Advisory board welcomes new Army chief

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 17): Advisory board welcomes new Army chief



The Philippine Army Multi-Sector Advisory Board (PA-MSAB) welcomes the newly-appointed Commanding General of the Philippine Army (CGPA), Lt. General Macairog S. Alberto. (PIA)
MANILA  -- To reiterate and fully strengthen efforts in ensuring continuity in the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR), the Philippine Army Multi-Sector Advisory Board (PA-MSAB) welcomed newly-appointed Commanding General of the Philippine Army (CGPA), Lt. General Macairog S. Alberto, in a fellowship dinner at the Manila Polo Club in Makati on Saturday.

Spearheaded by PA-MSAB Chairperson, Atty. Arnel P. Casanova, the gathering also lauded the contributions of former Army chief, retired Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, and outgoing Board members, Samira Gutoc, and Dr. Maria Isabel Cojuangco-Suntay, through a simple recognition ceremony.

PA-MSAB was established in 2015 primarily to promote continuity, sustainability, and shared responsibility for the ATR, an 18-year transformation and governance program adapted from Harvard’s Palladium Balance Scorecard framework. Its inception is a recognition of the important roles of external stakeholders in the Army’s performance governance system, which is the basis of the formulation of the ATR.

Developed in 2010, the ATR aims to pursue genuine transformation in the Army with the goal of becoming a world-class institution that is a source of national pride by 2028. This partnership between civilians and the Army guarantees public engagement in strategy formulation and execution, and serving as a link of the Army to the people in the formulation of plans, programs, and policies, the Board provides inputs on how the military should continuously improve its systems, processes, and services.

The group, which is composed of representatives from key sectors of society, helps the Army pursue transformation initiatives. In July 2018, the board organized themselves into committees to effectively and efficiently support the ATR.

The committees include Governance, Resource, Strategic, and Assessment and Review.

In his message, Alberto recognized the efficient and significant contribution of the Board as a public body that has been supporting the Philippine Army.

He vowed to “fully support the MSAB and ensure that the Philippine Army will continue to listen” to the advisory body.

The consistent engagement of MSAB members with the Army leadership through the years signals a continuous open link on communication and a stronger multi-sector governance coalition for the attainment of the Philippine Army’s 2028 vision.

Manifested in this interest of partnership with the public is the Army’s commitment to genuine reforms promoting good governance through transparency and accountability.

Also in attendance in the ceremony are other MSAB members Alberto Lim, Mel Sarmiento, Vicky Garchitorena, and Harold Clavite; officials of the Army’s Government and Strategy Management Office; and the Army’s Conference Group Alpha.

Meanwhile, outgoing board member Gutoc, who is seeking an elective office in the 2019 mid-term elections, recommended that another Muslim woman from Mindanao be chosen as her replacement.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1015170

More villages seek inclusion in BARMM

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 17): More villages seek inclusion in BARMM



North Cotabato Board Member Kellie Antao carries the resolutions to Comelec Manila early this week. (Photo by NCCT-CSO)

COTABATO CITY -- A Moro peace advocate said on Friday that more villages inhabited by Moros want to join the proposed new political entity in Muslim Mindanao.

“These villages really wanted to join because they see better life ahead,” said Taher Solaiman, chairperson of North Cotabato Composite Team of Civil Society Organizations (NCCT-CSO).

Solaiman said local officials and residents of 44 Muslim-dominated villages in North Cotabato and 12 barangays in Zamboanga del Sur want to join the proposed new territory of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

He said the officials and residents of the 44 Muslim villages have passed resolutions seeking inclusion in the proposed new political entity.

Solaiman and North Cotabato Board Member Kellie Antao, hand-carried the 44 petitions to the main office of the Commission on Elections in Manila early this week.

Solaiman said another group of peace advocate from Zamboanga del Sur also hand-carried village council resolutions asking the poll body that they be included in the January 2019 plebiscite for the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Residents will be asked if they wish to join the expanded regional government. If so, they need to vote yes to the BOL.

In North Cotabato, the BOL plebiscite only identified 39 villages where residents will be asked if they wanted to be part of the proposed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“So the number in North Cotabato would be from 39 to 44 villages,” Solaiman clarified.

The BOL (RA 11054) seeks to implement the major provisions of the peace deal between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the political group representing the Bangsamoro people.

The 39 villages subject to inclusion in a plebiscite in January are in Carmen, Kabacan, Pikit, Pigcawayan, Midsayap, and Aleosan towns.

Solaiman said the 44 villages that petitioned for inclusion to the BARMM now includes Barangays Ilian and Natutungan in Matalam town; Balabak, Balungis, Bualan, Bulod, Bulol, Dalingaoen, Fort Pikit, Gli-Gli, Inug-ug, Langayen, Manaulanan, Nabundas, Nalapaan, Nunguan, Pamalian, Panicupan, Rajahmuda, Talitay and Tinutulan in Pikit; Buluan, Kayaga, Kilagasan, Lower Paatan, Magatos, Simone, and Tamped in Kabacan; Rangeban and Tumbras in Midsayap; Banucagun, Datu Mantil, Cabpangi, Libungan Toreta, Simsiman, and Upper Pangangkalan in Pigcawayan; Kibayao, Kitulaan, Langogan, Lanoon, Manili, Pebpoluan and Tupig in Carmen; and Pagangan in Aleosan.
Solaiman said he hopes the poll body will consider these resolutions.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1054166

Abu Sayyaf bandits release female hostage

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 17): Abu Sayyaf bandits release female hostage



The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits have released a woman they kidnapped together with her husband almost two months ago in Zamboanga del Norte, police said Saturday.

In a statement, the Sulu Provincial Police Office said the victim, Helen Roda, was released around 2:30 p.m. Thursday in Barangay Anuling, Patikul, Sulu.

ASG sub-leaders Mujer Yadah and Injam Yadah released Roda following the alleged payment of a PHP1-million ransom, police said. The ransom was reportedly delivered by two unidentified negotiators, who at the same time, accompanied Roda in her travel to this city aboard a commercial ferry, police said.

Roda was released 29 days after the ASG bandits freed her husband, Rufo, a militiaman, on October 18 following the alleged payment of PHP1.2 million in ransom.

The couple was seized on August 31 by five ASG bandits following a firefight in Barangay Piacan, a coastal village in the town of Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

Six people, including a militiaman, were killed while a child was wounded in the clash that broke out when the militiamen responded to the reported arrival of five gunmen clad in camouflage uniforms.

Roda's release has brought down to six the number of hostages still in the hands of the ASG bandits. The hostages include a Dutch, a Vietnamese, and four Filipinos.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1054161

71 ex-rebels in Misamis Occidental get financial aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 17): 71 ex-rebels in Misamis Occidental get financial aid

Former New People's Army rebels from Misamis Occidental on Saturday take the oath of allegiance to the government after they received financial aid through the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. (Photo courtesy: Army's 1st Infantry Division Public Information Office) 

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur -- Seventy-one former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels from Misamis Occidental on Saturday received financial assistance from the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Col. Bagnus Gaerlan, Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, said that Department of National Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana led the distribution of checks in a ceremony held at the Misamis Oriental provincial capitol in Oroquieta City.

Gaerlan said each of the former NPA rebels received PHP65,000 in check while the rest, who are “Yunit Militia” members, received PHP15,000 in check.

“Sixty-nine out of 71 surrenderers were regular Communist NPA terrorist members. The two others were Yunit Militia (members),” Gaerlan said.

Misamis Occidental Gov. Herminia Ramiro noted that the E-CLIP has changed the lives of former NPA rebels and has led to the decreasing number of rebels in the province.

“To our former rebels, there is no turning back, you are now our partners for peace and development in our province,” Ramiro said.

Alias Man-Man, one of the former NPA rebel, thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for coming up with the reintegration program. He said they experienced hardships while with the NPA.

“The promise of our government is different compared to Communist NPA terrorist. We fulfill our promise of a good governance, they (NPA) didn’t,” Lorenzana said.

Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, has thanked Ramiro and other Misamis Occidental stakeholders for being active in implementing the E-CLIP.

The E-CLIP seeks to contribute towards achieving the goal of permanent and peaceful closure of all armed conflicts with non-state armed groups.

The distribution of the financial assistance was followed by the oath of allegiance by the former NPA rebels where they pledged their commitment, loyalty, and support to the government.

The activity was also attended by Roosque Calacat, DND assistant secretary for barangay affairs and partnership; Reynaldo Mapagu, head of the DND Task Force Balik Loob; Misamis Occidental Vice Governor Virginia Almonte; E-CLIP committee members and police and local government officials as well as other stakeholders.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1054172

5 soldiers killed, 23 wounded in Sulu clash with Abu Sayyaf

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 17): 5 soldiers killed, 23 wounded in Sulu clash with Abu Sayyaf

Five soldiers were killed while 23 others, including an officer, were wounded when they clashed with members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the hinterlands of Sulu, the military reported.

Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the clash took place around 4:10 p.m. Friday in Barangay Liang, Patikul, Sulu.

The encounter happened a day after the ASG bandits released a woman they kidnapped along with her militiaman-husband almost two months ago in Zamboanga del Norte.

Besana said the troops from the Joint Task Force Sulu were conducting intensified military operations when they clashed with some 50 ASG bandits led by sub-leader Almujer Yadah.

Besana said the firefight lasted for about one hour and 30 minutes after which the ASG bandits fled to different directions “bringing along their casualties with them.”

He said the exchange of gunfire resulted to undetermined number of casualties on the ASG bandits “as evident on the blood stains scattered in the encounter site.”

While he did not release the identities of the slain and wounded soldiers, he said they belong to the Army’s 41st Infantry Battalion.

He said the slain and wounded soldiers were rushed to the Kuta Heneral Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu for immediate medical attention and proper disposition.

“We are deeply saddened by the demise of our five gallant soldiers,” said Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Westmincom chief.

“Rest assured we will provide all sorts of assistance to the bereaved families and to our wounded soldiers,” dela Vega added.

He said troops have been deployed to pursue the fleeing ASG bandits.

On Thursday, the group of Yadah released Helen Roda in Barangay Anuling, Patikul, Sulu following an alleged payment of PHP1-million ransom.

The Sulu Provincial Police Office said the ransom was reportedly delivered by two unidentified negotiators, who at the same time, accompanied Roda in her travel to this city aboard a commercial ferry.

Roda was released 29 days after the ASG bandits freed her husband, Rufo, a militiaman, on October 18 following an alleged payment of PHP1.2-million ransom.

The couple was seized on August 31 by five ASG bandits following a firefight in Barangay Piacan, a coastal village in the town of Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

Six people, including a militiaman, were killed while a child was wounded in the clash that broke out when the militiamen responded to the reported arrival of five gunmen clad in camouflage uniforms.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1054191