PN: Two Newly Promoted Flag Rank Commanders of the Philippine Navy

Posted to the Philippine Navy Facebook Page (Jun 4, 2019): Two Newly Promoted Flag Rank Commanders of the Philippine Navy

A donning of rank ceremony was held here Monday June 03 in honour of Commander, Naval Reserve Command (CNRC), now Major Gen. Dante M Hidalgo, a proud member of PMA “Sinagtala” Class of 1986 and Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, (CNSSC), now Rear Admiral Rommel Jason L Galang, a proud member of PMA “Hinirang” Class of 1987.

Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy (FOIC, PN) Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad administered the donning of second star to the newly-promoted Maj Gen/Admiral followed by awarding of personal flag, and pinning of Flag Rank Command Badge.









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PA: Japan Ministry of Defense learns Army counter-terrorism experiences

From the Philippine Army (PA) Facebook Page (Jun 4, 2019): Japan Ministry of Defense learns Army counter-terrorism experiences

FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army shares its counter-terrorism experiences to Japan Ministry of Defense delegates as part of its study visit here today, June 4, 2019.

“We have a few or no experience of terrorism. The Marawi experience, particularly, gives information to the students. Terrorism is not just a domestic issue, but also international,” said Joint Staff College Chief Instructor Capt. Katsuya Yamamoto during the briefing led by Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group Commander, Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Y. Regondola Jr.

Besides strengthening the bilateral relationship of both forces, the activity aimed to capacitate both defense groups in the rising threat of terrorism by providing the command knowledge and action in the previous terrorism crises in the Philippines.

Participating Army officers shared the command’s experiences during the Zamboanga and Marawi Seige. They emphasized the importance of joint agency operations of the military and government/non-government organizations in performing its duty of protecting the people and securing territorial integrity.

Providing trainings to squad up to the command leaders and developing readily deployable force like the 1st Brigade Combat Team were also highlighted as the Army’s support system in preparing and addressing terrorism issues.

“In learning about us, I am optimistic that you have recognized our continuous efforts for the development of our organization. These initiatives we have implemented gave credence to our vision of becoming a world-class army that is source of national pride,” said Army Commanding General, Macairog S. Alberto.#

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Statement of ICRC President Peter Maurer following visit to the Philippines

Posted to the Relief Web (Jun 4, 2019): Statement of ICRC President Peter Maurer following visit to the Philippines

REPORT from International Committee of the Red Cross
Published on 04 Jun 2019 —View Original

The remarkable resilience of the Filipino people became clear to me when I first visited after the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. I returned this week to listen, to discuss, to offer support and encourage action as the country again embraces challenges and assists those in need.

This second visit affirms my view that the suffering people endure in natural and manmade disasters is universal. People lose loved ones. People lose their homes. Individuals and whole communities face an uncertain future. In my interactions with conflict-affected people around the globe, their questions are strikingly similar: When are we going to be safe from fighting? When can I rebuild my house? How can I earn a more stable income? Where can I get clean water today? When can I be reunited with my loved one?

The 2017 devastation of Marawi City brought the Philippines' armed conflicts to the global forefront. But for decades, many more communities in Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu and portions of eastern Mindanao have been forced to flee their homes multiple times. Sporadic clashes deeply affect these families' livelihoods, their ability to put food on the table, and their ability to send their children to school. It is a life of instability and uncertainty, and many people are living it daily, often long after the news headlines move on to another crisis or emergency.

In my visit to Marawi City this week, I saw a community dealing with the physical and psychological impact of conflict. I met a family of a missing person that hasn't lost hope that news about their relative will arrive soon. I also saw how people we are assisting are making the most of that support, for instance a mother that has opened a small business selling food. I observed firsthand a people that will not let the conflict of 2017 defeat their spirit. Local Red Cross volunteers I met have been unrelenting in their support to the displaced people.

In my discussions with high-ranking officials, I felt a commitment and resolve to find effective, long-term solutions to humanitarian issues of concern, despite considerable constraints they deal with. The people need to be able to count on the authorities to be responsive to their needs.

I see indicators of hope, fortitude, and of shared determination to rise from the ravages of the conflict in Marawi and other areas in Mindanao still affected by sporadic armed fighting.

Nevertheless, in talking to victims, responders and authorities, I can see that the work is not yet done. Though responding to humanitarian needs due to conflict is the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross, I believe equally that all members of society have a shared responsibility to provide reprieve to those affected by fighting.

We all need to do more in our respective roles. We need to do better at addressing the consequences of conflict, but also, we need to do better in preventing or reducing those consequences.

The ICRC has long experience in dealing with conflict situations, as an impartial and neutral organization. We offer our varied expertise and support. Together with our partners in the Red Cross, we will strive to reach and assist those affected by conflict, no matter who or how far they are.

The ICRC will continue to promote principles of humanity and maintain our positive collaboration with the Philippine authorities at national and local levels, as they have the primary responsibility to address humanitarian concerns of their people. If our common aspiration is that no person suffering the consequences of conflict is left behind, then let's all get to work.

https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/statement-icrc-president-peter-maurer-following-visit-philippines

Ebrahim names MNLF’s Sema as BARMM labor minister

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 4, 2019): Ebrahim names MNLF’s Sema as BARMM labor minister



Romeo Sema. The photo is taken from Sema’s FB page with his permission

COTABATO CITY — Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim appointed a nominee of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) as Minister of Labor and Employment in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Ebrahim announced the appointment of Romeo K. Sema, the nephew of former Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin Sema, at the flag ceremony attended by BARMM employees on Monday.

“Today, I gladly accept a great challenge toward the realization of the aspirations of the Bangsamoro. I have been appointed by Interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim (to) the Ministry of Labor and Employment,” Sema said in a message posted on his Facebook page.

“As a revolutionary and public servant, I commit my life to work to build a better Bangsamoro,” he added.

BARMM Executive Secretary Abdullah Cosain confirmed Sema’s appointment to the post.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier appointed Sema to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the body that would serve as the government of the BARMM before its first election in 2022.

Sema was nominee of the MNLF – under the faction of former Sulu Governor and Congressman Yusuph Jikiri, to BTA.It was the MNLF central committee under Jikiri, who elected Sema as MNLF vice chair for political affairs on February 19, 2017.

Sema used to serve as chair of the regional reconciliation and unification commission of the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao during the time of ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman. Sema was also a member of ARMM’s Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) in 2012.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1126797/ebrahim-names-mnlfs-sema-as-barmm-labor-minister

PAF awaits delivery of Super Tucano planes, Black Hawk choppers

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 5, 2019): PAF awaits delivery of Super Tucano planes, Black Hawk choppers

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Air Force continues to expand and grow its fleet as it awaits the delivery of six A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft and 16 Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters between this year and 2021.



The 16 Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopters will likely be delivered in batches starting third quarter of 2020 and will be completed in 2021, said Jacob Sifers, regional business development manager of Lockheed Martin Global Inc.

But he said there was a possibility that the start of the delivery may be made earlier.



The contract for the helicopters was signed in April, Sifers said.



The contract signing for the purchase of the Black Hawk combat utility helicopters was unknown to the public for sometime even after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced in December last year that the PAF has selected the Black Hawk to replace the cancelled contract of 16 units of Bell 412EP Helicopters from Canada.

Last year, President Rodrigo Duterte cancelled a deal to buy combat utility helicopters from Canada, after its government expressed concern that the helicopters could be used for counterinsurgency operations.

While Lockheed Martin is an American defense company, Lorenzana said the Black Hawk helicopters for the Philippine Air Force will be built by Poland’s PZL Mielec, its biggest production facility outside the U.S.

“This will replace our ageing Hueys. It will be used to transport troops and supplies, humanitarian assistance and disaster response during calamities,” he told Inquirer.net as he confirmed the signing of the contract in April.

He said the deal was worth around P12 billion.

The Vietnam War-era Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” helicopters are currently the workhorse of the Philippine Air Force.

Meanwhile, the Air Force is also expecting the delivery before yearend of the first batch of the six A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced training aircraft from Brazil’s Embraer.



The delivery of the planes purchased at $98.5 million will be completed in 2020, said Philip Windsor, Asia Pacific business development director for Embraer Defense and Security.

Lockheed Martin and Embraer were among the exhibitors at the Air Force Symposium 2019, a one-day gathering of Air Force officers, academe, government sector, foreign guests and defense exhibitors.

The pre-Air Force anniversary event was held on Tuesday in Marriott Hotel in Pasay City. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1126954/paf-awaits-delivery-of-super-tucano-planes-black-hawk-choppers

CA panel recommends promotion of 3 military commanders, 47 others

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 4, 2019): CA panel recommends promotion of 3 military commanders, 47 others



INQUIRER File photo

MANILA, Philippines— The ad interim appointments of 50 military officers have been recommended for confirmation by a panel of the Commission on Appointments (CA).

Among the officials recommended by the CA’s committee on national defense on Tuesday are Vice Admiral Rene Medina, commander of Western Command; Leutenant General Felimon Santos Jr., commander of Eastern Mindanao Command; and Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay, commander of the military’s Southern Luzon Command.

The panel’s recommendation has yet to be adopted in the plenary.

Below is the complete list of 50 military officers, whose confirmation were approved by the panel:
1. Leonarda Varilla to the rank of Colonel, Dental Service

2. Pedro Agapito to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Air Force

3. Arthur Cordura to the rank of Brigadier General

4. Allan Racelis to the rank of Colonel, Nurse Corps

5. Emmanuel Canilla to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army

6. Enrique Pacifico Pabayo to the rank of Colonel, Dental Service

7. Angelita M. Morillo to the rank of Colonel, Corps of Professors

8. Julieta Saboco to the rank of Colonel, Nurse Corps

9. Raul Nufuar to the rank of Colonel, Medical Corps

10. Julius Agdeppa to the rank of Colonel, Judge Advocate General Service

11. Narisa Molina to the rank of Colonel, Nurse Corps

12. Giovanni Tumaneng to the rank of Colonel, Medical Administrative Corps

13. Rosendo Pasicolan to the rank of Colonel, Dental Service

14. Manuel Fidel Magtira to the rank of Colonel, Medical Corps

15. Randy Bance to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Air Force

16. Maria Socorro Posadas to the rank of Colonel, Medical Corps

17. Alberto Quiaoit to the rank of Colonel, Chaplain Service

18. Jonathan Gayas to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army

19. Carlos Buendia to the rank of Brigadier General (Reserve)

20. Ann Marie Acot to the rank of Colonel, Medical Corps

21. Glicerio Peralta to the rank of Major General

22. Samuel Manzano to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army

23. Connor Anthony Canlas Sr. to the rank of Brigadier General

24. Gerald Da-Anton to the rank of Major General

25. Robelito Rumpom to the rank of Colonel, Judge Advocate General Service

26. Felimon Santos Jr. , to the rank of Lieutenant General

27. Rene Medina to the rank of Vice Admiral

28. Gilbert Gapay to the rank of Lieutenant General

29. Cesar de Mesa to the rank of Brigadier General

30. Jose Eriel Niembra to the rank of Brigadier General

31. Robert Dauz to the rank of Major General

32. Oliver Vesliño to the rank of Brigadier General

33. Arnulfo Matanguihan to the rank of Major General

34. Arthur Laylo to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Air Force

35. Armand Lacanilao to the rank of Colonel, Medical Corps

36. Arwel Oropesa , to the rank of Brigadier General

37. Fatima Claire Navarro to the rank of Colonel, Medical Corps

38. Ronnie Cabingas to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Air Force

39. Ezra James Enriquez to the rank of Brigadier General

40. Augusto dela Peña to the rank of Major General

41. Alberto Desoyo to the rank of Brigadier General

42. Carlo Bueno Buena to the rank of Brigadier General

43. Marlo Guloy to the rank of Brigadier General

44. Lenard Agustin to the rank of Major General

45. Rowen Tolentino to the rank of Brigadier General

46. Thomas Sedano Jr. to the rank of Major General

47. Franco Nemesio Gacal to the rank of Major General

48. Reuben Basiao to the rank of Major General

49. Fernando Reyeg to the rank of Brigadier General

50. Bernie Langub to the rank of Major General

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1126522/ca-panel-recommends-promotion-of-3-military-commanders-47-others

Army shares counter-terrorism strategies to visiting Japanese delegates

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 4, 2019): Army shares counter-terrorism strategies to visiting Japanese delegates

Delegates from the Japan Ministry of Defense participated in a one-day training on counter-terrorism Tuesday at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Quezon City.

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said that aside from strengthening the bilateral relationship of both forces, the training is meant to counter the rising threat of terrorism.

Zagala said the Philippine Army (PA) specifically shared its counter-terrorism experiences in relation to the Zamboanga and Marawi siege several years ago.

The Zamboanga siege that pit government forces against a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) loyal to MNLF chairman Nur Misuari, began on Sept. 9, 2013, and lasted 19 days.

The MNLF faction attempted to raise the flag of the self-proclaimed Bangsamoro Republic at Zamboanga City Hall after “declaring” independence on August 12, 2013, in Talipao, Sulu.

On May 23, 2017, militants affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) laid siege on Marawi City on May 23, 2017. It took government troops five months to end the crisis.

Zagala said participating Army officers shared the command’s experiences to 14 Japanese delegates.

“The training emphasized the importance of joint agency operations of the military and government/non-government organizations in performing its duty of protecting the people and securing territorial integrity,” Zagala said.

“Providing training to squad up to the command leaders and developing readily deployable force like the 1st Brigade Combat Team were also highlighted as the Army’s support system in preparing and addressing terrorism issues,” he added.

Army Chief Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto, said the initiatives they have implemented gave credence to the vision of becoming a world-class army that is the source of national pride.

“In learning about us, I am optimistic that you have recognized our continuous efforts for the development of our organization,” Alberto told the participants.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/06/04/army-shares-counter-terrorism-strategies-to-visiting-japanese-delegates/

Army battalion redeployed in Zamboanga amid offensives vs Abus

From the Philippine Star (Jun 5, 2019): Army battalion redeployed in Zamboanga amid offensives vs Abus

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The military repositioned a battalion of troops to secure this city as government forces launched offensives against Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu.

The military said soldiers of the 74th Infantry Battalion from Sumisip, Basilan arrived here on Monday as replacement for the 11th IB that would return to its unit at the 3rd Army Division in Negros.

Col. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the Joint Task Force Zamboanga, said the realignment of forces is meant to avoid any security vacuum.

The military and police here have heightened security amid focused operations against Abu Sayyaf bandits.

The First Brigade Combat Team of the Philippine Army composed of around 2,000 soldiers to be deployed in Sulu arrived here on Sunday on board the Navy’s BRP Tarlac for a courtesy call at the Western Mindanao Command.

The soldiers, who will form part the newly created 11th Division, will boost operations against the remaining Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Government troopers have been pursuing the bandits since Friday following a clash left seven militants dead and 12 others wounded. The bandits killed Dutch captive Ewold Horn as he tried to escape at the height of the encounter with government troopers in Patikul, Sulu on Friday.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/06/05/1923705/army-battalion-redeployed-zamboanga-amid-offensives-vs-abus

DepEd, Army ink MOU for ALS program of IP soldiers

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 5, 2019): DepEd, Army ink MOU for ALS program of IP soldiers

CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – The Department of Education (DepEd-Butuan City Division) and the Army’s 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Alternative Learning System (ALS) A&E program of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) soldiers at the 402nd Brigade Headquarters here Wednesday.

Among the key personalities who attended the signing were Mr. Romeo O. Aprovechar, DepEd School Division Superintendent, Dr. Bevelyn C. Corvera, DepEd Curriculum Implementation Division Head, and Col. Maurito L. Licudine, commander of the 402nd Brigade.

The signing of the MOU officially launched the partnership between DepEd and the 402nd Brigade to accommodate the IP soldiers for the ALS A&E Program in order to enhance their individual development, qualify them for the continuous regular enlistment and military schoolings/trainings.

The initiative is in line with the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR) which seeks to professionalize the Army as an organization, Capt. Francisco P. Garello, Jr., Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer of the 402nd Brigade said.

He said a total of nine IP soldiers will undergo the ten- month ALS program.

“Learning is a continuous process and don’t get discouraged if you study when you’re already old. The willingness to learn is already there but most people are constrained due to distance and time available while working. Moreover, poverty is not the reason for not having an education. Strive and dream high. If you want to succeed, pursue your dream and work hard,” Aprovechar said.

DepEd ALS Supervisor Ana Marie L. Ceniza, the ALS/IPEd Focal Person, DepEd Butuan City Division conducted orientation to the participants. Classes for the IP soldiers will be every Friday and Saturday of the week, for ten months.

Col. Licudine stated that the IP soldier program started last July 5, 2017 when the Army was given Special Enlistment Quota.

President Duterte recently directed the AFP to recruit IP soldiers to help in the Internal Security Operations of the government, “Most of the guerrilla bases are situated in the IP domains and about 80% of the NPA manpower is IP. Hence, to accommodate the IP to become soldiers, other requirements are waived such as the age limit, educational qualification, and civil status, among others. However, such enlistment is only good for six (6) years”.

“This partnership was launched to continuously improve the knowledge and skills of our soldiers. For the IP soldiers, this is your chance of a lifetime to improve your educational attainment and your career and the outcome of this ALS program will determine your future in the Philippine Army,” Col. Licudine said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/06/05/deped-army-ink-mou-for-als-program-of-ip-soldiers/

Guidicelli starts 30-day Scout Ranger training

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 5, 2019): Guidicelli starts 30-day Scout Ranger training

Screen actor and Philippine Army (PA) reservist and probationary, 2nd Lt. Matteo Guidicelli, formally started his 30-day Leadership Development Course (LDC) at the First Scout Ranger Regiment, Camp Tecson, Bulacan Tuesday.

Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the yearly training is conducted to sharpen the leadership skills of PA officers and graduating cadets of the Philippine Military Academy.

He added that the LDC opening ceremony was presided by 6th Infantry Division commander and Medal of Valor awardee, Major Gen. Cirilito E. Sobejana, who is also a Scout Ranger himself.

"We admire the spirit of volunteerism displayed by Matteo Guidicelli. Our country needs more like-minded inviduals who put the interests of the nation before their own. He certainly embodies the ideals of a disciplined and mission-oriented soldier of the Philippine Army," the 6th Infantry Division commander said.

Guidicelli volunteered in the Army Reserve Force this year and has since been campaigning for more volunteers to become reservists themselves. He has also visited Maguindanao and the Davao region as a peace ambassador to inspire the youth to support the government’s peace initiatives, especially with revival of the Reserve Officer Training Corps.

Veteran actor Robin Padilla has also recently expressed his desire to join the Army Reserve Force.

A proposed bill is now pending in Congress to make the Reserve Officers Training Corps a mandatory course for Grades 11 and 12 to train and prepare the youth in the defense of the country and to assist during national emergencies and natural calamities.

Since 1995, the ROTC has produced 1,744,209 graduates.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071574

Next on Sinas list: An NPA-free Central Visayas

From the Cebu Daily News (Jun 5, 2019): Next on Sinas list: An NPA-free Central Visayas

Police Brigadier General Debold Sinas is confident that Central Visayas will soon be free from insurgents with synchronized operations of the police and the military. | CDN Digital File Photo

CEBU CITY, Philippines — After one year of serving as director of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7), Police Brigadier General Debold Sinas says his next goal is to help make the region free from insurgents.

He made this pronouncement on Tuesday, June 4, in a press conference that marked his first anniversary at the helm of PRO-7.

But this wish also means another responsibility for the police as the local force will be in charge in maintaining the peace and order situation of the areas monitored by the military.

Sinas hopes that the Synchronized Enhanced Managing Police Operations (Sempo) conducted by the police and the military will finally catch the members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

The provinces of Cebu, Siquijor, and Bohol have been declared as insurgent-free by the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 2018.

This leaves Negros Oriental as the lone province in Central Visayas with known CPP-NPA presence.

“Once we are insurgent-free, the military will focus their forces in other areas and the security of the region will fall on the hands of the police. We have to be prepared for that,” said Sinas.

Sinas, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Hinirang Class of 1987, is known for his brand of leadership that is guided by intense discipline.

He said the police in Central Visayas need to be strong to handle a region with minimal to no assistance from the military.

“We have to have tight security when the region becomes insurgent free because this means that the police will have another major task to fulfill,” said Sinas

“We need to maintain the peace and order and we need to secure the region to avoid the return of the insurgents,” he added.

Sinas is confident that continuous operations will neutralize the CPP-NPA in Negros Oriental soon.

Rewards, punishment

Sinas said he is still faced with the challenge of motivating his men to continue the fight against illegal drug operators.

Sinas said that he encouraged the personnel of PRO-7 to practice hardcore discipline as the foundation of their duty to the community.

For this reason, he mandated the strict-compliance and attendance in the flag-raising ceremony on Mondays in all stations and headquarters.

He also directed various internal cleansing through random drug tests which identified seven erring police officers in the region, all of whom have been dealt accordingly.

However, Sinas said it is important to reward good-performing men to motivate them to do more. Within one year, Sinas has handed more than 2,000 awards to his men.

Sinas said that a good mixture of discipline, punishments and rewards will keep the police force in top shape for the various challenges ahead of them.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/237318/next-on-sinas-list-an-npa-free-central-visayas

Religious intolerance, poverty main drivers of terrorism, radicalization in PHL —US official

From GMA News Online (Jun 4, 2019): Religious intolerance, poverty main drivers of terrorism, radicalization in PHL —US official

A US State Department official on Tuesday said religious intolerance, poverty and lack of economic opportunities are among the major drivers of terrorism and radicalization in the Philippines.

Denise Natali, Assistant Secretary of the US State Department’s Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, said these were among the key findings of a study conducted by Washington from December 2017 to May 2018.

“When people are religiously intolerant, greater dissatisfaction, people who are internally displaced and exposed to violence — these are vulnerabilities,” Natali told a group of journalists at a briefing.

With these factors in mind, Natali said a stronger counter-terrorism program with the strong involvement of civil society and local government units is needed to prevent global terror groups from developing a territorial foothold on an American ally in Asia.

“US-Philippines partnership is essential to all of us as we address the problem preventing and countering violent extremism,” she said.

“We not only respond to terrorist threats but we also work with partners to prevent radicalization towards extremist ideologies and the recruitment for terrorist groups.”

The siege of Marawi by ISIS-linked local militants in 2017 has significantly raised concerns on terrorist threats in the Southern Philippines and in Southeast Asia. The five-month insurrection left more than 1,000 mostly Muslim militants dead.

Natali said Washington’s counter-terrorism strategy emphasizes the need to counter radicalization and recruitment of terrorists by identifying signs of violent radicalization and globalization and providing local stakeholders the knowledge and resources that they need to address terrorist threats.

It will directly link the Philippine government with local government units to address “vulnerabilities” that spark violent extremism, she said.

“My bureau is in the process of finalizing a new program and partnership with the Philippine government and in alignment with the new national action plan to prevent and counter terrorism to support local units and local NGOs to design, implement and evaluate evidence-based countering violent extremism programs,” Natali said.

The three-year program, she said, will add to the existing P1.2 billion or $22 million that the US government currently spends to prevent and counter violent extremism.

Seven months after the Marawi siege, Natali said the US conducted a violent extremism study in the greater Mindanao region and consisted of interviews with 1,200 Muslim respondents across the four provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan and Sulu.

Citing the study, Natali revealed that support for violent extremism is high in some areas in Mindanao, particularly in Lanao del Sur and Sulu than in Basilan and Maguindanao.

Despite this, she said there remains strong support for government efforts to combat terrorism, with 89 percent of respondents saying violent extremism is considered the greatest fear more than general criminality and violence.

Support for violent extremism, she added, is local and not transnational.

“We found that support for transnational groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda was less than 5 percent,” Natali said. “Support for local violent extremist group such as Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and Daulah Islamiyah reached as high as 34 percent across all survey areas.”

The study, she said, was a by-product of the attack on Marawi which resulted to thousands of displaced individuals, a sense of economic deprivation, and grievances.

“Right now we are focusing on how to prevent further and future incidences of violent extremism and radicalization from occurring so that we don’t have another Marawi ever again,” Natali said.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/696604/religious-intolerance-poverty-main-drivers-of-terrorism-radicalization-in-phl-us-official/story/

ACLED Regional Overview – Asia (4 June 2019)

Posted to the Relief Web (Jun 4, 2019): ACLED Regional Overview – Asia (4 June 2019)

REPORT from Armed Conflict Location and Events Dataset
Published on 04 Jun 2019 —View Original

Download PDF (528.28 KB)

The biggest developments in the South and Southeast Asian region last week included heavy fighting between Taliban and Afghan security forces in Afghanistan and deadly post-election violence in India and Indonesia. Fighting between state forces and domestic rebel groups continued in Pakistan, India, Myanmar, Thailand, and the Philippines.

In Afghanistan last week, heavy fighting continued throughout the country as both the Taliban and Afghan security forces launched assaults as part of their spring offensives. The Southeast continues to be the main battleground, however, there was also heavy fighting further west in the provinces of Herat and Ghor. In the latter, Afghan commandos, supported by airstrikes, reported killing a large number of the Taliban militants in Shahrak district. A similar number of Taliban’s Red Unit fighters were reportedly killed in Ghazni’s Qarabagh district as Afghan security forces attempted to reassert control over the contested province. Meanwhile, there was an increase in the number of suicide bombings and attacks on civilians in Kabul city last week. These follow the bombing of a mosque the week before. Of the two suicide attacks last week, one was claimed by the Islamic State (IS), who view Ramadan as a holy month for jihad and typically increase activity during this period (Reuters, 21 May 2016).

Also of note were two military operations in Zabul and Helmand which freed 60 prisoners from Taliban prisons – a mix of civilians and security forces. These operations followed shortly after the release of a UN report which expressed deep concern over reported mistreatment in Taliban prisons (UN News, 26 May 2019).

Lastly, a second round of talks took place last week in Moscow between Taliban negotiators and Afghan opposition leaders, including former president Hamid Karzai. Separate from the ongoing peace negotiations in Qatar between the Taliban and U.S. representatives, the Moscow talks similarly excluded members of the ruling Ghani administration, whom the Taliban consider to be illegitimate. Both sides claimed that “decent progress” had been made, although the Taliban rejected a call for a ceasefire (Al Jazeera, 30 May 2019).

In Pakistan, domestic militant groups continue to be active in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province last week, notably targeting places of worship. In Quetta town, security forces foiled a suicide bombing attempt at an imambargah (a Shiite ceremonial congregation hall). Meanwhile, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, an armed clash between the Pakistan Army and activists belonging to Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM), a Pashtun rights movement, led to the arrests of two members of the national assembly, suspension of telephone lines and the imposition of a curfew in North Waziristan district. A rise in violence against security personnel has been recorded in the restive tribal district of North Waziristan in recent months. Last week, two Pakistan Army soldiers were reportedly killed in two separate attacks by suspected militants.

In India, domestic rebel groups remained active in many conflict-affected regions. Last week, ten people were reportedly killed across multiple cordon and search operations (CASO) in Shopian, Pulwama, Baramulla, Anantnag districts of Jammu & Kashmir. In addition, suspected militants reportedly killed a former Hizb-ul-Mujahideen militant in Kupwara district. Meanwhile, Naxal-Maoist rebels launched attacks on civilians and security forces in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, reportedly leaving two people dead.

In Myanmar, fighting between the Myanmar military and Arakan Army (AA) was particularly deadly in Paletwa township in Chin state last week. The military shelled AA positions in the area for two consecutive days.

Separatist violence in Thailand increased last week across the four southern provinces, leading to a reported eight deaths. Notably, a high-ranking leader of Runda Kumpulan Kecil was reportedly killed in a shoot-out with police. In response to the violence, some 400 people protested in Pattani, calling for an end to the separatist targeting of public spaces.

In the Philippines, clashes between the Philippine military and both the New People’s Army and Abu Sayyaf were reported last week. A battle between the military and Abu Sayyaf led to seven reported fatalities, including the death of a Dutch man who had earlier been taken hostage by Abu Sayyaf.

Elections remain a major theme in India and Indonesia. In India, following the release of the general elections results on 23 May, post-election violence has been recorded across the country (for more on the Indian general elections, see this past ACLED piece). Post-election violence has been most significant in West Bengal and Tripura, where clashes between members of rival political parties – especially the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) – reportedly left nine people dead.

In Indonesia, four people in Papua were reportedly killed in post-election violence. Peaceful protests were also held by those calling for an investigation into the deadly riots that occurred in Central Jakarta the previous week. A formal challenge to election results was filed last week by the losing candidate (The Diplomat, 30 May 2019).

In other developments, land disputes led to demonstrations in Cambodia as protesters gathered in front of the Chinese embassy calling for a resolution to a dispute between locals and a Chinese company. In Kayin state in Myanmar, farmers protested the confiscation of their lands by authorities.

Also in Myanmar, an arrest warrant was issued for U Wirathu, a nationalist monk, whose sermons have promoted violence (Mizzima, 01 June 2019). Nationalist monks supportive of U Wirathu gathered to protest against the arrest warrant in the Yangon region.

Meanwhile, after the midterm elections in the Philippines, violence against drug suspects has continued and increased last week. There were 23 reported deaths from police drug raids.

https://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/acled-regional-overview-asia-4-june-2019

KMU organizer sentenced for illegal firearm possession

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 3, 2019):KMU organizer sentenced for illegal firearm possession



KMU organizer Marklen Maojo Maga (Photo from the KMU Facebook account)

MANILA, Philippines — The Regional Trial Court (RTC) in San Mateo, Rizal has found guilty an organizer from the cause-oriented group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

In an eight-page ruling, San Mateo RTC Branch 76 Presiding Judge Josephine Fernandez sentenced Marklen Maojo Maga of up to 14 years of imprisonment.

Maga is the son-in-law of Rafael Baylosis, jailed consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

He was arrested in San Mateo, Rizal, on Feb. 22, 2018, for alleged involvement in the murder of a soldier in March 2017.

The arrest warrant was issued by Judge Cesar Bordalba of Regional Trial Court Branch 34 in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.

Police officers who arrested Maga seized from his backpack a PARA 1911 .45-caliber pistol loaded with a magazine loaded with seven rounds of ammunition.

Maga admitted that he owned the backpack but said the pistol and ammunition were planted.

He said his backpack was hanging on his bicycle while he was playing basketball when the authorities came and took him.

The court said, however, that “if the bag was nowhere near the accused before the arrest, the police officers could not have confiscated it.”

“The bag has no differentiating marks which would identify it with the accused,” read the decision.

The court affirmed the testimony of one of the police witnesses that Maga tried to run away with his backpack when he saw the police.

Maga also questioned the legality of the search conducted by the police on his belongings saying that he did not witness when the bag was opened by the police because he was blindfolded.

His claim was in effect admitted by a police officer, who during cross-examination admitted that the bag was opened without any civilian witnesses.

But during the redirect, the officer said the bag was opened in the presence of Maga.

“It was not shown that the police officers were ill-motivated to arrest the accused on trumped up charges,” the decision stated.

The trial court also did not give weight to Maga’s claim that the warrant of arrest was not for him because it showed the first name as “Marlen” instead of “Marklen.”

The court pointed out that the eyewitness to the crime for which the warrant was issued identified him as its subject.

“Hence, there is no doubt that the accused is the person being referred to by the alias warrant of arrest,” it ruled.

Furthermore, Maga also failed to show proof that he was authorized to possess the gun and even admitted that he had no license for possessing it.

The court directed that Maga be committed to the New Bilibid Prison to serve his sentence and ordered the forfeiture of the gun and its ammunition in favor of the government.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1126343/kmu-organizer-sentenced-for-illegal-firearm-possession#ixzz5pvfuewAP

Australia-funded Bangsamoro knowledge portal now online

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 3, 2019): Australia-funded Bangsamoro knowledge portal now online



Full-screen screenshot of the Access Bangsamoro portal

COTABATO CITY, Maguindanao, Philippines — The Australian government funded the setting up of an online knowledge portal here to serve as a platform for discussions and policy-making in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

According to Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson, the online portal is in line with his country’s commitment to bring a just and lasting peace in Mindanao.

With some P6 million in aid from Australia available this year, the local think tank Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) and the Policy Center of the Ateneo School of Government established Access Bangsamoro (www.accessbangsamoro.ph), an online and social media portal seeking to promote the free exchange of information and ideas involving the BARMM.

The portal, which has been online since May 30, also serves as a platform for education and discussion to tackle the gains and pains of the Bangsamoro in transition.

“The Access Bangsamoro portal can potentially be a game-changer and a force for good in the Bangsamoro,” said lawyer Benedicto Bacani, IAG executive director.

“Access Bangsamoro will serve as a platform for education and discussion, help create sound and effective evidence-based public policy and engage as wide a part of society as possible,” Robinson said.

Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim urged policymakers and other stakeholders to join the discussions at the social media portal to generate inputs that would contribute to addressing issues during the BARMM’s transition period.

“We hope that the portal will provide a significant space for research and discussions that will promote transparency, accountability and moral governance in the Bangsamoro,” Ebrahim said.

BARMM replaced the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao following the ratification earlier this year of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

The BOL was anchored on the final peace agreement signed by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2014 after four decades of conflict that killed over 120,000 persons, including civilians.

President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Ebrahim, more popularly known as MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, as interim Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the body that governs the BARMM until its regular officials are elected in 2022.

While admitting that the transition period is still at a critical phase, Ebrahim said the Bangsamoro government would “remain steadfast in pursuing good governance in the region.”

Last month, the peace implementing panels of the government and the MILF turned over to the BTA the transition plan, which included measures for legislation involving local governance, education and revenue generation, among others, according to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (formerly Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process).

Robinson said that during the transition period, the structures and processes to implement the BOL and rebuild democratic institutions would be put in place.

This year, Australia allocated about A$85 million worth of development assistance to the Philippines, half of which was allotted to Mindanao in the fields of education, infrastructure, governance, and budget planning.

Robinson noted that Canberra had “a long and proud history” of supporting peace and stability in the Bangsamoro region.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1126014/australia-funded-bangsamoro-knowledge-portal-now-online

NDF/NPA-Negros Island: Apolinario Gatmaitan Command on the pressing issues affecting Negros Island

NPA-Negros Island propaganda press statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Jun 4, 2019): Apolinario Gatmaitan Command on the pressing issues affecting Negros Island

Press Statement

After Duterte’s rigging of the midterm elections this May 2019 in favor of his cronies we expect an increase of the Duterte-style deception, maneuvers and attacks against the people.

The revolutionary movement must steel itself to confront and defeat the regime’s attacks from Oplan Kapayapaan to Oplan Kapanatagan and Oplan Sauron. The gimmicks of the enemy more so its growing brutality and all forms of fascism against the people must not be allowed to prosper. We must surmount the state agents’ unceasing smear campaign and efforts to tarnish the prestige and reputation of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army (NPA) and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in order to cover up their own blunders and receive additional bounty from their commander-in-chief.

It is but right for the people to oppose Duterte with greater unity and more vigorous campaigns against tyranny, fascism, corruption, deceipt, violations of human rights (young and old) and abandonment of Philippine sovereignty.

For the New People’s Army Apolinario Gatmaitan Command (NPA-AGC), the genuine people’s army musters its collective determination to fight for and defend the people. It earnestly tackles the enemy’s counterrevolutionary attacks and carry the revolution forward.

The following is the NPA-AGC’s position on the current issues in Negros Island:

1. Increasing militarization, redeployment of the 11th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army and the relocation of the 302nd Brigade Headquarters to Negros.

In the past months battalions under the 303rd and 302nd Brigade were humiliated after their successive failures. The Armed Forces of the Philippines’s (AFP) foot soldiers are in miserable condition because they are being fed by their commanders to the battlefield and in the end their deaths are outrightly dismissed. In the first half of 2019, the enemy has sustained at least 84 casualties. Recently, eight firearms were seized by the NPA from the hands of the mercenary RPA, an AFP paramilitary unit. Even if the AFP denies it and how much 303rd Brigade Commander Benedict Arevalo parrots the NPA’s defeat, these are all talk and will never deceive the people. On the NPA’s part, each life spent in service of the people is honourable. All who take part in the revolution is prepared for the highest sacrifice and is acclaimed by the people.

The people is repulsed of the AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP) and this is their greatest disadvantage. It is the reason behind the intensifying fascism in the countryside and even in the cities. The AFP and PNP are obsessed of chasing the NPA. The crackdown on the legal democratic movement shows their madness in keeping to their deranged master’s orders. The AGC has monitored the ongoing movement of military and police forces in Negros to implement bloody operations like what happened in the Synchronized Enhanced Managing of Police Operations (SEMPO) 1 and 2 in Negros Oriental. Due to alarming killings in Negros since the Sagay 9 massacre, political extrajudicial killing has abruptly increased to six killings per month from the one per month average. It is important for the people to take courage and be astute of the enemy’s attack especially of the imminent SEMPO 3.

The move of the AFP Central Command of redeploying the 11th IBPA to Negros Oriental bodes of the heightening of terror deliberately propagated in the countrysides. The 11th IB has a long list of crimes against the people of Central Negros. The NPA is ready to face additional forces of the enemy. Through protracted people’s war and the continuing support of the masses frustrate the attacks of the butcher AFP. The national democratic revolution is spreading fast in the entire country. The AFP and PNP are frantic about repressing the advance of the revolution.

2. On Gross election fraud.

Before the May 2019 midterm elections, the CPP have been consistent in exposing Duterte’s plan of cheating the elections to consolidate his rule. He wants to crush those who block his pipedream of becoming a fascist dictator. Duterte is using the full force of his administration including the Commission on Elections to ensure the seats of his allies. Now, without doubt, the scheme of fake federalism and sellout of Philippine sovereignty through charter change and other laws strengthening Duterte’s fascist reign will be railroaded in Congress.

The rampant cheating in the elections took place even in Negros Island. Duterte is exposing the bankruptcy and weakness of his regime. In his aim to display the people’s resounding support for his administration, he gained instead the rage of the people for ruining democracy, tainting the sanctity of their votes and installing his minions who like him have no regard for any interests but their own.

3. The bogus and deceitful localized peace talks.

The ambitious and greedy officials of the 303rd and 302nd Brigade prate of alleged numerous NPA surrenderees and scores of firearms yielded from their “successful” localized peace talks. But because of its firm principles and ironclad discipline, not one unit of the NPA will be caught in the trap called localized peace talks. In reality, troops under Arevalo and 302nd Brigade Commander Ignacio Madriaga have only spread terror among the masses.

The AGC has received accounts that the Army is gathering people in barangays luring them with government programs (i.e. DSWD’s 4Ps, DA’s animal dispersal and farm implements distribution) and then after the assembly declaring them as NPA surrenderees. In another circumstance, people are threatened if they will not confess of being NPA members and supporters. Often if state agents cannot force those they accuse of being “rebels” to admit guilt, conniving with judges and the courts, they are charged with trumped-up charges or evidences are planted in their homes.

The surrendered firearms that the AFP eagerly boasts of are taken from the same heap of lies. These are only recycled firearms from the Army’s armory and fabricated reports in order to access the corresponding reward for every firearm and surrenderee. It is popularly known for a fact that the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) is a big source of corruption of AFP top dogs.

4. On declaring the NPA as persona non grata.

State agents show desperation in whitewashing the failure of the “counter-insurgency” campaign in pressuring local government units (LGU) to declare the NPA as “persona non grata.” This move is part of the “whole-of-nation” approach through Duterte’s Executive Order 70 or the National Task Force Against Local Communist Conflict where the LGU is obligated to engage in the “counter-insurgency” campaign. This is part of a propaganda gimmick and serves as a threat to the LGU and local officials. It is geared towards mobilizing the LGU thus leeching off public funds for the program of the AFP and PNP; directly taking over civilian authority.

No matter how many times government declares the NPA as “persona non grata” this will not reflect the expanding People’s Democratic Government (PDG) well-rooted in the countrysides. The NPA is cherished by the people and because of this the NPA will succeed in advancing the desire of the people for national liberation and genuine freedom.

5. Extortion activities maliciously implicating the NPA.

Reports on proliferating extortion activities in Negros Island implicating the NPA reached the AGC. In one reported incident, a businessman received text messages introducing themselves as NPA. Still through text message they demanded for money and gave instructions on wiring the money. Last May 2019 in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, an alleged extortionist, Ivy Tordillos, also benefited from posing as an NPA member. Ivy Tordillos a.k.a. Norie is not related to the NPA and extorting “protection money” violates the policies and processes of revolutionary taxation.

These extortion activities are modi operandi of syndicates protected by the AFP and PNP. Apart from blackmailing people, these are also black propaganda of the enemy to discredit the revolutionary movement and the prestige it has attained even with people in business.

Revolutionary taxation is implemented by the PDG asserting its status as belligerent state challenging the Government of the Republic of the Philippines. There are policies that are strictly followed and primarily it is implemented against businesses of class enemies of the exploited and oppressed who amass big profits while not giving just wages and benefits to their workers. Funds generated from revolutionary taxation mainly goes to social services of the revolutionary government like education, production, livelihood and health and sanitation. This is contrary to how the reactionary government milks the coffers of the people’s taxes to enlarge the pockets of insatiable bureaucrat capitalists like Duterte. The existence of the revolutionary government primarily relies on the conscious support of the basic masses and all exploited classes.###

reference:

Ka Juanito Magbanua
Apolinario Gatmaitan Command Spokesperson
New People’s Army Regional Operational Command
Negros Island

https://www.ndfp.org/apolinario-gatmaitan-command-on-the-pressing-issues-affecting-negros-island/

AFP-CRS: Troops overrun CPP-NPA-NDF lair

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jun 4, 2019): Troops overrun CPP-NPA-NDF lair



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2500603803291662/?type=3&theater

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

AFP-CRS: Abu's kill kidnapped Dutch birdwatcher

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jun 4, 2019): Abu's kill kidnapped Dutch birdwatcher



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2500602989958410/?type=3&theater

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

AFP-CRS: Army helps train Ilocos farmers in organic farming

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jun 4, 2019): Army helps train Ilocos farmers in organic farming



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2500601903291852/?type=3&theater

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

AFP-CRS: WESTMINCOM Chief condemns the killing of Dutch birdwatcher

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jun 4, 2019): WESTMINCOM Chief condemns the killing of Dutch birdwatcher



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2500606323291410/?type=3&theater

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

AFP-CRS: 400 plebes to enter PMA

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jun 4, 2019): 400 plebes to enter PMA



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2500606916624684/?type=3&theater

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

AFP-CRS: AFP to help construct schools

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jun 4, 2019): AFP to help construct schools



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2500611133290929/?type=3&theater

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

Kalinaw News: NPA Frees captive out of fear in Sursur

Posted to the Kalinaw News (Jun 4, 2019): NPA Frees captive out of fear in Sursur



Tago, Surigao del Sur – Three (3) innocent civilian who have been kidnapped by the Communist NPA Terrorist last May 30, 2019 at the boundary of Tandag-Lanuza Surigao del Sur was freed today, June 3 2019 at 8 o’clock in the morning.

Hon. Danilo Duaso, the Brgy Chairperson of Brgy Mampi reported to the authorities that the following kidnapped victims namely; Wendil Delicuna, Jeffrey Delicuna and Angelo Duazo were released at Vic Mahawan, So Banahao, Brgy Maitom, Tandag City, while Ryard
Badiang is still held captive by the Communist NPA Terrorist.

Due to the relentless combat and pursuit operation of this unit in an attempt to rescue the four (4) kidnapped victims, the Communist NPA Terrorist (CNTs) was forced to release the said kidnapped victims because it hinders their mobility. On the other hand, they still held one
civilian as captive to be used as human shield against pursuing government troops.

In his statement, Ltc Xerxes A Trinidad INF (GSC) PA said “The CNTs are clearly trying to recover Sitio Ibuan by threatening the community thru kidnapping. Further, they have poisoned the minds of the innocent civilians for them to stop their support to the government particularly in the operationalization of CAA patrol base in their community. Moreover, our units in the area are continuously conducting pursuit operations to rescue the remaining civilian who is still being held and used as human shield by the CNTs.”

“To the CNTs, release the remaining civilian. It is not too late, lay down your arms and return to the folds of the law. Embraced the government in achieving genuine peace and avail the Enhance Comprehensive and Local Integration Program E-CLIP and surrender to the government.” LTC Trinidad added.

The freed kidnapped victims will be scheduled for medical check-up and debriefing prior returning to their families.

36th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division PA
1LT Jonald D Romorosa
CMO Officer, 36th Infantry Battalion
Sitio Upper Mambago, Dayo-an, Tago, Surigao del Sur
valor_36@yahoo.com
0917-1466-326/09491243886

[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.]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/npa-frees-captive-out-of-fear-in-sursur/

Kalinaw News: 12th CMOBn, OPPAP take part in Grand Iftar of the IDPs in Marawi City

Posted to the Kalinaw News (Jun 4, 2019): 12th CMOBn, OPPAP take part in Grand Iftar of the IDPs in Marawi City



The 12th CMO Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Andres Soriano took part in the Grand Iftar of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the temporary shelter in Mipaga and Sagonsongan, Marawi City. Personnel of the 12th CMO Battalion, Hijab Troopers, and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) also took part in the breaking of fast of our Muslim brothers and sisters as a sign of respect for their religion. There were almost a hundred IDPs who shared food during the Grand Iftar.

The consistent efforts of the military, OPAPP, and other stakeholders keep alive the flame within the people; and together, they will build upon a better community for everyone.

12th CMO Battalion, Civil-Military Operations Regiment Philippine Army
LTC ANDRES A SORIANO (INF) PA
12th CMOBN Commanding Officer
Marawi City, Lanao del Sur

[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.]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/12th-cmobn-oppap-take-part-in-grand-iftar-of-the-idps-in-marawi-city/

Kalinaw News: Army in Bulacan distributes school supplies to students

Posted to the Kalinaw News (Jun 4, 2019): Army in Bulacan distributes school supplies to students



Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan – The 48th Infantry (GUARDIANS) Battalion distributed school supplies at Calumpit Elementary School, Brgy Kalawakan, DRT, Bulacan yesterday at 7:30 in the morning.

48IB participated in the opening of school by giving school supplies kit to the students from kindergarten to grade 6.

There were 97 students who benefitted from the gift giving activity initiated by 48IB. The distribution of bags, writing materials and notebooks was held after the Flag Raising Ceremony.

Aside from the school supplies kit, assorted books for every year of elementary level were distributed to reinforce the students in their learning experience and to enhance their knowledge.

The objective of the activity is to provide aid to the students and give inspiration to younger generation for them to pursue education for their future and the nation’s.

Major General Lenard T Agustin AFP, Commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division commended the efforts of 48IB.

He also said, “The simple gift giving activity initiated by 48IB is a proof that the Army is not only concern about protecting the students from the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) attacks and deception but also about their future,”.

Lieutenant Colonel Felix Emeterio Valdez, Acting Commander of 48IB said, “It is our joy that we bring a glimpse of hope in providing school supplies kit and learning materials for these young students and pupils that are necessary for their education. We, in the Philippine Army support the educational system of our Department of Education (DepEd) as we gradually implement the whole of nation approach by giving these young individuals a place safe for learning.”

Source:  48 Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division Philippine Army

[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.]
https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-in-bulacan-distributes-school-supplies-to-students/

Kalinaw News: DepEd Butuan City and 402nd Brigade Inks MOU for ALS A&E Program of IP Soldiers

Posted to the Kalinaw News (Jun 4, 2019): DepEd Butuan City and 402nd Brigade Inks MOU for ALS A&E Program of IP Soldiers



Bancasi, Butuan City – The Department of Education Butuan City Division and the 402nd Infantry Brigade in Caraga inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Alternative Learning System (ALS) A&E Program of IP soldiers, today, Monday, June 03, 2019 held at Kalayaan Hall, Headquarters 402nd Brigade, Brgy Bancasi, Butuan City.

A total of nine (9) IP Soldiers will undergo the ten (10) months ALS program. Among the key personalities who attended said signing include Mr Romeo O Aprovechar, CESO V, the School Division Superintendent; and Dr. Bevelyn C Corvera, DPH, the Curriculum Implementation Division Head from DepEd Butuan City Division and, Col Maurito L Licudine, Commander of the 402nd Brigade.

The signing of the MOU is conducted to officially launch the partnership of the DepEd and 402nd Brigade to accommodate the IP soldiers for the ALS A&E Program in order to enhance their individual development, qualify them for the continuous regular enlistment and military schoolings/trainings. This initiative is in line with the Army Transformation Roadmap whose goal is to professionalize the Army as an organization.

Mr Aprovechar in his speech inspired the participants by telling his life story. He said, “Learning is a continuous process; don’t get discouraged; if you study when you’re already old. The willingness to learn is already there but most people are constrained due to distance and time available while working. Moreover, poverty is not the reason for not having an education. Strive and dream high. If you want to succeed, pursue your dream and work hard”.

After the launching, DepEd ALS Supervisor, Ana Marie L Ceniza, the ALS/IPEd Focal Person, DepEd Butuan City Division conducted orientation to the participants. Classes for the IP soldiers will be every Friday and Saturday of the week, for ten (10) months.

In his statement, Col Licudine stated that the IP soldier program started last July 5, 2017 when the Army was given Special Enlistment Quota. PRRD directed the AFP to recruit IP soldiers to help in the Internal Security Operations of the government, “Most of the guerrilla bases are situated in the IP domains and about 80% of the NPA manpower are IP members. Hence, to accommodate the IP to become soldiers, other requirements are waived such as the Age Limit, Educational Qualification and Civil Status, among others. However, such enlistment is only good for six (6) years”.

“My heartfelt gratitude to the Butuan City Schools Division for assisting us in our efforts of professionalizing the Army. This partnership was launched to continuously improve the knowledge and skills of our soldiers. For the IP soldiers, this is your chance of a lifetime to improve your educational attainment and your career. The outcome of this ALS Program will determine your future in the Philippine Army”, Col Licudine added.

402nd Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army
MAJ RONALD C PUTOL (INF) PA
402nd Bde Civil Military Operations Officer
Contact Number: 0916-152-0966/0917-306-5872
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[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.]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-commander-in-caraga-lambasts-npa-terrorist/

Kalinaw News: Town Mayor demands release of NPA kidnapped victims

Posted to the Kalinaw News (Jun 4, 2019): Town Mayor demands release of NPA kidnapped victims

Bancasi, Butuan City – The Town Mayor of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur demanded the release of the remaining kidnapped victim of the CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT) in an Official Statement released last 01 June 2019.

Hon Salvacion S Azarcon, the Town Mayor of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur released a statement highlighting the CNTs latest atrocity in connection with the kidnapping of seven (7) civilians last May 30, 2019 at around 10:00am at the boundary of Tandag and Lanuza of same province. She said, “As the Mayor of this municipality, I am furiously condemning this act of terrorism of the NPAs with no respect to the Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law”.

She laments that the Lanuzanons are disheartened by the heartless incident especially victimizing minors citing the NPAs clear violation under the RA 7610 “Stronger Deterrence and Special Protection against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination, and for other Purposes”. Similarly, she exhorted all his constituents to look after each other’s back to ensure the safety of the community.

Mayor Azarcon demanded to the CPP-NPA Terrorists to release the kidnapped victims and let the people of Sitio Ibuan to live in peace. “Let us collaborate and combine our efforts to show the CNTs that we are not afraid to condemn any inhuman activities perpetrated by them. We must deny this group of any kind of support to their terroristic undertakings and disillusioned cause”.

It can be recalled that last year, the CNTs murdered Nestor H Trinidad, a Lumad leader belonging to the Mamanwa tribe in Sibahay, Lanuza and a staunch protector and advocate in advancing the genuine interest of the IPs against NPA exploitation and abuses. The CNTs also kidnapped Datu Eusebio Meniano, a Municipal Tribal Leader in the neighboring town of Carmen and was released in exchange for food.

Furthermore, the mayor also encouraged the rank and file members of the CPP-NPA that they should not be fooled and deceived by their commanders and instead lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law. She reechoed the call of the AFP for them to avail the various programs of the government such as the E-CLIP to provide livelihood and other benefits for their reintegration back to the mainstream
society.

“In his statement, Col Maurito L Licudine, 402nd Brigade Commander, said “We stand with the people of Lanuza in this incident. We duly recognize the brave stand of Mayor Azarcon and we commit to stand-by with her in her efforts to assist the families as we also relentlessly pursue the safe return of the kidnapped victim”.

“This kidnapping by the CNTs is plain terrorism. They will use veiled threat and intimidation to force support from the masses. We must get our acts together to defeat this evil doings of the CNTs. We reiterate our call to the CNTs to stop harassing innocent civilians and instead work with us for peace and development. It is not too late for them to surrender and join the mainstream of society and be a productive citizen. The E-CLIP is in place for CNTs to avail if they decide to abandon the armed struggle and lay down their arms”, Col Licudine ended.

Division Public Affairs Office 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Regie H Go
OIC DPAO 4ID
armydiamond@ymail.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.]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/town-mayor-demands-release-of-npa-kidnapped-victims/

Kalinaw News: Region 10 Determined To End Local Communist Armed Conflict, Conducts Cascading Workshop for EO70 and CAPDev

Posted to the Kalinaw News (Jun 4, 2019): Region 10 Determined To End Local Communist Armed Conflict, Conducts Cascading Workshop for EO70 and CAPDev



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Determined to end local communist armed conflict and attain sustainable peace and development, the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF ELCAC) Technical Working Group in Region 10 conducted a Cascading Workshop for EO70 and Convergence Areas for Peace and Development (CAPDev) for Misamis Oriental. 

Congressman elect Christian Unabia from the 1st District of Misamis Oriental led 3 Mayors, 52 Barangay Chairpersons from Conflict Affected Areas (ConAAs), 11 representatives from Regional Line Agencies, 5 Municipal Planning and Development Officers and participants from the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, Philippine Army, Police Regional Office 10, Philippine National Police, National Economic and Development Authority 10 (NEDA 10), Department of Interior and Local Government 10 (DILG 10), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency 10 (NICA 10), and other stakeholders for the conduct of the Provincial Cascading of Executive Order (EO) 70 and CapDev and Validation of Needs and Programs, Projects and Activities (PPAs) yesterday, June 3, 2019 at the Amaya View, Brgy. Indahag, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental.

The activity, which is the last leg of the series of cascading workshops in the 4 provinces of Region 10, aimed to orient and increase awareness of the local stakeholders on EO70 and the CAPDev Program activities and cluster areas, provide venue for the generation, identification and validation of cluster/community needs and the corresponding priority programs, projects and activities and enlist the commitment and the support of the Local Government Units (LGUs), government agencies, civil society organizations in the entire program implementation.

The opening ceremony was honored with the presence of its gracious host, the Congressman-elect of 1st District, Misamis Oriental, Honorable Christian Unabia who recognized in his speech the problem of insurgency being prevalent in the province of Misamis Oriental for such a long time and the importance of convergence to finally put an end to the conflict and allow his constituents to live a peaceful and better life. Likewise, Dr. Josefino Bascug, the Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator who represented Governor Emano, was very appreciative of the ongoing effort and together with the other Development and Planning Officers, vowed their full support to the Task Force. The event was facilitated by the Northern Mindanao Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Technical Working Group (RTF-ELCAC-TWG) Chairman, Maj Gen Franco Nemesio M Gacal, Commander, 4ID, as well as Dir Mylah Faye Aurora B Cariño, NEDA-10, who also acts as the Co-Secretariat together with the DILG while the Province of Misamis Oriental acted as co-organizer, together with the Office of Congressman Unabia.

RTF ELCAC 10 TWG is actively operationalizing EO 70 which institutionalizes the Whole-of-Nation Approach in addressing the root causes of insurgency, and created the National Task Force on ELCAC. The TWG was able to formulate CAPDEV, which is Region 10’s banner program to put into motion EO 70. It aims to address the root causes of insurgency through focused, coordinated and sustained delivery of basic services and social development packages by the government in poor, conflict-affected and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) in Region 10. The cascading was also highlighted with a needs workshop where the attendees, particularly the Barangay Chairpersons, were grouped according to their respective clusters to validate PPAs needed by their communities as reflected in the FY 2020 Agency Budget Proposals. During the workshop, they were further assisted by Planning and Development Officers and representatives from the Regional Line Agencies. It is hoped that the implementation of these projects will result in lasting peace and sustainable development and create conflict-resilient communities.

Gacal, on his part, said that the activity is a prelude to the creation of the Provincial TF-ELCAC which in turn will spearhead the implementation of CAPDev in the province. “We are very optimistic that our convergence efforts will produce positive results. The enthusiasm and passion of all the participants, just like in other provinces where we conduct the same activity, reflect our collective aspiration to attain lasting peace and development that will be enjoyed by the generations to come.” “We thank Congressman-elect Unabia, Gov. Emano, the Mayors, Barangay Chairpersons, and all the other government agencies who attended and actively participated for the successful conduct of the activity. We are just at the early stage of our efforts but I am confident that our commitment and sustained convergence of efforts will someday result in achieving long-lasting peace and inclusive and sustainable development in Misamis Oriental” Gacal added.

It can be recalled that the same activity was conducted in the provinces of Bukidnon on 22 May 2019, Misamis Occidental on 30 May 2019 and Lanao del Norte on 31 May 2019.

Division Public Affairs Office 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Regie H Go
OIC DPAO 4ID
armydiamond@ymail.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.]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/region-10-determined-to-end-local-communist-armed-conflict-conducts-cascading-workshop-for-eo70-and-capdev/