TF Balik Loob: Two former women rebels share their stories and personal experiences as members of NPA

Posted to the Task Force Balik Loob Facebook Page (Aug 30, 2019): Two former women rebels share their stories and personal experiences as members of NPA

[Post from Ang Rehiyon Karon]

In today's Talakayan sa PIA, two women former rebels shared their stories and personal experience as members of NPA. Lalaine who started as a recruiter in the youth sector shared how she was recruited and how she recruited young students in the colleges and universities in Cagayan de Oro. Dina who belonged to the white cluster was a cashier in various NGOs which get funding from foreign countries to support rebel causes.

https://www.facebook.com/AngRehiyonKaron/photos/pcb.2492221061058567/2492217851058888/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/AngRehiyonKaron/photos/pcb.2492221061058567/2492217881058885/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/AngRehiyonKaron/photos/pcb.2492221061058567/2492218817725458/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/AngRehiyonKaron/photos/pcb.2492221061058567/2492218507725489/?type=3&theater

[Task Force Balik-Loob was created by virtue of Administrative Order No 10 dated 03 April 2018 as a central coordinating body to supervise the government’s reintegration efforts for members of the CPP-NPA-NDF including their immediate family members. The Task Force is composed of representatives from the Department of National Defense, Department of Interior and Local Government, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Office of the President, and the National Housing Authority, as well as other concerned government agencies.]

https://www.facebook.com/balikloobph/

TF Balik Loob: 26 na dating rebeldeng NPA, nakapagtapos sa TESDA

Posted to the Task Force Balik Loob Facebook Page (Aug 30, 2019): 26 na dating rebeldeng NPA, nakapagtapos sa TESDA
[Post from 73rd Infantry Battalion]

Sa pagsulong ng EO 70 End Local Communist Armed Conflict ay nabigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga dating rebeldeng NPA na sumuko sa 73IB na makapagbagong buhay sa pamamagitan ng tulong at suporta ng Province of Davao Occidental at TESDA.

Sa loob ng tatlong linggo ay nabigyan silang lahat ng certificate na nagpapatunay na natapos nila ang TESDA program na Plumbing and Masonry Skills Training.

Salamat sa pagtutulungan ng iba't-ibang ahensya ng gobyerno. 👊😎

https://www.facebook.com/196223023820199/photos/pcb.2233995323376282/2233993680043113/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/196223023820199/photos/pcb.2233995323376282/2233993946709753/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/196223023820199/photos/pcb.2233995323376282/2233994423376372/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/196223023820199/photos/pcb.2233995323376282/2233995010042980/?type=3&theater

[Task Force Balik-Loob was created by virtue of Administrative Order No 10 dated 03 April 2018 as a central coordinating body to supervise the government’s reintegration efforts for members of the CPP-NPA-NDF including their immediate family members. The Task Force is composed of representatives from the Department of National Defense, Department of Interior and Local Government, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Office of the President, and the National Housing Authority, as well as other concerned government agencies.]

https://www.facebook.com/balikloobph/

MILF: BARMM parliament wants to declare July 13 “Hashim Salamat Day” as annual “special non-working holiday”

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Aug 30, 2019): BARMM parliament wants to declare July 13 “Hashim Salamat Day” as annual “special non-working holiday”



Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao– Minister Paisalin Tago of the interim Bangsamoro parliament files a bill declaring July 13 as “special non-working holiday” in the new autonomous region in honor of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) founding Chairman Amirul Mujahideen Sheikh Salamat Hashim.

Citing Minister Tago, the Manila Bulletin in its report on August 26 says that the enabling bill is now pending deliberation at the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament, seeking to declare July 13 as a yearly holiday in the BARMM.

An e-copy of his proposal docketed as BTA Bill No. 13 was furnished to the Manila Bulletin.

The bill, titled “an Act declaring July 13 and every year thereafter as Salamat Hasim Day, a special non-working holiday in areas of (BARMM),” is one of legislative measures filed by Tago following the inaugural session of the 80-member BTA last March.

If passed, Tago said, the bill would authorize the “office of the Chief Minister…to plan and implement the appropriate ceremonies or activities commemorating or in observance of the (regional holiday),” the Manila Bulletin report said.

It is recalled that sometime in 2002, the late chairman and his family along with some of his personal BIAF escorts left Buliok Peace Complex in Pagalungan, Maguindanao, when government troops started firing howitzer towards his camp, and fled to Butig, Lanao Del sur where he died from heart ailment and ulcer on July 13, s2003.

During the attack, BIAF members battled fiercely against government soldiers resulting to mass exodus of civilians to safer areas.

Sometime in 1977, Chairman Hashim and many foreign trained MNLF Commanders, that include Al Haj Ahod Ebrahim aka Al Haj Murad, Mohagher Iqbal, the late BTC Chairman, and MILF Vice Chairman on Political Affairs Ghazali Jaafar, Sammy Al Mansoor Gambar, bolted from the MNLF, and formed the MNLF Salamat Hashim faction that subsequently became the MILF in 1983.

The reason for the split by MILF from the MNLF under Prof. Nur Misuari were political and ideological differences.

Since then the MILF became the largest revolutionary group in Southern Philippines.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1889/barmm-parliament-wants-to-declare-july-13----hashim-salamat-day----as-annual----special-non-working-holiday---

NDF/Sison: Duterte regime releases worst criminals but accumulates political prisoners

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Aug 31, 2019): Duterte regime releases worst criminals but accumulates political prisoners

By Jose Maria Sison

NDFP Chief Political Consultant

August 31, 2019

Because the Philippine reactionary government is run by the tyrant Duterte, militarist butchers and criminal gangsters, those imprisoned for heinous crimes, including murder, rape and drug trafficking, are being released in big numbers already estimated to be 800 to 2000.

In sharp contrast, the tyrannical regime refuses to release the political prisoners and continues to accumulate them on trumped-up charges of common crimes. Furthermore Duterte has already announced that he will unleash more trouble against critics and opponents of his terrorist regime.

Among the possible kinds of trouble expected from the evil regime is the intensification of red-tagging, fabrication of charges against critics and opponents, false flag operations, exemplary killings in urban areas and mass arrests. The tyrant is forcing the people to fight back the way they did heroically against the Marcos dictatorship.

https://www.ndfp.org/duterte-regime-releases-worst-criminals-but-accumulates-political-prisoners/

NDF/Sison: Duterte commits gross act of treason in failing to assert sovereign rights

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Aug 31, 2019): Duterte commits gross act of treason in failing to assert sovereign rights

By Jose Maria Sison

NDFP Chief Political Consultant

August 30, 2019

By making a joint agreement with China to explore and exploit the oil and gas resources of the Philippines in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea, Duterte has committed a gross act of treason by deliberately failing to assert Philippine] sovereign rights and ownership of such energy resources.

China has succeeded in at least putting at par its false claim of ownership of almost the entire China Sea, including the Philippine EEZ, with the solid and final judgment of the Permanent Arbitration Court in favor of the Philippines in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

In practice, China will exercise complete control and actual ownership over the said EEZ and over the oil and gas resources to be explored and exploited with Chinese technology. China will be able to overstate the costs of production and understate the output and net income and put to naught the so-called 60-40 percent sharing scheme in favor of the Philippines and in fact reduce the share that goes to the Philippines.

It works like Lucio Tan being in complete control of the stamping on cigarette packs in his factory premises and thereby making it appear that there is much less production for the purpose of tax evasion. As in the long practice of Western oil companies engaged in so-called production-sharing, the Chinese side will prevent the Philippine side from accurately monitoring actual costs of exploration and volume of production.

There is only one explanation for Duterte’s act of treason. It is corruption. He and his criminal gangmates benefit from the secret pay-offs that China has already advanced and will continue to deliver. In the entire history of the Philippines, this is the biggest kind of plunder by the highest bureaucrat capitalist, performing the role of the big comprador and agent of a foreign monopoly power.

The estimated value of the oil and gas resources to be exploited amount to USD 60 trillion, several times enough to finance the industrialization and development of the Philippines economy. But China will be getting the lion’s share of the resources and profits and only a small share goes to the Philippines and the corrupt bureaucrats like Duterte and his gangmates. Walang awa sa bayang Pilipino ang mga halimaw.###

https://www.ndfp.org/duterte-commits-gross-act-of-treason-in-failing-to-assert-sovereign-rights/

NDF/Sison: The Filipino people should be alert to Duterte’s treasonable deals with China

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Aug 30, 2019): The Filipino people should be alert to Duterte’s treasonable deals with China 

By Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant
August 30, 2019

The reported agreement on having a joint commission, co-chaired by the Chinese foreign minister and by the Philippine foreign secretary, to deal with the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas resources in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines should be presented to and scrutinized by the Filipino people.

Why the co-chairmanship over something owned exclusively by the Philippines, which ought to hire an exploration and development company that does not belong to a country which refuses to respect the final judgment of the Permanent Arbitration Commission under the UNCLOS?

The Filipino people should be alert to the high probability of Duterte betraying them by selling out their sovereign rights in exchange for the high interest loans and overpriced infrastructure agreements that make the Philippines a debt colony of China.

Related news:

Duterte raises Hague ruling but China won’t budgegmanetwork.com

https://www.ndfp.org/the-filipino-people-should-be-alert-to-dutertes-treasonable-deals-with-china/

CPP/NPA-Western Samar: 2 dead, 4 wounded 46th IB troops in NPA harassment operation

NPA-Western Samar propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 31, 2019): 2 dead, 4 wounded 46th IB troops in NPA harassment operation

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

NPA-WESTERN SAMAR

ARNULFO ORTIZ COMMAND

AUGUST 31, 2019

Two soldiers were killed while four were wounded among the Bravo Company of the 46thIB after a harassment operation by a team from the Arnulfo Ortiz Command (AOC or NPA-Western Samar) at Purok 1, Brgy. Mabini, Basey, Samar yesterday, August 30, at around 3:55 in the afternoon.

The AOC carried out the harassment operation (“haras-bomba”) against 17 elements of the Bravo Coy who have been launching operations in the area since August 25. The location of the explosion was not more 20 minutes away from the military camp in Brgy. Mabini.

The soldiers retaliated five minutes later. Due to their indiscriminate firing, a 14-year old child was grazed by their bullet. Red fighters immediately assisted the child who is now safe from harm.

The Samarnon were delighted by the NPA’s military action against the soldiers. They have long yearned for the 46th IB to be punished for their grave human rights abuses. The 46thIB is responsible for the killing of the barangay captain of Beri, Calbiga last April, threats and forced surrenders of peasants in Calbiga and Pinabacdao, torture of three peasants in Basey, and many other rights violations.#

https://cpp.ph/statement/2-dead-4-wounded-46th-ib-troops-in-npa-harassment-operation/

AFP-CRS: Ending communist insurgency: ‘it has to be now!’

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 31, 2019): Ending communist insurgency: ‘it has to be now!’



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2669017979783576/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

AFP-CRS: President Duterte TO CPP-NPA: ‘Revolution won’t work’

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 31, 2019): President Duterte to CPP-NPA: ‘Revolution won’t work’



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2669019616450079/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

AFP-CRS: University of the Philippines open for security officers to be trained by Philippine National Police

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 31, 2019): University of the Philippines open for security officers to be trained by Philippine National Police

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2669021036449937/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

AFP-CRS: PNP Vows to go After CPP-NPA on All Fronts

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 31, 2019): PNP Vows to go After CPP-NPA on All Fronts



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2670874102931297/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

AFP-CRS: Philippine Navy Sends Contingent for First ASEAN-US Exericse

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 31, 2019): Philippine Navy Sends Contingent for First ASEAN-US Exericse



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2670875799597794/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

AFP-CRS: US, Southeast Asian Navies to Hold First Maritime Exercises in Thailand

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 31, 2019): US, Southeast Asian Navies to Hold First Maritime Exercises in Thailand



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2670876502931057/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

AFP-CRS: CPP-NPA Retaliates, Ransacks Houses of Alsa Masa Village in Laak town

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 31, 2019): CPP-NPA Retaliates, Ransacks Houses of Alsa Masa Village in Laak town

[Post from the 60th Infantry "Mediator" Battalion]

ASUNCION, DDN – After being attacked by local defense forces in Barangay Sta. Emilia, Laak, Compostela Valley Province on Monday, residents report that the CPP-NPA retaliated and ransacked several houses on their way out.

On Monday noon, some armed men believed to be under the CPP-NPA’s weakened Guerilla Front 3 were camping in the hinterlands of Barangay Sta. Emilia when members of the Bagani (tribal warriors) attacked them in their post.

The fleeing terrorists, however, were able to ransack some houses on their way out.

Reporting to the authorities, one resident said his rice has been stolen by the terrorists. Another resident said at least Php 10,000.00 pesos worth of grocery items were stolen from his store.

A local pastor’s house was also looted by the terrorists, taking with them a month’s worth of tithes from the church’s members.

At least seven more houses were forcibly opened, their doors smashed, and padlocks destroyed.

Barangay Sta. Emilia were among the first communities of Laak called “Alsa Masa” who rose against the terrorism of the CPP-NPA.

Lt. Col. Ombos, Commander of the 60th Infantry Battalion, commended the locals for their steadfast stand against the terrorist group. He says that Laak’s effective local defense system has been very helpful in deterring the CPP-NPA’s terroristic activities.

The Bagani forms part of the barangay’s Integrated Territorial Defense System (ITDS) which also comprises the CAFGU, the local barangay police force, and some civilian volunteer organizations.

Message to the CPP-NPA

“This is our home. You [CPP-NPA] cannot frighten us. You will never be welcome here,” one of the tribal leaders of the place was quoted saying.

In relation to their ongoing pursuit operations, Ombos adds, “With no food, very little rest, and the community they thought they could run to already turning against them, we’re more certain we’ll get to them soon. Nonetheless, we have assured them through their families, relatives, and their local leaders that we are ever ready to accept their voluntary surrender if they choose so. [And] it’s best they do.”

A Hero of Laak

Residents of Laak town and some netizens, on the other hand, continue to send their condolences to the family of the late CAFGU Active Auxiliary Cherwyn Paragoya whom they now consider as a “hero of Laak.” CAA Paragoya is a resident of Barangay Sta. Emilia himself.

During the flag raising ceremony held Tuesday at Laak Municipal Hall in observance of the National Heroes’ Day, Mayor Antonio Libuangan recognized CAA Paragoya’s heroism and sacrifice.

“CAA Paragoya is no doubt a hero of this town. We will forever be in his debt knowing that his sacrifice will be the reason our children will sleep in peace in their time. Our task is to ensure that his sacrifice would not be put in vain. We will continue to build the foundations of a lasting peace for our beloved Laak. [And] it will be CAA Paragoya and this generation’s legacy,” the mayor said.

#

Photo taken on July 30, 2017 shows guerrillas of the New People's Army (NPA) in the Sierra Madre mountain range, located east of Manila. Noel Celis, AFP/File

https://www.facebook.com/60IB.Mediators/photos/a.188443268200441/887332098311551/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

AFP-CRS: 2LT Zahra Bianca Saludua PA (Res)-Miss Air Philippines 2018

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 31, 2019): 2LT Zahra Bianca Saludua PA (Res)-Miss Air Philippines 2018



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2670877059597668/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

AFP-CRS: Military Modernization an Urgent Need

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 31, 2019):  Military Modernization an Urgent Need



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2670877579597616/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

Kalinaw News: Soldiers go for prevention over cure on HIV and Dengue virus

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 31, 2019): Soldiers go for prevention over cure on HIV and Dengue virus

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur – Troops of the 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion initiated preventive measures through lectures on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Dengue at the Battalion Headquarters, Brgy Zamora, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur on August 29, 2019.

Personnel from Talacogon District Hospital led by Dr. Rolly T. Dacera administered simultaneous check-up, while lectures on causes, symptoms, and ways to prevent spread of HIV and Dengue were provided by Mr. Janis Eryl Jandayan and Mr. Erwin Perez.

The activity was conducted in response to the current epidemic of Dengue and HIV particularly in Caraga region. “The cases of HIV and Dengue is alarming and one way to address this problem is by educating the people about it.” said Dr. Dacera.

Lt. Col. Romeo C Jimenea, 26IB Commanding Officer, is in full support for the cause and encouraged everyone to do their part in spreading awareness. “It is often said that prevention is better than cure. And the best approach to prevention is proper education and effective information dissemination.” as stated by Lt. Col. Jimenea.

“These lectures on HIV and Dengue aim to provide knowledge for every Ever Onward trooper and pass on useful pieces of information to fellow soldiers, their families and to the whole community as well, thus contributing to the prevention of these epidemia”, he added.

26 Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Aldim Viernes
CMO Officer, 26th Infantry Battalion
Patag Cagayan de Oro City
09076699160

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]
https://www.kalinawnews.com/soldiers-go-for-prevention-over-cure-on-hiv-and-dengue-virus/

Kalinaw News: Armies Hone shooting skills, maintain readiness in Bukidnon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 31, 2019): Armies Hone shooting skills, maintain readiness in Bukidnon

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon - The Military troopers of the 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army maintain their shooting skills as they fired their issued firearms in their Unit Firing Range at Barangay Poblacion, Impasugong, Bukidnon, today.

In the scheduled Annual Marksmanship of the unit, the “Dependable” troopers fired different kinds of issued weapons as they try to hit their target with limited time. They were tested with their capability to hit targets while in different positions to include kneeling/sitting, standing and prone positions varying with different distances. Their endurance in bad weather were also tested if they can still aim and hit targets in any given weather condition.

Private First Class Leopoldo Legarde said in his statement after firing his R4A3 Carbine rifle, “My shooting skill keeps on improving as I keep on focusing in my practice, I can hit the target in any position and I know the adjustment I will do in varying distance.” When asked by his team leader if he is ready to destroy the enemy of the state, he said in no hesitation, “I am always ready and available to serve and protect our community against the CPP-NPA terrorists.”

Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, the commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion said that “we can’t deploy unprepared troops in the battle ground, as their commander I always ensure their preparations before going into battle.” He also emphasized the importance of practice, “There is no other preparation to win a battle but to keep on practicing.”

The 8th Infantry Battalion is serious in ending the insurgency in the Municipalities of Malitbog, Manolo Fortich, Sumilao, Impasugong, Cabanglasan and Malaybalay City, all belong to the province of Bukidnon and calling for the continuous participation of every individual to continue report the presence of any threat group in the area to the security forces.

8th Infantry Battalion 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army
1LT KENNETH T CABBIGAT (INF) PA
CMO Officcer
dependable_cmo@yahoo.com

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]
https://www.kalinawnews.com/armies-hone-shooting-skills-maintain-readiness-in-bukidnon/

Kalinaw News: Army connects Matteo Guidicelli to IP students in Bukidnon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 31, 2019): Army connects Matteo Guidicelli to IP students in Bukidnon

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon - 2LT Matteo Guidicelli(Res) talks to 198 students during the Anti-Insurgency Symposium of the Luyungan IP High School, the only IP school in Southeast Asia at Nasuli, Barangay Bangcud, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, yesterday.

After delivering lectures on the schemes of NPAs in recruiting students, Ms. Agnes Reano, the former NPA commander, and the resource speaker together with the 8th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army tried to get the attention of the actor and Army Reserve Matteo Guidicelli through a phone call. The call was requested by the students and faculty staff seeking assistance to improve their school. Luckily, Mr. Guidicelli answered the call, gave his greetings, message and answered queries regarding what possible assistance he can arrange for the improvement of the school.

Guidicelli started with his greeting, “Maayung Buntag ka ninyo tanan!!” followed by loud cheers of the students. The Army troopers explained to him that the school is in need of improvement and asked what possible assistance he can give “i-arrange po natin dito sa Manila pagdating ni Ms. Agnes sa madaling Panahon”. He was then informed that the said IP School is always open for him to visit. “Salamat kaau unta makabisita ku diha, ug ayu ayu mu tanan” He ended.

Ms. Agnes Reano, Ms. Joy Molina, an active stakeholder, and Army troopers donated an amount of Php 6,400.00 intended for the purchase of Herbicide to be used in cleaning the 2-hectare garden they are cultivating instead of students to cut grasses. The 2 acres of land is where the students get their additional food.

Mr. Edsel Quemado, the school head cheerfully thanked the military troops and stakeholders who joined the symposium, “My gratitude to our military troops, former rebels, and stakeholders who made our students happy today.” He also announced the status of his students “We have 198 students living inside the school, they are composed of seven tribes, Higaonon, Talaandig, Bukidnon, Umayamnon, Matigsalog, Tigwahanon, and Manobo and some had to stop coming due to lack of food and money, but I know we can overcome this especially that our students heard the testimonies of the former rebels.” He added.

The school is in need of Hall improvement, computer sets, separate water systems for their barracks (men and women), and knowledge in growing agricultural products. The students also are good at making necklaces and that they are in need of beads (red, black, yellow, and white colors). The school caters 198 students day and night making the electricity bill high, unlike other schools that operate only in the daylight. Your Philippine Army is trying to connect the school to all concerned People’s Organizations hoping that the remaining students will be supported until they finish their studies.

8th Infantry Battalion 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army
1LT KENNETH T CABBIGAT (INF) PA
CMO Officcer
dependable_cmo@yahoo.com

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]
https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-connects-matteo-guidicelli-to-ip-students-in-bukidnon/

Phase 2 MILF combatants decommissioning set on Sept 7

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 31, 2019): Phase 2 MILF combatants decommissioning set on Sept 7

COTABATO CITY -- The Phase 2 of the decommissioning of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants is set on September 7 this year.

This was emphasized by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) spokesperson and minister of local government Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo during a press conference here Tuesday.

“We want to emphasize this one because of the reports with regards to the surrendering of firearms. It is not true,” Sinarimbo emphasized.

Around 1,060 former MILF combatants and their 920 weapons are set for decommissioning process on September 7 at the Old Capitol in Sultan, Kudarat Maguindanao, and is scheduled to be witnessed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

The Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB), a neutral third party, is tasked to oversee the decommissioning of the former MILF fighters and their firearms.

“The IDB is headed by Turkey and the operating officer is from Norway, so the government won’t be handling the firearms. It will be stored in an agreed area where the IDB will safe keep the firearms,” Sinarimbo stated.

He said the upcoming decommissioning event falls under the Phase 2 of the four-phased decommissioning process. In June 2015, the IDB also processed under Phase 1 the decommissioning of the combatants.

Moreover, each of the decommissioned combatants, Sinarimbo noted, will receive an assistance package from the government that includes cash and other social benefits.

“Each combatant will receive P100,000 cash assistance as well as heath, social, and housing benefits amounting to P950,000,” Sinarimbo said. “Overall, our goal is not only to provide the former combatants with cash but also to transition them into civilians but with productive life,” he added. (PIA Cotabato City)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026640

IP leaders unmask red propaganda in US trip

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 31, 2019): IP leaders unmask red propaganda in US trip

File photo of a peace rally in Talaingod, several IP leaders went to the United States to unmask communist propaganda as the US is one of the sources of funding for the insurgency.

DAVAO CITY, (PIA)- Two leaders from the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council of Elders and Leaders (MIPCEL) and Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Youth Organizations (MIPYO), respectively, presented to the Sangguniang Panglungsod of Davao recent efforts in clarifying the rebel propaganda and its machinery during their trip to the United States.

Ramon Bayaan, representing the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council of Elders and Chary Balinan of the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Youth together with several local datus and Atty. Geroncio Aguio, director of the National Commission on the Indigenous Peoples XI sought audience with the SP and the Office of Acting City Mayor Sebastian Duterte to convey their effort to clarify to the American Society and the United Nations the impact of the communist insurgency to their communities in the hinterlands.

The two leaders were members of the truth ambassadors who visited five states in the United States of America and two agencies of the United Nations to shed light on the alleged excesses of the communist rebels and their cohorts on the IP communities.

Bayaan said their effort called, “Breaking the Silence, Telling the Truth,” was prompted by the killings of their members reaching as many as one thousand.

He said the United States being one of the sources of funds of the communist insurgency, must know abuses committed by the communist rebels on the IP communities.

“We told their fund supporters in the US that their financial contribution was not used correctly but for purchasing weapons and bullets to sow terror to the IP communities,” Bayaan said.

He said 17 cases of atrocities against the IPs were submitted to the United Nations Commission for the Human Rights and the UN Permanent Forum for the Indigenous Peoples in New York City for investigation.

“It is ironic that in the Philippines, they shout against the U.S. and even called our leaders as puppets of the US government in their rallies. We have discovered that in the United States, the communist movement claims that the Philippine Government oppresses the Indigenous Peoples, so that they can get financial support,” Bayaan said.

Balinan for her part said they were able to deliver the message that the IPs are not the beneficiaries of the fund-raising activities conducted by the cohorts of the rebels in the US but for the rebel organization who destroys the culture of the IPs in Mindanao.

She discovered the vast fund sources of the rebels in the US. Balinan said that the Salugpungan International which established an office in San Francisco, California is operating without the knowledge of the person who founded the school- Datu Gibang Apuga of Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

She says these organizations declare that they advocate for the IPs, but the truth states otherwise. (Joey Sem Dalumpines/PIAXI)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026672

403rd commander calls on ‘Karapatan’ to investigate NPA’s EJK

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 31, 2019): 403rd commander calls on ‘Karapatan’ to investigate NPA’s EJK



MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — Philippine Army’s 403rd Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Edgardo De Leon has called on the rights group ‘Karapatan’ to investigate the reported extra-judicial killings (EJK) and violence of the New People’s Army (NPA) that inflicted agony to members of indigenous peoples and civil society.

On 22 August 2019, soldiers of 89th Infantry Battalion of 10th Infantry Division escorted the families of missing persons to validate an eyewitness’ admission that the NPAs killed their relatives and were buried in the wild fields of Digongan village, Kitaotao, Bukidnon.

The witness’ statements proved accurate as the PNP-SOCO (Philippine National Police-Scene of the Crime Operatives) exhumed three cadavers—all of whom were later identified as the families’ missing folks.

The eyewitness, an IP, recounted how the NPAs abducted and executed retired policeman Joel Rey Galendez; army sergeant Reynante Havana España; and IP leader Datu Dionisio Camarullo Havana in August 2017.

De Leon said the execution carried out by the NPA is a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) because they killed non-combatants.

“If they would claim that those cadavers were captives, then the more that they are liable for IHL violation, punishable under R.A 9851. Captives are supposed to be taken care of. If they are sick and wounded, they should be sent to health services provider. Moreover, the Datu, who was a civilian, should not have been held captive because he has no direct participation in the armed conflict,” he said.

The witness’ story revealed that it is the CPP-NPA terrorists who are carrying out extra-judicial killings, contrary to allegations by militant groups, he added.

De Leon made clear that they do not know how the NPAs carried out the execution but sure that autopsy would tell later.

He, however, explained that people have seen how ISIS terrorists execute people and he is certain that the victims were executed the ISIS way.

“Finally, I call on KARAPATAN, the self-declared watchdog of IHL, to investigate this case and release its findings to the public,” De Leon said. (Cpt. Ryan D. Layug, CMO Officer, 403rd Inf Bde, 4ID, PA/RLRB, PIA Bukidnon)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026386

Army connects Matteo Guidicelli to IP students in Bukidnon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 31, 2019): Army connects Matteo Guidicelli to IP students in Bukidnon (By 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon -- 2LT Matteo Guidicelli (Res) talked to 198 students during an Anti-Insurgency Symposium in Luyungan IP High School, the only IP school in Southeast Asia located at Nasuli, Barangay Bangcud, Malaybalay City on Friday, August 30.

After delivering a lecture on the schemes of New Peoples Army (NPA) in recruiting students, Agnes Reano, a former NPA commander, together with the 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) of the Philippine Army called Army Reserve Guidicelli through a phone call.

The call was requested by the students and faculty staff seeking assistance to improve their school.

Luckily, Guidicelli answered, gave his greetings, message and answered queries regarding what possible assistance he can arrange for the improvement of the school.

Guidicelli greeted them “Maayung Buntag ka ninyo tanan! (Good morning everyone)” which got loud cheers from the students.

During the phone conversation, the army troopers explained to him that the school is in need of improvements and asked what possible assistance he can give. “I-arrange po natin dito sa Manila pagdating ni Ms. Agnes, (we will arrange it when Ms. Agnes arrives in Manila)," he replied.

He was then informed that the said IP School is always open for him to visit. “Salamat kaau unta makabisita ku diha, ug ayu ayu mu tanan (thank you and I hope I can visit there, take care, everyone)," he answered.

Agnes Reano, Joy Molina, an active stakeholder, and army troopers donated Php 6,400.00 intended for the purchase of Herbicide to be used in cleaning the 2-hectare garden they are cultivating. The 2 acres of land is where the students get their additional food.

Edsel Quemado, school head, cheerfully thanked the military troops and stakeholders who joined the symposium, “My gratitude to our military troops, former rebels, and stakeholders who made our students happy today,” he said.

“We have 198 students living inside the school, they are composed of seven tribes, Higaonon, Talaandig, Bukidnon, Umayamnon, Matigsalog, Tigwahanon, and Manobo and some had to stop coming due to lack of food and money, but I know we can overcome this especially that our students heard the testimonies of the former rebels," he added.

The school is in need of hall improvement, computer sets, separate water systems for their barracks (men and women), and knowledge in growing agricultural products.

The school caters 198 students day and night making the electricity bill high, unlike other schools that operate only in the daylight.

The Philippine Army is trying to connect the school to all concerned People’s Organizations hoping that the remaining students will be supported until they finish their studies. (8IB/PA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026718

ICRC visits Ex-NPA child combatant in Bukidnon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 31, 2019): ICRC visits Ex-NPA child combatant in Bukidnon (By 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)



IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon - Representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) recently visited the 17-year old NPA child combatant who surrendered to the 8th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army at Barangay Poblacion, this municipality.

Learning that a minor from the CPP-NPA surrendered, representatives of ICRC visited the unit to personally see the condition of the minor and interview him on how he was recruited by the group and his affiliation to it.

A face to face dialogue was done between the ICRC team and @Marben inside the 8IB military camp. No military personnel was present in the dialogue to give the child his freedom to express what he wants and the ICRC members to ask their questions freely.

Marben after his interview with the ICRC said, (translated) “they give me their calling card to call whenever I need assistance.”

He also answered the queries regarding his role in the NPA group, “I was tasked to deliver supplies for the rebels and monitor the movement and presence of the army troops. They forced me to join their ranks at a young age.”

Likewise, Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, Commanding Officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion condemned the recruitment of minors by the NPA, “Marben is a proof that NPAs are recruiting minors and this should be investigated and be stopped. Children should go to school, not to war,” he said.

“Our unit is open to all organizations who wish to investigate incidents of abuses to our people. We are very transparent on this matters”, he added.

Parents who have missing children are also encouraged to report their cases to proper authorities so that the government can take proper actions. (PA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026710

3 soldiers, 5 NPA gunmen wounded in Negros Occidental encounter

From GMA News Online (Aug 31, 2019): 3 soldiers, 5 NPA gunmen wounded in Negros Occidental encounter

Three soldiers and five New People's Army gunmen were wounded during a Saturday morning firefight in Negros Occidental's Escalante City, the Philippine military revealed.

Soldiers from the 79th Infantry Battalion were operating in Sitio Morino, Barangay Paitan at around 6:45 a.m. when they encountered and engaged around 30 NPA fighters in a 45-minute gunfight.

The communist gunmen were forced to withdraw, with military forces in hot pursuit.

Meanwhile, the three soldiers who suffered slight injuries during the battle were taken to hospital and were in stable condition.

Additional military units and two Philippine Air Force helicopters were deployed for the pursuit operations.

Soldiers were also able to seize an anti-personnel land mine and subversive documents from the battle scene.

Meanwhile, some 60 Escalante households were evacuated to the Paitan Elementary School due to the nearby gun-battle.

Military civil operations units, as well as local disaster and health officials, had attended to the temporarily displaced families, all of whom were given medical check-ups, relief goods, and Disaster Assistance Family Access Cards.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/706428/3-soldiers-5-npa-gunmen-wounded-in-negros-occidental-gunbattle/story/

NPA yields zero recruit in Davao Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 31, 2019): NPA yields zero recruit in Davao Norte



Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib. (PNA Photo by Che Palicte)

Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib said on Friday the recruitment drive of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in the province has produced not even a single potential member.

Jubahib attributed the NPA's failed recruitment effort in the province to the Capitol's peace and developments initiatives, in partnership with the Philippine Army.

“They have seen that the government is working and we have delivered our services even in the far-flung areas,” the governor said.

Jubahib said it is the provincial government that has successfully recruited NPA members to return to the fold of the law by providing surrenderers with livelihood and other assistance.

The governor said the indigenous peoples (IPs) in Davao del Norte, which he said are the most vulnerable group for NPA recruitment, have been able to "resist" the communist rebel movement.

This is made possible, he said, by the Capitol's fast-tracking of various development projects for IP communities.

“We don’t want that these IPs tol be fooled again by the other group, that’s why we are pouring various projects in their communities for them to be productive and live peacefully,” he said.

He said the National Housing Authority (NHA) has downloaded a total of PHP20 million for the 100 units housing project intended for the IP’s in Talaingod town.
The town, he said, is also set to receive various services during the three-day caravan dubbed as "Oplan Tabang" on September 4-6.

“This town has the highest rate of insurgency before and we are doing all that we can to erase the bad memories they experienced with the NPA through these developments,” he said.

Meanwhile, 34 tribe members in Talaingod have undergone skills training on masonry and carpentry by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on Thursday.

Mayor Jonnie Libayao lauded the efforts of TESDA, saying the training "will be of great help to the IPs since they have no formal education."

“This will bridge the knowledge which they have not acquired in a formal education setting. We thank TESDA for the skills training they have provided,” Libayao said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079206

Family ‘abducted’ in NOccidental’s Himamaylan

From the Manila Times (Sep 1, 2019): Family ‘abducted’ in NOccidental’s Himamaylan

A family, inclu­ding a minor, was reportedly abducted by armed men early Friday morning in Bangga Miñez, Barangay 4, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

The victims were identified as Edilia Pacheco and daughter Aiza, Sherwin de la Rosa; 49-year-old Teresita Camanso, a daycare worker; and a 16-year-old boy.

Lt. Col. Erwin Glenn Provido, Himamaylan City police chief, said Aksyon Radyo-Bacolod reported the suspects barged into the house of the victims, blindfolded them and brought them to Mabinay town, Negros Oriental.

Camanso said they were asked by the armed men if there were any members of the New People’s Army residing in their house.

The suspects wore bonnets and carried long high-powered firearms, she said.

She added the suspects also gave them fare before leaving them at a waiting shed somewhere in Mabinay.

Camanso, a member of an indigenous people’s group, went and slept over at the Pachecos’ house.

Provido said the victims were unharmed by the suspects.

The Himamaylan police is conducting an investigation of incident.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/09/01/news/regions/family-abducted-in-noccidentals-himamaylan/609213/

DavNor villages declare Reds ‘persona non-grata’

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 31, 2019): DavNor villages declare Reds ‘persona non-grata’



DAVAO CITY -- Six villages in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte declared the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) persona non grata on Friday.

Colonel Nolasco Mempin, the Army's 1003rd Infantry Brigade commander, identified the six barangays as New Visayas, Balagunan, San Jose, Magwawa, Bobongon, and Tulalian.

Mempin said the six barangays are located within the boundaries of Paquibato District in this city and Talaingod, Davao del Norte, making the areas "vulnerable to the mobility of the communist group."

Mayor Ernesto Evangelista led the ceremonial signing of the joint resolution declaring the rebels "unacceptable".

He also underscored the role of the local government units in implementing Executive Order 70 that seeks to end local communist armed conflict by institutionalizing the “whole-of-nation approach.”

Evangelista said the resolution was a bold move against the communist rebel group within the Davao Region, particularly in areas under the operational jurisdiction of the Army’s 89 Infantry (Makatao) Battalion.

He urged the barangay officials “to keep an eye to the community, to stay vigilant and to report any possible actions of the communist group" to Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Lt. Col. Silas Trasmontero, commander of the Army's 89 IB, said ridding the villages of NPA presence was a stepping stone "for a peaceful and progressive community in Sto.Tomas especially, to the six barangays."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079196

Slow Marawi rehab puts the city at risk for another ISIS security threat

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 29, 2019): Slow Marawi rehab puts the city at risk for another ISIS security threat

The snail-paced implementation of the Marawi rehabilitation program can be a factor that will push for another ISIS-inspired siege and this time, the civilian population might be passive and easily give up.



A soldier walks past pro-Isis graffiti in Marawi (Romeo Ranoco/Reuters Marawi Maute/ MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

This is the scenario painted by partylist Reps. Amihilda Sangcopan (AMIN Partylist) and Michael Aglipay (DIWA Partylist) in Muslim Mindanao as they urged government to nudge Bangon Marawi implementors to act swiftly in the rehabilitation of the city nearly destroyed during the Maute siege in 2017.

Appearing as guest panelist at the Partylist Forum, Sangcopan complained that budget released by government for the city’s rehabilitation has been drastically reduced even as plans to restore normalcy appeared to be unacceptable to the civilian population.

“I think that will be a factor, so what we need now is to show our sincerity in helping the displaced population in Marawi and immediately carry out the restoration and rehabilitation program,” said Sangcopan when asked whether the slow government action might push ISIS groups to lay siege in other areas.

Aglipay warned that inaction or slow action on the party of officials and agencies tasked to the Marawi City rebuild could jeopardize security in Muslim Mindanao.

“Everyday na may delay dito, naaapektuhan hindi lamang ang mga taga-Marawi, kundi pati ang mga kapatid na Muslim sa lugar. Baka mamaya maimpluwensyahan lamang sila ng ibang grupo na gumawa ng terroristic act,” said Aglipay. (Everyday that there is delay, it will affect not only Marawi folks but also other Muslims in the area. There is a possibility that some groups might influence them to stage terroristic act).

Sangcopan said the snail paced progress in the Bangong Marawi programs can be overcome with the passage of the Marawi compensation bill which proposes at least P50 billion in government funds as reparations for victims of the 2017 siege.

“This compensation bill is the remaining hope we have in order to make up for [or] compensate for the loss of lives and destruction brought about by the Maute attack,” she said.

Four Muslim legislators, including Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman, co-authored the legislative proposal.

Sangcopan also called on the House of Representatives to exercise oversight powers over the Bangon Marawi program to address the sluggish implementation of its program to rebuild the city.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/08/29/slow-marawi-rehab-puts-the-city-at-risk-for-another-isis-security-threat/

Police collar ‘NPA hitman’ accused of killing ex-rebel

Sunstar article posted to Yahoo News (Aug 29, 2019): Police collar ‘NPA hitman’ accused of killing ex-rebel

A SUSPECTED hitman for the New People’s Army (NPA) was arrested after the police found his hideout in Barangay Guiwanon, Tabuelan town, northern Cebu on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 28, 2019.

Jonbert Momo, 29, was arrested by operatives of the first Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) led by Police Lt. Col. Rene Kyamko.
The suspect is a native of Barangay Bongbong, Pangantucan town in Bukidnon, Northern Mindanao.

The arrest was based on the warrant of arrest for murder issued by Malaybalay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Eldred Cole last July 10.

Momo allegedly killed former NPA leader Jerry Baguio.

Kyamko said they were able to receive information from Bukidnon police that Momo was hiding in a northern Cebu town.

Baguio’s wife, Yolanda, said in her affidavit that Momo, a former NPA member, killed her husband following the victim’s defection to the government.

Before he died, Baguio had served in the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit.

On Nov. 27, 2018, Baguio was allegedly murdered by Momo in Maramag town in Bukidnon.

The PMFC’s surveillance showed that Momo found a job in Tabuelan as a construction worker, said Kyamko.

During the arrest, Momo was caught by surprise. He tried to escape; he failed.

Momo reportedly cut his ties with the NPA after he fled to Cebu, said Kyamko.

In a separate interview, Momo denied that he was involved in Baguio’s death; he admitted that NPA members were behind Baguio’s death. He also belied the accusation that he was a hitman for the communists.

Two months before Baguio’s murder, Momo said he had relocated to Cebu.

Momo claimed he and Baguio were close friends, so he would not harm him. They left the NPA to focus on their personal lives.

https://ph.news.yahoo.com/police-collar-npa-hitman-accused-141200722.html

Hanwha Systems wins contract to upgrade Philippine naval vessels

From Yonhap News Agency (Aug 30, 2019): Hanwha Systems wins contract to upgrade Philippine naval vessels

SEOUL, Aug. 30 (Yonhap) -- Hanwha Systems Co., a major South Korean defense firm, has signed a deal with the Philippines to export a ship combat system, an arms procurement agency official said Friday.

Under the 30 billion-won (US$24.82 million) contract signed Tuesday, Hanwha will supply the ship combat system to the Philippine Navy for its project to upgrade three 3,000-ton frigates, according to the official of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

By integrating equipment at naval vessels, the ship combat system generates and shares information on tactical situations.

Under the contract, Hanwha will also export electronic warfare equipment and sonar systems for frigate ships, he added.

Meanwhile, DAPA held a seminar in Manila on Wednesday, involving dozens of government officials from South Korea and the Philippines, as well as some 13 Korean defense companies.

"The event served as a venue for the two sides to discuss ways to further boost their defense industry ties and for the Korean companies to promote their weapons systems," DAPA said in a release.



Wang Jung-hong (2nd from R), chief of South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration, poses for a picture along with Bernard Valencia (L), head of the Philippine Navy Business Unit; Delfin Lorenzana (C), defense minister of the Philippines; and Chang Si-kwon (R), CEO of Hanwha Systems, in Manila on Aug. 27, 2019, after signing a 30 billion-won contract to supply a ship combat system, in this photo provided by Hanwha. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20190830006900325

Cloak and dagger: Duterte's record-high 2020 intel budget

From ABS-CBN (Aug 30, 2019): Cloak and dagger: Duterte's record-high 2020 intel budget



President Rodrigo Duterte is asking Congress to authorize P8.28 billion of the government’s proposed P4.1-trillion national budget for 2020 on surveillance alone—the highest during his term so far.

As it stands, the 2020 national budget will be the highest in Philippine history.

This, despite questions by critics on the use of intelligence information by the Duterte administration.

According to the Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing attached to the National Expenditure Program (NEP) submitted to the House of Representatives, the Duterte administration allocated P5.57 billion in intelligence and confidential funds in 2017—the first budget written and prepared by the administration. The surveillance budget spiked to P8.16 billion in 2018, before going down to P7.032 billion in 2019 and then to P8.28 billion in 2020.

Duterte’s surveillance funds dwarf even the surveillance budget of the military and police, as well as the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA). Duterte alone controls more than half of what his government hopes to spend on surveillance in 2020—about P4.5 billion.

This is because as commander-in-chief, Duterte gets P2.25 billion in intelligence plus P2.25 billion in confidential expenses in 2020.

On the other hand, for their 2020 intelligence funds, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Philippine National Police (PNP) gets only P806.02 million, the Department of National Defense (DND) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) get only P1.7 billion, the Department of Transportation which controls the Philippine Coast Guard has P10 million, while the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency gets only P20.2 nillion.

The intelligence funds of the DND/AFP, broken down, are as follows: Office of the Secretary, P10 million; Philippine Army, P444 million; Philippine Air Force, P17 million; Philippine Navy, P39.7 million; and General Headquarters, P1.18 million.

Duterte’s confidential funds—at P2.25 billion—also dwarf the confidential funds of other agencies in government.

Agencies with confidential funds are: Department of Environment and Natural Resources (P13.95 million), Department of Finance (P80.5 million), Department of Foreign Affairs (P50 million), Department of Interior and Local Government (P80.6 million), Department of Justice including the Bureau of Immigration and National Bureau of Investigation (P357.64 million), Department of National Defense (P23 million), Department of Transportation including the Philippine Coast Guard (P6.67 million), the Commission on Audit (P10 million), Ombudsman (P33.7 million), and the Commission on Human Rights (P1 million).

The Makabayan bloc earlier expressed fears over the rising levels of government spending on surveillance.

"Take this proposed intelligence budget with the proposed amendments to the Human Security Act (HSA) along with the PNP's and AFP's push for the revival of the Anti-Subversion Law and the militarization of campuses, then these would effectively make the whole Philippines as a police state. De facto martial law sa buong bansa ang mangyayari sa atin nito," said House Deputy Minority leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate.

Zarate last Tuesday expressed concerns that intelligence funds, along with the budget of the military and police, may just be used in "red-tagging".

“In the past, ano ba ginagawa nila? To villify progresisve organizations including (members of the) the Makabayan bloc who are in Congress,” he said.

Even Vice President Leni Robredo called on the government to justify the increased spending on intelligence.

'JUSTIFIED'

Duterte’s spokesperson, Salvador Panelo, has tried to explain the increased intelligence spending, insisting it simply made more sense for the President to corner a huge chunk of the money. “Eh siguro—I do not know exactly the reason; but if you will ask me, I’ll be using my common sense by saying that you really need money if you want to secure your country. And the Office of the President is one of the better offices that can secure the security of the land.”

Panelo belittled concerns that more money should have been given to the intelligence funds of uniformed personnel, who have the primary deliverable of securing the public.

"Iisa lang naman ‘yan, they are still within the Office of the President, lahat sila," he said.

An official of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), meanwhile, said last Tuesday that the increase in intelligence funds sought by the Office of the President for 2020 is justified.

"It is--to us--justified because we ourselves are not privy to the extent of national security issues," said DBM acting Secretary Wendel Avisado.

But Avisado could not give further details on how the additional funds would be used. He said he leaves it up to the President to share the current situation of the country in light of threats and issues affecting the country's exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea, which is being claimed by China in near entirety.

The General Provisions of the NEP define intelligence expenses as those related to intelligence information-gathering activities of uniformed and military personnel, and intelligence practitioners that have direct impact to national security.

Agencies using intelligence funds are required to submit to the President of the Philippines a quarterly report on the accomplishments in the use of said funds.

Implementation is subject to Commission on Audit-DBM-DILG-Government Commission on GOCCs-DND Joint Circular No 2015-01 dated January 8, 2015.

On the other hand, confidential expenses refer to those related to surveillance activities in civilian government agencies that are intended to support the mandate or operations of the agency.

Confidential funds are disbursed only upon approval of the department secretary concerned, according to Section 75 of the General Provisions.

Agencies using confidential funds are required to submit to the President of the Philippines and both Houses of Congress a quarterly report on the accomplishments in the use of said funds.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/08/30/19/cloak-and-dagger-dutertes-record-high-2020-intel-budget

Former MILF strongholds to be transformed into thriving communities

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 31, 2019): Former MILF strongholds to be transformed into thriving communities



Sec. Carlito Galvez, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, welcomes the 225 former fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who begin training for peacekeeping work on Thursday, August 1. PHOTO by Taher Solaiman / Inquirer Mindanao

After a monthlong training, 219 former fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are returning home as newly minted peacekeepers.

They will form part of the Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPST) to help secure former MILF strongholds and guerrilla bases as these are transformed into economically thriving civilian communities.

Making them peacekeepers is also part of the decommissioning of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), the MILF’s armed wing.

Decommissioning is a component of the peace deal forged in 2014 between the government and the MILF. It involves “putting beyond use” the BIAF’s cache of firearms held by guerrillas and facilitating erstwhile fighters transition to full civilian life.

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., presidential adviser on peace, reconciliation and unity, said the JPST would also help settle disputes and actively take part in ridding the villages of “terrorists” and illegal drugs.

The BIAF members were trained on basic military and peacebuilding skills inside Camp Lucero at Carmen, Cotabato, base of the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade.

A former combatant, Abdul Nul, said he could not believe at first that he was setting foot inside the camp of a former enemy and that he was being trained by military officers.

Comrades now

“Our enemies before are now our friends and they train us [on the] basic military course. Our former enemies are now our comrades,” said Nul, who was stationed at Camp Darapanan, the MILF administrative base.

“We are all happy that the training has already ended but this is not the ultimate end,” he said. “We have to do good in our task not only in securing the Bangsamoro but also the civilian communities here in Mindanao.”

He said he was excited to fulfill his role as “soldier for peace.”

The former combatants, who were provided with financial and food assistance, reunited with their families after a monthlong absence.

“It was really good that the solidarity and good relations [between us] were maintained. This paves the way for achieving peace in our country,” another trainee said.

“For me, it is really good that the BIAF, the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and the PNP (Philippine National Police) are working together to secure and protect our communities,” he added.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1159417/former-milf-strongholds-to-be-transformed-into-thriving-communities

Soldier hurt as teachers’ convoy ambushed

From Tempo (Aug 30, 2019): Soldier hurt as teachers’ convoy ambushed



MAP of Patikul, Sulu

A soldier was injured when a security convoy assigned to a group of teachers was ambushed by suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Patikul, Sulu yesterday.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command, identified the injured soldier as Private First Class Ferdinand Payumo of the Philippine Army Special Forces.

The Special Forces and Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team were providing routine security carpooling for a group of teachers when they were waylaid by around five armed bandits in Sitio Kan Bangsawan, Barangay Kadday Mampallam at around 8 a.m., Sobejana said. Where the teachers were headed to was not disclosed.

A firefight ensued between the government troops and the bandits until reinforcement from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao-Police Regional Office responded, said Police Brig. Gen. Marni Marcos, regional director of the PRO-BARMM. “However, upon arriving in the area, they were also fired upon by the same lawless elements,” Marcos said.

The firefight lasted for a couple of minutes until the bandits withdrew towards south of Barangay Kadday Mampallam.

The teachers and the police were unharmed but Payumo sustained slight shrapnel wound in the back due to a possible rifle grenade explosion, Sobejana said.

Sobejana noted that the bandits used small firearms and an M203 grenade launcher.

Two teams of Special Forces have been sent to the area to conduct hot pursuit operations while police personnel were deployed for clearing operations.

http://tempo.com.ph/2019/08/30/soldier-hurt-as-teachers-convoy-ambushed/