Expanded cross training for PNP personnel

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 17, 2019): Expanded cross training for PNP personnel

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is planning to expand the cross-training of policemen with the Philippine Army to further improve the capability of its elite police forces in internal security operations.



PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde (Kevin Tristan Espiritu / MANILA BULLETIN)

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said cross-training with soldiers will not only enhance the combat capability of their personnel but will also strengthen the interoperability of the police and the military in running after communist rebels and other threat groups like the Abu Sayyaf.

“We encourage these cross trainings so that when there are joint operations in remote areas, they will have strong cooperation and collaboration with their military counterparts,” said Albayalde.

Earlier, at least 10 policemen were among those who graduated on Scout Ranger training courses by the Philippine Army, one of them is on sniping courses.

Albayalde said Scout Ranger courses are really useful for their elite forces– Public Safety Battalions and Companies and the Special Action Force.
Currently, the PNP leadership is implementing commando courses for new recruits but the emphasis is more on discipline and stamina amid the involvement of rookie cops on illegal activities, as well as the criticisms that some policemen are too fat to chase criminals.

The Scout Ranger courses, on the other hand, focus on planning and carrying out operations and jungle survival. These also include specialized courses for snipers.

Police forces usually take over the internal security mandate from the military of remote areas that would be declared as free from communist rebels or those who are nearing to be cleared from big rebel groups.

In recent years, elite police forces were already joining operations against communist rebels and extremist groups in Mindanao.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/02/17/expanded-cross-training-for-pnp-personnel/

Bangsamoro Transition Authority to take oath Feb. 20; ARMM to BARMM turnover on Feb. 25

From MindaNews (Feb 18, 2019): Bangsamoro Transition Authority to take oath Feb. 20; ARMM to BARMM turnover on Feb. 25

The 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) will take their oath of office on February 20 in Malacanang on the same day of the “ceremonial confirmation” of the canvass results of the January 21 and February 6 plebiscite on RA 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Malacanang has yet to announce the names of the 80 members of the BTA who will take their oath.

The nominees have been vetted but “we do not know yet the final 80 members of the BTA,” Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Carlito Galvez told MindaNews late Saturday night.



Thousands of supporters for the ratification of RA 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao gather in the compound of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on 18 January 2019 while President Rodrigo Duterte, who graced the Peace Assembly inside the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, said a ‘yes’ to ratify the Bangsamoro law ends the 50-year armed struggle and marks a “new chapter in our history.” MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO

Galvez had earlier told MindaNews they were eyeing February 21 as the date but according to the invitation sent out by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), the oathtaking will be on February 20, at 4 p.m. at the Heroes Hall in Malacanang.

The OPAPP has not formally announced the date of the oathtaking but Gerry Salapuddin, chair of the Southern Philippines Development Authority posted on his Facebook page on Saturday morning the OPAPP’s invitation to him. He also announced on his page the February 25 schedule of the turnover from ARMM to BARMM.

Several other Moro leaders received the same invitation for February 20 from the OPAPP.

Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) told MindaNews on Saturday that they were informed Friday about the change in date from February 21 to February 20.

The BTA will govern the Bangsamoro during the three-year transition period until June 30, 2022, when the first set of officials of the BARMM shall have been elected and taken their oath on the inauguration of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Murad is the MILF’s nominee for Chief Minister. The 80-member BTA headed by the Chief Minister will be appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

41 and 39

In accordance with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the peace agreement signed by government and the MILF on March 27, 2014, the BTA is to be led by the MILF.

The MILF submitted a list of 41 nominees to the BTA while the OPAPP submitted a list of 39.

The BTA oathtaking comes four days short of two years since the 21-member Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), also led by the MILF, took their oath on February 24, 2017 in Davao City.

The BTC was tasked to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law. What is now RA 11054 is the substitute bill filed by the Bicameral Conference Committee of Congress.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman confirmed to MindaNews that February 25 is the turnover from ARMM to BARMM. “Yan initial arrangement with OPAPP,” he said.



Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MNLF) chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, the Front’s nominee to the post of Chief Minister of the 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Carlito Galvez, Jr., flash the Peace sign during a meeting on the transition process at the Office of the Regional Governor in Cotabato City on 30 January 2019. The newly-ratified RA 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao provides that the ARMM is deemed abolished upon its ratification and the BTA will serve as the transition government until 30 June 2022. Photo courtesy of OPAPP

February 25 is exactly a month since the Commission on Elections proclaimed RA 11054 ratified by majority of the voters in the proposed core territory.

(Six years earlier, on February 25, 2013, then President Benigno Simeon Aquino III named the members of the then 15 member-BTC. The Aquino administration forged the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro in October 2012 and the CAB in March 2014 after 17 years of peace negotiations, but failed to pass the enabling law).

Based on the results of the 2019 plebiscite, the BARMM is composed of the five-province, two-city, 116-town ARMM (Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan), plus Cotabato City and 63 villages in North Cotabato.

Sulu voted “no” to the ratification but will still be part of the BARMM because the law provides that the ARMM votes as “one geographical unit.” Sulu has a pending petition before the Supreme Court to declare RA 11054 unconstitutional, citing various reasons, including the treatment of ARMM as one geographical area.

Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi had earlier said they will file a protest on the conduct of the plebiscite in the city, alleging the MILF employed threats and intimidation. The MILF denied the allegations.

“Rekindling hope”

On February 24, 2017 at the oathtaking of the BTC, Duterte told the commissioners: “Navigate the hindrances and obstructions. Hanapin ninyo ang daan hanggang patungo sa kapayapaan” (Find a way to peace).

It will be difficult, he warned the BTC. “Mahirap ‘yan. It’s going to be a long journey but if there is a product that is acceptable to all, makikita ninyo ako” (I will be around), said Duterte, the 16th President of the Philippines and the first Mindanawon to lead the nation. He is also the first President to claim Moro roots.

“Ang gusto ko talaga mangyari ay kapayapaan (What I really want is peace) but it must be as one country, one nation and one flag,” said Duterte, who had repeatedly vowed to address the historical injustices committed against the Bangsamoro people.



President Rodrigo Duterte poses with the 21 members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) at the launch Friday, February 24, 2017 of the expanded body that will draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO

He described himself as “a man in a hurry,” citing the threat of “extreme terrorism” of the Islamic State type. “We must avoid extremism or even entertaining or accommodating them because it will destroy all of us,” he said.

Three months later, on May 23, 2017, the Marawi Siege began, plunging the country into a five-month war between government forces and the Islamic State-inspired Maute Group and its allies.

Then Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza explained that the BTC would “craft a new draft of what would be another enabling law that will implement the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro but more than that, it will attempt also to converge all the different laws that we have in order that at the end of the day, we have only one Bangsamoro in a very enlightened Filipino nation.”

The BTC had three representatives from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). The MNLF forged two peace agreements with the government, in 1976 and 1996.

Galvez early this month told a government radio interview that nine of the 80 BTA members will be coming from the MNLF.

“As we re-launch the BTC today,” Murad said on February 24, 2017, “we rekindle the hope of thousands of our people for a peaceful and progressive Bangsamoro even if we are occasionally gripped by sadness at the failure earlier to pass the BBL.” He urged stakeholders to “look back at those experiences not with bitterness, but with an examining eye so that we may dissect the problems and address them.”

“We must come out better prepared this time to respond to the challenges of legislation. The Filipino people must equally stand prepared to accept us as partners in achieving peace and progress, not only for this region but for the entire country,” Murad said.

https://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2019/02/bangsamoro-transition-authority-to-take-oath-feb-20-armm-to-barmm-turnover-on-feb-25a/

MNLF officials: We will not tolerate erring members

From the Davao Today (Feb 17, 2019): MNLF officials: We will not tolerate erring members

Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) officials on Sunday said they will not tolerate any wrongdoing committed by its members after one of them was tagged as the suspect in the shooting of a carpenter in Barangay Puerto on Friday, Feb. 15.

The suspect was identified by the Puerto police as Devie Moralde, 41, married, and a resident of Fatima Subdivision in said barangay. The victim was identified as Ruben Bacalso, 45.

An identification card taken from the suspect shows Moralde as a member of the MNLF with the rank of “lieutenant colonel.”

The green-colored card bears the signatures of Datu Didilusan Arroyo and Nur Misuari, who is the group’s founder.

Senior Police Officer 3 Vladimer Tumada said Bacalso was with a group of men drinking in front of Moralde’s house when the incident happened at about 3 a.m. on Feb. 15.

Tumada said Bacalso succumbed to two gunshot wounds on his neck causing his instant death.

A .38 caliber hand gun was used in the shooting, Tumada said, although they were still searching for the weapon.

He said witnesses pointed at Moralde as the one who pulled the trigger. They said the two had a standing grudge when the suspect was not satisfied with Bacalso’s job as a hired carpenter who was doing some repairs on Moralde’s house.

Following the shooting, Moralde went to Dologon, Maramag town in Bukidnon and hid in an MNLF camp reportedly under Arroyo’s command.

According to radio reporter and commentator Jao Gumapac, who helped facilitate Moralde’s surrender, the suspect told his wife he would only turn himself in if there was an assurance that he would not be harmed.

Gumapac said he went to the MNLF camp with Moralde’s wife and children and was able to talk to the suspect and convince him to surrender to the authorities.

The mediaman said Moralde told him he shot Bacalso out of self-defense and was not even aware that the victim had died.

“He (Moralde) said he managed to take the gun from Bacalso and used it to shoot the victim,” Gumapac said in an interview.

Gumapac said Arroyo also advised Moralde to surrender. The suspect was turned over to Chief Insp. Abdul Alu Sumandar, the Puerto police station commander.

In a radio interview, Arroyo said the MNLF would not tolerate such act from their members and that Moralde has to face whatever charges will be filed against him.

Police Officer 3 Lemuel Tecson, in a separate interview on Sunday, Feb. 17, said it was possible that Moralde would be charged with murder.

“The victim’s family said they are willing to file a case against Moralde,” said Tecson, who is investigating the case.

The suspect is currently detained at the Puerto police holding cell awaiting the filing of appropriate charges.

MNLF Commodore Alfredo de Gracia said if it would be proven that one of their members has violated the law, the MNLF leadership would not hesitate to remove that member from the roster.

But in Moralde’s case, de Gracia said, the MNLF may side with him if the suspect could prove in court that he only defended himself.

“It is the instruction of [Misuari] to never allow any wrongdoings, unless it’s self-defense,” the official said in a phone interview Sunday afternoon.

“We will leave it to the police to conduct an investigation,” de Gracia said, adding that part of the group’s protocol was for the local MNLF command to send a team to conduct an independent probe into the shooting that involved one of its members.

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/mnlf-officials-we-will-not-tolerate-erring-members/

Rebel killed in clash with Army in Masbate

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 17, 2019): Rebel killed in clash with Army in Masbate

A member of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed on Sunday morning in a clash with Philippine Army soldiers in a village in Milagros town, Masbate province.

 

Army Capt. Joash Pramis, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) public affairs chief, said soldiers were on combat patrol operation when they engaged a 10-man NPA group in a firefight in Barangay San Antonio, at around 6:30 a.m.

 

The brief encounter resulted in the death of a rebel whose identity is not yet known.

 

Pramis said as the insurgents fled, soldiers recovered from the clash scene an M16 rifle, M653 rifle, two improvised explosive devices and subversive documents.

 

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1062136

Military to brief CHED on NPA recruitment of students in Mindanao

From Politiko (Feb 18, 2019): Military to brief CHED on NPA recruitment of students in Mindanao



The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) will hold a dialogue with officials of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Education (DepEd) and members of the academe over the recruitment of students by the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

Eastmincom spokesperson, Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey said they don’t have the exact number of students from Mindanao who ended as NPA members but there are records of those who were recruited to join the rebel group in Eastern Mindanao.

Balagtey said Eastmincom is appealing to parents and school officials to prevent students from joining the NPA.

“They always do deceptive recruitment in the guise of organizing a legitimate student organization,” Balagtey said, referring to the communist group.

“Unwittingly, these students who were recruited are being agitated and, eventually, being required to undergo immersion in the armed group before their eventual integration into the NPA like what happened to the UPLB (University of the Philippines-Los Baños) student who was recently killed in an encounter,” he said.

Capt. Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, said, “The students of Salugpungan schools are direct recruits of the NPA.”

He said that in the urban centers, students who cut classes to join anti-government rallies are vulnerable to NPA recruitment.

https://politics.com.ph/military-to-brief-ched-on-npa-recruitment-of-students-in-mindanao/

Mindanao security forces still on lookout for foreign terrorists

From the Philippine Star (Feb 18, 2019): Mindanao security forces still on lookout for foreign terrorists

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said he agrees with the US assessment that the country’s problem with the Islamic State remains serious.

 

Police and military forces in Mindanao are still in search of foreign terrorists who remain a threat to the region, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said.

Año said he agrees with the US assessment that the country’s problem with the Islamic State remains serious.

He said security forces in Mindanao are on heightened alert particularly in Sulu, Basilan, Cotabato and Zamboanga “because we are still looking for foreign terrorists, trained suicide bombers.”

“Until after these terrorist groups are neutralized we could not say completely that the key cities are safe,” Año told reporters in Baguio City where he attended Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Alumni Homecoming event last Saturday.

He said he “somehow agrees” with the Pentagon’s assessment of the security situation in Mindanao insofar as the IS threat is concerned considering the terror attacks in Lamitan, Basilan and Jolo, Sulu.

“And there are still foreign terrorists in our country inside Mindanao” and until such threats are addressed, “we must be always be prepared.”

Año gave assurance the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are doing everything to neutralize the foreign terrorist threat.

And in order to prevent the entry of more foreign terrorists, he said close cooperation with Indonesia, Malaysia and other countries is being maintained and further strengthened as well as inter-agency collaboration between various law enforcement agencies.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/02/18/1894622/mindanao-security-forces-still-lookout-foreign-terrorists

US Marine Commander in the Pacific ends 3-day PH visit

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 18, 2019): US Marine Commander in the Pacific ends 3-day PH visit

A high-ranking United States Marine official on Monday ended his three-day official visit to the Philippines aimed to strengthen the interoperability between the two countries’ Marine corps as well as the US-Philippine alliance in the Indo-Pacific region.



Usmc United States Marine Corps (PIXABAY / MANILA BULLETIN)

“This week we are here to focus on training, readiness, (and) interoperability, not just for today and 2020, but really for the future,” said Lt. Gen. Lewis Craparotta, commander of the US Marine Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC) in a remark marking his visit to the Philippines.

Craparotta met with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Benjamin Madrigal Jr. and Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) Commandant General Alvin Parreño to discuss the US Marine Corps-AFP partnership.

The US marine official said the engagement between the two militaries is a “long and lasting critical partnership for the region.”

Both Craparotta and Parreño delivered their opening remarks at the U.S. Marine Forces Pacific Marine-to-Marine Staff Talks, a bilateral exchange in which members of the U.S. and Philippine Marine Corps discuss opportunities to increase collaboration in the future.

This is the first visit of Craparotta in the Philippines since assuming the command of MARFORPAC in August 2018. He arrived in Manila on February 16.

On the Philippine side, Gen. Parreño emphasized the “Marine to Marine Staff Talks” promotes cooperation and interoperability between the two forces.

“As the warriors from the sea and the crisis response force, we the Marines have always been ready and responsive to address the defense and security challenges of the Pacific region,” the Philippine Marine commandant said.

These topics, he added, “also strengthen the trust and confidence that we have and promotes mutual security interests as well as contributing to global and security, peace security and stability.”

During the talks, Craparotta discussed specific lines of effort outlined by former AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. and Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Admiral Philip S. Davidson, which will frame the U.S. and Philippine Marine Corps’ exercises and activities in the future.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/02/18/us-marine-commander-in-the-pacific-ends-3-day-ph-visit/

WESTMINCOM: Medical and dental outreach held in North Cotabato

From the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Feb 18, 2019): Medical and dental outreach held in North Cotabato



A medical and dental mission was conducted by the 602nd Infantry Brigade in Barangays Bao and Malitubog of Alamada, North Cotabato on Saturday (February 16).



Both Muslim and Christian residents of the said barangays benefitted in the said activity; 317 of which had medical check-up, 133 received dental services, 83 children were circumcised, 82 availed free eye examination, 55 got a new haircut, and 6 availed nebulization. A total of 400 residents benefited in the feeding program, 25 children received bags with school supplies, 35 received slippers, and 40 were given hygiene kits.



It was an amazing day for the people of Bao and Malitubog.



Families came in groups to avail the services offered.



The Barangay Chairman expressed his sincere appreciation and said this is a good indication that the Army cares. He hopes that more activities like this will be conducted in the near future.

http://www.westmincom.com/medical-and-dental-outreach-held-in-north-cotabato/

WESTMINCOM: 3 Maute members yield to troops in Lanao Del Sur

From the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Feb 18, 2019): 3 Maute members yield to troops in Lanao Del Sur



Three (3) Maute members submitted themselves to the troops of the 49th Infantry Battalion in Sultan Dumalondong, Lanao del Sur at 10:30am today (February 18).

“The three were under sub-leader Mubarak Manalo, also known as alias MUBARAK,” said Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Allan Villanueva, commander of the 49th Infantry Battalion.

They also turned over one M2 Carbine rifle and assorted magazines and ammunitions.

“The continuous surrender of Maute members is a result of the collaboration with local government units (LGUs) in our area of responsibility,” said Colonel Romeo Brawner, 103rd Infantry Brigade Commander.

The newly designated Joint Task Force ZamPeLan commander, Brigadier General Roberto Ancan, commended the efforts of the troops and the LGU of Sultan Dumalondong.

“Peace and security is a shared responsibility. We acknowledge the efforts of the LGU and stakeholders of Sultan Dumalondong for the successful surrender of the Daesh- inspired remnants,” Ancan added.

“We also call for other remnants to surrender, lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law and work with us in attaining a peaceful and progressive province of Lanao del Sur,” Ancan concluded.

WestMinCom chief Lieutenant General Arnel B. Dela Vega lauded the troops of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan for their unrelenting conduct of operations against the terrorists in their area of operations which yield positive results.

“We would like to express our gratitude to all our partner stakeholders and to the populace for their untiring support in our quest to end terrorism in Mindanao,” he added.

http://www.westmincom.com/3-maute-members-yield-to-troops-in-lanao-del-sur/

WESTMINCOM: 40 former Sayyafs get houses in Basilan

From the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Feb 18, 2019): 40 former Sayyafs get houses in Basilan



Forty former Abu Sayyaf members were granted new houses in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan on Saturday, February 16.

The housing units were turned over to former Abu Sayyaf members by outgoing ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman; Colonel Fernando Reyeg of the Joint Task Force Basilan; and Soler Undug of the Basilan District Engineering Office.



Through the Program against Violent Extremism, the houses were constructed by the ARMM-Bangsamoro Regional Inclusive Development for Growth and Empowerment under the supervision of the BDEO.



Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, the commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said the grant of housing reflects the commitment of the government and other stakeholders in expediting the reintegration of Abu Sayyaf members who decided to return to the folds of the law.

The turnover was held at 12 noon on Saturday.



http://www.westmincom.com/40-former-sayyafs-get-houses-in-basilan/

More aggressive drive vs. NPA up, Army says

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 18, 2019): More aggressive drive vs. NPA up, Army says
More aggressive combat operations against the New People’s Army and the implementation of Community Support Programs are to be expected by the hinterlands populace of Negros Oriental.

This was the response of the 94th Infantry Battalion headed by Lt. Col. Randu Pagunuran to the challenge of Governor Roel Degamo to push the NPA out of Negros Oriental.

Pagunuran said they will have to double their efforts, in tandem with the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, to hasten the defeat of the rebel movement.

During the recent meeting of the Provincial Joint Coordinating Security Coordinating Center, Degamo was enraged by the numerous atrocities perpetrated by the CPP-NPA, especially in Guihulngan City, that included liquidations of government officials and innocent civilians and burning of heavy equipment.

Pagunuran said that the five decades of sowing terror by the CPP-NPA have affected the economic growth and development of Negros Oriental.

He also said that the declaration of the CPP-NPA by the 15-member European Union (EU) as a foreign terrorist group, will result in the cut of any funds and other support from EU member states.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/February/18/topstory6.htm

Palace names former Army Scout Rangers chief new DSWD undersecretary

From Rappler (Feb 18): Palace names former Army Scout Rangers chief new DSWD undersecretary

 

Retired Major General Rene Glen Paje, who led the First Scout Ranger Regiment during the Marawi siege, reunites with his Army commander now DSWD secretary Rolando Bautista

 

 

NEW POST. Major General Rene Glen Paje is appointed as the DSWD's newest Undersecretary. Screenshot from Rappler video

President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed another retired military official to take on a top post in the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Major General Rene Glen Paje, who was former commander of the First Scout Ranger Regiment of the Philippine Army during the Marawi siege, was appointed as the DSWD’s newest undersecretary on Friday, February 15.

Malacañang released his appointment paper Monday, February 18.

 It will be reunion of sorts in the DSWD as Paje will again be working under the helm of now secretary Rolando Bautista, who was his commanding general in the 90,000-strong Philippine Army.

Bautista and Paje teamed up during the military operations to liberate Marawi in 2017. Back then, Bautista was the overall ground commander of troops who fought extremists aligned with the Islamic State for 5 months.

After heading the elite Scout Rangers, Paje took on the role of deputy chief of staff for civil military operations (J7), which is the unit tasked with overseeing relations between civilians and the military.

Paje graduated from the Philippine Military Academy Sinagtala Class of 1986. His mistah or batchmates include current Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Oscar Albayalde and former PNP chief Ronald De la Rosa.

Paje’s appointment signals the entry of another military official in the department. His appointment comes after Duterte fired 3 DSWD undersecretaries in November 2018 to give Bautista a free hand in forming his own team.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/223762-rene-glen-paje-new-dswd-undersecretary

Troops kill insurgent in new fighting in South

From the Mindanao Examiner (Feb 18, 2019): Troops kill insurgent in new fighting in South

A communist insurgent was killed in a firefight Monday with government troops in the southern Filipino province of Misamis Occidental, officials said.

Capt. Clint Antipala, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said the fighting erupted in the village of San Pedro in Aloran town after patrolling soldiers caught up with a band of New People’s Army rebels.

A military photo released to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner show the recovered AK-47 assault rifle following a firefight between troops and NPA rebels in Misamis Occidental’s Aloran town on Monday, February 18, 2019 that left one gunman dead.

He said villagers secretly provided information to the military on the presence of rebels in the area. The gunmen were reportedly recruiting in the village. Antipala, quoting a report by Lt. Col. John Andrada, commander of the 10th Infantry Battalion, said soldiers also recovered one AK-47 assault rifle in the site where the fighting took place.

“The encounter was the result of the information received by our troops from a concerned civilian who reported the presence of the armed group in their community while we are conducting community security operations,” Andrada said in his report to Brig. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the division commander.

“The troops scoured the scene of encounter and recovered one AK-47 rifle, three magazines and subversive documents with high intelligence value. Blood stains were seen along the withdrawal routes of the enemies believed to be those of wounded NPA members,” Andrada added.

Ancan has renewed his calls to rebel forces to surrender peacefully and avail of the government’s amnesty program.

“Listen to the call of the people, lay down your arms, return to the fold of the law and avail the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. It is very tragic that he had taken arms against the people of Misamis Occidental when only through peace can development and social justice be achieved,” he said, referring to the slain rebel.

The NPA has been fighting for many decades now in an effort to overthrow the democratic government and put up a Maoist state in the country.

 

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/troops-kill-insurgent-in-new-fighting-in-south/

An act of love

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18, 2019): An act of love

Members of the military do not have the luxury of time or resources for Valentine’s Day, but their expression of love is more profound and encompassing. February 14 is like any normal day for them: foot patrols in their area of responsibility, as they keep watch against terrorist activity in the hinterlands. (PNA photo)

Valentine’s Day is a momentous occasion for lovers, married couples, families, and practically everyone who hopes to convey their feelings. It is a time of giving flowers, and chocolates, cards, and handcrafted gifts, all meant to be romantic gestures expressing love.

For members of the military, they do not have the luxury of time or resources for Valentine’s Day, but their expression of love is more profound and encompassing.

“You know there’s a running joke among the troopers why they call remote patrol bases ‘detachments’,” said Lieutenant Marcus, a soldier of the 1st Infantry Division, PA of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom). “If you find yourself stationed in one, you’ll be forcibly “detached” from your social life, and your love life.”

“By now you’re probably seeing cheesy military love stories on social media: soldiers proposing to their girlfriends, or some other sentimental cliché mumbo jumbo. Good for them, we’d say. But for the most of us, we’re spending hearts’ day in the field.”

February 14 started for Marcus and his men on a cold morning in their patrol base in the Zamboanga Peninsula. Their duties for the day were as usual: foot patrols in their area of responsibility, as they keep watch against terrorist activity in the hinterlands.

Part of their area of responsibility had an LGU-initiated irrigation project. “Making this happen means improving the livelihood of the people around here. So we exchanged pleasantries, and told them we’d be happy to provide security anytime,” Marcus continued.

Marcus’ group passed by another village the edge of the municipality they are assigned to, where an immunization program was ongoing. The town chief had told them the medicines and supplies came from the municipal center, which were connected by rough roads.

“The thought only highlights the importance of our mission to secure the critical government infrastructure projects laid out all across the area,” Marcus remarked. “Their security from terrorist atrocities such as harassment, extortion and burning means being able to deliver the basic government services to the people.”

Despite their routine, the thought of doing something Valentines-like still crossed their minds.

“One of the troopers had the idea of picking a flower and asking a student to hand it to his teacher, along with his regards,” Marcus said as he mentioned a local elementary school in a sitio they were patrolling in.

Lunch for Marcus and his troop was instant noodles and dried fish, nothing like the Valentine’s Day fare in the metropolis.

“They’re probably enjoying their nice candlelit dinner dates on hotel rooftops right about now, with their fancy ramen, gourmet chocolate, expensive wine, and all that sophisticated stuff,” he said. “I’m sure the boys would like to take their families out to dinner today, but it’s a soldier’s life for us. And we’re still on the job.”

As Marcus’ troop returned to base, he mused about how they would like to be with their families, wives, or girlfriends on Valentine’s Day. However, it is the people they mingled with during their everyday patrols that need more of their attention and care.

“Those faces we came across during the patrol are the people we serve,” he explained. “Anyone of these people could be anybody’s family, friends, girlfriends, boyfriends, and whatnot. Then we’re not so different after all. In a way, they are the extension of the people we love and cherish in our lives.”

Marcus shares the feelings of every trooper around the country, as they forego the comforts of city life, including the feeling of being in the arms of their loved ones on Valentine’s Day, to fulfill their sworn duty as keepers of the peace and protectors of every Filipino life.

“We, the Army troopers, believe in our mission, not just in mind but in our hearts,” he said. “So that where there is fear, we may bring hope. Where there is darkness, we may bring light. Where there is chaos, we may bring order. This is the core purpose etched into the uniforms we wear with pride: To serve the people, and to secure the land.”

“So while others may give extravagant gifts of affection in flowers and chocolates, this is how we show our love. Our sacrifice and dedicated effort to our mission is not just a simple act of duty. It is an act of love,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1062188

NPA rebel killed in Misamis Occidental clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18, 2019): NPA rebel killed in Misamis Occidental clash

A New People’s Army (NPA) member was killed in a clash with government forces in the Misamis Occidental town of Aloran, military officials said Monday.

Lt. Col. John Andrada, the Army’s 10th Infantry Battalion commander, said the firefight broke out around 9:40 a.m. Monday as the troops were checking the reported presence of NPA communist terrorists, who were recruiting young people and extorting money from the residents.

Andrada said the firefight lasted for about 30 minutes before the NPAs--some of them believed to have been wounded--fled.

He said the troops recovered from the clash site an AK-47 rifle with ammunition and subversive documents with high intelligence value.
Brig. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, expressed sympathy to the family and relatives of the slain NPA member, whose identity was not released.

“It is very tragic that he has taken arms against the people of Misamis Occidental when only through peace, development and social justice can be achieved,” Ancan said.

Meanwhile, Col. Bagnus Gaerlan, the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, has called on the remaining NPAs in the province to lay down their arms peacefully.

The United States has already declared the NPA and Abu Sayyaf Group as terrorist organizations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1062197

MNLF leader issues warning after member tagged in shooting

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18, 2019): MNLF leader issues warning after member tagged in shooting

A sub-group leader of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) based in this region warned Sunday that the organization will not tolerate any wrongdoing from its own members.

Datu Didilusan Arroyo issued the warning after confirming that one if its members has been tagged in shooting to death a carpenter in Barangay Puerto on Friday, Feb. 15.

Police identified the suspect as Devie Moralde, 41, married, a resident of Fatima West Plain Subdivision here. The victim was identified as Ruben Bacalso, 45.

Moralde's membership with the MNLF was confirmed from the identification card taken from his possession, which showed that he holds the rank of “lieutenant colonel.” The green-colored card bears the signatures of Arroyo and Nur Misuari, who is the group’s founder.
Arroyo said the MNLF has washed its hands from the case, and that Moralde must face whatever charges filed against him.
Senior Police Officer 3 Vladimer Tumada said Bacalso was with a group of men drinking in front of Moralde’s house when the incident happened at about 3 a.m.

Tumada said Bacalso succumbed to two gunshot wounds on his neck, causing his immediate death.

A .38-caliber handgun was used in the shooting, Tumada said, although they are still searching for the weapon.

He said that based on witnesses’ testimonies, Moralde and Tumada had a longstanding grudge that stemmed from the suspect's dissatisfaction with Bacalso’s job as a carpenter when he hired the latter to do some repairs on his house.

Following the shooting, Moralde went to Dologon, Maramag town in Bukidnon, and hid in an MNLF camp, reportedly under Arroyo’s command.

With the help of local media personalities, Moralde surrendered to authorities on Sunday.

Local reporter Jao Gumapac, who helped facilitate Moralde’s surrender, said Moralde told him he shot Bacalso out of self-defense and was not even aware that the victim had died.

“He (Moralde) said he managed to take the gun from Bacalso and used it to shoot the victim,” Gumapac said.

P03 Lemuel Tecson, the case investigator, said they're looking at charging Moralde with murder.

“The victim’s family said they are willing to file a case against Moralde,” Tecson said.

Moralde is currently detained at the Puerto police station.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1062162

MILF exec slain in NoCot ambush; colleague hurt

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18, 2019): MILF exec slain in NoCot ambush; colleague hurt

Unidentified gunmen ambushed and killed Sunday a ranking official of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and wounded another in the North Cotabato town of M’lang, police said.

Supt. Bernard Tayong, North Cotabato police spokesperson, identified the slain MILF leader as June Pananggulon, the commander of the MILF’s 108th Brigade; and his wounded companion, Toto Mangulayan, both residents of Barangay Gaunan in M’lang town.
“The victims were heading to a banana plantation in the area when ambushed at about 4 p.m.,” Tayong said in a phone interview Monday.

He said witnesses saw two gunmen armed with M16 and carbine rifles fled the area after the ambush.

Pananggulon owns a vast tract of banana farm in Barangay Gaunan.

Initial police investigation indicated that the shooting could have been triggered by a family feud Pananggulon had with another Moro family in the locality.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1062171

11 former rebels in NegOcc get P231-K reintegration aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18, 2019): 11 former rebels in NegOcc get P231-K reintegration aid

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has provided a total of PHP231,000 in reintegration assistance to 11 former rebels in Negros Occidental.

The checks were released by the DILG-Negros Occidental headed by provincial director Carmelo Orbista to the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion and the 3rd Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion, the units assisting the former rebels, in a meeting held at the agency’s office here Monday afternoon.

Col. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, said the amount will be utilized for the administrative expenses incurred by the Army units facilitating the enrollment of the former rebels to the government’s reintegration program.

The beneficiaries are all former Red fighters who surrendered last year, he noted.

Of the 11, seven are in the custody of the 62nd Battalion while four are with the 3rd CMO Battalion. A fund of PHP21,000 has been allocated for the expenses of each former rebel.

The reintegration assistance is support to help defray the board and lodging and other incidental expenses of former rebels in the custody of a receiving unit.

Arevalo said the Army is highlighting the provision of the reintegration assistance by the DILG to show the sincerity of the government in accepting former rebels who want to return to the fold of the law.

The DILG is the leading agency in the implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), the National Reintegration Program for Former Rebels, which facilitates the mainstreaming of former New People’s Army rebels and Militia ng Bayan as productive citizens.

Under the program, a former rebel gets an immediate assistance of PHP15,000 for mobilization expenses, livelihood assistance of PHP50,000, skills training, shelter and legal assistance, among others, as well as compensation and remuneration for all turned-in firearms.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1062230

3 Maute group remnants yield to government troops

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18, 2019): 3 Maute group remnants yield to government troops

Three Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute group remnants have surrendered to military authorities in the province of Lanao del Sur, military officials said Monday.

Capt. Clint Antipala, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division acting information officer, said the three Maute group remnants have surrendered around 10:30 a.m. Monday to the Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion headed by Lt. Col. Edgar Allan Villanueva in Sultan Dumalondong, Lanao del Sur.

The identities of the three Maute group surrenderers were not released except that they are followers of Maute sub-leader Mubarak Manalo, also known as Mubarak.



Antipala said the surrenderers turned over one M2 Carbine rifle with ammunition.
Col. Romeo Brawner, Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, said "the continuous surrender of Maute Daesh-inspired remnants is the result of our collaboration with the local government units (LGUs) in our area of responsibility".

Brig. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, commended efforts of troops of the 49th Infantry Battalion and municipal government of Sultan Dumalondong that led to the surrender of the three Maute group members.

“Peace and security is a shared responsibility. We acknowledge the efforts of the LGU and stakeholders of Sultan Dumalondong for the successful surrender of Daesh- inspired remnants,” Ancan said.

“We also call for other remnants to surrender, lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law and work with us in attaining a peaceful and progressive province of Lanao del Sur,” Ancan added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1062222

PH Army deploys EOD units vs. Reds' mine threat

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18, 2019): PH Army deploys EOD units vs. Reds' mine threat

The Philippine Army (PA) is deploying explosive ordnance demolition (EOD) units in the field to neutralize the dangers posed by the New People's Army (NPA)'s continuing use of anti-personnel mines, landmines and improvised explosive devices.

"(Yes), we have deployed explosive ordnance demolition units in the field. They are deployed by detachment supporting each infantry division," Army spokesperson, Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva said in a text message.

In previous months, the military has unearthed landmines in various areas where there is still presence of the NPA, a listed terrorist organization in the United States and the European Union.

"An EOD company is about 50 personnel. Their task is to provide support to combat units in terms of clearing mines/IEDs and disposal of exploded ordnance. Their basic equipment are (the) bomb suit, hook and line," Villanueva said.

Earlier, Col. Edgardo de Leon, 403rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the recovered anti-personnel mines in one of their operations can kill civilians, who are unaware of their devastating effect and could have picked them up out of curiosity.

He said the NPA’s continuing use of anti-personnel mines is a direct violation of the Ottawa Convention banning the use of anti-personnel mines because of its mutilating effect on the victims.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1062165

AFP, Canada hold 5-day defense mgmt. course

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18, 2019): AFP, Canada hold 5-day defense mgmt. course



To gain a better grasp of resource management within the defense sector, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) together with Canadian Ministry of Defense and Canadian Armed Forces, on Monday started the five-day Defense Resource Management Course (DRMC) in Makati City.

AFP public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato, in a message to reporters, said the DRMC is organized around four inter-related themes --Managing Defense Resources, Military Personnel and Force Deployment, Preparing and Employing Military Forces, and Defense Procurement.

"This course aims to teach its student officers from various participating countries the core economic management concepts utilized in the Western National Defense Headquarters," said Brig. Gen. Francisco Mendoza Jr., AFP assistant deputy chief-of-staff for education and training.

The DRMC was attended by 38 senior military officers and civilian staff in the defense sector from the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Singapore, and Nepal.

The course employed a building block approach in learning, tapping the prior knowledge of the student and using it as leverage as the class moved toward more complex ideas.

"This is an appropriate method in engaging our middle and upper level managers and key leaders. We are expecting that at the end of the course, we will have a fuller grasp of the integrated and corporate nature of defense management at the strategic level," Mendoza said.

The training was facilitated by highly experienced practitioners from Canada who offered first-hand knowledge and experience in training officers from various countries.

"I am certain that all armed forces involved in this endeavor, regardless of the national goals and objectives they embody, strive to become the most credible and most resilient. I encouraged participants to continue to help one another to develop competencies in having formal knowledge on defense budgeting processes and managing defense resources," Mendoza said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1062172

Gov't bares CPP-NPA behind torture, murder of own members

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18, 2019): Gov't bares CPP-NPA behind torture, murder of own members



AFP assistant Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Operations (J3), Brig. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr.

The Philippine government has found more evidence proving the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army’s (CPP-NPA) responsibility behind tortures and murders of its own members since the 1980s.

The seven-member Philippine delegation presented its report in Saravejo, Bosnia to the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) on Feb. 14 to clarify the 625 “desaparecidos" (disappearances) cases filed before the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assistant Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Operations (J3), Brig. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., in his report, detailed the inconsistencies in the statements of the terrorist group CPP-NPA that further revealed their admission to hundreds of cases of disappearances.

“While it is recognized that many Filipinos suffered during the martial law years and that some of those in the controversial list of disappeared persons are attributed to the individual actions of the paramilitary three to four decades ago, this delegation posits that many could be actually victims of the CPP-NPA-NDF’s (National Democratic Front) purging in the 1980s and early 1990s,” he said during his presentation to the group.

‘Kampanyang Ahos’

In its website, www.ndfp.org, the NDF itself said the CPP-NPA campaign "involved the kidnapping, torture, and murder of hundreds of CPP cadres and members, NPA commanders and fighters and mass activists”.

The strongest evidence lies from the self-published compendium of statements from 1992 to 2017 of the communist group that was released just last year.

Parlade, in his report, said the terror group has “admitted to the torture and murder of more than 950 party comrades, red fighters, and mass activists suspected of being Deep Penetration Agents of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during CPP’s Kampanyang Ahos”.

The purge was also referred in the CPP-NDF website as “a bloody witch-hunt reminiscent of medieval times in Europe… deprived of the right to due process and other democratic rights”.

CPP-NPA statement

On page 27 of the book published and written by the communist group, it heavily backs the government's premise, which said “in the absence of a comprehensive assessment and analysis of the increasing setbacks, suspicion grew that these had been due to enemy’s DPA, among other causes.”

Panic rapidly ensued after arrests and torture of DPA suspects “confirmed” the worst fears about a large-scale enemy infiltration network, it added.

The book also said: “This gave way to Kampanyang AHOS, resulting in the prejudgment, torture, and murder of the 950 DPA suspects, including Party comrades, Red fighters, activists, among others.

By 1986, the party membership declined from 9000 to 3000, the mass base had shrunk by 50 percent and the 15 companies and 30 platoons of the NPA had fallen to two companies and 17 platoons.

Following the successful enemy raids in 1988 on the central organs, including the general command of the NPA in Metro Manila, and with Kampanyang AHOS still widely believed to have really uncovered a large-scale enemy infiltration network in Mindanao, “many leading cadres and units became highly susceptible to suspiciousness and panic.”

Testimony of a former cadre

Parlade said the book,” To Suffer Thy Comrades", which he described as "meticulously researched, brilliantly written, and brutal", is an account of one of the CPP-NPA’s former internal anti-infiltration operations cadres.

“Like his comrades and other purge victims and survivors, seeks healing and justice while striving to move on from the chaos and paranoia that later enveloped the revolutionary group and caused it to implode,” Parlade said.

Other recent evidence

Just last year, the “involuntary disappearance” of the communist party’s NDF consultant Lora Manipis and husband Jeruel Domingo was reported in Kidapawan City.

They were last seen holding dialogues with indigenous peoples and peasants affected by mining operations of X-Trata mining.

“An investigation conducted later indicates that the couple ran away with party funds but this was never reported by the source of the report, Karapatan, a front organization founded by the CPP,” Parlade said.

In January this year, another NDF consultant was killed in a passenger bus in Nueva Vizcaya.

“The CPP in a statement was quick to accuse government forces as the perpetrator. What the CPP statement did not mention, however, was the same ‘financial opportunism’ that the missing Manipis couple was guilty of, an offense that the CPP declares as punishable by death,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1062170