courtesy of Gunther Sales/Philippine embassy in Washington DC

MANILA, Philippines – After the recently concluded turnover ceremony at Wyoming in the US, it will take days or weeks before the historic Balangiga Bells arrive in the Philippines, hopefully before the end of the year.

The two Balangiga Bells at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming will first be brought to Philadelphia to be put "in good order," then will be sent to South Korea where the third bell of Balangiga is being kept.

"First of all, these bells are going to be obviously shipped to a facility in Philadelphia where they will be able to sort of like put it in good order before most likely shipping it or sending it over to Korea where the other bell is located in one of the US air bases there," said Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel "Babe" Romualdez.

"Hopefully before the end of the year, we should expect all 3 bells from Balangiga back in the Philippines," Romualdez said.

Romualdez made these remarks as US Defense Secretary James Mattis on Wednesday, November 14 (Wyoming time), officially announced the return of the Balangiga Bells to the Philippines.

"This is a very significant event that we have today, not only because these bells represent a long history that the Philippines and the US have had, but it brings to a close a part of our history, the Filipino-American War in the 1990s," Romualdez said.

The Balangiga Bells were used in 1901 to signal a historic siege where Filipinos outsmarted and killed 48 out of 74 US troops – the US military's worst single defeat in the Philippines.

In retaliation, American forces killed 2,500 to 10,000 Filipinos (estimates differ depending on the source), as General Jacob H. Smith reportedly vowed to turn Balangiga into a "howling wilderness." This is now known as the Balangiga Massacre.

On several occasions, President Rodrigo Duterte had demanded the return of the Balangiga Bells, as he lambasted the US for its atrocities when the Philippines was its colony.

In his speech on Wednesday, Mattis said the return of the Balangiga Bells is about "a peace carved out of war." He said, "It reminds us too that all wars end."

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/216746-balangiga-bells-korea-stopover-before-arrival-philippines

IN PHOTOS: Philippines, Vietnam navies play games on disputed South China Sea island

From Rappler (Nov 15): IN PHOTOS: Philippines, Vietnam navies play games on disputed South China Sea island

The Philippine and Vietnamese navies spend an afternoon of camaraderie at the Philippine-occupied Northeast Cay in the Spratlys

COMRADES. The members of the Philippine and Vietnam navies which played games volleyball on disputed island. Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy

MANILA, Philippines – It was a goodwill visit that started with a symbolic handshake. On a Philippine-occupied island in the South China Sea on Saturday, November 10, Philippine and Vietnamese navies played games in the name of camaraderie.

A total of 63 Vietnamese forces sailed to Northeast Cay in the Spratlys upon the invitation of the Philippines. It was a “return visit” to match Vietnam’s gesture in 2017, when they invited Filipinos to neighboring Southeast Cay. These are dubbed “twin islands.”

The navies played volleyball, football, tug of war, centipede race, sack race, and palo sebo. The Philippine Navy shared photos.



FRIENDLY. Officers of the two navies. Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy


COMPETITION. The sack race event. Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy



MEALS. Officers of the two navies share meals. Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy


PULL. The tug-o-war event. Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy
“This was capped by cultural performances that highlighted the spirit of sportsmanship, friendship, better understanding, camaraderie, and cultural exchange between the two navies,” said Commodore Rommel Jason Galang, commander of Naval Forces West.

“The Philippine Navy and the Vietnam People’s Navy Personnel Interaction provides a venue for enlarging and sustaining good relationship between the two navies,” he said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/216807-philippines-vietnam-navies-play-on-disputed-south-china-sea-island

Año warns arrest awaits top NDF consultants in PH

From Rappler (Nov 16): Año warns arrest awaits top NDF consultants in PH

'I will have them arrested, unless the President will order me not to effect the arrest,' says Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año



WARNING. Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año attends a Senate hearing on proposed amendments to the anti-terrorism law, October 1, 2018. File photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler
Unless President Rodrigo Duterte orders them to stand down, police will arrest top National Democratic Front (NDF) consultants Luis Jalandoni and Fidel Agcaoili when they arrive in the Philippines, said Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año.

"They have warrants of arrest. I will have them arrested, unless the President will order me not to effect the arrest. But for me, I will arrest them," Año said in a Rappler Talk interview at Camp Crame on Thursday, November 15.

Año's warning came just days after Duterte announced that the two senior NDF consultants sought a conversation with him in the Philippines, presumably over the terminated peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Duterte said he would first have to talk with his security officials before deciding on the invitation.

Can police arrest them? Asked to specify for which cases the arrest warrants were issued, Año said one warrant is out for Agcaoili in Quezon.

Jalandoni, according to Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Superintendent Benigno Durana, has kidnapping cases filed against him in Quezon too.

Durana told Rappler in a text message that even if there may be no standing arrest warrant, they could always ask the courts for one.

"[The] security sector can secure alias warrants for all their cases," Durana said in a text message.

Invitation doubted: While Duterte has yet to decide on the invitation, former military chief and rebel hunter Año, meanwhile, has already decided that talks would be a farce.

He said that the two are not out to sincerely present compromises for peace talks to resume, but their goal is to unite and restore the morale of the CPP and its armed wing, the New People's Army.

"These two NDF personalities will only do that (speaking with Duterte) on the side, because that is only a reason for them to arrive here. They will conduct meetings with senior officers of the CPP-NPA because they are now in disarray," Año said.

The supposed disarray, Año said, comes from the back-to-back arrests of alleged CPP-NPA leaders, NDF consultants Adelberto Silva and Vicente Ladlad. Año added that the communists have also been alarmed after apparently seeing the continuous flow of CPP-NPA combatants and sympathizers surrendering themselves to the government.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/216787-arrest-awaits-top-ndf-consultants-in-philippines

Photo: Farewell Visit

From MindaNews (Nov 13): Photo: Farewell Visit



AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Carlito Galvez chats with 67th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Jacob Obligado during his farewell visit at the Eastern Mindanao Command in Davao City on Tuesday, 13 Nov. 2018. Galvez is set to retire next month. Mindanews Photo
http://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2018/11/farewell-visit/

Ustadz, wife survives ambush in Maguindanao, but son didn’t

From MindaNews (Nov 16): Ustadz, wife survives ambush in Maguindanao, but son didn’t

DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao  – A family of a Maguindanao cleric was waylaid early Friday wherein the ustadz’s son died.

Senior Supt. Madzagani Mukaram, Maguindanao police director, identified the slain victim as Samen Panday, 34, married.

Ustadz Musa Panday, 55, and his wife Susana, 44, were rushed to Cotabato City Hospital after sustaining bullet wounds.

The ambush took place around 6:45 a.m. in Barangay Badak in this town when the Panday family was about to visit the city proper from their village of Kalanganan onboard a red Multicab.

Slugs of caliber .45 pistols were recovered from the ambush site.

The still unidentified assailants reportedly left the area immediately.

Police has yet to determine the motive of the crime and identities of the suspects.

They are still gathering more information from the survivors as of press time.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/11/ustadz-wife-survives-ambush-in-maguindanao-but-son-didnt/

Two high ranking NPAs surrender

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 16): Two high ranking NPAs surrender



E. Samar Police Provincial Director (extreme left) meets PNP Regional Director 8 Dionardo Carlos (extreme right) as he arrives in Borongan City to preside a Command Conference and present the 2 NPA members who surrendered to the police late in October, 2018. (Nbq/PIA 8-E Samar)

BORONGAN CITY-- Two high ranking members of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to the 2nd Eastern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (ESPMFC) based in Barangay Buenavista, Quinapondan, Eastern Samar on Oct. 28, 2018.

Ka Nestor, a rebel or 15 years, was the commander of the NPA unit operating in Samar and Eastern Samar while Ka Joel, a rebel for 10 years. was a political instructor under the NPA national commend.



The two NPAs surrendered with firearms making them eligible to receive P15,000 immediate fund assistance, P50,000 for their surrendered firearms and another P50,000 for their livelihood fund, according to PNP Regional Director Dionardo Carlos.

Carlos was in Borongan City after presiding in a command conference.

"Kakurian, kawaray kasiguruhan ngan seguridad an nagduso ha amon pag surrender," (Hardship, lack of security, and hopelessness pushed us to surrender) said alias Nestor. The two were presented to the media though they were covered up to hide their true identity.

ESPMFC Commanding Officer Frederick G. Senal said they surrendered with a shotgun, caliber 45, and one caliber 9 mm and ammunitions.

Senal added that the comprehensive conduct of intelligence and information operation of the command made the surrender possible.

The duo admitted they were very active members of the NPA operating in Samar and Eastern Samar areas.

Carlos, during the presscon said they presented the duo to the media to mean that the government is serious in its appeal to the armed groups to surrender and be helped by the government.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1014966

PRO 6 on alert after NPA, Army encounter

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 16): PRO 6 on alert after NPA, Army encounter

The Police Regional Office 6 has ordered all units of the Philippine National Police in Western Visayas to stay on alert following a recent encounter in Igbaras, Iloilo between the Philippine Army and believed members of the New People's Army.

An encounter ensued between the elements of 61st Infantry "Hunter" Battalion, Philippine Army and believed to be members of Suyak Platoon, Southern Front Committee of the New People’s Army (NPA) at Sitio Butuan, Barangay Igcabugao, Igbaras, Iloilo at around 11:30 a.m. of Nov. 12, 2018.

In a press statement of PRO6 Information Officer Joem Malong, PRO6 Regional Director Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao also instructed units surrounding the encounter areas to watch out for possible spillover and check for wounded persons who might be brought to nearby hospitals or clinics.

Malong said that based on investigation, the government troops were responding to reports from the local populace on the presence of more or less 10 fully armed men when they were fired upon by the terrorists prompting them to fire back.

The firefight, which lasted for 30 minutes, resulted in the death of a member of the NPA who was identified as Casimiro Talaman alias “Ka Boy” of Sitio Cadinglian, Barangay Boloc, Tubungan, Iloilo.

Malong said there was no casualty on the government side. Nine personalities were held for interview and identification before Igbaras Municipal Police Station for the alleged involvement in the encounter, the press statement said.

Meanwhile, Bulalacao reminded the public not to support the NPA who are now conducting their tactical offensives to sow fear in the community and increase their extortion activities especially that election is near.

He likewise appealed to the public not to be deceived by the NPAs to join them in their violent activities.

“Wala silang mapapala diyan sa pagsali sa NPA," Bulalacao said in the PRO 6 press report.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1015103

US announces official return of Balangiga Bells

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 15): US announces official return of Balangiga Bells



The United States government on Thursday announced the official return of the Balangiga Bells to the Philippines 117 years after it was taken as war booty from a town church in Eastern Samar.

In a statement, the Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) welcomed the gesture, which signals an end to the long years it appealed for the bells' return.

"The Philippine Government and the Filipino people appreciate this gesture. Today is a time of solemn remembrance as we pay tribute to all those who gave up their lives during the Filipino-American War," DFA Assistant Secretary Elmer Cato said in a statement.

The announcement was made by Defense Secretary James Mattis during the Veterans Remembrance Ceremony at the Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming which was attended by Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.

In returning the bells of Balangiga to the country, Mattis said the US picks up this generation's responsibility to deepen the respect between the American and Filipino people.

"History teaches us that nations with allies thrive. In returning the bells of Balangiga to our ally and our friend, the Philippines, we pick up our generation's responsibility to deepen the respect between our peoples, linking the Western people, the great State of Wyoming and people in Philippines," he said.

"We return the bells with consideration of our present but also with utmost respect of our past," he added.

Romualdez said the announcement marks a closure to the part of history that the two nations had in the 1900s.

"This is a very significant (event) that we have today, not only because these bells represent the long history that the Philippines and the United States had, but it brings to a close a part of our history -- the Filipino-American War in the 1900s," he said.

"Of course, many people died in that war and we honor those people, but more than that, we also honor those people who died in the World War II and the many wars that we fought with the US. The significance of this event is the fact that we honor those and the kind of relationship that we have with the US," he added.

According to Romualdez, the bells are expected to be shipped back to the Philippines by end of 2018.

The two war artifacts will be refurbished in a facility in Philadelphia and transferred to one of the US Air Bases in South Korea, where the third bell is housed, before its transit to the Philippines.

"Hopefully, before the end of the year we should expect these all three bells from Balangiga back in the Philippines," Romualdez ended.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1053943

Foreign military attaches visit Army chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 15): Foreign military attaches visit Army chief



Photo courtesy of Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs

In line with ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the Philippine Army, members of the Foreign Armed Forces Attaches (FAFA) Corps paid a courtesy call on Army chief, Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto, at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Wednesday.

The visiting FAFA members came from Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, United States, Vietnam, Turkey and Germany, Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva said in a statement.

Defense attachés are military experts attached to a diplomatic mission.

They are normally high-ranking military officers who work for defense and military-related matters in behalf of their state with foreign governments.

"Essentially, the activity was an offshoot of the assumption of Lt. Gen. Alberto of the Philippine Army last October 15, in which, it is customary for all the defense attachés to render a courtesy call to the new Chief," Villanueva said.

"During the call, the CGPA (Commanding General Philippine Army) together with his key staffs exchanged pleasantries and engaged with some discussions with the members of the defense attaches. The event served as a venue for everyone to personally get acquainted and enhanced further understanding and camaraderie," Villanueva added.

Alberto, in his message, thanked the group, saying diplomacy is a vital component to Landpower Maneuver Concept, not only to strengthen relationships and ensure peace and stability in the region, but also as a means for everyone to work together in addressing various emerging security and non-traditional challenges.

He said that through continuous collaboration and security engagements, it provided the organization a global perspective and exposure to new technologies and systems, modern and sophisticated solutions to its needs and most importantly, it leads to the sharing of new skills and knowledge, strengthening interoperability and friendship.

“Seeing all of you in person here today makes me feel more motivated, not only to serve my country and people as the Commanding General, but also to work with your respective countries. Through this, we strengthen each other’s capabilities so that we can better fulfill our commitment to the security of our nations,” Alberto added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1053947

Duterte frowns on conduct of military drills in WPS

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 15): Duterte frowns on conduct of military drills in WPS

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said it would not be wise to conduct military drills that would create frictions in the disputed West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“No, because -- it’s not military drills because I said China is already in possession. It’s now in their hands. So why do you have to create frictions, military activity that will prompt a response from China?” Duterte said in a media interview on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Related Summits in Singapore.

Duterte said other countries, including the United States, should prevent a miscalculation of the situation amid overlapping claims in the WPS or South China Sea.

“And all of these things, China is there. That’s a reality and America and everybody should realize that they are there,” Duterte said.

“So if you just keep on creating friction, little friction, one day a bad miscalculation could turn things -- Murphy’s Law. If anything can go wrong, it will go wrong,” he added.

He said the Philippines will suffer if conflict will take place in the South China Sea.

“I do not mind everybody going to war, except that the Philippines is just beside those islands. And if there’s a shooting there, my country will be the first to suffer. That is my only national interest there. Nothing else,” Duterte said.

Duterte said he will try his best to push for early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the WPS (COC) that will govern activities, and ensure peace and stability in the disputed territory.

“I made a very strong statement yesterday (Wednesday) about the urgent need for a COC so that everybody will know. Because when you claim an ocean, the whole of it, then that is a new development in today’s world,” Duterte said.

“So any sense, it would also change -- radical changes in the laws of governing international waters, particularly the right of free passage or the right of innocent passage,” he added.

The Philippines has assumed the role as new Country Coordinator for the ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1054037

3 'gun-for-hires' nabbed in Iligan

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 15): 3 'gun-for-hires' nabbed in Iligan

The ambulance used by suspected gun-for-hires caught on checkpoint in Iligan City Wednesday. (Photo by Richel Umel)

 

 ILIGAN CITY -- Three suspected gun-for-hires yielded firearms and explosives during a routine checkpoint inspection here Wednesday, police said.

Senior Insp. James Daleon, Station 4 commander, identified the suspects as Gilbert Pasicolan, 40; Andy Pastoral, 31; and Eleazer Tormon, 42.

Daleon said the three were aboard an ambulance when they were stopped at a joint police-military checkpoint in Barangay Tubod here.

What made the authorities suspicious, Daleon said, was that two of the suspects were in military uniform and the ambulance that carried them did not have any medical personnel on board.

"A legitimate ambulance should have a doctor or a nurse on board," the police official noted.

He added: "Two of the suspects were wearing Army uniforms and claimed to be reservists of the 304th Battalion of the Philippine Army, based on their identification cards."

The police official said the third suspect, Tormon, claimed to be an "Islamic preacher" and a member of an unnamed non-government organization based here.



When authorities searched the vehicle, Daleon said they found "firearms and explosives" that included two .45-caliber pistols and several ammunitions, an M16 rifle with ammunition, and a hand grenade.

Chief Insp. Jovanie  Cabosas, Iligan City Police Office public information officer, said a follow-up verification with the military showed the two suspects do not belong to any Army unit.

"They were disowned by the (Army) units they claim to belong. They are neither military personnel nor reservists," Cabosas said.

The three suspects remain in detention pending the filing of appropriate charges against them, Cabosas said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1053938

Peace caravan benefits over 400 villagers in southern Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 15): Peace caravan benefits over 400 villagers in southern Negros



GOV'T AID FOR HIMAMAYLAN VILLAGERS. Residents of four remote villages in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental avail of health and other government services during the Multi-Service Peace Caravan initiated by the provincial government on Tuesday (November 13, 2018). (Photo by Richard Malihan/Negros Occidental Capitol PIO)

BACOLOD CITY -- More than 400 residents in four villages of Himamaylan City in southern Negros Occidental benefited from various government services during the Multi-Service Peace Caravan held on Tuesday.

Karen Dinsay, head of the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program Division, who represented the provincial government during the activity, said on Thursday the peace caravan intends to bring basic services right at the doorsteps of Negrenses living in far-flung areas.

“The provincial officials led by Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. and Vice Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson believe that we can achieve progress and development if we have peace,” she added.

Those who availed of the services brought by the Provincial Peace Integration and Development Unit (Pro-PIDU) were residents of Barangay Caradio-an, where the caravan was held, as well as those of Barangays Buenavista, Mahalang, and Carabalan.

City officials led by Vice Mayor Carminia Bascon came to support the activity which was a collaborative project of the provincial government with its partner national government agencies and non-government organizations with support from the Philippine Army’s the 62nd Infantry Brigade and the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office.

During the peace caravan, the residents availed of free medical and dental services from the Provincial Health Office as well as deworming and vaccination activities for animals from the Provincial Veterinary Office.

Personnel of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, along with those from the Department of Agriculture and Department of Environment and Natural Resources, gave lectures on seedling production, distributed seedlings, and conducted consultations.

During the open forums, the residents’ inquiries were also addressed by the participating government agencies, including the Department of Agrarian Reform and the National Commission of Indigenous Peoples, among others.

The residents also received food packs and relief goods afterwards.

The peace caravan was launched by the provincial government in northern Negros in 2013 dubbed as “Marching for Peace, Serving the Countryside.”

The activity initially benefited the residents of the first district, particularly in the remote villages of Escalante City, Calatrava and Toboso, considered as highly-affected by the New People’s Army.

In 2015, the peace caravan of government services was also brought to Barangay Canlusong in E.B. Magalona town.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1053961

2 'most wanted' men nabbed in Zamboanga

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 15): 2 'most wanted' men nabbed in Zamboanga

Policemen arrest Carlito dela Peña, the Top 8 Most Wanter Person in Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy: Police Regional Office-9 PIO)

ZAMBOANGA CITY--Authorities arrested two most wanted persons, including one with ties to the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), in separate law enforcement operations in the region, an official said Thursday.

Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, identified the arrested suspects as Noel Mohammad Anduhol, 26, and Carlito Dela Peña, 44.

Galvez said Anduhol was arrested through a warrant around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC)

Anduhol, who has ties with the ASG, is a member of the Barahama Ali crime group and listed as the Top 6 Most Wanted Person in Zamboanga Sibugay, the police official said. The suspect has standing warrants of arrest including for murder in Ipil town.

Police said Anduhol was involved in the series of kidnapping, robbery and proliferation of illegal drugs in Barangay Tenan, Ipil. He also allegedly killed a soldier and burned a police patrol car in Ipil in May 2014.

Dela Peña, meanwhile, was arrested around 10:20 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay Bagong Silang, Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay. He is the Top 8 Most Wanted Person in Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur, and has a standing warrant of arrest for frustrated murder in Pagadian City, police said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1053958

USAID turns over P11.7-B solar power project to Marawi

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 15): USAID turns over P11.7-B solar power project to Marawi



Solar-powered lampposts light up the road in the temporary shelters in Marawi City. (Photo by Nef Luczon)

MARAWI CITY--The United States Agency International Development (USAID) and Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) turned-over Thursday (November 14) the completed solar electrification project to at least five barangay health centers and temporary relocation sites here.

The project includes those completed on September for Sarimanok Evacuation Sites 1 and 2 and on October in Sagonsongan temporary relocation site, said MinDA Secretary Abul Khayr Alonto.

Alonto said the electrification project is part of the PHP11.7 billion "Building Low Emissions Alternatives to Develop Economics Resilience and Sustainability" or B-LEADERS, which is funded by the USAID.

He said the B-LEADERS solar electrification project is implemented all over the Philippines until 2030 and is mainly focused on armed conflict areas.

For this city, the project has already installed 205 solar street lights along the main road of Bahay Ng Pagbabago Temporary Relocation Site in Barangay Sagonsongan, where around 1,200 temporary houses are occupied by displaced families.

A total of 27 solar lamp posts have also been installed at two sites of Sarimanok area in Barangay Poblacion where around 200 tents are being occupied by displaced families who are still waiting to be transferred to more comfortable temporary housing units.

No longer afraid



Naifah Macabada, a displaced resident from barangay Tolali, is glad of the installation of street lights in the main street of the temporary relocation site in Barangay Sagonsongan saying since the installation of the solar lamp post, she has extended the opening of his sari-sari store from 7:00pm to 9:00 pm. (Photo by Divina M. Suson)

Naifah Macabada, a resident from Barangay Tolali, said the street lights in her tent in Sagonsongan have helped her extend the family store's business hours.

"Dati, magsasara ako ng alas sayes kasi madilim na. Natatakot na ako lalo at may trauma pa sa pagbakwit namin nung nagka-giyera. Pero ngayong may street lights na, hanggang 9 p.m. bukas pa ang tindahan kasi marami pa ang bumibili," Macabada said.

(I used to close my store at 6 p.m. because it was already dark. I still have trauma from fleeing during the war. But now that we have the street lights, my store is open until 9 p.m. because many are still coming to buy).

Meanwhile, Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) field manager and Housing Assistant Secretary Felix Castro said families currently staying in the evacuation centers outside Marawi City will be given priority for the next batch of temporary shelters.

"We still have displaced families in tents. If all of them will be given temporary houses, then those coming from the MAA (most affected area) who are home-based will be our next priority--if there are still available units," Castro said.

No more darkness

Jasliya Abbas, a mother of six from Barangay Moncado Colony, is still living in a tent in Sarimanok Site 2.

Abbas said it was still a struggle on their part to go to the common toilet, especially at night, as it is located far away from their tent.

"Nakakatakot lalo na sa aming mga anak na babae na pupunta sa CR (comfort room) sa panahon ng gabi kasi maraming may maglalakad sa labas ng mga tents namin na hindi namin kilala kung sino. Ngayon, aabutin na kami ng hanggang 11 p.m. sa labas para makipag kwentuhan sa mga kaibigan at kapitbahay," Abbas said.

(It was scary especially to our female children who want to go to the CR during the night. There were people we didn't know roaming around our tents. Now that we have these lamp posts, we have time until 11 p.m. to spend outside talking to our friends and neighbors).

Divina Chingcuanco, chief of party of B-LEADERS Project, said the solar roof panelboard installed in each health center can produce 1.5 kilowatts per day while each solar lamp post can produce 30 watts of electricity.

Each solar roof panel costs around PHP300,000 while each lamp post costs more than PHP90,000.

"This is not the last. We will continue lighting the whole community," Chingcuanco said.



Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Abul Khayr Alonto visits the store of Naifah Macabada, a displaced resident from Barangay Tolali who is now having her small sari-sari store inside the temporary relocation site in Barangay Sagonsongan, Marawi City. Alonto visits Marawi City, November 14, during the site visit of the newly installed solar-powered lamp posts as part of the 11 billion pesos electrification project of the United States Agency International Development (USAID) all over the Philippines. (Photo by Divina M. Suson)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1054029

Maute remnant, NPA rebel surrender to military

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 15): Maute remnant, NPA rebel surrender to military

Budo, a member of the Maute group, and Jhon-Jhon, a squad leader of the New People's Army, on Wednesday surrender to the different units of the Army's 1st Infantry Division in Lanao del Sur and Zamboanga del Sur provinces. (Photo courtesy: Army's 1st Infantry Division PIO)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A remnant of the Islamic State-inspired Maute group and a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel surrendered to units under the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, officials said Thursday.

For security reasons, the military authorities only identified the Maute group member as Budo, and the NPA squad leader as a certain Jhon-Jhon.
Lt. Col. Edgar Allan Villanueva, the Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion commander, said Budo surrendered in Butig, Lanao del Sur on Wednesday.

“Budo was involved in the harassment of the Pantar Detachment in June 2017 during the height of the Marawi siege as a diversion while the bulk of the IS-inspired Maute terrorists are fighting in the main battle area,” he said.

Villanueva was referring to the five-month siege of Marawi City by Maute group militants.

He said the surrender of Budo brought to 22 the number of Maute members who surrendered to Joint Task Force Ranao troops in Lanao del Sur last October.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Ryan Severo, Army’s 10th Infantry Battalion commander, said that Jhon-Jhon surrendered in Tambulig, Zamboanga del Sur on Wednesday.

Severo said Jhon-Jhon was the team leader of an NPA unit operating under the rebel group's Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.

Col. Bagnus Gaerlan, commander of the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade, said they will enroll Jhon-Jhon to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government.

ECLIP provides financial and livelihood assistance and other benefits to rebels who return to the folds of the law.

Maj. Gen Roseller Murillo, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division Commander, commended the efforts of the troops for the successful surrender of the Maute member and NPA rebel.

“We will continuously encourage NPAs and IS-inspire Maute members to surrender in order to achieve a just and lasting peace in our area of responsibility,” added Murillo, who is also the Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao) commander.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1053995

PH Navy hosts Vietnamese sailors in Kalayaan Island

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 15): PH Navy hosts Vietnamese sailors in Kalayaan Island

PH-VIETNAM 4TH PERSONNEL INTERACTION: Deputy Commander for Fleet Operations Capt. Carlos Sabarre of the Philippine Navy's Naval Forces West in Palawan welcomes Senior Captain Nhuyen Viet Thuan of the Vietnamese People's Navy in Kalayaan town, West Philippine Sea for the 4th Personnel Interaction on November 10, 2018. (Photo courtesy of Navforwest PAO)

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan -- The Philippine Navy (PN) recently welcomed the sailors from the Vietnamese People’s Navy (VPN) on Parola Island in Kalayaan town in West Philippine Sea (WPS) for the conduct of staff-to-staff interaction and goodwill games to strengthen friendly ties.

 

Lt. Rex Ryan Daclan, acting chief of the Public Affairs Office of the Naval Forces West (Navforwest) in Palawan, said Thursday that the visit on Nov. 10 is the fourth conduct of personnel interaction activities between the two navies.

 

The welcome ceremony on Parola Island (Northeast Cay) for the 63 VPN sailors led by Senior Captain Nhuyen Viet Thuan was headed for the PN by Navforwest deputy commander for fleet operations Capt. Carlos Sabarre.

 

He said it was also an opportunity for the PN, through the Navforwest, to return the warm hospitality that the VPN showed during the 3rd Personnel Interaction on Pugad Island last year. 

 

“Ginagawa ito para palakasin ang friendly ties natin with the VPN. Pang-apat na taon na ito kasi last year, sila ang nag-welcome sa atin doon sa Pugad Island (We are doing this to strengthen our friendly ties with the VPN. This is the fourth time this was done because last year, they welcomed us on Pugad Island),” he said.

 

Daclan said the event included the symbolic handshake among PN and VPN sailors prior to playing goodwill games and sports like volleyball, football, tug of war, centipede race, sack race, and the traditional game palo sebo.

 

Joint training events such as communication and tabletop exercises were also conducted on the side to enhance interoperability.

It was capped by cultural performances, which Daclan said, highlighted the spirit of sportsmanship, better understanding, camaraderie, and cultural exchanges among the sailors.

 

He added that the VPN and the PN interaction provides an avenue for both navies to enlarge and sustain their good relationship, which will further improve their understanding of the areas of maritime security, socio-cultural, economic, and regional and international cooperation in the West Philippine Sea.

 

“Interpersonal interactions like this intend to develop the friendship while both navies engage in sports and other field games, cultural exchanges, and interoperability training all compressed in one day,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1053957



Rebels hurt in clash with gov't troops in Nueva Ecija

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 15): Rebels hurt in clash with gov't troops in Nueva Ecija

BALER, Aurora -- An undetermined number of communist rebels were wounded in a clash between soldiers of the 91st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in this town and the New People’s Army (NPA) in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija, Wednesday afternoon.

Lt. Col. Jose Mari F. Torrenueva II, 91IB commander, in an interview on Thursday said government troopers were conducting combat operation in the said area when they encountered some 20 NPA members.



He said a firefight broke out at around 4 p.m. that lasted for 15 minutes, resulting in injuries to some of the rebels.

Torrenueva said the insurgents brought along their wounded comrades while withdrawing from the encounter site.

The troops are now conducting clearing operations on the enemy's escape route, he added.

“Checkpoints have been placed to block all possible exits of the retreating terrorists,” Torrenueva said.

Recovered at the encounter site were three backpacks, assorted male and female clothes, medical kits, 30 ammunitions for M14 rifle (7.62mm), foodstuffs and subversive documents.

Torrenueva said soldiers remain on guard and on track against NPA threats and will continue their massive pursuits operations against the terrorists.

“We will continue our mission until those terrorists are decimated and destroyed. They are purely bandits and collecting revolutionary taxes in some local officials and private companies,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1054003

Rebel fronts fizzle in Davao

From the Daily Tribune (Nov 14): Rebel fronts fizzle in Davao

From 11 guerrilla fronts, the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in the Davao Region is down to four, reports the commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division based in Tuburan, Compostela Valley province. Maj. Gen. Noel Clement, 10ID commander, in an interview on Monday said the NPA’s numbers in the region has lessened due to the mass surrender of its members and mass-based organizations in different areas.
“The NPA strength in the region reduced drastically not only regulars but also their mass base and legal fronts,” Clement said.
The 10ID covers Region 11, part of North and South Cotabato and Trento of Agusan del Sur. It has 13 battalions.

From January to 8 November, 10ID records said the number of surrenderers is as follows: 495 NPA members, 668 Militia ng Bayan (MB), 238 Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad, 6,202 NPA supporters and, 84 members of the left-leaning groups.
 
Forty-two NPA members were also arrested during the same period, including 10 MB, three NPA supporters and seven members of communist front organizations.
 
Also, during the same period, 187 firearms were recovered, 248 improvised explosive devices were seized and 107 NPA camps discovered.

Capt. Jerry Lamosao, 10ID spokesperson, said the Army’s Community Support Program in the far-flung areas has resulted in the reduction of the NPA strength.

http://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2018/11/14/rebel-fronts-fizzle-in-davao/

CPP-NPA members fall

From the Daily Tribune (Nov 14): CPP-NPA members fall



One high-ranking officer and a member of Communist Party of the Philippines and New People’s Army died in two separate encounters in Lanao del Sur and Iloilo.

According to reports, the encounter happened last Sunday along the boundary of Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur provinces after the military troops were fired by more or less 70 members of terrorist groups.

The firefight lasted for about 20 minutes which resulted in killing an alias Alan, believed to be a high-ranking officer of the communist group.

http://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2018/11/14/cpp-npa-members-fall/